Complete Guide to National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 | Eligibility, Age Limit, and Application Process
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the employment notification for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for unmarried male and female candidates who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces immediately after completing their schooling.
For the 2026 cycle, UPSC has announced a total of 394 vacancies. The online application window is currently open and will close on 30th December 2025. Interested candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute server issues.
Below, you will find all the necessary details regarding the vacancy breakup, educational qualifications, age limits, and the step-by-step guide to applying online.
UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026: Exam Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Job Location | All India (Training at NDA/INA) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
Vacancy Breakup
The total 394 posts are distributed between the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy (INA).
- National Defence Academy (NDA): 370 Posts
- (Includes vacancies for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings)
- Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme): 24 Posts
Total Posts: 394
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA 2026
To apply for the NDA & NA (I) Exam 2026, candidates must strictly adhere to the eligibility conditions set by the Commission.
1. Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing of NDA:
Candidates must have passed the 12th Class (10+2 pattern) of School Education or an equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University. - For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA & 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA:
Candidates must have passed the 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
> Note: Candidates who are currently appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination are also eligible to apply.
2. Age Limit
- Status: Only Unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
- Birth Date Range: Candidates must have been born not earlier than 01st July 2007 and not later than 01st July 2010.
3. Nationality
The candidate must be an unmarried male/female and must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from select countries with the intention of permanently settling in India (as per official rules).
Application Fee
Candidates are required to pay a fee to complete their application process.
- General / OBC / Others: Rs. 100/-
- SC / ST Candidates: Nil (Exempted)
- Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Nil (Exempted)
- Women Candidates: Nil (Exempted)
Payment Mode: The fee can be paid online using Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or via Internet Banking of any Bank.
How to Apply for UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026?
Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official UPSC recruitment portal. Follow these steps to ensure a successful submission:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the “Important Web-Links” section below and click on the Online Application Form link (or visit upsconline.nic.in).
- One Time Registration (OTR): If you have not registered on the UPSC platform before, complete the OTR process first. If already registered, log in using your credentials.
- Fill the Form: Select the NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 and fill in your personal and educational details accurately.
- Upload Documents: Upload your scanned passport-sized photograph, signature, and photo ID card as per the specified dimensions.
- Pay Fee: Pay the application fee (if applicable) using any of the online payment modes.
- Select Centre: Choose your preferred examination centre for the written exam.
- Submit & Print: Click on the final submit button. Do not forget to download and print the submitted application form for future reference.
For any query or assistance, candidates can contact the facilitation counter at 011-24041001 or email at upscsoap@nic.in.
Important Dates for NDA (I) Exam 2026
- Starting Date of Online Application: 10th December 2025
- Last Date of Online Application: 30th December 2025
- Date of Modification in Application Form: To be notified
- Release of Admit Card: To be updated later (Usually 3 weeks before the exam)
- Date of Written Exam: 12th April 2026
Important Web-Links of UPSC NDA & NA Vacancy
| Online Application Link | Click Here |
| Advertisement Details | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the exam date for NDA 1 2026?
The written examination for NDA & NA (I) 2026 will be conducted on 12th April 2026.
Q2. Can female candidates apply for NDA 2026?
Yes, unmarried female candidates are eligible to apply for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination.
Q3. What is the age limit for NDA 1 2026?
Candidates must be born between 01st July 2007 and 01st July 2010.
Q4. Can 12th appearing students apply?
Yes, candidates who are appearing for their 12th Class final examination are eligible to apply.
