Union Public Service Commission has released the notification for the NDA and NA (I) Examination 2026. This exam will select candidates for the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (157th Course) and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course starting from 1 January 2027. A total of 394 vacancies are open.
The application process has begun, and interested candidates can submit their forms online until 30 December 2025, 6 PM. The written exam will take place on 12 April 2026 at various centres across India. Candidates should check the required educational qualification, age criteria and physical standards before applying.
Overview of UPSC NDA I Recruitment 2026
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | NDA & NA (I) 2026 |
| Notification No. | 3/2026-NDA-I |
| Courses | NDA 157th and NA 119th Course |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Training Start | 1 January 2027 |
All major details about the NDA and NA (I) Examination 2026 are given below. Candidates must read all instructions before filling the online form.
Important Dates
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week before exam |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Written Result | May 2026 |
Vacancy Details of UPSC NDA I Recruitment 2026
| Wing / Course | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army (NDA) | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy (NDA) | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| Air Force – Flying | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
Eligibility Criteria of UPSC NDA I Vacancies
| Post / Wing | Educational Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Army (NDA) | 12th Pass | Born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 |
| Navy (NDA) | 12th with PCM | Born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 |
| Air Force – Flying | 12th with PCM | Born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Tech) | 12th with PCM | Born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Non-Tech) | 12th Pass | Born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 12th with PCM | Born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 |
Application Fee
| General / OBC | Rs 100 |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
| Wards of JCOs / NCOs / ORs | Exempted (as per rules) |
Selection Process
The selection process will be conducted in two main stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Test
How to Apply
- Candidates must apply online through the UPSC portal upsconline.nic.in.
- First complete the Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Then fill the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Upload all required documents including live photo capture.
- Submit the exam module carefully as no correction is allowed later.
- Pay the application fee through online payment modes.
UPSC NDA I Official Notification & Apply Link
Apply Online: UPSC Online Portal
Official Notification: DOWNLOAD NOTIFICATION
Official Website: upsc.gov.in