UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026 – Detailed Notification
Organization Details
- Organization Name: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission, Government of India
Examination / Post Details
- Examination Name: National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026
- Course Details: Admission to Army, Navy and Air Force Wings of NDA (157th Course) and Indian Naval Academy (119th Course – 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)
- Employment Type: Commissioned Officer Training (Defence Services)
Job Location
The examination is conducted at multiple examination centres across various cities and states in India. Final training will be conducted at the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy as per service allocation.
- Country: India
- City / State: Multiple locations across India
- Postal Code: Not specified
- Street Address: Not specified
Important Dates
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 December 2025 (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Written Examination Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Written Exam Result (Tentative) | May 2026 |
| SSB Interview Period | June 2026 to July 2026 |
| Course Commencement | 01 January 2027 |
Vacancy Details
| Academy / Wing | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army (NDA) | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy (NDA) | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| Air Force – Flying | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| Air Force – Ground Duty (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| Air Force – Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (INAC) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Vacancies are provisional and may change depending on training capacity and administrative requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Citizen of India
- Subject of Nepal
- Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with intent to permanently settle in India (certificate required)
Age Limit & Marital Status
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible
- Candidates must be born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (both dates inclusive)
Educational Qualification
- Army Wing: 12th Class pass (10+2 pattern) or equivalent
- Navy & Air Force Wings: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
- Candidates appearing in 12th class examination are also eligible, subject to conditions
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the physical standards as prescribed by NDA & NA guidelines detailed in Appendix-III of the notification.
Application Fees
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | Exempted |
| Eligible Wards of JCOs / NCOs / ORs | Exempted |
Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Application Process
- Candidates must apply online only through the UPSC online portal.
- Complete Universal Registration Number (URN) and Common Application Form (CAF).
- Upload photograph, signature and complete live photo capture.
- Select examination centre and service preferences carefully.
- Pay application fee (if applicable) and submit the form.
No correction, withdrawal or modification is allowed after final submission of the application.
Selection Process
- Written Examination (Objective Type)
- Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview – Intelligence & Personality Test
- Medical Examination as per Defence Services standards
- Final Merit List based on Written Exam + SSB performance
Helpline & Contact Information
- Helpline Number: 011-24041001
- Email ID: upscsoap@nic.in
- Helpline Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days during application window
Important Instructions & Disclaimers
- Negative marking is applicable for wrong answers.
- Use of mobile phones, smart watches or electronic devices is strictly prohibited.
- Face authentication will be conducted at examination centres.
- Admission is purely provisional and subject to verification of eligibility.
- English version of the notification shall prevail in case of any dispute.
Official Links
- Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
- Official Notification PDF: https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-NA-I-2026-Engl-101225.pdf
