UPSC NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 – Notification Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2026. A total of 394 vacancies have been announced across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA, as well as the Naval Academy.
Candidates who have completed or are appearing for their 12th standard (10+2) examination are eligible to apply. Interested and eligible applicants must submit their online applications through the official UPSC website www.upsconline.nic.in on or before 30 December 2025. Complete eligibility criteria, vacancy details, and the application procedure are provided below.
UPSC NDA & NA Exam (I) 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) |
| Job Type | Central Government Job |
| Qualification Required | 12th Pass |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Experience | Freshers |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA & NA Exam 2026
Educational Qualification
For Army Wing (NDA):
- Candidates must have passed 12th Class (10+2 pattern) or an equivalent examination from a recognized State Education Board or University.
For Air Force and Naval Wings (NDA) & 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Naval Academy):
- Candidates must have passed 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics under the 10+2 pattern or equivalent from a recognized Board or University.
Note: Candidates who are currently appearing in the 12th standard examination are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit
- Only unmarried male and female candidates born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (both dates inclusive) are eligible.
Salary Structure
Commissioned Officers (Lieutenant to Major)
- Lieutenant – Level 10: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
- Captain – Level 10B: ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900
- Major – Level 11: ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200
Senior Officers (Lieutenant Colonel to Chief of Army Staff)
- Lieutenant Colonel – Level 12A: ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400
- Colonel – Level 13: ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900
- Brigadier – Level 13A: ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600
- Major General – Level 14: ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200
- Lieutenant General (HAG) – Level 15: ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100
- Lieutenant General (HAG+) – Level 16: ₹2,05,400 – ₹2,24,400
- VCOAS / Army Commander / Lt. Gen (NFSG) – Level 17: ₹2,25,000 (Fixed)
- Chief of Army Staff – Level 18: ₹2,50,000 (Fixed)
Note: During training at service academies, cadets will receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month (Level 10). After successful commissioning, pay will be fixed at the first cell of Level 10.
UPSC NDA & NA Vacancy Details – Total 394 Posts
National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Army: 208 Posts
- Male: 198 | Female: 10
- Navy: 42 Posts
- Male: 37 | Female: 5
- Air Force:
- Flying Branch: 92 Posts (Male: 90 | Female: 2)
- Ground Duty (Technical): 18 Posts (Male: 16 | Female: 2)
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 10 Posts (Male: 8 | Female: 2)
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)
- 24 Posts (Male: 21 | Female: 3)
Selection Process for UPSC NDA & NA Exam (I)
The selection process consists of two main stages:
Stage I
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Tests
- Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
Candidates who qualify Stage I will proceed to Stage II.
Stage II
- Interview
- Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
- Psychology Tests
- Conference
These tests are conducted over four days. Candidates qualifying Stage II must submit original certificates for:
- Date of birth (Matriculation Certificate)
- Educational qualification (10+2 Certificate)
Examination Scheme
Written Examination
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2½ Hours |
| General Ability Test | 600 | 2½ Hours |
| Total (Written Exam) | 900 | |
| SSB Interview | 900 |
- All questions are objective type.
- Mathematics and General Ability Test (Part B) are available in English and Hindi.
- Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers.
SSB Interview Details
Candidates who clear the written examination will be called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview. Details regarding SSB centers and interview dates will be available on:
Candidates opting for the Air Force as first preference must also register on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in for AFSB date selection.
Application Fee
- General/Others: ₹100
- SC/ST/Female/Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: No Fee
Payment Mode
- Credit Card / Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard, RuPay)
- UPI
- Internet Banking
How to Apply for UPSC NDA Exam 2026
Eligible candidates must apply online through www.upsconline.nic.in on or before 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM).
- New applicants must complete One Time Registration (OTR) before applying.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 10 December 2025
- Application Closing Date: 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM)
- Date of Examination: 12 April 2026
| Important Links | |
|---|---|
| Official Notification(PDF) | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Apply Online & More Info | Click Here |
