UPSC NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 – Complete Guide for Aspirants

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2026. This prestigious examination is one of the most sought-after defence entrance exams in India and serves as a gateway for young aspirants to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers.
This blog provides a clear, aspirant-friendly overview of all the important details you need to know before applying.
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Why NDA is a Dream Career
Cracking the NDA examination opens the door to:
• World-class military training
• Leadership development from a young age
• A respected and honourable career serving the nation 🇮🇳
• Equal opportunities for both male and female candidates
NDA is not just an exam—it is the foundation of a life built on discipline, courage, and service.
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Important Dates – NDA & NA (I) 2026
Candidates must carefully note the following key dates:
• Notification Release Date: 10 December 2025
• Last Date to Apply Online: 30 December 2025 (till 6:00 PM)
• Written Examination Date: 12 April 2026
• Course Commencement: January 2027
Applications are accepted only through the official UPSC portal: 👉 https://upsconline.nic.in
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Courses Offered & Vacancies
The examination is conducted for admission to:
• 157th Course of National Defence Academy (NDA)
• 119th Course of Indian Naval Academy (INA)
🔢 Total Vacancies: 394
These vacancies include positions for both male and female candidates, with separate merit lists prepared as per notified categories.
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Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Candidates must be:
• Indian citizens, or
• Subjects of Nepal, or
• Persons of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with an eligibility certificate
Age Limit
• Candidates must be unmarried
• Date of birth should be between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (both dates inclusive)
Educational Qualification
• Army Wing: 12th pass (any stream)
• Navy & Air Force Wings: 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)
• Candidates appearing for the Class 12 examination are also eligible to apply
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the medical and physical standards prescribed by NDA/INA authorities.
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Application Process (Online Only)
UPSC has introduced a four-module online application system:
1. Account Creation
2. Universal Registration Number (URN)
3. Common Application Form (CAF)
4. Examination-Specific Application Module
Important Instructions
• Live photo capture is mandatory during application
• Aadhaar is strongly recommended for identity verification
• No correction or withdrawal is allowed after final submission
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Application Fee
• ₹100 for General and OBC candidates
• No fee for SC/ST candidates, female candidates, and eligible wards of defence personnel
Payment can be made through:
• UPI
• Debit Card / Credit Card
• Internet Banking
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Exam Pattern & Selection Process
Written Examination (Total: 900 Marks)
• Mathematics: 300 marks (2½ hours)
• General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks (2½ hours)
✔️ Objective-type questions
✔️ Negative marking applicable
SSB Interview (900 Marks)
• Stage I: Intelligence and Psychological Tests
• Stage II: Interview, Group Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference
Final Selection
Final selection is based on:
• Written Examination marks
• SSB Interview performance
• Medical fitness
• Merit-cum-preference
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Important Instructions for Candidates
• Mobile phones, smart watches, and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited
• Candidates must use black ball pen only for marking OMR sheets
• Face authentication will be conducted at exam centres
• Reach the examination venue at least 30 minutes early
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Final Words for Aspirants
Candidates are strongly advised to read the official notification carefully, prepare documents in advance, and apply well before the last date. Consistent preparation, physical fitness, and confidence are key to success in NDA.
NDA is not merely an examination—it is the beginning of a life of honour, leadership, and service to the nation.
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Prepared for aspirants by Coach India IITians Academy, Thrissur