UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026 – 394 Posts | 12th Pass Central Govt Job 2026 – UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026 is expected to be one of the most popular defence recruitment opportunities for candidates who want to serve the nation by joining the Army, Navy, or Air Force. The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) examination is conducted by UPSC to select eligible candidates for defence training and future officer-level positions.
The Online Application Portal of Union Public Service Commission for registration and filling up of application form online has four cards/modules, three of which namely, Account creation, Universal Registration and Common Application Form are common to all examination applications and can be filled anytime by the candidate while the fourth card/module is examination specific and can be filled during the time period allowed in notification of an examination. Applicants are required to apply online by using the website
https://upsconline.nic.in. Every year thousands of students apply after completing their higher secondary education, but many candidates remain confused about eligibility, application process, required documents, salary details, and job responsibilities. This guide explains everything in simple language.
Table of Contents
UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment – Overview
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination 2026 |
| Advertisement PDF No. | 10/2026-NDA-II dated 20/05/2026 |
| No of Posts | 199 positions |
| Job Type | Central Govt Jobs |
| Salary | Rs. 56,100/- per month |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Apply Start Date | 20-05-2026 |
| Apply Last Date | 09-06-2026 |
| Selection Process | (I) Written Examination (Objective Type) + (II) SSB Intelligence & Personality Test (including CPSS for Air Force Flying) (III) Medical Examination |
UPSC NDA & NA – Vacancy Details
The approximate number of vacancies to be filled on the basis of results of this examination will be as under:—
| Academy | Service / Branch | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) – 158th Course | Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy (All Executive Branch) | 37 | 05 | 42 | |
| Air Force – Flying | 90 | 02 | 92 | |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 | |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 | |
| Naval Academy (INAC) – 120th Course | 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (All Executive Branch) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Total | 370 | 24 | 394 | |
Vacancies are provisional and may be changed depending on the availability of training capacity of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.
UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment – Salary Details
After training and commissioning, officers generally receive salary according to defence pay structure.
Expected starting salary: Approximately ₹56,100 per month and above.
UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment – Age Limits
Only unmarried male/female candidates born not earlier than 01st January 2008 and not later than 01st January 2011 are eligible.
| Category | Age Limit | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|---|
| All Candidates (Male & Female, Unmarried) | Born not earlier than 01-01-2008 and not later than 01-01-2011 | 02-01-2008 to 01-01-2011 (both days inclusive) |
Note: In the NDA and NA Examination, there is no higher age relaxation for any category (SC, ST, OBC, or PwBD). Every candidate falls into the same age range.
The date of birth accepted by the Commission is that entered in the Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate or in a certificate recognised by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation or in an extract from a Register of Matriculates maintained by a University which must be certified by the proper authority of the University or in the Secondary School Examination or an equivalent examination certificates. No other document relating to age like horoscopes, affidavits, birth extracts from Municipal Corporation, service records and the like will be accepted. The expression Matriculation/ Secondary School Examination Certificate in this part of the instruction includes the alternative certificates mentioned above.
UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment – Education
Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination.
| For Army Wing of National Defence Academy | 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 National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University. |
Candidates appearing in the 11th class exam are not eligible for this examination
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UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment – Selection Mode
The UPSC administers a written exam, which is followed by an intelligence and personality test at the Services Selection Board (SSB), which includes the CPSS for the Air Force Flying branch, and a medical examination. A passing score on the written exam does not grant admission to the Academy. Subject to eligibility, medical fitness, and merit-cum-preference, the final distribution is determined by the total scores obtained in the Written Examination and SSB exams.
Stage 1 – Written Examination (Objective Type)
| Paper | Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 01 | 2½ Hours | 300 |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (Part A: English 200 marks + Part B: General Knowledge 400 marks) | 02 | 2½ Hours | 600 |
| Total (Written) | 900 | |||
| SSB Test / Interview | 900 | |||
Scheme of Examination & Syllabus (Brief)
| Paper | Subject / Part | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics (300 marks) | Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D), Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus & Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics & Probability |
| Paper II – Part A | English (200 marks) | Grammar & usage, vocabulary, comprehension, cohesion in extended text |
| Paper II – Part B | General Knowledge (400 marks) | Physics (25%), Chemistry (15%), General Science (10%), History & Freedom Movement (20%), Geography (20%), Current Events (10%) |
For both writing and marking answers in the OMR sheet (Answer Sheet), candidates must use black ball pen only. Pen of any other colour is not permitted. Do not use Pencil or Ink pen. Candidates should note that any omission/mistake/discrepancy in encoding/filling of details in the OMR answer sheet especially with regard to Roll Number and Test Booklet Series Code will render the answer sheet liable for rejection.
Examination Or Important Dates
| e-Admit Card Download | Last working day of the preceding week of the examination date |
| Date of Written Examination | 13-09-2026 |
| Representation Window for Answer Keys | 3rd day to 7th day (up to 6:00 PM) after examination |
| Written Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
| SSB Interview (Tentative) | December 2026 – January 2027 |
| Submission of 10+2 Certificate (for appearing candidates) | By 10-06-2027 |
| Course Commencement (NDA & INAC) | 01-07-2027 |
The Examination will be held at the following Centres :
Applicants should note that there will be a ceiling on the number of candidates allotted to each of the Centres except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata and Nagpur. Allotment of Centres will be on the first-apply-first- allot basis and once the capacity of a particular Centre is attained, the same will be frozen. Applicants, who cannot get a Centre of their choice due to ceiling, will be required to choose a Centre from the remaining ones. Applicants are, thus, advised that they may apply early so that they could get a Centre of their choice. If any candidate appears at a venue other than the one indicated by the Commission in his/her e-Admit Card, such candidate will not be allowed to take the examination.
Stage 2 – SSB Intelligence & Personality Test
- Stage I: Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT) and Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Tests. Admission to Stage II is limited to individuals who successfully complete Stage I.
- Stage II: Four days of interviews, group testing officer tasks, psychology tests, and conferences. The Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO), and Psychologist evaluate personality with equal weight.
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
A Board of Service Medical Officer examines candidates who have been nominated by SSB. The Academy only admits people who are deemed fit. The Medical Board’s proceedings are private. The process for an Appeal Medical Board and, later, a Review Medical Board will be communicated to candidates deemed unfit. It is recommended that candidates undergo a medical examination before to applying in order to prevent disappointment in the end. Wax in the ears, a deviated nasal septum, being overweight or underweight, having an undersized chest, tonsillitis, hydrocele or phimosis, gynaecomastia, and varicocele are common abnormalities.
UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment – Application Fees
Candidates (except SC / ST candidates / female candidates / Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs as specified in Note 2 below, who are exempted from payment of fee) are required to pay a fee of Rs. 100/- (Rupees one hundred only) either by using net banking facility of any bank or by using Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment for appearing in the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination-II, 2026.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 100/- (Non-Refundable) |
| SC / ST Candidates | NIL (Exempted) |
| Female Candidates (All categories) | NIL (Exempted) |
| Wards of serving/ex-JCOs/NCOs/ORs studying in Military Schools / Sainik Schools (run by Sainik Schools Society) | NIL (Exempted – certificate from Principal required for verification at SSB) |
How to Apply UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment?
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC application portal.
- Open the NDA & NA Recruitment 2026 notification.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if required.
- Fill personal details carefully.
- Select preferred service option.
- Upload photograph and signature.
- Complete application fee payment if applicable.
- Verify all information.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and save confirmation copy.
Candidates should apply before the last date to avoid server issues.
UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment Apply Dates
| Apply Start Date | 20-05-2026 |
| Apply Last Date | 09-06-2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
Documents Required for UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026
Keep these documents ready:
- Passport size photograph
- Candidate signature
- Class 10 certificate for age proof
- Class 12 marksheet and certificate
- Aadhaar card or identity proof
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate
- Photo ID proof
- Residence certificate
- NCC certificate (if applicable)
All documents should be clear and properly scanned.
FAQs
What is UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment?
It is a defence entrance examination conducted by UPSC for Army, Navy, and Air Force training academies.
What qualification is required for NDA Army Wing?
Candidates should pass Class 12 from a recognized board.
Is Physics and Mathematics compulsory?
Yes, for Air Force and Naval Wings.
Can Class 12 appearing students apply?
They may be eligible according to official notification rules.
What documents are required?
Photo, signature, Class 10 and 12 certificates, ID proof, and category documents.
UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Notification Pdf | Click Here |
| Apply Link | Click Here |
