The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination is the gateway for young aspirants to begin a prestigious career as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Known for its rigorous selection process, the NDA/NA exam demands not just academic prowess but also exceptional physical and mental fortitude.
This in-depth article dissects the notification for the UPSC NDA & NA (I) Examination 2026, offering crucial insights into eligibility, the selection hierarchy, exam structure, and the unparalleled career package awaiting successful candidates.
NDA Examination Overview and Key Dates
The NDA & NA (I) Examination 2026 aims to recruit cadets for the 157th Course of the National Defence Academy and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC).
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 10/12/2025 |
| Online Application Last Date | 30/12/2025 (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Written Examination Date | 12/04/2026 |
| SSB Interview Period (Tentative) | June 2026 to July 2026 |
| Course Commencement | 01/01/2027 |
Vacancy Distribution (Total: 394 Posts)
The 2026 intake is divided across services, ensuring opportunities for both male and female candidates:
| Academy/Service | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy - Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| National Defence Academy - Navy (Executive) | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| National Defence Academy - Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| National Defence Academy - Air Force (Ground Duties - Technical) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| National Defence Academy - Air Force (Ground Duties - Non-Technical) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Eligibility Criteria
To successfully navigate the NDA/NA process, candidates must strictly adhere to the following non-negotiable criteria:
Age Limit
Only unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than 01st July 2007 and not later than 01st July 2010 are eligible. This small 3-year window makes age the single biggest restriction for aspirants.
Educational Qualification
| Service | Minimum Educational Requirement |
|---|---|
| For Army Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern or equivalent. |
| For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) of the 10+2 pattern or equivalent. |
| For 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) of the 10+2 pattern or equivalent. |
Appearing Candidates: Those currently in the 12th Class are eligible to apply, but must submit proof of passing by the specified deadline (10th December 2026 for this cycle).
Note: Candidates appearing in the 11th standard are not eligible.
Marital Status
All candidates (Male and Female) must be UNMARRIED and must undertake not to marry until the completion of their full training. Marriage subsequent to the date of application, or during training, leads to immediate disqualification and liability to refund all Government expenditure.
Selection Process
The NDA/NA examination is a comprehensive three-stage process designed to select candidates who possess the officer-like qualities necessary for military leadership.
Stage 1: Written Examination (900 Marks)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours | Common for all candidates. |
| II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 hours | Divided into two parts. |
| Part A: English | 200 | Included in 2.5 hrs | Focuses on grammar, usage, and comprehension. | |
| Part B: General Knowledge | 400 | Included in 2.5 hrs | Covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events. | |
| Total Written Marks | 900 | |||
Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview (900 Marks)
The SSB spans five days and assesses a candidate's potential to become an officer through a combination of psychological testing, group tasks, and personal interviews.
- Stage I (Screening): Includes Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and the Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT). Only successful candidates proceed to Stage II.
- Stage II (Comprehensive Assessment): Over four days, candidates undergo Interview, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.
- For Air Force: Candidates aspiring for the Flying Branch must also qualify in the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS). This test is conducted only once in a lifetime, and failure makes a candidate ineligible for the Flying Branch in all subsequent attempts, though they may still be considered for Ground Duties.
Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the SSB must pass a rigorous medical examination conducted by a Special Medical Board (SMB). Strict physical and medical standards are mandated, including specific requirements for vision, height, weight, and general health.
Key Medical Standards:
- Height: Minimum 157 cm (Male); 152 cm (Female). (Higher minimum for Flying Branch: 162.5 cm).
- Visual Standards: Limits for Myopia (-1.0 D Sph) and Hypermetropia (+2.0 D Sph) are strictly enforced.
- LASIK/PRK/SMILE: Acceptable in most branches (except Submarine/Diving/MARCO) provided the surgery was performed after age 20 and at least 12 months before the examination.
How to Apply for UPSC NDA NA EXamination 2026
The application process for the UPSC NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 is conducted entirely online through the official UPSC portal. Candidates must complete a two-part process which includes the mandatory One-Time Registration (OTR) followed by the specific application for the NDA/NA exam.
Before starting the application, ensure you have the following ready in the specified digital format:
| Document | Format | Size | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport-size Photograph | JPG | 20KB – 300KB | Recent photo with a white background. |
| Scanned Signature | JPG | 20KB – 300KB | Must not be in capital letters. |
| Photo ID Proof | Up to 1 MB | Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, etc. (Aadhaar is strongly recommended). | |
| Application Fee (if applicable) | Online Payment | ₹100/- | General/OBC Male candidates only. |
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit: Go to https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Register: Click "One Time Registration (OTR)" and enter personal details (as per Class 10 Certificate).
- Generate URN: Provide Email/Mobile to get your Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Filling the Application (Part I)
- Login: Use your URN to log in.
- Select Exam: Navigate to the "Latest Notifications" section and select the link for NDA & NA (I) 2026.
- Fill Details: Complete personal, educational, and communication details.
- Preferences: Fill in your Service Preferences (Army, Navy, Air Force) in order (1 to 4).
- Completing the Application (Part II)
- Fee Payment: Pay ₹100/- (General/OBC Male only). Female/SC/ST candidates are exempt.
- Center Selection: Choose your preferred exam city ("first-apply, first-allot" basis).
- Upload: Upload your scanned Photograph, Signature, and Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar recommended) as per specifications.
- Final Submission
- Review: Carefully check all entered information (age, education, preferences).
- Submit: Read and agree to the declaration, click the final submit button.
- Print: Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Official Direct Link
| Official Website |
|---|
| www.upsc.gov.in |