Join Telegram
Join WhatsApp
Join Facebook
UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026, 394 Vacancies | Last Date 30 December
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Examination Notice No. 3/2026-NDA-I for UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026, inviting online applications for a total of 394 vacancies including 370 posts in National Defence Academy (NDA) and 24 posts in Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme). Eligible 10+2 pass candidates can apply online through UPSC’s official portal on or before 30 December 2025.
Job Overview – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | UPSC NDA & NA I 2026 Examination |
| Examination Notice No. | 3/2026-NDA-I |
| Total Vacancies | 394 (NDA: 370, Naval Academy: 24) |
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Courses | National Defence Academy (Army, Navy, Air Force wings) and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at Indian Naval Academy |
| Job Type | Full-time pre-commission training leading to Commissioned Officer posts in Indian Armed Forces |
| Official Websites | UPSC Online: https://upsconline.nic.in/ |
| Application Mode | Online only via UPSC Online portal |
Important Dates – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Release of Examination Notice | As per UPSC NDA NA I 2026 notification (Examination Notice No. 3/2026-NDA-I) |
| Start of Online Application | As per UPSC schedule (refer UPSC online portal) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | Typically same as or close to last date of application (check UPSC notification) |
| Date of NDA & NA I 2026 Exam | As notified in official UPSC calendar/notification |
Vacancy Details – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Institution | Wing / Course | Total Vacancies | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Army, Navy, Air Force wings | 370 | Detailed wing-wise and category-wise breakup provided in official UPSC notification. |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (B.Tech) at Indian Naval Academy | 24 | Candidates must meet specific 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics requirements. |
| Total | — | 394 | Including reserved vacancies for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and other categories as per Government norms. |
Age Limit – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Criterion | Age Limit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | Exact dates as per UPSC NDA NA I 2026 notice | Typically candidates must be unmarried male/female within a prescribed date range (e.g. born between specific dates). Refer to official notification for precise DOB criteria. |
| Marital Status | Unmarried | Married candidates are generally not eligible; refer to UPSC rules. |
| Relaxations | As per UPSC rules | Age relaxations, if any, are as notified by UPSC for specific categories. |
Salary Structure – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Stage | Pay / Stipend | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| During Training at NDA/NA | Stipend as per existing rules for NDA/NA cadets | Free accommodation, food, uniforms, medical facilities and other benefits as per armed forces training regulations. |
| After Commission | Pay Level and allowances as per rank | Attractive pay, Military Service Pay, DA, HRA, transport allowance, pension and other benefits as per armed forces rules. |
Eligibility Criteria – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of India or as otherwise notified by UPSC (including certain categories of subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, refugees, etc.) as per official notice. |
| Educational Qualification – NDA Army Wing | 12th Class/10+2 pass of School Education or equivalent examination in any stream (Arts/Commerce/Science) as specified in the notification. |
| Educational Qualification – NDA Air Force & Navy; Naval Academy | 10+2 pass with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board for Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at Naval Academy. |
| Physical Standards | Must meet prescribed physical and medical standards for NDA/NA including height, weight, vision, and overall fitness as detailed in the official notice. |
| Sex | Both male and female candidates are eligible (as per updated UPSC NDA rules). |
| Other Conditions | Candidates must be unmarried and agree not to marry until completion of training; must satisfy character and other suitability norms. |
Category-Wise Breakdown (GEN, OBC, SC/ST, EWS) – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Category | Reservation / Relaxation | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | Open competition | Includes all candidates who do not claim or qualify for reserved category benefits. |
| OBC | Reservation as per Central Government norms | Candidates must have valid OBC (NCL) certificate in prescribed Central Government format as on closing date. |
| SC / ST | Reservation as per Central Government norms | Valid SC/ST certificate required; category-wise vacancy details provided in the official notification. |
| EWS | 10% reservation | Valid EWS certificate as per Government rules required for EWS reservation claims. |
| PwBD | As per UPSC/Defence rules | Suitability and reservation for PwBD is governed by defence-specific medical standards; refer official notification for admissibility. |
Application Fee – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Category | Fee | Payment Details |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | As per NDA NA I 2026 notice (commonly around ₹100) | Fee to be paid online via net banking, card or other modes or via offline challan as specified by UPSC. |
| SC / ST / Female / Certain Categories | Usually exempt | Fee exemption available to specified categories as per UPSC rules in the notification. |
| Payment Mode | Candidates must use the payment options provided on UPSC’s online portal; no other modes are accepted. | |
How to Apply – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Step | Application Process |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit UPSC online portal https://upsconline.nic.in/. |
| Step 2 | Click on “Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC” and select NDA & NA I 2026 (Examination Notice No. 3/2026-NDA-I). |
| Step 3 | Complete the registration and application form with personal details, educational information, and exam centre preferences as required. |
| Step 4 | Upload scanned photograph and signature and any other documents as prescribed in the instructions. |
| Step 5 | Pay the examination fee (if applicable) via the available online/offline payment options. |
| Step 6 | Submit the application and take a printout or save a PDF of the final submitted form for future reference. |
| Step 7 | Download the e-admit card once released, and follow all instructions regarding exam date, time and venue. |
Essential Links – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Resource | Link & Description |
|---|---|
| Detailed Notification – UPSC NDA NA I 2026 | Download Official UPSC NDA & NA I 2026 Notification (Examination Notice No. 3/2026-NDA-I) |
| Official Website – UPSC Online | Visit UPSC Online Portal for NDA & NA I 2026 Application and Exam Updates |
| Online Application – NDA & NA I 2026 | Apply Online for UPSC NDA & NA I Recruitment 2026 – Examination Application Form |
Documents Required – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Document | Purpose / Details |
|---|---|
| Recent Passport Size Photograph | To be uploaded in specified format and size as per UPSC instructions. |
| Signature | Scanned signature as per prescribed dimensions and size. |
| 10th / 12th Certificates | For proof of age and educational qualification (to be produced later during SSB/verification). |
| Category Certificates | Valid SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate in prescribed format if claiming reservation/fee concession. |
| Identity Proof | Photo identity proof such as Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport etc., as required at exam/SSB stages. |
| Other Documents | Any additional documents specified in the official notification or call letter for SSB interview. |
Exam Pattern – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | As per UPSC NDA pattern (commonly 300 marks) | As per UPSC schedule (commonly 2.5 hours) |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | As per UPSC NDA pattern (commonly 600 marks) | As per UPSC schedule (commonly 2.5 hours) |
| Total Written Marks | Mathematics + GAT | As per official UPSC NDA scheme | Written examination held on same day as per UPSC timetable. |
Selection Procedure – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Stage | Process & Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Written Examination | Candidates appear for NDA & NA I written exam consisting of Mathematics and General Ability Test as per UPSC scheme. |
| Stage 2: SSB Interview | Qualified candidates are called for Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews for Intelligence and Personality Tests for Army, Navy and Air Force wings/branches. |
| Stage 3: Medical Examination | Candidates recommended by SSB must undergo detailed medical examination as per defence medical standards. |
| Stage 4: Final Merit List | Final merit list is prepared based on combined marks of written exam and SSB assessment, subject to medical fitness and eligibility. |
| Admission to NDA/NA | Selected candidates are allotted to NDA or Naval Academy according to merit, preferences and number of vacancies. |
Job Location – UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Academies | National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla, Pune) and Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala, Kerala). |
| Service Posting | After commissioning, officers will be posted anywhere in India or abroad as per the requirements of Army, Navy or Air Force. |
| Nature of Service | All India liability and field/service postings as per defence service conditions. |
Disclaimer: We strongly suggest applicants to verify the given information from credible sources such as the official website of the hiring organization. While we strive to provide accurate and timely updates, only the organization’s website should be treated as the final authority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available in UPSC NDA NA I Recruitment 2026?
A total of 394 vacancies are available, including 370 for the National Defence Academy and 24 for the Naval Academy.
2. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date to submit the online application is 30 December 2025.
3. What is the educational qualification required?
For the Army Wing, candidates must have passed 10+2 in any stream. For Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy, 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics is required.
4. What is the age limit for NDA NA I 2026?
Candidates must meet the age criteria specified in the official UPSC notification, typically within a prescribed date-of-birth range.
5. Can female candidates apply for NDA NA I 2026?
Yes, both male and female candidates are eligible to apply as per updated UPSC rules.
6. What is the selection process?
The selection process includes a written exam, SSB interview, medical examination and final merit list preparation.
7. What is the exam pattern for NDA NA I?
The exam consists of Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), conducted on the same day as per UPSC schedule.
8. Is there any application fee?
General, OBC and EWS candidates must pay the prescribed fee. SC, ST and female candidates are usually exempt.
9. What is the training location after selection?
Selected candidates undergo training at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla or the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.
10. Can candidates appearing in 12th apply?
Yes, candidates appearing in the 12th class examination are eligible, provided they meet all conditions at the time of admission.
11. What documents are required during application?
Scanned photograph, signature, identity proof and category certificates (if applicable) must be uploaded as per UPSC guidelines.
12. How do I apply for UPSC NDA NA I 2026?
Applications must be submitted online through the UPSC portal at upsconline.nic.in by completing the registration, form submission and fee payment steps.