Table of Contents
About the Post
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. This examination is conducted to recruit eligible candidates for the 157th Course at the NDA and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC).
Successful candidates will undergo training to be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The recruitment offers 394 vacancies, including specific openings for female candidates.
Recruitment Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Recruitment Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 |
| Dated | 10th December 2025 |
| Name of Posts | Cadets (Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval Academy) |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts (Male: 370, Female: 24) |
| Nature of Job | Permanent Commission |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | All India (Service Liability) |
| Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 30th December 2025 (up to 06:00 PM) |
Post Vacancy Details
| Academy / Wing | Vacancies (Male) | Vacancies (Female) | Total |
| NDA – Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| NDA – Navy | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| NDA – Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| NDA – Air Force (Ground Duties – Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| NDA – Air Force (Ground Duties – Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Grand Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Educational Qualification | • Army Wing: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern or equivalent. • Air Force / Navy / Naval Academy: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern or equivalent. (Candidates appearing in the 12th Class exam can also apply) |
| Age Limit (As on 01/07/2027) | • Minimum: 16.5 years • Maximum: 19.5 years • Date Range: Born not earlier than 01st July 2007 and not later than 01st July 2010. |
| Nationality | • Citizen of India, Subject of Nepal, or Person of Indian Origin (migrated with intention of permanent settlement). |
| Marital Status | • Unmarried Male and Female candidates only. (Must not marry until completion of full training) |
| Physical Standards | • Height: Min 157 cm (Male), 152 cm (Female). (162.5 cm for Flying Branch). • Vision: Uncorrected 6/12, Corrected 6/6. |
Pay Scale
Selected candidates will receive a fixed stipend during training and Pay Level 10 upon commissioning.
| Rank/Status | Pay Level | Amount |
| Stipend (Cadet Training) | Level 10 (Starting) | Rs. 56,100/- per month (Fixed) |
| Lieutenant (On Commissioning) | Level 10 | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500/- |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | – | Rs. 15,500/- per month |
Selection Process (Scheme of Examination)
| Stage | Type | Details |
| Stage 1 | Written Examination (900 Marks) | • Paper-I (Maths): 300 Marks (2.5 Hours) • Paper-II (GAT): 600 Marks (2.5 Hours) [English + GK] • Negative Marking: 0.33 marks deduction. |
| Stage 2 | SSB Interview (900 Marks) | • Stage I: OIR Tests + PP&DT (Screening). • Stage II: Interview, GTO Tasks, Psychology Tests, Conference. • CPSS: For Air Force Flying Branch candidates (once only). |
| Stage 3 | Medical Examination | • Conducted for candidates recommended by SSB at designated Military Hospitals. |
How to Apply?
Candidates must apply online through the website upsconline.nic.in. No other mode is allowed. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: One Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit
https://upsconline.nic.in. - Click on “New Registration” if you have not registered before.
- Fill in your basic details (Name, DoB, Father’s/Mother’s Name, Mobile, Email).
- Verify via OTP and generate your Universal Registration Number (URN).
Step 2: Access Application Form
- Login using Email/Mobile/OTR ID.
- Navigate to “Latest Notifications”.
- Locate “National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026”.
- Click on “Click Here for Part-I”.
Step 3: Fill Part-I (General Details)
- Personal Info: Review data fetched from OTR.
- Service Preference: You must indicate your preferences for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy (marked as 1, 2, 3, 4). Enter ‘0’ if you do not wish to give a preference for a specific wing.
- Education: Select your qualification status (12th Passed / 12th Appearing) and subjects (PCM or Others).
Step 4: Uploading Documents
- Photograph & Signature: Upload clear scanned copies.
- Photo ID: Upload a PDF of the Photo ID card (Aadhaar, Voter Card, PAN, etc.).
- Live Photo Capture: Use the webcam/mobile camera to capture a Live Photograph. Ensure the background is plain and your face is clearly visible.
Step 5: Fee Payment
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 100/-.
- Payment Mode: UPI, Credit/Debit Card, or Internet Banking.
- Note: Female candidates, SC/ST candidates, and Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from fee payment.
Step 6: Centre Selection & Submission
- Select your Examination Centre. (Apply early as centres are allotted on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis).
- Read the declaration and click “I Agree”.
- Print: After submission, download and print the application form for future reference.
Step 7: Post-Written Exam Requirement
- Important: Candidates who qualify the written exam must register on
www.joinindianarmy.nic.in(for Army/AF/Naval Academy) orwww.joinindiannavy.gov.in(for Navy first preference) within 2 weeks of result declaration to receive SSB dates.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 30th December 2025 (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Examination Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Course Commencement | 01st January 2027 |
Important Links
| Description | Links |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can 11th Class students apply?
No. Candidates appearing in the 11th class are not eligible. Only those who have passed the 12th class or are appearing in the 12th class exam under the 10+2 pattern are eligible.
Is Mathematics mandatory for all wings?
No. Mathematics and Physics are mandatory for Air Force, Navy, and Naval Academy wings. For the Army Wing, passing the 12th class in any stream (Arts/Commerce/Science) is sufficient.
What is the application fee?
Rs. 100/- for General/OBC male candidates. Females, SC, ST, and Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from the fee.
Can girls apply for NDA 1 2026?
Yes, unmarried female candidates are eligible for all wings (Army, Navy, Air Force) and the Naval Academy. There are 24 vacancies reserved for women.
Is there negative marking in the exam?
Yes. There is a penalty of 0.33 marks (one-third of the marks assigned to the question) for every wrong answer in the objective type question papers.
Can I withdraw my application?
No. The UPSC NDA notification states that candidates cannot withdraw their applications once submitted.
What if I wear glasses?
Candidates with glasses are eligible provided they meet the visual standards (Uncorrected 6/12, Corrected 6/6). However, for the Air Force Flying Branch, requirements are stricter (Myopia limit -0.5D).
When will the Admit Card be released?
The e-Admit Card will be issued on the official website on the last working day of the preceding week of the examination.
What is the CPSS test?
CPSS (Computerized Pilot Selection System) is a test for Air Force Flying Branch candidates. It is conducted only once in a lifetime. If you fail CPSS, you cannot apply for the Flying Branch again.
Do I need to send the hard copy to UPSC?
No. Do not send any hard copy of the application form to UPSC. Keep a printout for your own records.
Stay updated with APSC ORG official website for further details and notifications.
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