The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA & NA I 2026 notification on 10 December 2025. With the release of the notification, the online application process for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) has also begun.
Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force can submit their applications through the official UPSC online portal. The registration window will remain open from 10 December to 30 December 2025. A total of 394 vacancies have been announced for this recruitment cycle.
UPSC NDA I 2026: Important Dates
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Notification Release Date: 10 December 2025
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Application Start Date: 10 December 2025
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Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025
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Written Examination Date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)
UPSC NDA 2026 Overview
The NDA & NA examination is a national-level competitive exam conducted twice a year by UPSC. It serves as an entry point for candidates seeking admission into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy.
Exam Name: NDA & NA I 2026
Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Mode of Application: Online
Official Website: upsconline.nic.in
Total Vacancies: 394
UPSC NDA Registration 2026: Application Process Explained
UPSC has introduced a new online application system consisting of four modules. Three modules are common for all UPSC exams and can be completed at any time, while the fourth module is examination-specific.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for NDA I 2026
Step 1: Visit the official UPSC application portal at upsconline.nic.in.
Step 2: Complete the three mandatory modules:
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Account Creation
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Universal Registration
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Common Application Form
After completion, a Universal Registration Number (URN) will be generated.
Step 3: Log in using the URN and select the application for NDA I 2026. Fill in all required details, upload documents, and pay the application fee.
Step 4: After submission, an Application Number will be generated. Save it for future reference.
Step 5: Download and keep a copy of the completed application form.
UPSC NDA I 2026 Application Fee
The examination fee must be paid online only through debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking.
General / OBC (NCL): ₹100
SC / ST / Female / Wards of JCOs, NCOs, ORs: Fee Exempted
The fee once paid is non-refundable.
UPSC NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions before applying.
Nationality
A candidate must be:
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A citizen of India, or
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A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
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A Tibetan refugee settled in India before 1962, as per UPSC rules.
Age Limit, Sex, and Marital Status
Only unmarried male and female candidates born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 are eligible.
Educational Qualification
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Army Wing: 12th pass from a recognised board or university.
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Navy and Air Force Wings: 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
UPSC NDA I 2026 Vacancy Details
The UPSC has announced a total of 394 vacancies, including 370 for male candidates and 24 for female candidates.
Vacancy Breakdown
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NDA Army: 208
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NDA Navy: 42
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NDA Air Force (Flying): 92
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NDA Air Force (Ground Duty – Technical): 18
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NDA Air Force (Ground Duty – Non-Technical): 10
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Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry): 24
UPSC NDA I 2026 Apply Online Link
Eligible candidates can apply for NDA I 2026 through the official UPSC portal at upsconline.nic.in within the prescribed dates.
