UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Notification Released for 394 Army, Navy & Air Force Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA & NA (II) Examination 2026 Notification for admission to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA). This recruitment drive offers 394 vacancies across the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme).
For students dreaming of becoming commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces, NDA remains one of the most respected and competitive defence examinations in the country. Candidates who qualify the written examination and SSB interview will undergo world-class military training before joining the Indian Army, Indian Navy, or Indian Air Force as officers.
The online application process began on 20 May 2026, and UPSC has extended the last date to apply until 11 June 2026 (6:00 PM). The NDA (II) written examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Notification Released for 394 Defence Academy Vacancies
This NDA recruitment is conducted for admission to the 158th National Defence Academy Course and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), commencing from July 2027.
Selected candidates receive professional military training and later join the Armed Forces as officers with excellent salary packages, allowances, career growth, pension benefits, adventure opportunities, and nationwide respect.
UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Examination (II) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Course | 158th NDA & 120th Naval Academy Course |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 11 June 2026 (Extended) |
| Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Training Start | 1 July 2027 |
| Official Website | UPSC |
UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Vacancy Details
| Wing | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | 208 |
| Navy Wing | 42 |
| Air Force (Flying Branch) | 92 |
| Air Force (Ground Duty Technical) | 18 |
| Air Force (Ground Duty Non-Technical) | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 24 |
| Total | 394 |
Why NDA is One of India’s Most Prestigious Defence Exams?
- Direct officer entry after Class 12
- Training at National Defence Academy, Pune
- Opportunity to join Army, Navy or Air Force
- Government officer status at a young age
- Starting salary above ₹80,000 per month after commissioning
- Military Service Pay and multiple allowances
- Adventure, leadership and international exposure
- Lifetime career growth opportunities
- Pension and retirement benefits
- High social respect and job security
Educational Qualification for UPSC NDA (II) 2026
Army Wing
Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2 pattern) from a recognized board or university.
Navy Wing, Air Force Wing & Naval Academy
Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognized board.
Candidates appearing in Class 12 examination are also eligible to apply.
UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the NDA & NA Examination (II) 2026, candidates should carefully verify their eligibility. UPSC rejects applications that do not satisfy educational, age, or physical standards.
Educational Qualification
| Wing | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing of NDA | 12th Pass (10+2) from a recognized board |
| Navy Wing of NDA | 12th Pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) |
| Air Force Wing of NDA | 12th Pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 12th Pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) |
Candidates appearing in Class 12 examinations are also eligible to apply provisionally.
UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Age Limit
Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | Born between 01 January 2008 and 01 January 2011 (Both Dates Inclusive) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Gender | Male & Female |
The date of birth recorded in the Matriculation Certificate will be treated as final.
Physical Standards for NDA 2026
Candidates must be physically and medically fit according to the standards prescribed by the Ministry of Defence.
- Good mental and physical health
- No permanent body deformity
- Normal hearing ability
- Good eyesight as per service requirements
- Fitness for military training
- No chronic disease or disability affecting service duties
Air Force candidates, especially Flying Branch applicants, must satisfy stricter vision and medical standards.
UPSC NDA Salary 2026
One of the biggest attractions of NDA is the officer-level pay structure after commissioning.
During Training
| Particular | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fixed Stipend During Training | ₹56,100 per month |
After Commissioning
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant / Equivalent | Level-10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
Additional Benefits
- Military Service Pay (MSP) – ₹15,500 per month
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Transport Allowance
- Field Area Allowance
- Flying Allowance (Air Force)
- High Altitude Allowance
- Free Medical Facilities
- CSD Canteen Benefits
- Government Accommodation
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Pension Benefits
- Group Insurance Coverage
After including MSP and allowances, newly commissioned officers often receive a monthly package ranging from ₹80,000 to ₹1,10,000 or more depending on posting location and service branch.
UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Selection Process
The NDA selection process consists of multiple stages designed to assess academic knowledge, leadership qualities, communication skills, intelligence, personality and physical fitness.
Stage 1: Written Examination
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Mathematics | 300 | 2½ Hours |
| Paper-II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2½ Hours |
| Total | 900 | ||
General Ability Test (GAT) Structure
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 200 |
| General Knowledge | 400 |
The General Knowledge section includes:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General Science
- History
- Geography
- Current Affairs
Negative Marking: Applicable in both papers.
Stage 2: SSB Interview
Candidates qualifying the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview.
The SSB process generally lasts for 5 days and evaluates:
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
- Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks
- Leadership Ability
- Communication Skills
- Personal Interview
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Written Exam | 900 |
| SSB Interview | 900 |
| Total | 1800 |
Final merit is prepared based on Written Examination + SSB Interview marks, subject to medical fitness.
How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA (II) 2026?
The application process is completely online through the UPSC Online Portal. Candidates are advised to complete the One Time Registration (OTR) before filling out the NDA application form.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal.
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
- Login using your credentials.
- Select NDA & NA Examination (II) 2026.
- Fill personal, educational and communication details carefully.
- Select preferred examination centres.
- Upload passport-size photograph, signature and photo identity proof.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Review the application carefully before final submission.
- Submit the form and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Documents Required for UPSC NDA Application Form
- Class 10 Marksheet and Certificate
- Class 12 Marksheet (if available)
- Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Passport / Voter ID
- Recent Passport Size Photograph
- Scanned Signature
- Valid Mobile Number
- Active Email ID
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Application Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
| Eligible JCO/NCO/OR Wards | No Fee |
Payment can be made through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI or SBI payment methods.
UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 June 2026 (Extended) |
| Application Correction Window | As Per UPSC Schedule |
| Admit Card Release | August 2026 |
| Written Examination | 13 September 2026 |
| SSB Interview | After Written Result |
| Course Commencement | 01 July 2027 |
NDA 2026 Preparation Tips for Beginners
- Create a daily study timetable covering Mathematics and GAT.
- Focus on NCERT Mathematics from Classes 11 and 12.
- Read newspapers regularly for current affairs.
- Practice previous year NDA question papers.
- Attempt weekly mock tests.
- Improve English grammar and vocabulary.
- Develop communication and leadership skills for SSB.
- Maintain physical fitness through running and exercise.
- Stay consistent rather than studying irregularly.
Why Choose NDA After Class 12?
NDA is one of India’s most prestigious career opportunities for young students. Unlike many competitive exams where candidates wait years for stable employment, NDA provides a direct pathway to becoming a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces.
- Officer Rank at a Young Age
- Excellent Salary and Allowances
- Free Military Training
- Leadership Development
- Adventure and Travel Opportunities
- Job Security
- Social Prestige
- Pension Benefits
- International Exposure
- Nation-Building Career
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are available in UPSC NDA (II) 2026?
A total of 394 vacancies have been announced across Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy wings.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC NDA (II) 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is 11 June 2026 (extended).
Q3. Who can apply for NDA 2026?
Unmarried male and female candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 can apply.
Q4. Is Mathematics compulsory for NDA?
Mathematics is compulsory only for Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy applicants. Army Wing candidates can apply with any stream in Class 12.
Q5. What is the NDA 2026 examination date?
The NDA (II) 2026 written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026.
Q6. Is there negative marking in NDA?
Yes. Negative marking is applicable in both Mathematics and General Ability Test papers.
Q7. What is the starting salary after NDA?
After commissioning, officers start at Pay Level 10 with basic pay of ₹56,100 plus MSP and allowances.
Q8. Can girls apply for NDA 2026?
Yes. Eligible unmarried female candidates can apply for NDA and Naval Academy vacancies.
Important Links
- UPSC Official Website
- Apply Online for UPSC NDA (II) 2026
- Latest Government Jobs
- Admit Card Updates
- Latest Results
- Career Guidance
Conclusion
UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Recruitment offers an outstanding opportunity for 12th-pass candidates to begin a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. With 394 vacancies across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy, this examination remains one of the best defence career opportunities available after Class 12.
Candidates should complete their applications before the extended deadline of 11 June 2026 and begin focused preparation for the written examination scheduled on 13 September 2026. Consistent study, strong fundamentals and disciplined preparation can help you secure a place in the National Defence Academy and serve the nation as an officer.
Education & Career News Writer at JobCareerMint. Covers latest government jobs, board results, admit cards, recruitment updates and education news across India.