UPSC NDA & NA (1) Recruitment 2026: 394 Vacancies for 12th Pass, A Golden Opportunity to Become an Officer!
The Union Public Service Commission has released the notification for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026. Unmarried male and female candidates can apply.
Great news for the youth who dream of serving the nation by joining the Indian Armed Forces as an officer. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the detailed notification (Examination Notice No.- 3/2026-NDA-I) for one of its most prestigious examinations, the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. This examination is a golden opportunity for unmarried male and female candidates who are currently in or have passed the 12th grade and wish to build a career as an officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Through this recruitment drive, a total of 394 vacancies will be filled for the 157th Course of the NDA and the 119th Course of the Indian Naval Academy (INAC). Selected candidates will receive world-class training and will be appointed as Commissioned Officers in the Indian Armed Forces. This is not just a job, but an opportunity to live a life of honor, pride, and adventure. The application process is entirely online and will be conducted on the official UPSC website from December 10, 2025, to December 30, 2025. In this detailed article, we will provide you with complete information about the wing-wise vacancies, eligibility, selection process, exam pattern, preparation strategy, and the application process.
Important Points
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | December 10, 2025 |
| Last Date for Online Application | December 30, 2025 (until 6:00 PM) |
| Date of Written Examination | April 12, 2026 |
| Job Type | Permanent Government Job (Defence Service) |
| Job Location | PAN India |
Vacancy Details
A total of 394 posts will be recruited through the UPSC NDA & NA (1) 2026 examination, the details of which are as follows:
| Academy and Wing | Male | Female | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | |||
| Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| Air Force - Flying | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| Air Force - Ground Duty (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| Air Force - Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | |||
| Executive Branch | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Grand Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Application Fee
- For General and OBC candidates: ₹100/- (One Hundred Rupees only).
- For SC, ST, female candidates, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: No fee.
The fee can be paid online (Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card/UPI) or by depositing cash at any branch of SBI.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
| Criteria | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Nationality | The candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee (who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling). |
| Age Limit and Marital Status | Only unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than July 01, 2007, and not later than July 01, 2010, are eligible. |
| Educational Qualification |
|
| Physical Standards | Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards prescribed for the Indian Armed Forces. Detailed information is provided in Appendix-III of the notification. |
Selection Process
Selection in the NDA is a two-stage process that tests both the intellectual and personality traits of the candidate:
- Written Examination: An objective-type written examination conducted by UPSC, carrying 900 marks. Candidates who qualify in this exam will be called for the SSB interview.
- SSB Interview: This is a detailed 5-day personality and intelligence test, carrying 900 marks. It consists of two stages:
- Stage-I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT). Only candidates who clear this stage proceed to Stage-II.
- Stage-II: Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO), Psychology Tests, and the Conference.
- Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB will have to undergo a detailed medical examination.
The final merit list will be prepared based on the total marks obtained in the written examination and the SSB interview.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The written examination consists of two papers, and there is a negative marking (0.33 marks) for wrong answers.
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper-II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total Written Exam | 900 | ||
| SSB Interview | 900 |
Brief Syllabus:
- Mathematics: Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of two and three dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability.
- General Ability Test (GAT):
- Part A - English (200 marks): Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and usage of words.
- Part B - General Knowledge (400 marks): Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History and Freedom Movement, Geography, and Current Affairs.
How to Prepare for the Exam
Success in the NDA exam requires consistency and smart preparation:
- Prioritize NCERTs: Make the NCERT books of classes 11th and 12th the foundation of your preparation for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and other subjects.
- Practice Mathematics Regularly: The mathematics paper is decisive. Memorize the formulas for all topics and practice questions daily.
- Improve English: Read an English newspaper daily. This will improve both your vocabulary and comprehension. Practice grammar rules.
- Give Time to General Knowledge: NCERT books are sufficient for History, Geography, and Science. For current affairs, read newspapers regularly and follow a monthly magazine.
- Solve Previous Years' Papers: Download the last 10 years' NDA question papers from the UPSC website and try to solve them within the time limit. This will help you understand the exam pattern and your weaknesses.
- Focus on Physical Fitness: Along with the written exam, it is also important to be physically fit for the SSB. Run regularly and do exercises.
Best Books for Preparation
Choosing the right study material is crucial for good preparation. Here are some recommended books by subject:
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Mathematics |
|
| General Ability Test (GAT) |
|
How to Apply
The application process is only through the UPSC's online portal:
- Go to the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Create your OTR profile by clicking on "One-time Registration (OTR) for Examinations" (if not already created).
- After logging in, click on the "Apply" link for "NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026".
- Fill the application form carefully, which will include your personal, educational information, and preference of examination center.
- Capture your Live Photograph and upload your signature.
- Pay the online application fee (if applicable).
- Review your application before final submission and then submit it.
Documents Needed to Apply
Keep the following information and scanned copies of documents ready while applying online:
- A valid Photo ID (such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card).
- Scanned copy of your recent passport-size photograph and signature.
- 10th and 12th class certificates (for proof of date of birth and educational qualification).
- Debit/Credit Card or UPI details for payment of the application fee.
Important Links
| Link Type | Anchor Text |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Download Here |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Question 1: Can students appearing in the 12th class apply?
Yes, candidates who are appearing in the 12th class examination can apply for this exam. However, they will have to submit the 12th pass certificate at the time of the SSB interview.
- Question 2: Can female candidates apply for all wings?
Yes, female candidates can now apply for all three wings - Army, Navy, and Air Force. Seats are reserved for them in each wing.
- Question 3: Is there negative marking in the exam?
Yes, there is negative marking for wrong answers in the written examination. One-third (0.33) of the marks allotted to that question will be deducted for each wrong answer.
- Question 4: Where is the SSB interview conducted?
The SSB interview is conducted at various Selection Centres across India, such as Allahabad (Prayagraj), Bhopal, Bengaluru, and Kapurthala. You will be allotted a center after you pass the written examination.
