The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2026 (Advt No: 03/2026). This prestigious exam is a golden opportunity for 10+2 students to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA, along with the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Naval Academy.
A total of 394 vacancies are announced for the 157th Course of NDA and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). The application process commenced on December 10, 2025, and the final date to apply is December 30, 2025. Candidates must check the complete details and prepare for the written exam scheduled on April 12, 2026.
📅 UPSC NDA/NA-I 2026: Important Dates and Application Fee Structure
The application window for this high-stakes 10+2 examination is typically short. Aspirants are strongly advised to complete the **One Time Registration (OTR)** and submission process early to avoid last-minute rush.
Official Recruitment Timeline Snapshot
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply & Fee Payment | 30 December 2025 |
| Written Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
💰 Application Fee and Fee Exemption Details
The fee is nominal, and UPSC offers full exemption for reserved categories, making this opportunity accessible to all eligible students across India.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | Rs. 100/- |
| SC, ST Candidates | Rs. 0/- (Exempted) |
The fee must be paid online. Please remember to download the official e-receipt after successful payment.
📊 NDA/NA-I 2026: Vacancy Details and Educational Qualifications
A total of 394 vacancies are available across the four wings. Notably, UPSC has opened the NDA entry to both male and female candidates, while the Naval Academy 10+2 Cadet Entry remains exclusively for male candidates.
Wing-Wise Vacancy Distribution (Total 394 Posts)
| Academy Name / Wing | Gender Eligibility | No. of Posts |
|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) – Army | Male / Female | 208 |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) – Navy | Male / Female | 42 |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) – Air Force | Male / Female | 120 |
| Naval Academy (NA) – 10+2 Cadet Entry | Male Only | 24 |
| TOTAL VACANCIES | 394 | |
Mandatory Educational & Age Eligibility Criteria
Candidates appearing in the 12th standard or equivalent examination are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing later on.
- NDA (Army Wing): Must have completed Intermediate (10+2) or Equivalent Level of Exam from any Recognized Board/University.
- NDA (Air Force & Naval Wings) & Naval Academy (NA 10+2 Cadet Entry): Must have completed Intermediate (10+2) with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
Age Limit: Non-Negotiable Criteria
Only candidates born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (inclusive of both dates) are eligible to apply. **Unmarried status** is mandatory for all applicants. Candidates must remain unmarried throughout the duration of the training at NDA.
Candidates must verify their date of birth using the Age Calculate Tool – Click Here before proceeding with the application.
📝 Deep Dive: NDA/NA-I 2026 Written Exam Pattern (Total 900 Marks)
The NDA Written Examination is the first and most critical stage, consisting of two objective-type papers. The marks from both papers are added to create the final written score, which is used for shortlisting for the SSB Interview.
Written Examination Structure: Mathematics & GAT
The examination covers two main papers, held on the same day (April 12, 2026):
| Paper | Duration | Max. Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I: Mathematics | 2 Hours 30 Mins | 300 |
| Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT) | 2 Hours 30 Mins | 600 |
| Total Written Marks | 5 Hours | 900 |
⚠️ Negative Marking Rule: There is a mandatory penalty of 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question for every incorrect answer. Candidates must also meet the minimum prescribed cut-off marks in **each individual paper** to qualify for the SSB Interview.
Detailed Syllabus and Preparation Focus
To achieve a strong rank, candidates must master the syllabus which is typically based on the 10+2 level:
- Mathematics: Covers Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D), Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, and Vector Algebra. High speed and accuracy are crucial due to the number of questions.
- General Ability Test (GAT) – Part A (English): Carries 200 marks. Focuses on Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion.
- GAT – Part B (General Knowledge): Carries 400 marks. This is divided into Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Freedom Movement, Geography, and Current Events. Physics and Chemistry form a major part of this section.
🎯 The Selection Process and Physical Fitness Standards
The selection process for NDA/NA is highly comprehensive, assessing both academic knowledge and the potential for a military career. The total score is calculated out of 1800 (Written 900 + SSB 900).
The 5-Day SSB Interview (900 Marks)
The Service Selection Board (SSB) tests candidates across four main techniques: Interviewing, Group Testing, Psychology, and Medical. The process involves two stages:
- Stage I: Screening: Includes OIR Test and PP&DT. Failure here results in elimination on the first day.
- Stage II: Comprehensive Testing: A 4-day assessment involving Psychology tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD), GTO tasks (Group Discussions, Obstacles, Planning), and a Personal Interview.
Only candidates who successfully clear the SSB are subject to the final Medical Examination.
🛑 Mandatory Physical & Medical Standards
1. Minimum Height: The minimum acceptable height is 157 cm (for Army/Navy). For Air Force, the minimum height is 162.5 cm. Candidates must meet these criteria.
2. Vision Standards: Specific visual acuity standards are prescribed for each wing, particularly the Air Force. Candidates with poor eyesight or certain types of previous surgeries may be disqualified.
3. Tattoo Policy: Permanent body tattoos are generally not permitted, except for small, discrete tattoos on the inner face of the forearm or religious tattoos (like Sikh Kadas). Consult the official notification for exact details.
💻 How To Apply for UPSC NDA/NA-I 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is exclusively online through the UPSC portal. Ensure you have all necessary documents, including scanned copies of your photograph and signature, ready before starting.
- Step 1: One Time Registration (OTR): Click on the For OTR Registration link. Complete your profile, including personal, contact, and educational details to generate your unique OTR ID. This is a one-time process for all UPSC exams.
- Step 2: Start Application: Log in using your OTR ID and click on the Apply Online link for UPSC NDA/NA-I 2026. The form will pre-fill with your OTR details.
- Step 3: Fill Details & Preferences: Select your choice of service preference (Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval Academy), ensuring you meet the specific educational qualification for each. Choose your exam center.
- Step 4: Fee Payment: Pay the Rs. 100/- application fee (if applicable) online. SC/ST candidates are exempt.
- Step 5: Upload Documents: Upload your latest photograph and signature according to the size and format specifications mentioned by UPSC.
- Step 6: Final Submission: Review all entered data carefully. Submit the application and take a printout of the system-generated acknowledgment slip for record-keeping.
📥 UPSC NDA/NA-I 2026: Important Quick Links
| Link Name | Status / Action |
| Apply Online (Part I & II) | Click Here |
| For OTR Registration (Mandatory) | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification (PDF Link) | Click Here |
| Official UPSC Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Join Twitter_X | Click Here |
| Join Facebook Channel | Click Here |
| Age Calculator | Click Here |
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Conclusion: Your First Step Towards a Commissioned Career
The UPSC NDA/NA-I 2026 notification for **394 posts** offers an unparalleled opportunity for young, dedicated individuals to begin their training at the prestigious National Defence Academy. The application window is open until **December 30, 2025**.
Aspiring candidates must focus their preparation on the written exam (900 Marks) on **April 12, 2026**, particularly mastering the Mathematics and GAT sections. Furthermore, candidates must start preparing for the **900-mark SSB Interview** and ensure they meet the strict **age, physical, and medical standards**.
Don’t miss this chance to pursue a distinguished career in the Indian Armed Forces. Fill out your OTR and application today!
Start your defense career journey with NDA/NA-I 2026!
