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 the premier entry for unmarried male and female candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12th to join the Indian Armed Forces. The commission has announced a total of 394 vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.
The online application process commenced on 10 December 2025 and will remain open until 30 December 2025 (06:00 PM). Interested candidates can apply online through the official website upsconline.nic.in. The written examination is scheduled to be held on 12 April 2026. In this article, we provide a detailed breakdown of vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and the application procedure. 🚀
💡 Key Highlights: UPSC NDA (I) 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam (I), 2026 |
| Advt. No. | 3/2026-NDA-I |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Post Name | Lieutenant (upon commissioning) |
| Application Dates | 10 Dec 2025 to 30 Dec 2025 (06:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
📋 Vacancy Details
The 394 vacancies are distributed among the various wings as follows
| Wing/Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Army | 208 (including 10 for female candidates) |
| Navy | 42 (including 05 for female candidates) |
| Air Force |
|
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 24 (including 03 for female candidates) |
| Total | 394 |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the specific educational and age requirements as detailed below.
🎓 Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing of NDA: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the INA: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent.
Note: Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply
🎂 Age Limit & Marital Status
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
- Date of Birth: Born not earlier than 01st July 2007 and not later than 01st July 2010.
💰 Application Fees
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / Female / Wards of JCO/NCO/ORs | Rs. 0/- (Exempted) |
Payment Mode: Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or Internet Banking.
📝 Scheme of Examination
The examination consists of two stages: Written Examination and SSB Interview
Written Examination (Objective Type):
| Subject | Duration | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (Code 01) | 2½ Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (Code 02) | 2½ Hours | 600 |
| Total | 900 |
Note: There will be penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers
🖥️ How to Apply: UPSC NDA 1 2026
Follow these steps to submit your application online:
- OTR Registration: Visit upsconline.nic.in and register on the One Time Registration (OTR) platform if not done already.
- Login: Log in using your Email/Mobile/OTR ID and OTP.
- Fill Application: Go to “Latest Notifications” and select “National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I)”.
- Part-I: Fill in personal details and educational qualification.
- Part-II: Pay the fee, select the exam center, and upload photographs/signatures.
- Submit: Verify all details and submit the form. Keep a printout for future reference.
🔗 Important Links
| Link Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (OTR) | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Maru Gujarat Official Website | Click Here |
📅 Important Dates Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 (06:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
❓ FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC NDA 1 2026?
Ans. The last date to apply is 30 December 2025 till 6:00 PM.
Q2. Can females apply for NDA?
Ans. Yes, unmarried female candidates are eligible to apply for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA and Naval Academy.
Q3. Is Mathematics mandatory for NDA?
Ans. For Army Wing, Mathematics is not mandatory (10+2 pass in any stream). However, for Air Force, Navy, and Naval Academy, 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics is mandatory.
Q4. How many vacancies are there in NDA 1 2026?
Ans. There are a total of 394 vacancies
💡 Final Thoughts
The NDA & NA Examination is a prestigious pathway for young aspirants to serve the nation as officers. Candidates are advised to read the notification carefully, ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, and submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues. Good luck!
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