UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026 The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (II), 2026. This is the moment many of you have been preparing for—a direct gateway to the prestigious Indian Armed Forces.Successful candidates will gain admission to the prestigious 158th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the 120th course of the Indian Naval Academy (INAC)
Application and Examination Name/UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
| Name of Recruitment: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Total Posts: 394 |
Important Dates/UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
Application Fee/UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification /UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
Age Limit /UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
| ⁕ Minimum Age: 16.5 Years ⁕ Maximum Age: 19.5 Years ⁕ Crucial Birth Date Range (for NDA II 2026): 02 January 2008 to 01 July 2011 |
Total Number of Vacancies (Category-Wise)/UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
| Service / Academy | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA: Army Wing | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| NDA: Navy (Executive) | 37 | 5 | 42 |
| NDA: Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 2 | 92 |
| NDA: Air Force (Ground Duties Tech) | 16 | 2 | 18 |
| NDA: Air Force (Ground Duties Non-Tech) | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (INAC-10+2 Cadet) | 21 | 3 | 24 |
| Grand Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Job Location/UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
| ⁕ National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Pune ⁕ Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala |
How to Apply/UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
Selection Process and Examination Phases/UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
| 1. Written Examination: This is the first filter, conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode) on 13 September 2026. |
| 2. SSB Interview: Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. This is a 5-day personality assessment conducted at various SSB centers across India. ⁕ Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT). ⁕ Stage II: In-depth psychological tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks (group discussions, group planning, military obstacles), a personal interview, and a final conference. |
| 3. Medical Examination: Candidates who are recommended by the SSB undergo a thorough medical examination at military hospitals to ensure they meet the stringent medical standards. A final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks of the Written Exam (900 marks) and the SSB Interview (900 marks) |
Examination Pattern/UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
| The GAT paper is further divided into two sections: Part A: English (50 questions, 200 marks) – on vocabulary, grammar, comprehension. Part B: General Knowledge (100 questions, 400 marks) – covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, and Current Events |
Syllabus Overview/UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
| Mathematics Syllabus (Class 11/12 Level): • Algebra: Sets, Relations & Functions, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Permutations & Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Progressions (AP, GP, HP). • Matrices & Determinants: Basic operations, properties, solving linear equations. • Trigonometry: Ratios, Identities, Equations, Inverse functions, Heights & Distances. • Analytical Geometry: Straight lines, circles, conic sections, 3D geometry (distance, direction cosines). • Differential & Integral Calculus: Limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, and their applications. • Vector Algebra & Probability: Vectors basics, statistics, and probability theory |
| General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus: • English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Synonyms/Antonyms, Sentence Correction, Comprehension, and Spotting Errors. • Physics: Physical Properties, Motion, Work & Energy, Sound, Heat, Electricity, Magnetism, Modern Physics. • Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Periodic Table, Acids & Bases, Metals & Non-Metals, Carbon and its Compounds. • General Science & Biology: Human Body, Diseases, Plants, Food & Nutrition. • History & Freedom Movement: Ancient, Medieval & Modern India, Indian National Movement. • Geography: Physical, Social & Economic Geography of India and the World. • Current Events: Major national and international news, sports, awards, and defense-related developments |
Pay Scale/UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026
| During Training (3 years at NDA): Candidates receive a fixed monthly stipend of ₹56,100/- |
| Rank | Pay Level | Pay Scale (Basic Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 |
Important Link
| APPLY ONLINE | CLICK HERE |
| DOWNLOAD NOTIFICATION | CLICK HERE |
| OTR REGISTRATION | CLICK HERE |
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE | CLICK HERE |
| FOR MORE VACANCIES | CLICK HERE |
| JOIN TELEGRAM CHANNEL | CLICK HERE |
| JOIN WHATSAPP CHANNEL | CLICK HERE |
Q1. I am a 12th appearing student. Can I apply?
Yes, absolutely. Candidates appearing in their 12th final exams are eligible to apply. However, they must submit proof of passing at the time of joining the academy.
Q2. What is the negative marking scheme in the NDA exam?
Mathematics: -0.83 marks for each wrong answer.
General Ability Test: -1.33 marks for each wrong answer.
Q3. Is there any age relaxation for SC/ST candidates in NDA?
No. There is no age relaxation for any category in the NDA exam. The age limit of 16.5 to 19.5 years is strictly applied to all.
Q4. Can I use a calculator in the exam hall?
No. The use of a calculator, mobile phone, or any electronic device is strictly prohibited in the examination hall.
Q5. What is the minimum passing percentage in 12th for NDA?
There is no minimum percentage requirement. You simply need to be “pass” in your 12th class from a recognized board. For Air Force/Navy, passing in PCM is mandatory.
Q6. What is the total marks for the NDA selection?
The final merit is calculated out of 1800 marks (Written: 900 marks + SSB Interview: 900 marks).
Q7. Are female candidates allowed to apply for the NDA exam?
Yes, following the Supreme Court ruling in 2021, female candidates are now eligible to apply for all three wings of the NDA.
Q8. I made a mistake in my application form. Can I edit it?
The UPSC allows a limited correction window for a fee after the submission deadline. However, it is best to be extremely careful while filling the form to avoid any hassle.
Q9. Is the NDA exam conducted online or offline?
The written exam is an offline, pen-and-paper based exam. Candidates must mark their answers on an OMR sheet.
Q10. How many times can I attempt the NDA exam?
There is no limit on the number of attempts. You can appear for the NDA exam as long as you remain within the prescribed age limit of 16.5 to 19.5 years.
