UPSC NDA 2026 Notification Out: 394 Vacancies, Exam Date, Salary & Eligibility
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10-Dec-2025, 05:31 pm 41 Views
UPSC NDA 2026 Notification Out: 394 Vacancies, Exam Date, Salary & Eligibility
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. This is the ultimate gateway for young, unmarried men and women who dream of wearing the uniform and serving the nation as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Commission has announced 394 vacancies for the 157th Course at NDA and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). Selected candidates will undergo world-class training with a stipend of ₹56,100 per month, eventually commissioning as Lieutenants (or equivalent) with a prestigious Level 10 salary. The application window is open from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. If you are a 12th-pass student with a passion for defence, this is your call to duty.
Key Highlights of UPSC NDA 1 2026 Exam
UPSC NDA 1 Vacancy Breakdown 2026
The 394 vacancies are distributed among the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy. Women candidates are eligible for all wings.
UPSC NDA 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must strictly adhere to the eligibility rules regarding age and education.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards. This involves height, weight, and vision standards. It is advised to get a medical check-up done before applying to avoid rejection at a later stage.
Salary and Benefits
A career in the defence forces offers unmatched financial stability and perks.
The NDA selection process is a two-stage procedure:
Tier 1: Written Examination (900 Marks)
Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. It is a 5-day process involving:
Application Fees
Essential Links
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. This is the ultimate gateway for young, unmarried men and women who dream of wearing the uniform and serving the nation as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Commission has announced 394 vacancies for the 157th Course at NDA and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). Selected candidates will undergo world-class training with a stipend of ₹56,100 per month, eventually commissioning as Lieutenants (or equivalent) with a prestigious Level 10 salary. The application window is open from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. If you are a 12th-pass student with a passion for defence, this is your call to duty.
Key Highlights of UPSC NDA 1 2026 Exam
- Recruitment Board: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Name: National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026
- Total Vacancies: 394 Posts
- Job Location: All India (Training at Khadakwasla & Ezhimala)
- Salary/Pay Scale: Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500)
- Application Mode: Online
- Last Date to Apply: 30th December 2025
UPSC NDA 1 Vacancy Breakdown 2026
The 394 vacancies are distributed among the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy. Women candidates are eligible for all wings.
|
Wing/Academy |
Department/Entry |
Vacancies |
|
National Defence Academy |
Army |
208 (including 10 for female) |
|
Navy |
42 (including 05 for female) |
|
|
Air Force (Flying) |
92 (including 02 for female) |
|
|
Air Force (Ground Duties – Tech) |
18 (including 02 for female) |
|
|
Air Force (Ground Duties – Non Tech) |
10 (including 02 for female) |
|
|
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) |
— |
24 (including 03 for female) |
|
Total |
394 |
Candidates must strictly adhere to the eligibility rules regarding age and education.
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 & 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent.
- Note: Candidates appearing in the 12th Class exam can also apply.
- Marital Status: Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply.
- Age Limit: Candidates must be born not earlier than 01st July 2007 and not later than 01st July 2010.
Candidates must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards. This involves height, weight, and vision standards. It is advised to get a medical check-up done before applying to avoid rejection at a later stage.
Salary and Benefits
A career in the defence forces offers unmatched financial stability and perks.
- Stipend: Gentlemen/Lady Cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100/- per month (Starting pay in Level 10) during the training period at IMA/INA/AFA.
- Pay Scale: Upon commissioning, officers are placed in Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500).
- Allowances: Officers are entitled to Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500/- p.m., Flying Allowance (for Pilots), Dearness Allowance, Kit Maintenance Allowance, High Altitude Allowance, and more.
- Perks: Free medical facilities, canteen facilities, group insurance, and accommodation are provided.
The NDA selection process is a two-stage procedure:
Tier 1: Written Examination (900 Marks)
- Mathematics (Paper I): 300 Marks. Focuses on Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Calculus, etc. Duration: 2.5 Hours.
- General Ability Test (Paper II): 600 Marks. Comprises English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks including Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography). Duration: 2.5 Hours.
- Note: The papers are objective type with negative marking.
Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. It is a 5-day process involving:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II: Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.
- CPSS: Candidates for Air Force Flying Branch must also qualify the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
- Go to the official website: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) platform if you are a new user.
- Log in and find the link for “National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026”.
- Fill out the application form carefully (Part I and Part II).
- Upload scanned photograph, signature, and photo ID card.
- Pay the examination fee of ₹100/- (except exempted categories).
- Select your preferred exam centre.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page.
|
Event |
Date |
|
Notification Released |
10th December 2025 |
|
Online Application Begins |
10th December 2025 |
|
Last Date to Apply |
30th December 2025 (till 6:00 PM) |
|
Correction Window |
31st Dec 2025 to 06th Jan 2026 |
|
NDA 1 Exam Date 2026 |
12th April 2026 |
|
Category |
Fee |
|
General / OBC (Sons of civilians) |
₹ 100/- |
|
SC / ST / Female / Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs |
Nil (Exempted) |
|
Payment Mode |
Online (UPI/Card/Net Banking) |
- Official Notification PDF: Download Notification
- Apply Online: Apply Online
- Official Website: UPSC Website
UPSC NDA 2026 Notification Out: 394 Vacancies, Exam Date, Salary & Eligibility
| India >> Union Public Service Commission | |
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | NDA |
| Total Vacancy : 394 Posts National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 | |
| Application starts Date | 10th December 2025 |
| Last Date | 30 Dec 2025 |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Article Category | job |
| Official website | Click Here |
 | |
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