Your opportunity to serve the nation starts here! The UPSC has released the notification for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (1) 2026. This comprehensive and easy-to-read guide breaks down the essential dates, eligibility criteria, vacancy details, and a crucial step-by-step application process. Don’t miss a deadline—read on to secure your application!
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy.
1. Important Dates at a Glance:
Keep these key dates marked on your calendar to ensure a smooth application process:
- Application Start Date (Notice Date): 10.12.2025
- Last Date for Online Application Submission: 30.12.2025 (up to 06:00 PM)
- Date of Written Examination: 12th April, 2026
- Expected Written Result: May, 2026
- Course Commencement: 1st January, 2027
2. Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure you meet all the essential criteria:
Age Limit & Marital Status
Sex and Marital Status: Only unmarried male/female candidates are eligible.
Date of Birth: Candidates must be born not earlier than 01st July 2007 and not later than 01st July 2010.
Marriage Clause: You must undertake not to marry until you complete your full training.
Educational Qualifications (10+2 Pattern)
|
Wing/Academy |
Minimum Educational Qualification |
|
Army Wing of NDA |
12th Class pass or equivalent. |
|
Air Force & Naval Wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA |
12th Class pass or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. |
Note for Appearing Candidates:
- Candidates appearing in the 12th Class examination can also apply.
- Candidates appearing in the 11th class are not eligible.
3. Total Vacancies
The approximate number of vacancies to be filled on the basis of this examination is 394.
|
Academy |
Service |
Male Vacancies |
Female Vacancies |
Total |
|
National Defence Academy (NDA) |
Army |
198 |
10 |
208 |
|
Navy (Executive Branch) |
37 |
5 |
42 |
|
|
Air Force (Flying) |
90 |
2 |
92 |
|
|
Air Force (Ground Duties – Tech) |
16 |
2 |
18 |
|
|
Air Force (Ground Duties – Non-Tech) |
8 |
2 |
10 |
|
|
Naval Academy (INA) (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) |
Executive Branch |
21 |
3 |
24 |
|
Grand Total |
370 |
24 |
394 |
4. Selection Process & Examination Pattern
The selection process involves two main stages:
- Written Examination (Conducted by UPSC)
- Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview) (Conducted by the Services Selection Board)
Examination Pattern Insights:
- The papers will consist of Objective Type Questions.
- Negative Marking: There will be a penalty for wrong answers marked by a candidate.
5. How to Fill the Online Form
The application must be submitted online only through the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in
The online portal has four main modules:
- Account Creation, Universal Registration (URN), and Common Application Form (CAF): These modules are common to all UPSC exams and can be filled anytime. Once registered, a Universal Registration Number (URN) will be generated.
- Examination Specific Module: This module is specific to the NDA/NA exam and includes details like fee payment and centre choice. This must be filled within the application window.
Key Steps:
- Register: Complete your Universal Registration (URN) profile on the portal.
- Fill CAF: Complete the Common Application Form. You are required to upload your photograph and also capture a live photograph while filling the CAF. Ensure both are clear.
- Fill Exam-Specific Form: Submit the examination-specific details.
- Select Preference: It is mandatory to specify the Services (Army, Navy, Air Force) for which you wish to be considered, in order of your preference (1 to 4).
6. Documents Required for Application
You do not need to submit most certificates with the online application form. However, you must have the details of one Photo ID.
Documents Needed at the Time of Online Application:
Documents Needed at the Time of Online Application:
-
Photo ID Details: You must provide the details of one Photo ID while filling up the Universal Registration (URN) profile.
-
Accepted IDs: Aadhaar Card, Voter Card (EPIC), PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, School Photo ID, or any other photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government.
-
Recommendation: Applicants are strongly advised to use their Aadhaar Card for seamless verification.
-
-
Photograph: A clear uploaded photograph and a clear live photograph captured during the CAF filling process.
Documents Required at the Time of SSB Interview (Post-Written Exam):
-
You must carry your original Matriculation Certificate or equivalent for the SSB Interview.
-
Candidates who have already passed the 10+2 Examination must also carry their original 10+2 Pass Certificate or Marks Sheet.
7. Crucial Precautions to Take Care Of
Follow these precautions to avoid having your application rejected:
Application and Data Entry
-
Double-Check Details: Exercise extreme care when entering your Date of Birth in the URN profile, as no change will be allowed later.
-
No Correction/Withdrawal: Once submitted, you cannot withdraw or make any corrections/modifications to any field in the application form (including your choice of service preference/centre).
-
Fee Payment: Candidates (except SC/ST/Female candidates and Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs as specified in the full notice) must pay a fee of ₹100/-. Applications submitted without the prescribed fee will be summarily rejected.
Examination Day
-
Exam Centre Allotment: Centres are allotted on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis (with a few exceptions). Apply early to secure your preferred centre.
-
Reach Early: You must reach the venue at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each session. No late entry will be permitted.
-
Mandatory Authentication: You will be required to undergo face authentication at the examination venue.
-
OMR Sheet: Use a black ball pen ONLY for writing and marking answers on the OMR sheet. Do not use pencil or ink pen.
-
Banned Items: The use of any mobile phone (even if switched off), smart watches, or any electronic/communication device is strictly prohibited. Do not bring any valuable or banned items, as no safe-keeping is provided at the venue.