The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2026! This is one of the most sought-after defence recruitments for 10+2 students aspiring to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
A total of 394 vacancies have been announced. If you are an unmarried male or female candidate and meet the age and educational criteria, your opportunity to join the prestigious NDA is now. The application window is open, but the deadline is strict. Get all the details, eligibility, and direct link to apply here.
UPSC NDA & NA I 2026: Key Dates
Mark these crucial dates in your calendar to ensure you don't miss any step in your journey to the National Defence Academy:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30th December 2025 (06:00 PM) |
| NDA I 2026 Written Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Official Website |
Academy-wise Vacancy Breakdown (Total: 394 Posts)
The total vacancies for the 157th Course of the NDA and 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing in January 2027 are as follows:
| Academy / Wing | Total Vacancies | Includes Female Candidates |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | ||
| Army | 208 | 10 |
| Navy (Executive Branch) | 42 | 05 |
| Air Force (Flying) | 92 | 02 |
| Air Force (Ground Duties - Tech) | 18 | 02 |
| Air Force (Ground Duties - Non-Tech) | 10 | 02 |
| Naval Academy (NA) | ||
| 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme | 24 | 03 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 394 | 24 |
Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit & Education
Check the minimum requirements for the NDA/NA I 2026 examination:
1. Age Limit (Most Important)
- Candidates must be unmarried male or female.
- Date of Birth Range: Born not earlier than 2nd July 2007 and not later than 1st July 2010.
2. Educational Qualification
| Academy / Wing | Educational Requirement |
| For Army Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass (10+2 pattern) or equivalent examination from a recognized board. |
| For Air Force, Naval Wings of NDA & NA (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 12th Class pass (10+2 pattern) or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. |
Note: Candidates appearing in the 12th Class examination are also eligible to apply.
UPSC NDA Selection Process
The selection process is structured to test the overall suitability of the candidate for a career in the armed forces:
Written Examination (900 Marks): An objective-type test consisting of two papers:
- Paper I - Mathematics (300 Marks): 120 questions, 2.5 hours.
- Paper II - General Ability Test (GAT) (600 Marks): 150 questions (English + General Knowledge), 2.5 hours.
- Negative Marking: There is a penalty of $1/3$rd of the marks assigned to the question for every wrong answer.
Medical Examination: Final stage to check physical and medical standards.
How to Apply Online for NDA I 2026
The application process is entirely online and requires a one-time registration (OTR) with UPSC.
OTR Registration: If you are a first-time applicant, first complete the One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal (upsconline.nic.in).
Fill Details: Complete both Part-I (Basic Details) and Part-II (Photo, Signature, Exam Center, Fee Payment) of the application form.
Application Fee: Pay the required fee:
- General/OBC Male Candidates: Rs. 100/- (Rupees One Hundred Only)
- SC/ST/Female Candidates/Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: No Fee
Final Submission: Review all entries and submit the form before the deadline. Download and print the confirmation page.
Important Links for NDA/NA I 2026
| Last Date for Online Application | 30/12/2025 (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Apply Online | |
| Official Notification | |
| UPSC Official Website |