The UPSC NDA 2026 Notification is one of the most awaited announcements for students who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force after Class 12. The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is the gateway for young aspirants to start a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Every year, the NDA exam is conducted twice – NDA 1 and NDA 2. According to the official schedule, the NDA 1 2026 notification was released on 10 December 2025, and the written examination will be held in April 2026.
Thousands of candidates across India apply for this exam because it offers high respect, excellent salary, leadership training, and a lifetime career in the defence forces. The selection process includes:
Table of Contents
In this comprehensive guide, you will find everything about the UPSC NDA 2026 Notification including eligibility, age limit, syllabus, exam pattern, salary, registration dates, application form, admit card, and results.
UPSC NDA 2026 Overview
Before diving into the detailed eligibility and syllabus, it’s important to understand the key highlights of the UPSC NDA 2026 examination.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC NDA & NA Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Papers | Mathematics & General Ability Test |
| Total Marks | 900 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
| Salary (Starting) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Vacancies | Around 394 |
| Qualification | 12th Pass |
| Official Website | Website |
The UPSC NDA 2026 exam is considered one of the most competitive defence entrance examinations in India because it selects candidates for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy.
Latest UPSC NDA 2026 Updates
The UPSC NDA 2026 Notification has already been released along with the exam schedule. Aspirants planning to appear for NDA 1 or NDA 2 must stay updated with the important dates and announcements.
Key UPSC NDA 2026 Updates
- NDA 1 Notification Released: 10 December 2025
- Application Window: 10 Dec – 30 Dec 2025
- NDA 1 Exam Date: 12 April 2026
- NDA 2 Notification: May 2026 (Expected)
- NDA 2 Exam Date: September 2026
The exam is conducted across India at various centers and consists of two papers held on the same day.
Students should also remember that the UPSC NDA 2026 selection process continues for several months after the written exam, including SSB interviews and medical examinations.
UPSC NDA 2026 Registration Date
The UPSC NDA 2026 application form is released online through the UPSC official portal.
| Event | NDA 1 2026 | NDA 2 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 Dec 2025 | May 2026 |
| Application Start | 10 Dec 2025 | May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 Dec 2025 | June 2026 |
| Exam Date | April 2026 | September 2026 |
Candidates must complete the application form online and pay the application fee before the deadline.
NDA Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹100 |
| SC/ST | Exempted |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
Applicants must submit their forms through the UPSC online application portal
UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Date
The UPSC NDA exam date 2026 is already mentioned in the UPSC exam calendar.
| Exam | Date |
|---|---|
| NDA 1 2026 | 12 April 2026 |
| NDA 2 2026 | 13 September 2026 |
The exam will be conducted in offline mode across multiple centers in India.
Both papers are conducted on the same day:
- Mathematics Paper
- General Ability Test (GAT)
Each paper lasts 2 hours 30 minutes.
If you want complete details about UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Date (NDA 1 & NDA 2), Exam Pattern, Question Papers, Read our full guide: UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Date
UPSC NDA 2026 Vacancies
UPSC releases vacancies for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.
| Wing | Expected Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Army | 208 |
| Navy | 42 |
| Air Force | 120 |
| Naval Academy | 24 |
| Total | 394 |
These vacancies may change slightly depending on the official notification.
UPSC NDA 2026 Salary
One of the biggest attractions of the NDA exam is the salary and benefits offered to officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
| Rank | Salary |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 |
| Captain | ₹61,300 |
| Major | ₹69,400 |
| Colonel | ₹1,21,200 |
| Brigadier | ₹1,39,600 |
Apart from the salary, officers receive:
- Military Service Pay
- House Rent Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Facilities
- Pension Benefits
The salary structure makes NDA one of the most rewarding career paths in India.
UPSC NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Understanding NDA 2026 eligibility is essential before applying for the exam.
Nationality
Candidates must be:
- Indian citizens
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan
- Tibetan refugees settled in India before 1962
Marital Status
- Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
UPSC NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria (Category-Wise & Caste-Wise Details)
The UPSC NDA 2026 eligibility criteria is one of the most important factors candidates must verify before filling out the NDA 2026 application form. The Union Public Service Commission strictly defines eligibility conditions including nationality, age limit, educational qualification, marital status, caste category eligibility, and physical standards.
Unlike many other government recruitment exams, the NDA exam has very strict eligibility requirements, particularly regarding age and physical fitness. Candidates must ensure they satisfy all conditions mentioned in the official notification; otherwise, their candidature may be cancelled at any stage of the selection process.
The eligibility rules apply equally to all applicants appearing for NDA Army Wing, Navy Wing, Air Force Wing, and Naval Academy. However, certain educational requirements differ depending on the wing chosen.
Below is a detailed explanation of the UPSC NDA 2026 eligibility criteria including category-wise and caste-wise conditions.
1 Nationality Criteria
To apply for the NDA 2026 exam, candidates must satisfy the nationality requirements defined by UPSC.
| Nationality Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizen | Fully Eligible |
| Subject of Nepal | Eligible |
| Subject of Bhutan | Eligible |
| Tibetan Refugee (before 1 Jan 1962) | Eligible |
| Person of Indian Origin from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries | Eligible with Govt approval |
Candidates belonging to categories other than Indian citizens may be required to produce an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
2 NDA 2026 Age Limit (Category Wise)
The NDA age limit is fixed and the same for all categories including General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS.
Unlike many government exams, UPSC does not provide age relaxation for any category.
| Category | Age Limit | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|---|
| General | 16.5 – 19.5 Years | As per official notification |
| OBC | 16.5 – 19.5 Years | No relaxation |
| SC | 16.5 – 19.5 Years | No relaxation |
| ST | 16.5 – 19.5 Years | No relaxation |
| EWS | 16.5 – 19.5 Years | No relaxation |
Educational Qualification
| Wing | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | 12th Pass |
| Navy & Air Force | 12th with Physics & Mathematics |
Students appearing in the 12th board exam can also apply.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet strict physical and medical standards defined by the Indian Armed Forces.
UPSC NDA 2026 Educational Qualification (Category-Wise Details)
Educational qualification is one of the most important eligibility requirements in the UPSC NDA 2026 Notification. Candidates must ensure that they meet the academic requirements before submitting the NDA 2026 application form, because the Union Public Service Commission strictly verifies all educational documents during the selection process and at the time of the SSB interview.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) recruits candidates for three different defence wings: the Army Wing, Navy Wing, and Air Force Wing, along with admissions to the Naval Academy. Each wing has slightly different educational requirements based on the nature of training and technical responsibilities involved.
In general, the minimum qualification required for NDA 2026 is passing Class 12 from a recognized board in India. However, candidates who want to apply for the Air Force and Navy wings must have studied Physics and Mathematics in their 10+2 education. This requirement ensures that candidates possess the necessary scientific background needed for advanced defence technology training.
UPSC NDA 2026 Educational Qualification for Different Defence Wings
The academic qualification requirements vary depending on the defence wing selected during the application process.
| Defence Wing | Educational Qualification | Mandatory Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Army Wing | 12th Pass from a recognized board | Any stream |
| Navy Wing | 12th Pass | Physics and Mathematics |
| Air Force Wing | 12th Pass | Physics and Mathematics |
| Naval Academy | 12th Pass | Physics and Mathematics |
NDA 2026 Educational Qualification – Category Wise Details
While the minimum qualification remains the same for all categories, it is still important to understand how eligibility applies across different social categories. The UPSC NDA exam maintains equal academic standards for General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates, ensuring a fair selection process.
| Category | Minimum Qualification | Subject Requirement | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 12th Pass | Physics & Maths required for Navy/Air Force | No relaxation |
| OBC | 12th Pass | Physics & Maths required for Navy/Air Force | No relaxation |
| SC | 12th Pass | Physics & Maths required for Navy/Air Force | No relaxation |
| ST | 12th Pass | Physics & Maths required for Navy/Air Force | No relaxation |
| EWS | 12th Pass | Physics & Maths required for Navy/Air Force | No relaxation |
Key Takeaways
- Educational qualification is uniform across all caste categories.
- No minimum percentage requirement is specified in the notification.
- Candidates only need to pass Class 12 from a recognized board.
- Stream flexibility exists only for the Army Wing.
This equal academic eligibility is one of the reasons why the NDA exam attracts candidates from diverse educational and social backgrounds across India.
NDA 2026 Educational Qualification – Stream Wise Eligibility
Another useful way to understand the eligibility criteria is by looking at the academic streams from which candidates apply.
| Stream | Army Wing | Navy Wing | Air Force Wing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science (PCM) | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible |
| Science (PCB) | Eligible | Not Eligible | Not Eligible |
| Commerce | Eligible | Not Eligible | Not Eligible |
| Arts/Humanities | Eligible | Not Eligible | Not Eligible |
Explanation
Students from the Science stream with Physics and Mathematics have the maximum opportunities because they can apply for all wings of the NDA. On the other hand, candidates from Commerce or Arts streams can only apply for the Army Wing.
Why Educational Qualification Matters for NDA
The NDA training program is extremely demanding, both physically and academically. Cadets undergo three years of rigorous military and academic training, followed by specialized training in their respective defence wings.
Therefore, UPSC ensures that candidates entering the academy have the basic academic ability to handle subjects such as:
- Military strategy
- Engineering fundamentals
- Navigation and aerodynamics
- Defence technology
- Leadership and management
Candidates who meet the NDA 2026 educational qualification criteria and prepare well for the exam have a great opportunity to begin their journey toward becoming officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
NDA 2026 Age Limit
The NDA age limit 2026 is strictly defined by UPSC.
| Exam | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|
| NDA 1 2026 | 2 July 2007 – 1 July 2010 |
| NDA 2 2026 | 2 Jan 2008 – 1 Jan 2011 |
The overall age range is 16.5 to 19.5 years.
There is no age relaxation for any category.
NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
The NDA exam pattern 2026 consists of two written papers.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 120 | 300 |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test | 150 | 600 |
| Total | — | 270 | 900 |
Key Points:
- Negative marking: 1/3 marks deducted
- Duration: 2.5 hours per paper
- Mode: Offline (OMR sheet)
Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the SSB Interview (900 marks).
NDA 2026 Syllabus
The UPSC NDA syllabus 2026 includes two major subjects.
Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics paper in the NDA exam carries 300 marks and contains 120 objective-type questions. Each question tests a candidate’s understanding of mathematical concepts and ability to apply formulas and logical reasoning.
The difficulty level is generally based on NCERT Mathematics from Classes 11 and 12, although some questions may require deeper conceptual clarity.
Key Topics in NDA Mathematics
| Topic | Important Concepts |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Quadratic equations, sets, relations, binomial theorem |
| Matrices & Determinants | Matrix operations, determinants, inverse matrices |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric ratios, identities, heights and distances |
| Analytical Geometry | Straight line, circle, parabola |
| Differential Calculus | Limits, derivatives, continuity |
| Integral Calculus | Integration methods and applications |
| Vector Algebra | Vector operations, scalar product |
| Statistics & Probability | Mean, median, probability rules |
Topic-Wise Weightage (Expected)
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Algebra | 20-25 |
| Trigonometry | 20 |
| Calculus | 25-30 |
| Coordinate Geometry | 15 |
| Matrices & Determinants | 10 |
| Vector Algebra | 5-10 |
| Probability & Statistics | 5-10 |
NDA 2026 General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus
The General Ability Test (GAT) carries 600 marks, making it the most important section of the NDA written exam. This paper evaluates a candidate’s knowledge of English language, science, social studies, and current affairs.
The GAT paper is divided into two major sections:
General Knowledge (400 Marks)
English (200 Marks)
The GAT paper consists of two sections.
NDA English Syllabus
The English section tests the candidate’s ability to understand the language, grammar rules, and vocabulary usage.
Key Topics in NDA English
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Tenses, articles, prepositions |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms |
| Sentence Structure | Error detection, sentence improvement |
| Comprehension | Passage reading and interpretation |
| Usage | Correct usage of words |
General Knowledge
| Subjects |
|---|
| Physics |
| Chemistry |
| General Science |
| History |
| Geography |
| Current Affairs |
These topics test the analytical ability, logical thinking, and general awareness of candidates.
NDA 2026 Admit Card
The NDA 2026 admit card will be released around 2–3 weeks before the exam.
Steps to download:
- Visit UPSC official website
- Click NDA admit card link
- Enter registration ID or roll number
- Download PDF
Candidates must carry:
- Admit Card
- Valid ID proof
NDA 2026 Result
The UPSC NDA result 2026 will be released in two stages.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Written Exam Result | Released after 1 month |
| Final Result | After SSB Interview |
Candidates qualifying the written exam are invited for the 5-day SSB interview process.
NDA 2026 Application Form
Steps to fill the NDA application form:
- Visit UPSC online portal
- Complete One Time Registration
- Fill application form
- Upload documents
- Pay application fee
- Submit form
Official NDA 2026 Notification
Candidates can download the official UPSC NDA notification from the UPSC website.Official Website
The notification contains:
- Eligibility rules
- Application instructions
- Exam pattern
- Vacancy details
- SSB interview process
Important Links
You can link these posts on your site:
- NDA Preparation Strategy for Beginners
- Best Books for NDA Exam Preparation
- How to Crack NDA Exam in First Attempt
- NDA Previous Year Question Papers
UPSC NDA 2026 FAQs:
Q1 What is the NDA 2026 exam date?
The NDA 1 exam will be conducted on 12 April 2026 across India.
Q2 What is the age limit for NDA 2026?
Candidates must be 16.5 to 19.5 years old.
Q3 What qualification is required for NDA?
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12.
Q4 How many vacancies are in NDA 2026?
Around 394 vacancies are expected.
Q5 What is the salary after NDA?
The starting salary is ₹56,100 per month.
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