UPSC NDA I 2026 Notification Released – Application Form, Vacancy, Age Limit & Selection Process
UPSC NDA Notification 2026: The UPSC NDA I 2026 notification has been released, presenting a golden opportunity for millions of aspirants across the country. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the official notification for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026 on December 10, 2025. Through this UPSC NDA/NA I 2026 exam, a total of 394 officer vacancies will be filled with male and female candidates selected for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.
If you also wish to apply for UPSC NDA/NA I 2026, it is essential to first download and carefully read the official PDF notification. It contains complete details regarding the age limit, academic qualifications, selection process, medical standards, and application guidelines.
UPSC NDA Notification 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2026, offering young candidates who have passed their 12th grade the opportunity to pursue a career in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Candidates can apply online at upsconline.nic.in until 6 PM on December 30, 2025. Selection will be based on a written examination and an SSB (Services Selection Board) interview, and a total of 394 vacancies will be filled.
UPSC NDA Notification 2026 PDF
UPSC NDA Notification 2026 Overview
UPSC NDA Notification 2026 has been released by UPSC. The UPSC NDA recruits students for NDA and NA. Below is the detailed overview of the UPSC NDA Exam Date, Age limit, Educational Qualifications, etc, in a table format.
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | UPSC NDA 2026 |
| Vacancies | 394 |
| Apply Date | 10th to 30th December 2025 |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| Exam Stage | Written Exam and SSB Interview |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in/ |
UPSC NDA Notification 2026 Important Date
Aspirants preparing for UPSC NDA I 2026 must keep track of all the important dates. The official notification was released on December 10, 2025, and online registration also began on the same day. Candidates have until December 30, 2025 to apply. The examination will be conducted on April 12, 2026.
| Events | NDA 1 2026 | NDA 2 2026 |
| NDA Notification 2026 | 10th December 2025 | 20th May 2026 |
| NDA Application Form 2026 | 10th December 2025 | 20th May 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 30th December 2025 | 9th June 2026 |
| Application Withdrawal | — | — |
| NDA Admit Card 2026 | April 2026 | September 2026 |
| NDA Exam Date 2026 | 12th April 2026 | 13th September 2026 |
UPSC NDA Vacancy 2026
There are 208 vacancies for the Army Wing, 42 for the Navy (Executive Branch), 92 for the Air Force Flying branch, 18 for Ground Duty Technical, 10 for Ground Duty Non-Technical, and 24 for the Naval Academy. Candidates who have passed their 12th grade in any stream can apply for the Army Wing, while a 12th-grade pass in the science stream is mandatory for the Air Force and Navy branches.
| Service | Vacancy (Male) | Vacancy (Female) | Total |
| Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| AirForce | |||
| Flying | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| Ground Duties | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| Ground Duties | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
UPSC NDA 2026 Eligibility
Here, we will provide complete information about the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria. It is crucial to know who is eligible for the NDA exam, including the age, gender, and qualification requirements. This information will be helpful if you plan to apply for NDA 2026.
NDA Education Qualification
| Qualification | Details |
| For Army Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass or 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University. |
| For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent. |
| Appearing Candidates | Students who are appearing can also apply. |
NDA 2026 Age Criteria
For NDA 1: Candidates born between July 2, 2007 and July 1, 2010 can apply.
For NDA 2: Candidates born between January 2, 2008 and July 1, 2011 are eligible.
How to Apply UPSC NDA Application Form 2026
For candidates preparing for NDA 2026, filling out the application form is the first and most important step. Filling out the form correctly and submitting it on time plays a crucial role in the selection process. In this guide, we will explain the step-by-step process in simple language.
- First, visit the official UPSC website and complete the OTR (One Time Registration). Here, you need to create an account by entering your personal details such as name, date of birth, email, and mobile number. This step is required for first-time candidates.
- After registration, fill in your personal and educational details in the Application Form. Ensure that all the information is accurate and up-to-date.
- In the next step, upload your recent passport-size photograph and signature. The file specifications must adhere to the UPSC guidelines.
- Pay the application fee online or offline. Complete the payment securely using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- After filling in all the details correctly and making the fee payment, click on the final submit button. After submission, be sure to take a printout of the confirmation page.
UPSC NDA Application Fee 2026
The UPSC NDA Application Fee for General/OBC candidates is around ₹100. There is no fee for Females, SC/ST/PwD candidates. Fees can be paid online only via UPI, card, or net banking.
| Category of Candidates | Application Fee |
| General | Rs. 100/- |
| Female | 0 |
| OBC/SC/ST | 0 |
Conclusion
The NDA is a way to serve in the defense career. If you are disciplined, start your preparation on time, and maintain physical fitness, clearing the exam is not difficult. Consistent effort and a smart strategy at every stage will lead to success.
Always verify dates, eligibility, and exam guidelines from the official UPSC notification. Online and coaching resources are helpful, but it’s crucial to rely on verified sources. This will keep your preparation on the right track and minimize confusion.
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