The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the NDA & NA (I) 2026 Examination for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy.
Eligible candidates can now apply online through the official UPSC portal. This is one of the most prestigious defence exams in India and offers a direct pathway to becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
🔥 NDA 2026 – Key Highlights
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Exam Name: UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026
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Course: NDA 157th Course & NA 119th Course (Starting January 2027)
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Application Mode: Online
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Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025 (6 PM)
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Exam Date: 12 April 2026
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Conducted By: Union Public Service Commission
📌 NDA 2026 Vacancy Details
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Total Vacancies: 394
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Army Wing: 208
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Navy Wing: 42
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Air Force (Flying/Ground Duties): 120
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Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry): 24
(Vacancies are based on training capacity and may change.)
🎯 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
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Candidates must be born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010.
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Only unmarried male/female candidates can apply.
Educational Qualification
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Army Wing: 12th pass from any recognized board
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Air Force & Navy: 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics
Nationality
Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal, or PIOs with valid eligibility certificates.
📥 How to Apply for NDA 2026
Candidates must apply using the UPSC Online Application Portal.
Step-by-Step Process
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Visit the UPSC Online Portal
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Create your Universal Registration Number (URN)
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Fill the Common Application Form (CAF)
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Complete the Exam-Specific Module (centre, fee, documents)
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Upload photograph, signature & valid photo ID
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Submit the form and save the application number
💳 Application Fee
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General/OBC: ₹100
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Female, SC, ST, Wards of JCOs/NCOs/OR: No Fee
Payment modes: UPI / Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking
📝 NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
Written Examination
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | 900 | — |
SSB Interview
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900 Marks
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Two-Stage Process (OIR + PP&DT → Interview, GTO, Psychology)
⏳ Important Dates
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Notification Release: 10 December 2025 (Click here to Download)
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Apply Before: 30 December 2025 (6 PM)
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Admit Card Release: 1 week before exam
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Exam Date: 12 April 2026
📎 Important Links
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UPSC Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
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Army Recruitment: https://joinindianarmy.nic.in
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Navy Recruitment: https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
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Air Force (AFCAT/AFSB): https://afcat.cdac.in
📌 Why NDA is a Top Career Option
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Permanent Commission Officer
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Free training with world-class infrastructure
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Excellent salary, career growth, pension
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Opportunity to serve the nation with pride