UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026 : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026. This UPSC NDA I examination aims to recruit 394 candidates both male and female for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 157th Course, and for the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), commencing from January 1, 2027.
UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026 Notification
The official UPSC NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 Notification PDF was released on 10th December 2025. This document contains all detailed guidelines regarding the application process, age limits, academic qualifications, selection procedure, and medical standards. Aspirants are strongly advised to download and read the full PDF before registering their application to ensure compliance with all requirements set forth by the Commission.
Download UPSC NDA/NA I 2026 Notification PDF
UPSC NDA/NA I 2026: Overview
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the gateway for candidates to join the armed forces as commissioned officers. Below is a detailed overview of the UPSC NDA/NA (I) 2026 examination with all key information for aspirants.
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Cadet Entry (Army, Navy, Air Force) |
| Vacancies | 394 |
| Courses | 157th NDA Course, 119th INAC (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) |
| Notification Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Registration Dates | 10th December to 30th December 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Selection Process | Written Examination (900 Marks) & SSB Interview (900 Marks) |
| Official Website | https://upsconline.nic.in |
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UPSC NDA I Vacancy 2026
The UPSC NDA/NA I 2026 recruitment drive is being conducted for a total of 394 vacancies, distributed across the three wings of the NDA and the Naval Academy. The vacancies include positions for both male and female candidates as per the reservation policy.
| Service/Wing | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (Army) | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| National Defence Academy (Navy) | 37 | 5 | 42 |
| National Defence Academy (Air Force) – Flying | 90 | 9 | 99 |
| National Defence Academy (Air Force) – Ground Duties (Tech) | 16 | 2 | 18 |
| National Defence Academy (Air Force) – Ground Duties (Non-Tech) | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 29 | 0 | 29 |
| Grand Total | 370 | 34 | 394 |
UPSC NDA I Apply Online 2026
The UPSC NDA/NA I 2026 application process must be completed online only via the official Union Public Service Commission portal. The process requires a One Time Registration (OTR) followed by filling out the Common Application Form (CAF) and the Examination Specific Module. Candidates must ensure they upload all necessary documents and pay the required fee before the last date. No applications will be accepted after the deadline of 6:00 PM on December 30, 2025.
Direct Link to Apply for UPSC NDA/NA I 2026
How to Apply for UPSC NDA/NA I 2026?
Candidates must complete the two-part registration process online. A valid personal email ID and mobile number are essential for all communication.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process on the UPSC application portal to generate a Universal Registration Number (URN). |
| 2 | Log in using the URN and fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal and academic details. |
| 3 | Access the Examination Specific Module for NDA/NA I 2026. |
| 4 | Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and photo-identity document as per the specifications. |
| 5 | Pay the non-refundable application fee online. |
| 6 | Select your Examination Centre from the available list. |
| 7 | Submit the application, verify all details, and save the Application Number and final confirmation page for future reference. |
NDA/NA I Application Fee
Candidates applying for the UPSC NDA/NA I 2026 examination are required to pay a non-refundable application fee, with fee concessions available for certain categories.
| Category of Applicant | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC Male Candidates | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | NIL (Exempted) |
| Female Candidates | NIL (Exempted) |
| Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | NIL (Exempted) |
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The fee can be paid either by remitting the money in any branch of SBI by cash or by using net banking facility of SBI or by using Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card.
UPSC NDA I Eligibility 2026
The UPSC NDA I 2026 notification has defined strict eligibility criteria concerning nationality, age, and educational qualifications. Only candidates who fulfil these conditions are eligible to appear for the examination.
NDA/NA I Age Limit
Candidates must be unmarried and born not earlier than 01st July 2007 and not later than 01st July 2010. This strict age window applies to all candidates and no age relaxation is generally applicable under the scheme.
| Category | Age Limits (Date of Birth) |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | 01st July 2007 to 01st July 2010 (Both dates inclusive) |
NDA/NA I Qualification
The educational requirement varies depending on the service/wing the candidate is applying for. Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class/equivalent examination are also eligible to apply.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| For Army Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University. |
| For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent. |
| Appearing Candidates | Can apply provisionally, but must submit proof of passing the 12th Class examination by 10th December 2026. |
UPSC NDA/NA I Exam Pattern 2026
The UPSC NDA I 2026 selection process consists of two stages: a Written Examination followed by the SSB Interview and Personality Test. The written exam is objective type with negative marking.
| Name of Test | Duration | Subject Code | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I: Mathematics | 2½ Hours | 01 | 300 |
| Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT) | 2½ Hours | 02 | 600 |
| Total Marks (Written) | 5 Hours | — | 900 |
| SSB Interview/Personality Test | 4 Days | — | 900 |
| Grand Total | — | — | 1800 |
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- The question papers (Mathematics and Part ‘B’ of GAT) are set in both English and Hindi.
- The GAT includes questions on English (Part A) and General Knowledge/Science/Current Affairs (Part B).
- A penalty (negative marking) is applied for every incorrect answer.
- Candidates must score minimum qualifying marks in each paper of the written examination as decided by the Commission.
UPSC NDA I Salary 2026
Selected candidates undergo a rigorous training period, which includes three years at the National Defence Academy. Cadets receive a fixed monthly stipend during this training period. Upon successful completion of training and commissioning, officers are placed at Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix.
| Stage | Pay/Stipend Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend during training at NDA | Rs. 56,100/- per month (fixed stipend during the training period) |
| Pay on Commissioning (Lieutenant/Flying Officer/Sub Lieutenant) | Rs. 56,100/- (Pay Level 10) |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | Rs. 15,500/- per month (Fixed for all officers up to Brigadier rank) |
| Other Allowances | Substantial allowances (Dearness, Kit Maintenance, Field Area, etc.) are admissible upon commissioning. |
| Promotional Avenues | Progression from Lieutenant (or equivalent) to Captain, Major, and higher ranks based on service, selection, and time |
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC NDA I 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the UPSC NDA/NA I 2026 application form is 30th December 2025 (up to 6:00 PM).
Q2. How many vacancies are announced in NDA I 2026?
Ans: A total of 394 vacancies (370 male, 24 female) are available for the Army, Navy, Air Force wings of the NDA, and the Naval Academy (INAC).
Q3. What is the age limit for the NDA I 2026 examination?
Ans: Candidates must have been born between 01st July 2007 and 01st July 2010 (both dates inclusive).
Q4. What is the application fee for General category male candidates?
Ans: The application fee for General and OBC male candidates is Rs. 100/-, while SC/ST and female candidates are exempted from paying the fee.