UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Notification: Eligibility, Exam Date, Application Process, Syllabus & Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the NDA & NA (I) 2026 Notification on 10 December 2025, inviting online applications for admission to the National Defence Academy (157th Course) and Indian Naval Academy (119th INAC Course) commencing on 1 January 2027.
This examination is one of India’s most prestigious defence entry gateways for candidates aspiring to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
If you’re planning to appear for NDA 2026, this comprehensive guide covers eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, important dates, centers, physical standards, fees, and the complete application process.
🔹 NDA 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Download e-Admit Card | Last week before exam |
| NDA 1 2026 Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Written Exam Result | Expected May 2026 |
| SSB Interview | June–July 2026 |
🔹 Total Vacancies for NDA & NA (I) 2026
Total vacancies: 394
(Army, Navy, Air Force & Naval Academy combined)
Breakdown of Vacancies
| Wing | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army (NDA) | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy (NDA) | 37 | 5 | 42 |
| Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 2 | 92 |
| Air Force (Ground Tech) | 16 | 2 | 18 |
| Air Force (Ground Non-Tech) | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 21 | 3 | 24 |
🔹 NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
Candidates must be:
- Citizen of India, or
- Subject of Nepal, or
- PIO migrated from specified countries with intent to settle in India.
2. Age Limit
- Born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2010 (both dates inclusive).
- Only unmarried male & female candidates can apply.
- Candidates must not marry during training.
3. Educational Qualification
✔ For Army Wing:
- Passed 12th (10+2) or equivalent.
✔ For Air Force & Naval Wing + 10+2 Cadet Entry:
- 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM).
Candidates appearing in Class 12 in 2026 can also apply.
4. Physical Standards
Candidate must be physically fit as per Appendix-III physical guidelines.
- No permanent tattoos (limited exceptions)
- Normal vision standards
- Height as per Army/Navy/Air Force norms
🔹 NDA 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹100 |
| SC/ST | Exempted |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
| Wards of JCOs/ORs (in Sainik Schools/Military Schools) | Exempted |
Fee is payable using UPI / Net Banking / Debit–Credit Card.
🔹 How to Apply for NDA 2026
Candidates must apply online at the UPSC application portal:
👉 https://upsconline.nic.in
Application consists of 4 modules:
- Account Creation
- Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Common Application Form (CAF)
- Exam-Specific Form
Important points:
- Live Photo Capture required during form filling.
- No application withdrawal or correction after submitting.
- Aadhaar recommended for seamless verification.
🔹 NDA 2026 Exam Centres
UPSC will conduct the exam across 81 cities including:
Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru etc.
Centers are allotted first-apply-first-serve, so apply early.
🔹 NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
Written Examination
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| Total | 900 | — |
✔ Objective Type Questions
✔ GAT includes English (200) + GK (400)
✔ Negative Marking: 0.33 for each wrong answer
🔹 NDA 2026 Syllabus Overview
1. Mathematics (300 Marks)
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Calculus
- Statistics & Probability
- Analytical Geometry
- Vector Algebra
- Matrices & Determinants
2. GAT (600 Marks)
Part A: English (200 Marks)
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Sentence improvement
Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
Includes:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General Science
- History & Freedom Movement
- Geography
- Current Affairs
UPSC syllabus weightage:
- Physics 25%
- Chemistry 15%
- General Science 10%
- History 20%
- Geography 20%
- Current Affairs 10%
All syllabus details are from the official PDF.
🔹 SSB Interview (900 Marks)
Two-stage testing:
- Stage I – OIR Test + PP&DT
- Stage II – Psychology, GTO Tasks, Interview & Conference
Candidates selecting Air Force must additionally qualify CPSS.
🔹 Important Instructions for Candidates
- Mobile phones, smart watches, and electronic items strictly banned.
- Use black ball pen only in the OMR sheet.
- Report to exam venue 30 minutes early, no late entry allowed.
- Face Authentication is now mandatory at the exam center.
🔹 Why NDA is a Golden Career Opportunity?
- Permanent, prestigious officer positions
- Free training, education & adventure
- Respect, honor & lifelong pride
- Opportunity to serve the nation
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Notification offers a golden chance for young aspirants dreaming to join the Indian Armed Forces. With 394 vacancies, a well-structured selection process, and clear eligibility rules, candidates must start preparation early and apply before the deadline.
See Also:-
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- PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 5138 Vacancies – Eligibility, Dates, Selection Process & Apply Online
- UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 Notification – Complete Details, Eligibility, Exam Date, Vacancies & How to Apply
- KVS & NVS Recruitment 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key: Download PDF, Calculate Score & Next Steps
- HCL Recruitment 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 18 Workmen Posts at Khetri Copper Complex
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