Union Public Service Commission National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II) 2026
Latest Jobs๐ ๐ Detailed Recruitment Information
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (II) 2026 notification, inviting eligible Indian candidates to apply online for 394 vacancies. This is a Central Government permanent job with a monthly salary of โน56,100โโน1,77,500. The last date to submit the online application is 11 June 2026.
The UPSC NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 is a highly competitive examination for aspiring candidates seeking a career in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Last year, lakhs of candidates appeared for this exam, making it one of the most sought-after government jobs. Success in this exam opens doors to prestigious training academies and a distinguished career in national defence. The selection process is rigorous, designed to identify candidates with the right aptitude, physical fitness, and mental resilience.
The selection process for UPSC NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 involves a written examination followed by an intelligence and personality test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Candidates who successfully clear both stages will undergo a medical examination. The entire process is meticulously designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are selected to serve the nation.
NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 โ Important Highlights
- Recruiting Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Post Name(s): National Defence Academy (Army, Navy, Air Force), Naval Academy (Executive Branch)
- Total Vacancies: 394 Posts
- Job Category: Central Government โ Permanent
- Pay Level / Grade Pay: Pay Level 10 as per 7th CPC
- Gross Salary: โน56,100โโน1,77,500 per month (approx.)
- Job Location: All India
- Mode of Application: Online
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
- Application Start Date: 20 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 11 June 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 11 June 2026
NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 โ Important Dates
| Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 11 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 11 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Not Specified |
| Admit Card Release Date | To Be Announced (Usually 2-3 weeks before exam) |
| Exam Date | 01 September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced (Usually within 1-2 months after exam) |
NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 โ Vacancy Details (Post-Wise & Category-Wise)
The total number of vacancies for NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 is 394 posts, distributed as follows:
| Post Name | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (Army) | 194 | 104 | 58 | 27 | 11 | 394 |
| National Defence Academy (Air Force) - GD Pilot | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| National Defence Academy (Air Force) - Ground Duties (Tech) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| National Defence Academy (Navy) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Naval Academy (Executive Branch) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Note: The above vacancy distribution is tentative and may be changed by the UPSC. The vacancies for Air Force GD Pilot and Ground Duties (Tech) are subject to change based on the availability of trainees.
NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 โ Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (As on 01 January 2027 for NDA & NA (II) 2026 Exam)
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years
- Maximum Age: 19.5 years
- Candidates born not earlier than 02 January 2007 and not later than 01 January 2010.
- Age Relaxation: No age relaxation is admissible for any category of candidates.
Educational Qualification
For Army Wing of National Defence Academy:
- Candidates must have passed the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or any other recognised board/university.
For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Naval Academy:
- Candidates must have passed the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as subjects conducted by a State Education Board or any other recognised board/university.
- Candidates who are appearing for the 10+2 examination or equivalent are also eligible to apply but will be required to produce proof of having passed the examination by a stipulated date (usually within 6 months of the exam date).
Other Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- Marital Status: Unmarried male candidates are eligible for Army and Navy wings. For Air Force, unmarried male candidates are eligible.
- Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards as laid down in the notification.
NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 โ Salary, Pay Scale & Allowances
Candidates selected for NDA & NA (II) 2026 will be placed at Pay Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix.
- Basic Pay: โน56,100โโน1,77,500 per month
- Grade Pay / Pay Level: Pay Level 10
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per Government rules (currently a significant percentage of basic pay).
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Applicable based on posting location.
- Transport Allowance (TA): Applicable based on posting location.
- Medical Benefits: Comprehensive medical facilities as per service rules.
- Other Allowances: Various allowances like Kit Allowance, Flying Allowance (for Air Force pilots), Special Forces Allowance, etc., may be admissible.
- Gross Monthly Salary (Approx.): โน56,100 to โน1,77,500+ per month, depending on rank and allowances.
In addition to the salary, officers are entitled to various perquisites such as accommodation, subsidized utilities, leave travel concession, and educational concessions for children.
NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 โ Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male Candidates) | โน100 |
| SC / ST Candidates | Nil (Free) |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Nil (Free) |
| Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | Nil (Free) |
| Accepted Payment Modes | Online: Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI |
NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 โ Selection Process
The selection of candidates for NDA & NA (II) 2026 will be done through a multi-stage process:
- Stage 1 โ Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC. It consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test.
- Stage 2 โ Intelligence and Personality Test: Conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) for candidates who qualify in the written examination. This stage includes psychological tests, group tests, and interviews.
- Stage 3 โ Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted by SSB will undergo verification of their original documents.
- Stage 4 โ Medical Examination: Candidates must meet the stringent physical and medical standards laid down by the respective services.
A final merit list will be prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained in the written examination and the SSB interview. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly for all stages.
NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 โ Exam Pattern
| Section / Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I: Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 Hours | Yes (1/3rd of marks for each incorrect answer) |
| Paper II: General Ability Test | 150 (60 English + 90 GK) | 600 (200 English + 400 GK) | 2.5 Hours | Yes (1/3rd of marks for each incorrect answer) |
| Total | 270 | 900 | 5 Hours |
NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 โ Syllabus
Paper I: Mathematics
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Trigonometry
- Matrices and Determinants
- Probability and Statistics
- Vector Algebra and 3-D Geometry
- Analytical Geometry of lines and conic sections
Paper II: General Ability Test
- Part A: English (Grammar, Comprehension, Vocabulary, Usage)
- Part B: General Knowledge
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General Science
- History, Freedom Movement, etc.
- Geography
- Current Events
How to Apply Online for NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026
Follow these steps to fill the NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 online application form before the last date:
- Visit the official website of UPSC: upsc.gov.in
- Find and click the link for "NDA & NA Examination (II), 2026 - ONLINE APPLICATION" on the homepage or the recruitment section.
- Click on "Part-I Registration". Read the instructions carefully and proceed.
- Fill in all the required personal details, contact information, and basic eligibility criteria.
- After completing Part-I, you will be directed to "Part-II Registration". Here, you need to upload your photograph and signature.
- Photograph Specifications: Ensure the photograph is recent (taken within the last 3 months), with a light background, and is in JPEG format, with dimensions between 350 pixels wide and 350 pixels high, and file size between 10 KB and 300 KB.
- Signature Specifications: The signature should be in JPEG format, with dimensions between 200 pixels wide and 230 pixels high, and file size between 10 KB and 300 KB.
- Pay the application fee online using Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
- Review all the details entered in the application form.
- Click on "Final Submit" to submit your application.
- Download the duly filled application form and take a printout for your records.
โ ๏ธ Pro Tip from our experts: Apply well in advance of the deadline. Government portals are prone to heavy traffic and technical glitches in the final hours, which can prevent successful submission.
Documents Required for NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026
Keep the following documents ready (scanned copies in JPEG/PDF format) before you start the application:
- 10th Certificate (for Date of Birth proof)
- 10th Mark Sheet
- 12th Certificate and Mark Sheet (or equivalent examination certificate)
- Proof of appearing in 10+2 examination (if applicable)
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) - if applicable and in the prescribed format
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
- Recent passport-size photograph (as per specifications)
- Scanned signature (as per specifications)
- Proof of fee payment (if applicable)
- Any other document mentioned in the official notification.
Important Tips for NDA & NA Exam (II) 2026 Applicants
- ๐ Set deadline reminders: Mark the last date to apply (11 June 2026) in your calendar with multiple reminders. Avoid last-minute rushes.
- โ Verify eligibility thoroughly: Ensure you meet all age, educational, and physical standards before applying. Application fees are non-refundable.
- ๐ธ Match document specifications exactly: Pay close attention to the photograph and signature dimensions and file size requirements. Incorrect uploads can lead to application rejection.
- ๐จ๏ธ Print and preserve your form: Take a printout of the submitted application form and the e-receipt. These are crucial for future reference and document verification.
- ๐ง Keep your email and mobile number active: All communication regarding admit cards, SSB interview dates, and results will be sent to the registered email ID and mobile number.
- ๐ Start exam preparation early: The NDA syllabus is extensive. Begin your preparation for both the written exam and SSB interview well in advance.