UPSC NDA Exam 2026 notification has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission on 20-05-2026. This prestigious examination opens up a remarkable opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. With a total of 394 vacancies available, this recruitment drive invites eligible candidates to apply online from 20-05-2026 to 09-06-2026. The detailed notification can be accessed on the official UPSC website at https://upsc.gov.in.
Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, which include being between the ages of 15 and 18 years and having completed the 12th class with specific subject requirements. The selection process involves a written examination followed by SSB interviews and medical examinations. Candidates must read the entire notification thoroughly before applying.
“Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.”
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) – 158th Course | Army | 198 | 10 | |
| Navy (All Executive Branch) | 37 | 05 | 42 | |
| Air Force – Flying | 90 | 02 | 92 | |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 | |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 | |
| Naval Academy (INAC) – 120th Course | 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
- Visit the official website of UPSC at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Click on the “Apply Online” or “New Registration” link.
- Complete the registration with your personal details and get a Registration ID.
- Fill in the application form with educational, personal, and contact details.
- Upload your photograph and signature as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable).
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
💡 Expert Tip: Ensure that your scanned documents are clear and under the specified size limits to prevent issues during the application process.
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. What is the last date to apply?
Ans. The last date to apply is 09-06-2026 as per the official notification.
Q2. How many vacancies are available?
Ans. There are 394 total vacancies as per the official notification.
Q3. What are the eligibility criteria for UPSC NDA (2) Exam 2026?
Ans. Candidates must be unmarried and born between 01-01-2008 and 01-01-2011, with a 12th Class pass (or appearing) with the required subjects.
Q4. What is the application fee for General category candidates?
Ans. The application fee for General / OBC / EWS (Male) candidates is Rs. 100/-.
Q5. When will the written examination be conducted?
Ans. The written examination is scheduled for 13-09-2026.
Q6. How can I apply for the UPSC NDA (2) Exam 2026?
Ans. Candidates must apply online through https://upsconline.nic.in.
Q7. What is the selection process for UPSC NDA (2) Exam 2026?
Ans. The selection process includes a written examination, SSB Intelligence & Personality Test, and a medical examination.
