The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Notification has officially been released, announcing 394 government vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. If you are searching for “UPSC NDA 2026 application date, NDA eligibility, NDA syllabus, NDA exam pattern, NDA vacancy for girls and boys”, here is your complete answer:
- The NDA 2026 online application has started and the last date to apply is 30 December 2025 (6 PM).
- The NDA Exam 2026 will be conducted on 12 April 2026.
- Both male and female candidates are eligible.
UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Recruitment Overview | NDA Exam 2026 Notification
This section aligns with search intent by summarizing the entire exam at a glance.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026 |
| Courses | NDA 157th Course & NA 119th Course (Commencing Jan 2027) |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Eligible Gender | Unmarried Male & Female Candidates |
UPSC NDA 2026 Important Dates | NDA 2026 exam date and last date
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Online Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 December 2025 (6 PM) |
| NDA 2026 Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| NDA Admit Card Release | Last week before exam |
| NDA Written Result | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| SSB Interview Timeline | June–July 2026 |
UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Vacancy Details | NDA vacancy 2026 for male and female
A total of 394 vacancies have been announced for NDA (Army, Navy, Air Force) and NA (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme).
NDA Vacancy Breakdown 2026
| Wing | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | 208 | 198 | 10 |
| Navy | 42 | 37 | 05 |
| Air Force (Flying) | 92 | 90 | 02 |
| Air Force (Ground Duty Tech) | 18 | 16 | 02 |
| Air Force (Ground Duty Non-Tech) | 10 | 08 | 02 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 24 | 21 | 03 |
| Grand Total | 394 | 370 | 24 |
Girls can apply for all wings, and vacancy lists for male and female candidates are prepared separately.
UPSC NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 | NDA age limit 2026 eligibility and qualification
To avoid rejection at later stages, candidates must carefully verify the NDA eligibility rules.
1. Nationality
Candidate must be:
- Indian Citizen
- OR a subject of Nepal
- OR PIO migrating from listed countries with intent to permanently settle in India
2. NDA Age Limit 2026
- Must be born between 1 July 2007 and 1 July 2010
- Both dates inclusive
- Only unmarried male and female candidates may apply
- Candidates must not marry during training
3. Educational Qualification
| Wing | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | 12th Pass in any stream |
| Navy, Air Force & Naval Academy | 12th Pass with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) |
- Class 12 appearing students are eligible
- Class 11 students are NOT eligible
4. NDA Physical Standards 2026
Physical fitness is mandatory.
Minimum Height:
| Wing | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 157 cm | 152 cm |
| Navy | 157 cm | 152 cm |
| Air Force (Flying) | 163 cm | 163 cm |
Common medical rejection reasons include:
– Knock knees
– Flat feet
– Scoliosis
– Eye defects beyond limit
– Tattoos except on permitted areas
SSC GD Constable Recruitment 2026: 25,487 Vacancies, Apply Online, Eligibility, Exam Pattern
NDA 2026 Application Fee | NDA online application 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹100 |
| SC/ST | Exempted |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
| Wards of JCOs/NCOs/OR in Sainik/Military Schools | Exempted |
Payment Modes:
- UPI
- Debit/Credit Card
- Internet Banking
Note: Fee once paid is non-refundable.
How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA 2026 | NDA 2026 apply online step-by-step
Candidates must apply only through the official UPSC website.
Step-by-Step NDA Application Process
- Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
- Create UPSC account → Generate URN
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
- Upload required documents
- Capture live photograph
- Fill Exam-Specific Module
- Pay application fee (if applicable)
- Choose exam centre (first-apply-first-allot)
- Submit form — NO correction allowed later
Important Instructions
- Candidates cannot change DOB, exam centre, or any other detail after submission.
- Withdrawal of application is NOT allowed.
UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2026 | NDA syllabus and exam pattern 2026
The NDA written exam carries 900 marks.
1. NDA Written Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| Total | — | 900 | — |
- Negative Marking: –0.33 for every wrong answer
- Use Black Ball Pen only
UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026 in Detail | NDA Maths and GAT syllabus topic-wise
1. Mathematics Syllabus
Topics include:
– Algebra
– Matrices & Determinants
– Trigonometry
– Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D)
– Differential & Integral Calculus
– Vector Algebra
– Probability & Statistics
2. GAT (General Ability Test) Syllabus
Part A – English (200 Marks)
Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, cohesion, usage.
Part B – General Knowledge (400 Marks)
Contains six sections:
Physics – 25%
Chemistry – 15%
General Science – 10%
History & Freedom Movement – 20%
Geography – 20%
Current Affairs – 10%
UPSC NDA & NA Selection Process 2026 | NDA SSB interview process
The selection process has two major stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination (900 Marks)
Stage 2: SSB Interview (900 Marks)
SSB stages include:
– OIR Test
– PP&DT
– Psychology Tests
– GTO Tasks
– Personal Interview
Air Force Candidates Additional Requirement:
Must qualify CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System)
NDA Training, Salary & Benefits | NDA stipend and training details
Training Location:
- National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla
- Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
Stipend During Training:
₹56,100 per month (Level 10)
Benefits:
– Full government-sponsored training
– Free accommodation, uniforms, food, medical care
– Insurance cover of ₹1.25 crore
– Scholarships available (State & private trusts)
NDA Exam Centres List 2026 | NDA exam centre selection
UPSC allots centres on a first-apply-first-allot basis.
Candidates are advised to apply early.
Major centres include: Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Bhopal, Guwahati, Jaipur, Pune, Ranchi, Vishakhapatnam, etc.
Official UPSC NDA 2026 Links | External Linking for SEO Boost
- UPSC Online Application Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- For Official Notifications: Click Here
- For More Job Notifications: Click Here
- UPSC Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
- Indian Army Recruitment: https://joinindianarmy.nic.in
- Indian Navy Recruitment: https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
- Indian Air Force Recruitment: https://afcat.cdac.in
The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Notification is one of India’s most prestigious defence entry opportunities. With 394 vacancies, a gender-inclusive selection process, and extensive training benefits, this exam remains a dream gateway to becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
Apply before 30 December 2025 to avoid last-minute centre unavailability.