The Union Public Service Commission released the official UPSC NDA Exam 2026 notification on 20-05-2026. The commission is looking to fill 394 vacancies for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. Eligible candidates can apply online from 20-05-2026 to 09-06-2026 via the official UPSC website at https://upsc.gov.in.
Candidates need to be between the ages of 15 and 18 years and must have completed or be appearing in their 12th-class board examinations. The selection includes a written examination, SSB interviews, and medical examinations.
UPSC NDA EXAM 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi |
| Examination Name | National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 |
| Examination Notice No. | 10/2026-NDA-II dated 20/05/2026 |
| Course / Academy | NDA 158th Course (Army, Navy, Air Force) commencing 01-07-2027; 120th INAC (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) commencing 01-07-2027 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 (370 Male + 24 Female; provisional) |
| Stipend During Training | Rs. 56,100/- per month (starting pay in Level 10) |
| Application Mode | Online only via https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Selection Mode | Written Examination (Objective Type) + SSB Intelligence & Personality Test + Medical Examination |
| Date of Examination | 13-09-2026 |
| Written Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
| SSB Interview (Tentative) | December 2026 – January 2027 |
| Course Commencement | 01-07-2027 |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in / https://upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC NDA Exam 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Notification | 20/05/2026 |
| Opening of Online Application | 20-05-2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 09-06-2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Helpline Active Period | 20-05-2026 to 09-06-2026 (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, working days) |
| e-Admit Card Download | Last working day of the preceding week of the examination date |
| Date of Written Examination | 13-09-2026 |
| Representation Window for Answer Keys | 3rd day to 7th day (up to 6:00 PM) after examination |
| Written Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
| SSB Interview (Tentative) | December 2026 – January 2027 |
| Submission of 10+2 Certificate | By 10-06-2027 |
| Course Commencement (NDA & INAC) | 01-07-2027 |
UPSC NDA 2 Exam 2026- Vacancy Details
A total of 394 vacancies have been announced across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA (158th Course) and the Indian Naval Academy (120th INAC, 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme). Vacancies are provisional and may change depending on the availability of training capacity.
| Academy | Service / Branch | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDA – 158th Course | Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| NDA – 158th Course | Navy | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| NDA – 158th Course | Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| NDA – 158th Course | Air Force (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| NDA – 158th Course | Air Force (Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| INAC – 120th Course | Naval Academy | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Note: Candidates must specify clearly their service preferences (1 to 4) in the Examination Specific Module. They will be considered only for the services for which they exercise preference.
UPSC NDA 2 Exam – Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions before the date of application. Their admission at all stages is purely provisional, subject to satisfying eligibility conditions.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of India / Subject of Nepal / Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East Africa or Vietnam – with eligibility certificate from the Govt. of India, where applicable. Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not need such a certificate. |
| Marital Status | Unmarried male and female candidates only. |
| Educational Qualification – Army Wing (NDA) | 12th Class pass or appearing from a State Education Board or University or equivalent. |
| Educational Qualification – Navy Wing, Air Force Wing (NDA) and INAC | 12th Class pass or appearing with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. |
| Appearing Candidates | Candidates appearing in 12th Class can apply but must submit proof of passing by 10-06-2027. |
| CPSS / PABT (Air Force Flying) | Candidates who have previously failed CPSS/PABT are not eligible for the Flying Branch of Air Force. |
| Disqualification | Candidates who have resigned or been withdrawn from any training academy of Armed Forces on disciplinary grounds are not eligible. |
UPSC NDA 2 – Age Limit & Marital Status
Only unmarried male and female candidates born between 01-01-2008 and 01-01-2011 are eligible.
| Category | Age Limit | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|---|
| All Candidates (Male & Female, Unmarried) | Born not earlier than 01-01-2008 and not later than 01-01-2011 | 02-01-2008 to 01-01-2011 (both days inclusive) |
UPSC NDA 2 – Application Fee
Fee is payable through online mode only (Net Banking / Visa / Master / RuPay Credit / Debit Card / UPI).
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 100/- (Non-Refundable) |
| SC / ST Candidates | NIL (Exempted) |
| Female Candidates (All categories) | NIL (Exempted) |
| Wards of serving/ex-JCOs/NCOs/ORs studying in Military Schools | NIL (Exempted) |
UPSC NDA Exam 2026 – Selection Process
Selection consists of a Written Examination, followed by SSB Intelligence and Personality Test, and finally Medical Examination.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 – Written Examination | Objective Type |
| Stage 2 – SSB Intelligence & Personality Test | Two-stage process |
| Stage 3 – Medical Examination | Conducted by Service Medical Officers |
How to Apply for UPSC NDA 2026
- Click the official apply link below.
Important Instructions for UPSC NDA 2026 Candidates
- Once submitted, applications cannot be withdrawn.
- The URN Profile provides a one-time edit facility.
- Candidates must indicate service preferences carefully.
- e-Admit Cards are available only on the Commission’s website for download.
- Face authentication is mandatory at the examination venue.
- Negative marking applies: 1/3rd of marks deducted for each wrong answer.
UPSC NDA 2 – Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download UPSC NDA 2026 Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Visit Official Website | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When is the deadline to submit the UPSC NDA 2026 application?
Ans. You must submit your application by June 9, 2026.
Q2. How many total vacancies are announced for the NDA 2 exam?
Ans. There are exactly 394 vacancies available for this recruitment cycle.
Q3. What do I need to be eligible for the UPSC NDA (2) Exam 2026?
Ans. You must be an unmarried candidate born between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2011, and have passed or be appearing in your 12th Class board exams. Certain wings require specific subjects like Physics and Mathematics.
Q4. Do I need to pay an application fee?
Ans. General, OBC, and EWS male candidates need to pay Rs. 100/-, while SC, ST, female candidates, and certain military wards are completely exempt.
Q5. When is the written exam happening?
Ans. The objective-type written exam will be held on September 13, 2026.
Q6. Where do I apply for this NDA opportunity?
Ans. Simply head over to the official UPSC portal at https://upsconline.nic.in to fill out the form.
Q7. How does the selection process work?
Ans. First, you will take a written exam. If you clear that, you will go through the SSB Intelligence and Personality Test, followed by a final medical check.
