UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026 – Notification, Eligibility, Vacancy, Salary & Apply Online

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. Eligible male and female candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through NDA and NA can apply online from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025.

Are you aspiring to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and serve the nation? The UPSC NDA 2026 application form is your gateway to this esteemed institution. This comprehensive guide provides complete, step-by-step instructions for filling the NDA 2026 online application form, covering everything from eligibility criteria to document requirements. Whether you’re preparing for NDA 1 2026 or NDA 2 2026, this detailed blog will help you navigate the application process seamlessly.

NDA 2026 Important Dates and Deadlines

Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to understand the key dates for UPSC NDA 2026:​

NDA 1 2026 Schedule

• Notification Release Date: December 10, 2025​
• Application Start Date: December 10, 2025​
• Application Last Date: December 30, 2025
• NDA Exam Date: April 12, 2026​

NDA 2 2026 Schedule

• Notification Release Date: May 20, 2026​
• Application Start Date: May 20, 2026​
• Application Last Date: June 9, 2026​
• NDA Exam Date: September 13, 2026

UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026 – Overview

UPSC NDA & NA Important Links

• Apply Online: https://upsconline.nic.in/login

• Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in/

NDA & NA 2026 Vacancy Details

Note: Male and female vacancies are processed separately as per "gender-pure" selection.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Army Wing of NDA:
  12th Class pass (10+2 pattern) from a recognized Board.

• Air Force, Naval Wing & Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry):
  12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics.

• Candidates appearing in Class 12 may apply but must pass by 10 December 2026.

Nationality

A candidate must be one of the following:

• Citizen of India

• Subject of Nepal

• Person of Indian origin migrated from eligible countries to settle in India

Marital Status

• Only unmarried male & female candidates are eligible.

• Marriage before/during training is strictly prohibited.

Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027)

• Minimum Age: 16.5 years (Born not later than 01/07/2010)

• Maximum Age: 19.5 years (Born not earlier than 01/07/2007)

• Must be born between 01/07/2007 and 01/07/2010.

Application Fee

Payment Mode: Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking.

Important Dates

Selection Process

Stage 1 – Written Examination (900 Marks)

• Paper I – Mathematics: 300 Marks

• Paper II – General Ability Test (GAT): 600 Marks

  • English – 200 Marks

  • General Knowledge – 400 Marks

Negative Marking: 1/3rd per wrong answer.
Medium: Hindi & English (except English paper).

Stage 2 – SSB Interview (900 Marks)

Two stages:

1. Stage I: OIR Test + PP&DT

2. Stage II: Interview, GTO Tasks, Psychology Tests, Conference

Air Force candidates also take CPSS.

Stage 3 – Medical Examination

Conducted at Armed Forces Medical Services Hospitals.

NDA Salary & Benefits

Stipend During Training

• ₹56,100 per month (Level 10)

After Commissioning

Allowances

• MSP: ₹15,500 per month

• Dress Allowance: ₹20,000 per year

• Transport Allowance: ₹3,600–₹7,200 + DA

• CEA: ₹2,250 per month

• Hostel Subsidy: ₹6,750 per month

Insurance

• During Training: ₹15 lakh

• After Commissioning: ₹1.25 crore

Physical Standards

Height

• Male: 157 cm

• Female: 152 cm

• Flying Branch: 162.5 cm

Relaxations apply for hilly regions.

Vision

• Uncorrected: 6/12

• Corrected: 6/6

• Myopia: up to –1.0 D

• Hypermetropia: up to +2.0 D

Other Standards

• Chest (male): 77 cm + 5 cm expansion

• Dental: Minimum 14 dental points

• Must be free from any disease/disability

How to Apply for CDS Exam 2026

1. Visit: https://upsconline.nic.in

2. Create an account → Generate URN

3. Fill Common Application Form (CAF)

4. Upload photo + Live photo capture

5. Select preferences (Army/Navy/Air Force)

6. Upload required documents

7. Select exam centre

8. Pay fee (if applicable)

9. Submit application

10. Download the application form for future use

General Instructions

• Applications accepted only through upsconline.nic.in.

• URN (Universal Registration Number) is mandatory.

• Live photo capture required during CAF.

• Aadhaar strongly recommended for ID verification.

• No withdrawal or correction allowed after submission.

• E-Admit Cards available one week before the exam (no email or post).

• Candidates must reach the exam venue at least 30 minutes early.

• Electronic gadgets strictly prohibited.

• Use black ball pen only for OMR sheets.

• QPRep portal active for 7 days after the exam for question paper representation.

• Helpdesk: 011-24041001 / [email protected]

• Government promotes gender balance—women encouraged to apply.