UPSC NDA 1 Recruitment 2026 – 394 Vacancies Apply Now
The Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification, inviting applications for 394 vacancies across multiple wings including the Army Wing, Navy Executive Branch, Air Force Flying Branch, and Ground Duty roles.
📊 Overview UPSC NDA NA 1 2026 Notification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 |
| Conducted By | Union Public Service Commission |
| Notification Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
🎯 UPSC NDA 1 2026 Vacancy Breakdown
The UPSC NDA 1 2026 notification has announced a total of 394 vacancies, opening opportunities across the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Naval Academy. This breakdown helps candidates clearly understand wing-wise distribution, plan their preferences and assess competition levels.
| Academy / Wing | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA – Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| NDA – Navy (Executive) | 37 | 5 | 42 |
| NDA – Air Force: Flying | 90 | 2 | 92 |
| NDA – Air Force: Ground Duty (Technical) | 16 | 2 | 18 |
| NDA – Air Force: Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Naval Academy – 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Executive) | 21 | 3 | 24 |
🔗 Important Links Official UPSC NDA 2026
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Here |
| Offical Website | UPSC Website |
| Official Notification | Download Here |
🎓 Educational Qualifications for NDA 2026 Aspirants
Understanding the educational requirements is essential before applying for the UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 exam. Each wing of the NDA and Naval Academy has its own academic criteria. This section explains the qualifications in a simplified and humanised way, strictly based on the official notification.
⭐ Educational Qualifications (As per UPSC Notification)
🔹 1. Army Wing of National Defence Academy
Candidates must have:
12th Class pass (10+2 pattern) from a recognised School Board or University
Equivalent 10+2 qualifications from recognised authorities are acceptable
🔸 2. Air Force & Naval Wings of NDA + 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Indian Naval Academy)
Candidates must have:
12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM)
Qualification must be under the 10+2 pattern from a recognised Board or University
🌿 Students Appearing in 12th Class
Candidates appearing for the 12th exam are eligible to apply.
Those clearing SSB but lacking original certificates must send self-attested photocopies to:
Army HQ: West Block III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066
Naval HQ: DMPR, OI&R Section, Sena Bhavan, New Delhi – 110011
Last date for sending certificates: 10 December 2026
📙 Certificate Submission Rules at SSB
Candidates who already submitted original certificates at SSB need not resend.
Certificates issued by school principals are accepted only if Board certificates are not yet issued.
Photocopies / true copies are NOT accepted.
🧪 NDA & NA 2026 Recruitment Selection Process
The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 selection procedure is a multi-layered evaluation designed to assess academic merit, intelligence, leadership qualities and officer-like potential. The process begins with the written exam and continues through SSB stages, CPSS testing, tie-breaking rules, and final merit list preparation.
⭐ 1. Written Exam Result & Shortlisting
UPSC prepares a list of candidates scoring minimum qualifying marks.
Only shortlisted candidates are called for the SSB Interview.
🎯 2. SSB Assessment for Officer Potentiality
Army, Navy, and Naval Academy candidates are assessed for Officer Potentiality.
Air Force candidates are assessed for Officer Potentiality + CPSS requirement.
✈️ 3. CPSS Test (Air Force Flying Branch Only)
Conducted only once in a lifetime.
Required for Flying Branch; failing CPSS means Flying Branch ineligible forever.
HWG (Habitual Wearer of Glasses) or failed candidates may opt for Ground Duty roles.
🔍 4. Tie-Breaking Rules
If two candidates have equal final marks:
Higher written exam marks get priority.
If still tied, higher GAT (Paper II) marks.
If still tied, older candidate is ranked higher.
If still tied, UPSC resolves at its discretion.
🧭 5. Two-Stage SSB Procedure
Stage I:
OIR Test
PP&DT
Stage II:
Interview
GTO Tasks
Psychology Tests
Conference
Only candidates clearing Stage I proceed to Stage II.
📄 6. Mandatory Documents After Qualifying SSB
Candidates must submit original:
Matriculation certificate (DOB proof)
10+2 certificate (education proof)
📝 Exam Pattern Detailed UPSC NDA 1 2026 Written Exam
The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 exam follows a well-defined structure that evaluates a candidate’s analytical abilities, English proficiency, general knowledge, and overall readiness for defence training. The written exam carries 900 marks in total, followed by an equally weighted 900-mark SSB Interview.
📘 Paper-I: Mathematics (300 Marks)
The Mathematics paper evaluates problem-solving ability, numerical skills and conceptual understanding.
Key Highlights:
Duration: 2½ Hours
Marks: 300
Type: Objective (MCQs)
Medium: Hindi & English (bilingual)
Tools Not Allowed: Calculators, log tables, mathematical instruments
Qualifying Marks: As decided by UPSC
📗 Paper-II: General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 Marks
The GAT paper assesses English usage, communication skills, scientific understanding, and knowledge of national and international events.
Structure:
Total Marks: 600
Duration: 2½ Hours
Part A – English: 200 marks
Part B – General Knowledge: 400 marks
Type: Objective (MCQs)
Medium:
English section: English only
General Knowledge: Hindi & English (bilingual)
🎖️ SSB Interview – 900 Marks
Candidates who qualify the written exam must appear for a two-stage SSB process assessing intelligence, personality, leadership qualities and suitability for the Armed Forces.
SSB Structure:
Stage I: OIR Test + PP&DT
Stage II: Interview, GTO Tasks, Psychology Tests, Conference
🗓️ UPSC NDA 1 2026 Timeline Table
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Written Result | May 2026 (Likely) |
| SSB Interview | June–July 2026 |
🖥️ UPSC NDA NA 2026 Online Application
Applying for the UPSC NDA NA 2026 exam requires careful attention to each step to ensure your form is submitted correctly. The online application process is hosted on the official UPSC portal and involves creating your profile, uploading required documents, selecting preferences and completing payment securely.
Create your Account, complete URN profile, and fill CAF.
Upload documents including:
Photograph
Live Photo Capture
Fill the exam-specific module with preferences & exam centre.
Submit application fee (if applicable).
Final submit — corrections NOT allowed afterward.
💵 UPSC NDA 1 2026 Fee Details
Understanding the UPSC NDA 1 2026 application fee is important before submitting your online form. The fee structure varies by category, and certain groups receive a complete exemption. Below is a clear breakdown of the fee amount, eligible exemptions, and accepted payment modes to help you complete your application smoothly.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | Exempt |
| Wards of JCOs / ORs in Sainik & Military Schools | Exempt |
📄 Documents Required UPSC NDA 1 2026
Before applying for the UPSC NDA 1 2026 exam, candidates must ensure they have the correct documents ready for both the online application and the SSB interview. Submitting accurate and valid documents is essential to avoid rejection at any stage of the recruitment process.
🗂️ At Application Stage
Photo ID (Aadhaar recommended for smoother verification)
Recent Photograph
Live Photo Capture (mandatory as per UPSC instructions)
🎓 At SSB Stage
Original Matriculation Certificate (proof of date of birth)
Original 10+2 Certificate / Marks Sheet (educational qualification proof)
Same Identity Proof used during online registration
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🌟 Your Journey to India’s Elite Defence Academies
The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Notification opens an extraordinary opportunity for young aspirants determined to serve the nation in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Naval Academy. With clear focus, disciplined preparation, and structured planning, you can secure your place among the top candidates. Stay consistent, stay motivated, and believe in your potential.
Wishing you strength, clarity, and success ahead in your NDA journey! 🇮🇳
FAQs UPSC NDA 1 2026
A total of 394 vacancies are released across Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy.
Candidates must be born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (both dates inclusive).
Applications must be submitted through the UPSC Online Portal by completing the URN profile, CAF form, uploading documents and final submission.
The written exam includes Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks).
No, female candidates are fully exempt from paying the application fee.
Candidates must carry their Matriculation certificate, 10+2 marks sheet, and the ID proof used during registration.