UPSC NDA I 2026 Notification Released for 394 Vacancies, Apply Online

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the UPSC NDA 1 Notification 2026. Candidates can check the UPSC NDA NA 1 2026 application process on our blog or official website upsc.gov.in. UPSC NDA I 2026 application form is available from 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. The process is for a limited time only. Candidates are also provided with a withdrawal facility, albeit for a short time period only. Additionally, this is a one-time opportunity, so be sure to utilise it within the specified timeframe. Read this blog to get all important information about the NDA 1 2026 Exam, NDA Admit card 2026 the selection process, etc.

UPSC NDA I Notification 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC NDA I Notification 2026. The examination authority has activated the opportunity to apply online for the UPSC NDA Exam 2026. The UPSC NDA 1 2026 application form will start on 10th December 2025 to 30th December 2025. The NDA 1 Exam Date 2026 will be held on 12th April 2026. Interested candidates can check the NDA 1 Notification 2026 PDF given below.

What is a UPSC NDA exam?

The National Defense Academy and Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination is one of the most prestigious and sought-after examinations in India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this exam serves as a gateway for promising young candidates to join the Indian Armed Forces, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The NDA exam is designed to test the academic prowess, physical fitness, and leadership skills of the candidates. 

UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026

Join the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2026, and the recruitment process is rigorous and competitive. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the UPSC NDA I Exam 2026 on  12th April 2026. To be eligible, candidates must be unmarried males between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 by the examination date and must have completed or be in the process of completing their 12th-standard education. The National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026 will be conducted on  12th April 2026. Candidates preparing for the NDA & NA exam notification 2026 recruitment have the best opportunity to join the defence force.

UPSC NDA 1 Notification 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the UPSC NDA exam twice a year for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. The NDA full form is the National Defence Academy. The UPSC NDA (I) Notification 2026 was released on 10th December 2025, and the last date to submit the online form is 30th December 2025. This announcement is for the recruitment of both male and female candidates into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the UPSC NDA and INAC (Indian Naval Academy Course). The UPSC NDA Notification 2026 will be available in PDF format and will include crucial details such as the number of vacancies, UPSC NDA 1 Exam date, exam pattern, syllabus, course name, salary information, exam centres, eligibility criteria, medical standards, and the procedure for filling out the UPSC NDA registration form.

UPSC NDA 1 2026 Overview

The National Defence Academy 1 & 2 2026 exam will be conducted offline. Complete details are given below:

TYPE	DETAILS
Exam name	UPSC NDA 1 2026
Conducting Authority	Union Public Service Commission
Exam Level	National
UPSC NDA 1 2026 Vacancy	394
Mode of Exam	For admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC)
Exam frequency	Twice a year
Exam Stages	Written exam and SSB Interview
Exam Purpose	For admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC)
Exam Fees	General / OBC: 100/- SC / ST : 0/- (Nil) All Category Female : 0/-
Age limit	16.5 Years to 19.5 Years
Time is given to complete the papers	5 hours (2.5 hrs each paper)
Total Marks	Written Exam: 900 SSB Interview: 900
Selection Process	Written Test SSB Interview Medical Process
Notification Release Date	10th December 2025
Apply Online Starts	10th December 2025
Last Date for Application Online	30th December 2025
UPSC NDA 1 Exam Date 2026	12th April 2026
Official website	https://upsc.gov.in/

UPSC NDA 2026

The NDA I exam dates 2026 are mentioned below. Candidates can check out the important dates and start their preparation for the NDA Exam 2026.

Events	UPSC NDA 1 2026	NDA 2 2025 Important Dates (Previous)
NDA Notification Release Date	10th December 2025	28/05/2025
NDA Online Registration Start Date	10th December 2025	28/05/2025
NDA Apply Online Last Date	30th December 2025	17/06/2025 upto 06:00 PM only
NDA Application Form Correction Window Dates	–	As per Schedule
NDA Exam Date	12th April 2026	14/09/2025
UPSC NDA Admit Card 2026	Before Exam	Before Exam
NDA Result	–	After exam
NDA Final Result	–	After exam

UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2026 Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the UPSC NDA I & II 2026 exam consist of Nationality, Age, Educational Qualifications, and Physical Standards. The UPSC NDA (National Defence Academy) Recruitment 2026 is a gateway to joining one of the most respected defence training institutions in India. Each year, thousands of aspirants compete for a limited number of seats, emphasising the stringent selection criteria and the exceptional calibre required to succeed. Here, we’ll break down the critical criteria you’ll need to meet to apply for UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026 effectively. 

A) UPSC NDA 2026 Nationality

A candidate must be an unmarried male/female and must be –(i) a citizen of India, (ii) a subject of Nepal, or (iii) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam intending to permanently settle in India.

B) UPSC NDA  Age Limit, Gender, and Marital Status

Only unmarried male/female candidates born not earlier than 02nd January 2006 and not later than 1st January 2009 are eligible.

• Minimum Age ➤ 16.5 Years
• Maximum Age ➤ 19.5 Years

C) UPSC NDA Educational Qualifications

(i) For the Army Wing of the National Defence Academy:—12th Class pass or the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

(ii) For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy:—12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University. Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination.

UPSC NDA Physical Standards

Candidates must be physically and medically fit to meet NDA eligibility requirements. The table below shows NDA physical eligibility for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. NDA height, weight, and chest measurements are required.

UPSC NDA: Indian Army Height and Weight Requirement (Male)

Age (yrs)	Minimum weight (all ages)	Age: 17 to 20 yrs	Age: 20 + 01 day – 30 yrs	Age: 30 + 01 day -40 yrs	Age: Above 40 yrs
Height (in cm)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)	Weight(Kg)	Weight (Kg)
140	35.3	43.1	45.1	47.0	49.0
141	35.8	43.7	45.7	47.7	49.7
142	36.3	44.4	46.4	48.4	50.4
143	36.8	45.0	47.0	49.1	51.1
144	37.3	45.6	47.7	49.8	51.8
145	37.8	46.3	48.4	50.5	52.6
146	38.4	46.9	49.0	51.2	53.3
147	38.9	47.5	49.7	51.9	54.0
148	39.4	48.2	50.4	52.6	54.8
149	40.0	48.8	51.1	53.3	55.5
150	40.5	49.5	51.8	54.0	56.3
151	41.0	50.2	52.4	54.7	57.0
152	41.6	50.8	53.1	55.4	57.8
153	42.1	51.5	53.8	56.2	58.5
154	42.7	52.2	54.5	56.9	59.3
155	43.2	52.9	55.3	57.7	60.1
156	43.8	53.5	56.0	58.4	60.8
157	44.4	54.2	56.7	59.2	61.6
158	44.9	54.9	57.4	59.9	62.4
159	45.5	55.6	58.1	60.7	63.2
160	46.1	56.3	58.9	61.4	64.0
161	46.7	57.0	59.6	62.2	64.8
162	47.2	57.7	60.4	63.0	65.6
163	47.8	58.5	61.1	63.8	66.4
164	48.4	59.2	61.9	64.6	67.2

NDA: Indian Army Height and Weight Requirement (Female)

Age (yrs)	Minimum weight (all ages)	Age: 17 to 20 yrs	Age: 20 +01 day-30 yrs	Age: 30 + 01 Day- 40 yrs	Age: Above 40 yrs
Height (in cm)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)	Weight (Kg)
140	35.3	43.1	45.1	47.0	49.0
141	35.8	43.7	45.7	47.7	49.7
142	36.3	44.4	46.4	48.4	50.4
143	36.8	45.0	47.0	49.1	51.1
144	37.3	45.6	47.7	49.8	51.8
145	37.8	46.3	48.4	50.5	52.6
146	38.4	46.9	49.0	51.2	53.3
147	38.9	47.5	49.7	51.9	54.0
148	39.4	48.2	50.4	52.6	54.8
149	40.0	48.8	51.1	53.3	55.5
150	40.5	49.5	51.8	54.0	56.3
151	41.0	50.2	52.4	54.7	57.0
152	41.6	50.8	53.1	55.4	57.8
153	42.1	51.5	53.8	56.2	58.5
154	42.7	52.2	54.5	56.9	59.3
155	43.2	52.9	55.3	57.7	60.1
156	43.8	53.5	56.0	58.4	60.8
157	44.4	54.2	56.7	59.2	61.6
158	44.9	54.9	57.4	59.9	62.4
159	45.5	55.6	58.1	60.7	63.2
160	46.1	56.3	58.9	61.4	64.0
161	46.7	57.0	59.6	62.2	64.8
162	47.2	57.7	60.4	63.0	65.6
163	47.8	58.5	61.1	63.8	66.4

NDA: Indian Navy Height and Weight Requirements

Height (in Mtrs)	Up to 17 yrs		17 yrs + 1 day to 18 yrs		18 yrs + 1 day to 20 yrs		20 yrs + 1 day to 30 yrs		Above 30 yrs
	Minimum Weight in Kg	Maximum Weight in Kg	Minimum Weight in Kg	Minimum Weight in Kg	Minimum Weight in Kg	Maximum Weight in Kg	Minimum Weight in Kg	Maximum Weight in Kg	Minimum Weight in Kg	Maximum Weight in Kg
1.47	37	45	40	45	40	48	40	50	40	52
1.48	37	46	41	46	41	48	41	50	41	53
1.49	38	47	41	47	41	49	41	51	41	53
1.5	38	47	42	47	42	50	42	52	42	54
1.51	39	48	42	48	42	50	42	52	42	55
1.52	39	49	43	49	43	51	43	53	43	55
1.53	40	49	43	49	43	51	43	54	43	56
1.54	40	50	44	50	44	52	44	55	44	57
1.55	41	50	44	50	44	53	44	55	44	58
1.56	41	51	45	51	45	54	45	56	45	58
1.57	42	52	46	52	46	54	46	57	46	59
1.58	42	52	46	52	46	55	46	57	46	60
1.59	43	53	47	53	47	56	47	58	47	61
1.6	44	54	47	54	47	56	47	59	47	61
1.61	44	54	48	54	48	57	48	60	48	62
1.62	45	55	49	55	49	58	49	60	49	63
1.63	45	56	49	56	49	58	49	61	49	64

NDA: Indian Air Force Weights (Male)

Height (in cm)	Age Range (in Years) / Weight (in Kgs)
	15-16	16-17	17-18	18-19
152	41	42.5	44	45
155	42	43.5	45.3	47
157	43	45	47	48
160	45	46.5	48	49
162	46	48	50	51
165	48	50	52	53
167	49	51	53	54
170	51	52.5	55	56
173	52.5	54.5	57	58
175	54.5	56	59	60
178	56	58	61	62
180	58.5	60	63	64.5
183	61	62.5	65	66.5

NDA: Indian Air Force Weights (Female)

Height (in cm)	Age Range (in Years) / Weight (in Kgs)
	15-16	16-17	17-18	18-19
147	38	40	41	42
148	39	40	42	43
149	39	41	42	43
150	40	41	43	44
152	41	42.5	44	45
155	42	43.5	45.3	47
157	43	45	47	48
160	45	46.5	48	49
162	46	48	50	51
165	48	50	52	53
167	49	51	53	54
170	51	52.5	55	56
173	52.5	54.5	57	58
175	54.5	56	59	60
178	56	58	61	62
180	58.5	60	63	64.5
183	61	62.5	65	66.5

UPSC NDA Registration Fee

The application fee for the UPSC NDA I & II 2026 Exam is tabulated below:

CATEGORY	FEES (IN INR)
General/OBC	100
SC/ST/Women candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs	Nil

How to Apply for the NDA 1 2026 Application Form?

Interested candidates should complete the NDA 2026 application form online. After the application form is released, a link to it will be provided on this page. The fee is payable both online and in person. Following the completion of the application process, a link to withdraw the UPSC NDA 2026 form is made available. The following are the steps to fill out the UPSC NDA 2026 application form.

• Visit the official website of UPSC.
• Click on Part 1 of the NDA form 2026
• Register for the exam, choose the preferred branch, verify the details, and submit the application form.
• A registration ID and password will be generated.
• In Part 2 of the NDA application form, candidates need to pay the application fees, select the exam centre, and upload scanned images of their photographs and signatures.
• Direct Link to apply online for UPSC NDA 1 2026.

NDA 1 Vacancy 2026

The NDA 1 2026 exam will fill 394 openings in the NDA’s Army, Navy, and Air Force wings for the 157th Course and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), which begin on January 1, 2027.

Academy	Service	Vacancies (Male)	Vacancies (Female)	Total
National Defence Academy	Army	198	10	208
	Navy	37	05	42
	Air Force
	(i) Flying	90	02	92
	(ii) Ground Duties (Tech)	16	02	18
	(iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech)	08	02	10
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)	—	21	03	24
Total	—	370	24	394

UPSC NDA Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026

UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2026

The UPSC NDA exam pattern comprises two papers conducted on the same day. The exams test a wide range of skills essential for admission into the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. Here’s a breakdown of the format: 

Mathematics 

The first paper is Mathematics, which is designed to assess your mathematical abilities and understanding. This paper includes 120 questions, covering a variety of topics such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Geometry. The maximum marks for this section are 300, and you are given 2.5 hours to complete it. 

General Ability Test (GAT) 

The second paper is the General Ability Test, divided into two sections: English and General Knowledge. 

English 

This section aims to evaluate your proficiency in English, including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. It consists of 50 questions, carrying a total of 200 marks. 

General Knowledge 

The General Knowledge section is further divided into various subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events. This section includes 100 questions and is worth 400 marks. 

• The NDA exam pattern 2026 is divided into two papers: Maths and GAT.
• Both papers contain objective multiple-choice questions.
• The Math paper has 120 questions worth 300 marks.
• The GAT paper contains 150 questions worth 600 marks.
• Each paper lasts two and a half hours.

The following is the structure of the NDA exam pattern 2026.

PAPERS	SUBJECT	MAXIMUM MARKS	NO. OF QUESTIONS	DURATION
Paper 1	Mathematics	300	120	2 ½ hours
Paper 2	GAT	600	150	2 ½ hours
Total	–	900	270	5 hours

Time Management 

Both papers need to be completed within 2.5 hours each, making time management a critical component. To excel, practice finishing each section within the stipulated time during your preparation. 

Tips for Success at the NDA & NA Exam 2026

Here are a few tips to help you succeed: 

• Start your preparation early to cover the entire syllabus thoroughly.
• Practice previous years’ question papers to get a feel of the exam format and difficulty level.
• Focus on improving time management skills to ensure you can complete both papers within the given time.
• Utilise reliable study materials and books designed for NDA preparation.
• Stay updated on current affairs as they form a significant part of the General Knowledge section.

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus 2026

The NDA Syllabus 2026 is meticulously designed to evaluate the all-around abilities of the candidates. It encompasses two major components: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Let’s break down these elements and understand the specifics. 

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus 2026 | Mathematics

Mathematics forms a crucial part of the NDA examination, aimed at assessing a candidate’s quantitative abilities. Topics include: 

• Algebra: Fundamental operations, equations, and complex numbers.
• Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, height, and distance calculations.
• Analytical Geometry: Understanding Cartesian coordinate systems, lines, and circles.
• Calculus: Differentiation and integration with application in real-life problems.
• Vector Algebra: Magnitude and direction, scalar and vector products.
• Statistics and Probability: Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and probability theorems.

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus 2026 | General Ability Test (GAT)

The GAT assesses a candidate’s general knowledge and ability to comprehend, as well as their familiarity with current events. This section is split into two parts: 

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus 2026 | English

The English segment helps evaluate the candidate’s understanding and proficiency in the language. It includes questions on: 

• Grammar and usage: Error correction, sentence completion, and paragraph jumbles.
• Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, and word meanings.
• Comprehension: Understanding passages and answering related questions.

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus 2026 | General Knowledge 

This part is extensive and covers a variety of topics: 

1. Physics: Concepts of mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, and optics.
2. Chemistry: Physical and chemical changes, oxidation, reduction, acids and bases.
3. General Science: Basic biological concepts, human body systems, and environmental science.
4. History: Indian independence movement, world history events, and significant historical figures.
5. Geography: Physical, political geography, and important geographical phenomena.
6. Current Events: National and international news, sports, and key events.

Download UPSC NDA Syllabus PDF

NDA Interview 2026

The SSB interview is divided into two stages. The following stages are described in detail:

Stage 1➤Screening Test comprises Verbal and non-verbal tests and PPDT.

Stage 2➤Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self Description Test are all part of the Psychological Test (SD). The Group Testing Officers Test consists of the following components: GD, GPE, PGT, HGT, IOT, Command Task, Snake Race/Group Obstacle Race, Individual Lecture, and FGT. Personal Interview & Conferences is the final stage of stage 2.

UPSC NDA Admit Card 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the NDA 1 admit card 2026 before the Exam. Candidates can download their UPSC NDA admit cards from the official website. The NDA admit card 2026 is an important document, without which candidates will not be given entry to the exam hall. To download the admit card, we have mentioned the link below.

How to Download NDA 1 Admit Card?

The steps to download the admit card for the NDA exam are provided below:

• Visit the official website
• On the home page, find the ‘E-admit card National Defence Academy Examination’ link
• The login page opens in a new tab
• Read the instructions carefully before downloading the admit card
• Agree to the terms and conditions
• Select any of the options-registration number or roll number
• If candidates select the registration number option, they need to enter the registration number, date of birth, and the random image
• If candidates select the roll number option, they need to enter the roll number, date of birth, and the random image
• Click the ‘Submit’ button
• NDA admit card appears on the screen
• Download the admit card and take its printout

UPSC NDA 2026 Recommended Books

Book Name	Book Type	Link
NDA 8 Previous Year Mathematics & GAT In English	Solved Paper	View Book
NDA 8 Previous Year Mathematics & GAT Exam In Hindi	Solved Paper	View Book
NDA/NA Maths & GAT book for Exam in Hindi	Question Bank	View Book
NDA/NA Maths & GAT book Exam in English	Question Bank	View Book
NDA/NA 24 Solved Papers Book (Mathematics & GAT) Exam in Hindi	Solved Papers	View Book
NDA/NA 24 Solved Papers Book (Mathematics & GAT) Exam in English	Solved Papers	View Book
NDA & NA Complete Math & GAT Book In English	Guidebook	View Book

NDA 1 Exam Date 2026 FAQs