The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has finally released the most awaited UPSC NDA & NA (I) Exam Notification 2026, and this is your golden chance to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as an officer. With 394 prestigious vacancies, this recruitment is one of India’s most competitive and respected defence entry exams. If you dream of wearing the uniform, serving the nation, and building a high-profile defence career with a handsome salary, this is your moment!
Applications begin from 10 December 2025 and the last date to apply is 30 December 2025 (up to 6 PM) — so do NOT miss the deadline.
⭐ Why NDA 2026 is a Life-Changing Opportunity
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is India’s iconic tri-service academy where cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force train together. Completing NDA training guarantees a prestigious commission as a Lieutenant, with a starting salary of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month, along with government benefits, allowances, medical facilities, and a glorious career.
Plus, the NDA stipend itself is ₹56,100 per month, which is more than many full-time job salaries in India!
If you are a 12th pass student or appearing in Class 12, this exam opens the door to an honourable and powerful career.
📌 UPSC NDA NA I 2026 – Vacancy Breakdown (Total 394 Posts)
UPSC has released 370 posts for male candidates and 24 posts for female candidates across different wings:
| Academy | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| NDA Navy | 37 | 5 | 42 |
| NDA Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 2 | 92 |
| NDA Air Force (Tech) | 16 | 2 | 18 |
| NDA Air Force (Non-Tech) | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 21 | 3 | 24 |
| Grand Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
🎓 Educational Qualification
You can apply if you meet the following criteria:
For Army Wing (NDA)
✔ 12th pass (any stream) or appearing
For Air Force, Navy & Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry)
✔ 12th pass with Physics + Chemistry + Math (PCM) or appearing
✔ Candidates appearing in Class 12 must submit proof by 10 December 2026
⚠ Important: Class 11 students are NOT eligible.
🎯 Age Limit
Candidates must be:
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Minimum: 16.5 years
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Maximum: 19.5 years
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Born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010
Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
💰 Salary & Benefits – Earn up to ₹1.77 Lakh per Month!
During Training
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NDA Stipend: ₹56,100 per month
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Free accommodation, uniforms, books, medical facilities, food
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Government bears entire training cost
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Pocket money: approx. ₹3,000 per month
After Commissioning
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lt Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
Allowances
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Military Service Pay: ₹15,500/-
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Para Allowance: ₹10,500/-
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Special Forces Allowance: ₹25,000/-
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Dearness Allowance
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Transport Allowance
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Children Education Allowance
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Free Ration, Free Medical, CSD Canteen Access
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Lifetime pension after service
Insurance Coverage
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During Training: ₹15 Lakh
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After Commissioning: ₹1.25 Crore
📝 Application Fee
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General/OBC Male: ₹100
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Female / SC / ST: No Fee
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Payment Mode: UPI/Credit Card/Debit Card/Net Banking
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 Dec 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 Dec 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 Dec 2025 (6 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Result | May 2026 |
| SSB Interview | June–July 2026 |
| NDA Course Start | Jan 2027 |
✔ Selection Process: 3 Stages
UPSC shortlists candidates based on Written Exam + SSB + Medical.
Stage 1: Written Exam (900 Marks)
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Paper 1 – Mathematics: 300 Marks
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Paper 2 – GAT (English + GK): 600 Marks
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Negative Marking: 0.33
Stage 2: SSB Interview (900 Marks)
Includes:
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OIR Test
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PP&DT
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Psychology Test
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GTO tasks (group activities)
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Personal Interview
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Conference
For Air Force Wing: CPSS test (Mandatory)
Stage 3: Medical Exam
Candidates must meet strict physical, dental, visual & medical standards.
🧍♂️ Physical Standards
Height
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Male: Minimum 157 cm
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Female: Minimum 152 cm
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Flying Branch: 162.5 cm
Vision
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Uncorrected: 6/12
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Corrected: 6/6
🖥️ How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA 2026
Follow these steps:
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Register & generate your URN
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Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
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Upload photograph & live photo
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Enter educational and personal details
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Select service preference (Army/Navy/Air Force)
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Choose exam centre
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Pay application fee
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Submit form and download confirmation
⚠ Once submitted, no corrections allowed.
🚀 Why You Should NOT Miss NDA 2026
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India’s most prestigious defence exam
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High job security & respect
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Attractive salary + benefits
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Early career start at age 16.5
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Free training, education & lifestyle
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Opportunity to serve the nation with pride
If you dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces, this is the BEST opportunity for 12th pass students.
UPSC NDA & NA Important Links
- Apply Online: Click here
- Official Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
Join Telegram Channel – Click Here
Sarkari Result – Click Here
Age Calculator – Click Here
Join Telegram Channel – Click Here
Sarkari Result – Click Here
Age Calculator – Click Here
🏆 Final Words
UPSC NDA NA I 2026 offers 394 golden seats to become a future military leader. With excellent salary, perks, uniform pride, and national honour — NDA is truly a dream career.
Apply before 30 December 2025 and start your journey towards the Armed Forces!
