The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued the official notification for the NDA & NA (I) Examination 2026 under Examination Notice No. 3/2026-NDA-I, dated 10 December 2025. This examination is being held for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (157th Course) and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course, scheduled to commence on 1 January 2027. The online application process is now active, and eligible candidates may apply through the official UPSC website.
The NDA exam is one of India’s most prestigious defence entrance tests, offering candidates an opportunity to join the armed forces as commissioned officers. The application window will remain open until 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM). Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria related to age, educational qualifications, and physical standards before submitting their applications. The written examination will be conducted offline on 12 April 2026 at various centres across the country.
UPSC NDA II Notification Overview
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Written Examination, Intelligence & Personality Test, Psychological Aptitude Test, and Interview. |
| No.of Posts | 394 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Selection Process | Written Examination, Intelligence & Personality Test, Psychological Aptitude Test, Interview. |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
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UPSC NDA II Exam Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week before exam |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Result (Written) | May 2026 |
UPSC NDA II Vacancy 2025
| Name of the Post | Number of Posts |
| Army | 208 (including 10 for female candidates) |
| Navy | 42 (including 06 for female candidates) |
| Air Force | (i) Flying – 92 (including 02 for female candidates) (ii) Ground Duties (Tech) – 18 (including 02 for female candidates) (iii) Ground Duties (Non Tech) – 10 (including 02 for female candidates) |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 24 |
| Total | 406 Posts |
Educational Qualifications
- For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: Candidates Should have 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: Candidates Should have 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent.
Age Limit
Only unmarried male and female candidates born between 1st July 2007 and 1st July 2010 are eligible.
UPSC NDA-II Selection Process
The selection process for the above-mentioned posts is based on a Written Examination, Intelligence & Personality Test, Psychological Aptitude Test, Interview.
UPSC NDA NA-II Salary
| Rank Name | Salary (Per Month) |
| Lieutenant | Rs.56,100 – 1,77,500/- |
| Captain | Rs.61,300 – 1,93,900/- |
| Major | Rs.69,400 – 2,07,200/- |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Rs.1,21,200 – 2,12,400/- |
| Colonel | Rs.1,30,600 – 2,15,900/- |
| Brigadier | Rs.1,39,600 – 2,17,600/- |
| Major General | Rs.1,44,200 – 2,18,200/- |
| Lieutenant General HAG Scale | Rs.1,82,200 – 2,24,100/- |
| HAG+Scale | Rs.2,05,400 – 2,24,400/- |
| VCOAS/Army Cdr/Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Rs.2,25,000/- |
| COAS | Rs.2,50,000/- |
UPSC NDA-II 2026 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | – | 900 |
Note: Negative marking applies for incorrect answers.
UPSC NDA-II Exam Fee
For National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam Posts:
- For SC/ST/Female/Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs Candidates: Nil
- For All Other Candidates: Rs. 100/-.
- Mode of Payment: Online
How to Apply for UPSC NDA-II?
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the Recruitment or Careers section.
- Select the link for UPSC NDA II Exam Notification 2025.
- Download and save the detailed notification for future reference.
- If applicable, pay the required application fee.
- Complete and submit the online application form before 31st December 2024.
- Print the submission confirmation page for your records.
Important Link
FAQs
The minimum age to appear for the NDA & NA Examination is 16.5 years, while the maximum age is 19.5 years.
Successful candidates can join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force based on their preferences and merit.
Yes, candidates must have completed or be appearing in 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
Preparation for the SSB interview involves enhancing communication skills, personality development, and practicing mock interviews to familiarize oneself with the process.
Yes, certain categories such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and others have relaxation in age and eligibility criteria as per government regulations.