Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is recruiting for the posts of National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA). This is a Regular job for the defence services of India. The total number of vacancies is 394. The date of release of the recruitment notification is 10/12/2025. The job location is All India. The application process starts on 10/12/2025 and the last date to apply is 30/12/2025. Applicants from India are eligible to apply for this examination.
Recruitment Overview
| Recruitment Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy |
| Advt No. | 3/2026-NDA-I |
| Job Type | Regular |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Vacancies | 394 |
| Salary | Stipend Rs. 56,100 per month during training |
| Applicant Eligible From | India |
| Job Location | All India |
| Category | Defence Jobs |
Post Details
| Post Name | Posts | Age Limit |
| National Defence Academy (Army) | 208 (Male: 198, Female: 10) | Born not earlier than 02/07/2007 and not later than 01/07/2010 |
| National Defence Academy (Navy) | 42 (Male: 37, Female: 05) | |
| National Defence Academy (Air Force) | 120 (Flying: 92, Ground Duties Tech: 18, Ground Duties Non-Tech: 10) | |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 24 (Male: 21, Female: 03) |
Important Information: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply. The vacancies are provisional and may change. Candidates appearing in the 12th Class exam can also apply. Admission to the courses will be made on the basis of results of the written examination followed by the SSB Interview. The candidates must meet the specific physical standards and medical standards regarding height, weight, and vision as described in the official notification.
Age Limit: Only unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than 02/07/2007 and not later than 01/07/2010 are eligible.
Exam Fee
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100 |
| SC / ST / Female / Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | Nil (Exempted) |
| Payment Mode | Online (UPI, Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card) |
Essential Qualification
- Army Wing of National Defence Academy:
- 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
- Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Naval Academy:
- 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
- Note regarding Appearing Candidates:
- Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination.
Selection Process
- Written Examination:
- Mode: Offline (OMR Based).
- Subjects: Mathematics (300 Marks) and General Ability Test (600 Marks).
- Total Marks: 900.
- Duration: 2 and 1/2 Hours for each paper.
- Question Type: Objective Type Questions.
- Negative Marking: Yes (penalty for wrong answers).
- SSB Interview:
- Marks: 900.
- Stages: Two stages (Psychological Aptitude Test and Intelligence Test).
- Components: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests, Picture Perception, Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference.
- Medical Examination:
- Candidates recommended by the SSB will undergo a medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officers.
- Final Merit List:
- Based on total marks secured in the Written Examination and the Services Selection Board Tests.
How to Apply
- Registration: Visit the official website upsconline.nic.in. Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if not done before.
- Fill Application: Login and fill out the application form for NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026.
- Upload Documents: Upload your photograph and signature as per the instructions. Ensure the photo is clear.
- Pay Fee: Pay the application fee of Rs. 100 online (if applicable).
- Select Centre: Choose your preferred examination centre carefully.
- Review and Submit: Check all details and submit the form.
- Print: Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
Important Dates
| Notification Date | 10/12/2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10/12/2025 |
| Online Application Last Date | 30/12/2025 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Correction Window Date | After 30/12/2025 (Specific dates to be notified) |
| Exam Date | 12/04/2026 |
| Result Date | May 2026 (Tentative) |
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs
- What is the age limit for NDA 1 2026?
- Candidates must be born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 to be eligible.
- Can females apply for the NDA exam?
- Yes, unmarried female candidates are eligible to apply for the NDA & NA Examination.