UPSC NDA 2026

About NDA & NA I 2026

NDA & NA Examination I 2026 was conducted by UPSC on 13 April 2026 for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. Shortlisted candidates attend a 5-day SSB interview for final selection.

📌 Exam Highlights

Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Academy	National Defence Academy / Indian Naval Academy
Total Vacancies	406 (Army-208, Navy-42, Air Force-120, NA-36)
Exam Date	13 April 2026
Exam Mode	OMR-based Offline
Exam Papers	Mathematics (300 marks) + GAT (600 marks)
Age Limit	Born between 02 Jul 2007 – 01 Jul 2010
Qualification	12th Pass (Any stream for Army; PCM for Navy/AF)

📅 Important Dates

NDA I 2026 Notification

Jan 2026

Application Window

Jan–Feb 2026

Written Exam

13 Apr 2026

SSB Shortlist / Written Result

Jun 2026

SSB Interviews

Jun–Sep 2026

Final Result

Oct 2026

Joining NDA / INA

Jan 2027

✅ Eligibility Criteria

🌐 Nationality

Indian Citizen / Subject of Nepal or Bhutan

🎂 Age Limit

16.5–19.5 years

🎓 Educational Qualification

For Army: Passed/Appearing 12th in any stream. For Navy/Air Force: PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) in 12th. Candidates must be unmarried males.

Category / Post	Min Age	Max Age
NDA Army Wing	16.5 yrs	19.5 yrs
NDA Navy Wing (PCM required)	16.5 yrs	19.5 yrs
NDA Air Force Wing (PCM required)	16.5 yrs	19.5 yrs
Naval Academy (10+2 Entry)	16.5 yrs	19.5 yrs

ℹ️ Candidates must be born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (both dates inclusive). Must be unmarried.

📊 Exam Pattern

Stage/Tier	Mode	Subjects	Qs	Marks	Duration	Negative
Mathematics (Paper-I)	OMR Offline	Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, Probability	120	300	2.5 hrs	-0.83
GAT (Paper-II)	OMR Offline	Part A: English (200); Part B: General Knowledge – History/Geography/Science/Current Affairs (400)	150	600	2.5 hrs	-1.33

👥 Vacancy Details

Post Name	Vacancies	Pay Scale
Army Wing – NDA	208	Training stipend ₹56,100/month
Navy Wing – NDA	42	Training stipend ₹56,100/month
Air Force Wing – NDA	120	Training stipend ₹56,100/month
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry)	36	Training stipend ₹56,100/month

🔄 Selection Process

Written Exam: Mathematics (300 marks) + GAT (600 marks) = Total 900 marks.

SSB Interview: 5-day process — Stage 1 (OIR + PP&DT) and Stage 2 (GTO, Psychology, Interview, Conference).

Medical Examination: Detailed medical fitness test as per service branch standards.

Final Merit: Based on written exam marks + SSB performance.

📝 How to Apply

💳 Application Fee: ₹100 | Free (SC/ST/SoA)

Visit upsconline.gov.in

Fill Part-I and Part-II of online application carefully

Upload passport-size photo and signature

Pay fee ₹100 (SC/ST/SoA exempted)

Submit and download the confirmation receipt

Apply Online at upsc.gov.in →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

For Army: 12th pass in any stream. For Navy and Air Force: 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Appearing candidates in 12th can also apply.

NDA training is 3 years at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune. After NDA, cadets go to service academies: IMA Dehradun (Army), INA Ezhimala (Navy), AFA Dundigal (Air Force) for 1–1.5 years.