The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026. A total of 394 vacancies are available for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy. This is a prestigious opportunity for young unmarried candidates to begin a commissioned career in the Indian Armed Forces.

Post Details

  • Examination: NDA & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026.
  • Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
  • Academies: National Defence Academy (Army, Navy, Air Force) and Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry).
  • Application Mode: Online.

Vacancy Details

  • Total Vacancies: 394 posts.
  • National Defence Academy (Army): 208.
  • National Defence Academy (Navy): 42.
  • National Defence Academy Air Force (Flying): 92.
  • National Defence Academy Air Force Ground Duty (Tech): 18.
  • National Defence Academy Air Force Ground Duty (Non-Tech): 10.
  • Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Entry): 24.

Educational Qualification

  • Army Wing of NDA: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern from a recognised board.
  • Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry of Indian Naval Academy: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
  • Candidates appearing in the qualifying examination may also apply as per the official notification.

Age Limit

  • Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
  • Date of Birth: not earlier than 01 January 2008 and not later than 01 January 2011.
  • Candidates must satisfy the eligibility conditions laid down in the official notification.

Application Fee

  • As per the official UPSC notification.
  • Fee to be paid online through the prescribed mode (SC/ST and eligible categories exempted as per notification).

Salary

  • Salary as per Defence Services rules after successful training and commissioning.
  • Cadets receive a stipend during training as per the prevailing rules.

Selection Process

  • Written Examination conducted by UPSC.
  • SSB Interview (Services Selection Board) including intelligence and personality tests.
  • Medical Examination.
  • Final Merit List based on the written examination and SSB Interview.

Important Dates

  • Notification Date: 20 May 2026.
  • Last Date to Apply: 09 June 2026.
  • Examination Date: 13 September 2026.

Important Instructions

  • Apply only through the official UPSC online portal at upsconline.nic.in.
  • Read the official notification carefully before applying.
  • Ensure all personal, educational and category details are correct.
  • Upload the photograph, signature and documents in the prescribed format.
  • Keep a printout of the submitted application for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many vacancies are available? A total of 394 vacancies across the NDA (Army, Navy, Air Force) and the Indian Naval Academy 10+2 Entry.
  • What is the last date to apply? 09 June 2026.
  • When will the written examination be held? 13 September 2026.
  • Who is eligible to apply? Only unmarried male/female 12th-pass candidates who meet the wing-wise subject requirements and the date-of-birth criteria.
  • What is the mode of application? Online, through the official UPSC portal at upsconline.nic.in.