UPSC NDA II 2026 Notification Released for Army, Navy & Air Force Wings – Check Eligibility, Exam Date, Selection Process and Apply Online Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the NDA & NA (II) 2026. This is a premier opportunity for young aspirants (both Male and Female) to join the Indian Armed Forces as Commissioned Officers directly after 12th grade.
| Exam Name | NDA & NA (II) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | UPSC, New Delhi |
| Total Vacancies | Refer to Official Distribution |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
# Candidates are advised to strictly verify the age limit and educational criteria before initiating the One Time Registration (OTR).
The Union Public Service Commission is set to conduct the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 for admission into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA). Candidates who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces after Class 12 can apply online through the official UPSC website once the application window opens.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is one of the most prestigious defence entrance examinations in India. Through this recruitment process, eligible unmarried male and female candidates can join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force as officer cadets.
According to the official schedule, the online application process for UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 will begin on 20 May 2026 and continue until 09 June 2026. The written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026 across various examination centres in India.
Candidates preparing for defence jobs after 12th should carefully check the eligibility criteria, educational qualification, age limit, exam pattern, selection process, important dates, and required documents before applying online.
UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination II 2026 |
| Post Name | National Defence Academy |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Apply Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Category | Defence Jobs |
UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
The Union Public Service Commission conducts the NDA examination twice every year for admission to:
- Army Wing
- Navy Wing
- Air Force Wing
- Naval Academy
NDA is one of the best career opportunities for students who wish to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces immediately after completing Class 12.
The recruitment process includes:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates selected through NDA receive professional military training before becoming commissioned officers.
UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Apply Online Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | August 2026 |
| NDA II Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Result Date | Notify Later |
Candidates are advised not to wait till the final date and complete the application process early to avoid technical issues.
| 📊 UPSC NDA II Vacancy 2026 Details | ||||||
⚠️ Note: For Air Force and Navy wings, candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. | ||||||
| 🎓 UPSC NDA II Eligibility Criteria 2026 | ||||||
Candidates must fulfill the educational qualifications as per the wing they apply for:
🎖️ Army Wing of NDA
Passed 12th Class (HSSLC) from a recognized board OR currently appearing in Class 12 examination.
⚓ Air Force & Naval Wings (10+2 Entry)
Passed 12th Class with Physics and Mathematics OR appearing in Class 12 with PCM subjects. | ||||||
| 🎂 UPSC NDA II Age Limit 2026 | ||||||
Candidates must fall within the specified birth date range to be eligible:
Born Between:
01 January 2008 to 01 January 2011
(Both dates inclusive) 👉 Only Unmarried Male and Female candidates are eligible. | ||||||
| 💰 Application Fee Details | ||||||
Payment Mode: Online via Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking. |
⚔️ UPSC NDA II Selection Process 2026
The recruitment for the National Defence Academy follows a rigorous multi-stage selection process:
- Intelligence and Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks (GTO)
- Personal Interview
* The SSB interview is considered one of the toughest personality assessment processes in India.
📖 UPSC NDA II Exam Pattern 2026
The NDA entrance examination consists of two objective-type papers on the same day:
| Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | 900 | 5 Hours |
📝 NDA General Ability Test (GAT) Includes:
💪 UPSC NDA II Physical Standards
As per the Ministry of Defence, candidates must be in excellent physical and mental health. Key requirements include:
- Overall robust physical fitness and endurance.
- Healthy eyesight (6/6 or 6/9) as per wing requirements.
- No history of chronic medical conditions.
📥 How to Apply for UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026
Candidates are required to apply online through the official UPSC portal. Follow the step-by-step process below for a successful submission:
📂 Important Documents Required
Ensure you have scanned copies of the following ready before applying:
- Recent Passport Size Photo
- Scanned Signature
- Aadhaar Card / ID Proof
- 10th Class Marksheet
- 12th Class Marksheet
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Valid Email ID
- Active Mobile Number
UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 Notification | Notification |
| UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 Apply Online | Apply Online |
| UPSC Official Website | UPSC |
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🌟 Why NDA is One of the Best Career Options? The National Defence Academy is the premier joint services training institution of India. It offers:
* Candidates joining NDA receive world-class military training and overall personality development. |
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💰 Salary & Benefits After Selection Selected cadets are eligible for several benefits during and after training:
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📚 NDA Preparation Tips for Beginners
Focus on Mathematics
Practice Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Arithmetic daily to build speed and accuracy.
Improve English Skills
Read newspapers, editorials, and standard grammar books to master vocabulary and comprehension.
Prepare Current Affairs
Focus on national events, latest defence updates, sports, and international relations.
Solve Previous Papers
Solving the last 5-10 years’ papers is essential to understand the exam pattern and time management. |
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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🚀 Career Opportunities After NDA Upon successful completion of training at NDA and the respective service academies, cadets are commissioned as Permanent Commission Officers in:
Army Officer
Naval Officer
Air Force Officer |
🔔 Final WordsThe UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for students who wish to serve the nation with pride. With 394 vacancies, now is the time to start your journey. Complete your application before the last date and prepare to lead from the front. |
