The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the NDA & NA (II) Examination 2026. This is a golden opportunity for young Indians who dream of serving the nation in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. A total of 394 vacancies have been announced for admission into the 158th Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), both starting from 1st July 2027.
Quick Overview Table
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA (II) Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| NDA Vacancies | 370 Posts |
| Naval Academy Vacancies | 24 Posts |
| Application Start Date | 20th May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 9th June 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 13th September 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
What is UPSC NDA & NA Exam?
The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination is one of India’s most prestigious entrance tests. It is conducted by UPSC twice every year. Through this exam, young candidates are selected and trained to become officers in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
Clearing this exam and completing training at the NDA is considered one of the highest honours for a young Indian. The NDA is located in Khadakwasla, Pune, and is known for producing some of the country’s finest military officers.
Vacancy Breakup – UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026
Here is a clear breakdown of the 394 available seats:
| Wing / Academy | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Army Wing – National Defence Academy | 208 |
| Navy Wing – National Defence Academy | 42 |
| Air Force Wing – National Defence Academy | 120 |
| Total – National Defence Academy (NDA) | 370 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 24 |
| Grand Total | 394 |
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
Before you apply, make sure you meet all the eligibility conditions mentioned below.
1. Educational Qualification
| Wing | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Army Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass (10+2 pattern) from any recognised State Board or University |
| Air Force Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
| Navy Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
Good News for Appearing Students: If you are currently studying in Class 12th and your results are not yet out, you can still apply. UPSC allows candidates appearing in the 12th board exam to fill the application form.
2. Age Limit
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Date of Birth (Not Earlier Than) | 1st January 2008 |
| Eligible Date of Birth (Not Later Than) | 1st January 2011 |
| Marital Status | Only Unmarried candidates |
| Gender | Both Male and Female candidates |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / Others | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | Nil (No Fee) |
| Sons of JCOs / NCOs / ORs | Nil (No Fee) |
| Women Candidates | Nil (No Fee) |
Payment Mode
You can pay the fee online using:
- Visa / MasterCard / RuPay Credit or Debit Card
- UPI (like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.)
- Internet Banking of any bank
Important Dates
| Start of Online Application | 20th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 9th June 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 13th September 2026 |
| NDA/INAC Course Commencement | 1st July 2027 |
How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Process
Applying for the UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 is fully online. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in
Step 2: Look for the “NDA & NA (II) Examination 2026” notification and click on the Online Application Form link.
Step 3: A new registration page will open. If you are a new user, register first. If you already have an account, log in.
Step 4: Fill in all your personal details — name, date of birth, category, state, etc.
Step 5: Enter your educational qualification details carefully.
Step 6: Upload the required documents:
- Passport-size photograph (recent)
- Signature
- Any other documents as asked
Step 7: Pay the application fee as per your category through the available online payment options.
Step 8: Click the Submit button after reviewing all details.
Step 9: Take a printout of the submitted application form and keep it safely for future reference.
Useful Web-Links
| Online Application | Click Here |
| Advertisement Details | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Selection Process – How Are Candidates Selected?
The selection of candidates for NDA & NA happens in multiple stages:
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Written Examination (Conducted by UPSC) |
| Stage 2 | SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview |
| Stage 3 | Medical Examination |
| Stage 4 | Final Merit List |
The Written Exam has two papers:
- Paper 1: Mathematics (300 Marks)
- Paper 2: General Ability Test – English + General Knowledge (600 Marks)
- Total: 900 Marks
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB Interview, which tests personality, leadership, and mental aptitude. A medical test follows for those who clear the SSB.
Helpline / Contact Information
If you face any issue while applying or need any information, you can reach UPSC through:
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Helpline Number 1 | 011-24041001 |
| Helpline Number 2 | 011-40303444 |
| Email ID | upscsoap@nic.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 9th June 2026. Candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Q2. How many vacancies are available in UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026?
A total of 394 posts are available — 370 seats in the National Defence Academy (NDA) and 24 seats in the Naval Academy under the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme.
Q3. Can girls apply for UPSC NDA 2026?
Yes! Female candidates can now apply for the NDA exam. They must be unmarried and must meet the age and educational eligibility criteria. Also, women candidates do not need to pay any application fee.
Q4. What is the age limit for UPSC NDA (II) 2026?
Candidates must be born between 2nd January 2008 and 1st January 2011. Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
Q5. What is the educational qualification required for NDA 2026?
For the Army Wing, candidates need to have passed Class 12 (10+2 pattern) from any recognised board. For Navy, Air Force Wings, and Naval Academy, candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects.
Q6. Can Class 12 appearing students apply for NDA 2026?
Yes. Students who are currently appearing in their Class 12 board examinations are also eligible to apply for NDA & NA (II) 2026.