The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued an official notification inviting applications for 394 posts under the NDA & NA (I) Examination. Candidates who meet the required eligibility conditions can submit their applications through the UPSC online application process. The last date for submission of the application form is 30 December 2025. This article provides complete information related to the UPSC NDA & NA (I) recruitment, such as eligibility criteria, age limit, pay structure, selection procedure, application process, and other important details for interested candidates.
UPSC NDA & NA 2026 Recruitment Overview: Apply Dates, Posts, Qualification Details
Organization Name: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Examination Name: National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026
Total Vacancies: 394 Posts (Male – 370 | Female – 24)
Job Location: Across India
Application Mode: Online
Exam Level: National Level
Important Dates
Notification Release Date: 10 December 2025
Online Application Start Date: 10 December 2025
Last Date to Apply Online: 30 December 2025 (till 06:00 PM)
Written Examination Date: 12 April 2026
Written Result Declaration: May 2026 (Tentative)
SSB Interview Period: June to July 2026 (Tentative)
Course Commencement: January 2027
NDA & NA 2026 Vacancy Details
| Academy / Service | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA – Army (157th Course) | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| NDA – Navy (Executive Branch) | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| NDA – Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| NDA – Air Force (Ground Duty – Technical) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| NDA – Air Force (Ground Duty – Non-Technical) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme – 119th INAC) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Note: Male and female candidates are selected separately as per notified vacancies.
Educational Qualification
Army Wing (NDA): 12th Class pass or appearing (10+2 pattern)
Air Force & Naval Wings (NDA): 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics
Naval Academy (10+2 Entry): 12th Class pass with PCM
Candidates appearing in Class 12 are eligible but must submit proof by 10 December 2026
Candidates studying in Class 11 are not eligible
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027)
Minimum Age: 16.5 years
Maximum Age: 19.5 years
Only unmarried male and female candidates born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 are eligible
Application Fee
General / OBC (Male): ₹100
Female Candidates: No Fee
SC / ST Candidates: No Fee
Wards of JCOs / NCOs / ORs (Military & Sainik Schools): No Fee
Fee once paid is non-refundable.
Selection Process
Stage 1 – Written Examination
Paper I – Mathematics: 300 Marks
Paper II – General Ability Test: 600 Marks
Total Marks: 900
Objective-type questions
Negative marking of 1/3 marks for each wrong answer
Stage 2 – SSB Interview
Total Marks: 900
Two-stage evaluation (Screening + Detailed Assessment)
Includes Interview, Psychology Tests, GTO Tasks & Conference
Air Force candidates undergo Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS)
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Conducted by Armed Forces Medical Services
Final merit based on Written + SSB marks, subject to medical fitness
Salary / Stipend
During Training: ₹56,100 per month (Level 10)
After Commissioning (Lieutenant): ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month
Military Service Pay: ₹15,500 per month (from Lieutenant to Brigadier)
Additional allowances include Dearness Allowance, Dress Allowance, Transport Allowance, Field Allowance, Children Education Allowance, and more
Physical Standards (Brief)
Minimum Height: Male – 157 cm | Female – 152 cm | Flying Branch – 162.5 cm
Vision: 6/12 unaided, correctable to 6/6
Chest Expansion (Male): Minimum 5 cm
Must meet medical and physical fitness standards as per NDA/NA requirements
Key Highlights
Open for 12th-pass candidates
Entry into Indian Army, Navy & Air Force
Separate selection for male and female candidates
Prestigious defence career with excellent pay, allowances, and benefits