UPSC NDA & NA Examination (II) 2026 | 394 Posts
Published/Updated: 07 August 2026 08:08:46
The online application registration window for the 394 UPSC NDA & NA (II) vacancies is closed. The Union Public Service Commission is scheduled to conduct the nationwide Written Examination on September 13, 2026. Registered candidates should actively track local portals for the official Admit Card release links dropping shortly and pivot to rigorous mock practice.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the structural parameters for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (II) 2026. Selection is determined through a nationwide written test followed by extensive SSB personality evaluations. Full parameters are detailed below.
Sarkari Database Expert Guide: Academy Tiers & Selection Dynamics
The UPSC National Defence Services and Naval Academy Combined Examination (NDA & NA II 2026) serves as the premier entry point for young male and female aspirants aiming to build an officer-cadre career inside the Indian Armed Forces. With a provisional pool of 394 vacancies allocated for the 157th Course, navigating the strict service choice preferences drastically impacts your training trajectory and future commission tracks.
Training Ecosystems & Commission Horizons:
Candidates clearing the elite aggregate thresholds for the National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla enter an intense, multi-disciplinary three-year academic and physical conditioning track before advancing to specialized service academies (IMA, INA, or AFA). Conversely, entering the Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) Ezhimala routes qualifiers straight into a targeted four-year B.Tech training framework explicitly focused on naval architecture, marine electronics, and modern maritime logistical operations.
The Intelligence and Personality Filter (SSB):
A common pitfall for defense aspirants is over-focusing on clearing the 900-mark written screening papers while underestimating the successive multi-stage selection process. The Services Selection Board (SSB) evaluation operates as a comprehensive 5-day psychological, group task, and personal interview filter designed to test 'Officer Like Qualities' (OLQs). Furthermore, technical tracks like the Air Force Flying Branch mandate a flawless run in the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS), which acts as an absolute lifetime eliminator independent of academic scores.
Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Last Date: 11 June 2026 | Total Vacancies: 394
Important Dates
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 11 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 11 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Available | Before Exam |
| Exam Date |
13 September 2026 |
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: 100/-
- SC / ST : 0/-
- Mode: Online Payment.
Age Limit
- 01 January 2008 to 01 January 2011
Eligibilty Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Application entry is strictly open to unmarried male and female citizens of India, subjects of Nepal, or eligible individuals of Indian origin holding a valid, certified eligibility transcript approved directly by the central government. |
| Educational Qualifications | - For Army Wing of NDA: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern or equivalent. - For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA & 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INAC: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern or equivalent. - Candidates appearing in 12th Class are also eligible. Proof of passing must be provided by December 10, 2026. |
| Physical Standards | Candidates must be physically fit as per standards in Appendix-III. |
| Other Eligibility | - Candidates who have resigned or withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from any Armed Forces training academy are not eligible. - Candidates debarred by the Ministry of Defence are not eligible. |
| Air Force Specific | - Candidates who failed CPSS/PABT earlier can apply for Air Force Ground Duty branches if they indicate willingness in the Exam Specific Form. |
Vacancy Details 394 Posts
| Total Vacancies | Details |
|---|---|
| Army | 208 (198 male, 10 female) |
| Navy | 42 (37 male, 5 female) |
| Air Force | 92 (114 male, 6 female) |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 24 (21 male, 3 female) |
| Note | Vacancies are provisional and may change. |
Selection Process Permanent
Admission to the courses will be based on the results of a written examination conducted by UPSC, followed by an Intelligence and Personality Test by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Candidates for the Air Force wing must also qualify the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
Syllabus
The examination consists of two papers:
Paper-I: Mathematics (300 Marks)
Topics include Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of two and three dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability.
Paper-II: General Ability Test (600 Marks)
Part 'A' - English (200 Marks): Grammar, usage, vocabulary, comprehension, and cohesion.
Part 'B' - General Knowledge (400 Marks): Broadly covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events.
A detailed syllabus is provided in Appendix-I of the notification.
Required Document
- Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate or equivalent for proof of date of birth.
- 12th Class pass certificate or equivalent for proof of educational qualification.
- Certificate of Eligibility (if applicable).
- Photo ID Card (Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, etc.) used during application.
- Certificate for fee exemption (if applicable).
- For candidates qualifying the SSB interview, original Matriculation/10+2 certificates and other relevant documents will be required at the SSB stage.
Salary Criteria
During the entire institutional training interval at the National Defence Academy and respective service academies, selected cadets are granted a fixed starting stipend of ₹56,100 per month (mapped to Level 10 of the 7th Pay Matrix). Upon successful pre-commissioning graduation and formal induction as a Commissioned Lieutenant (or equivalent rank in the Navy and Air Force), officers unlock full military allowances, including Military Service Pay (MSP), Dearness Allowance, and specific high-altitude field compensations relative to their operational deployment sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the last date to apply for the NDA & NA Exam (I) 2026?
A: The online application window closed on June 11, 2026. The recruitment pipeline has officially transitioned to examination preparation stages.
Q: What are the age criteria for the NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026?
A: Candidates should be unmarried and born not earlier than 1st January, 2008, and not later than 1st January, 2011.
Q: What are the educational qualifications required for the NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026?
A: For the Army Wing, a 12th Class pass is required. For Air Force and Naval Wings, a 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is necessary. Candidates appearing for the 12th class exam are also eligible.
Q: What is the application fee for the NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026?
A: The application fee is Rs. 100/-. SC/ST candidates, female candidates, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs (as specified in the notification) are exempted from paying the fee.
Q: When will the NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 be conducted?
A: The examination is scheduled to be conducted on 13 September, 2026.