UPSC NDA & NA Exam Notification 2026 – 394 Posts Available

Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for recruiting 394 candidates for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination I 2026. This is a great opportunity for 12th-pass students who want to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Whether you’re interested in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, this recruitment drive welcomes both male and female candidates.

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🏢 Organization Details

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📊 Total Vacancies: 394 Posts

Note: Selection is done separately for male and female candidates in a gender-neutral manner as per notified vacancies.

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📌 Post Type

Permanent Officer-Level Position – Candidates will be commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, or Air Force) after completing their 3-year training at NDA or Naval Academy.

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🕒 Job Type

Full-Time Government Job – Permanent position with lifelong career in the Armed Forces.

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📅 Important Dates

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🎓 Educational Qualifications

For Army Wing of NDA:

• 12th Class pass (10+2 pattern) from any recognized board
• Candidates appearing in 12th exam can also apply
• Note: 11th class students are NOT eligible

For Navy & Air Force Wings of NDA and Naval Academy 10+2 Entry:

• 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (10+2 pattern)
• Candidates appearing in 12th with these subjects can apply
• Must submit proof of passing by 10th December 2026

Important: Only candidates who have passed or are appearing in 12th class are eligible. Students in 11th class cannot apply.

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💰 Stipend / Salary Details (Per Month)

During NDA Training (3 Years):

• Fixed Monthly Stipend: Rs. 56,100/- (Level 10)
• Government covers all costs: accommodation, books, uniforms, meals, medical care
• Pocket allowance: approximately Rs. 3,000/- per month (at candidates’ own expense)
• Financial assistance of Rs. 2,500/- available if parents earn less than Rs. 45,000/- monthly
• Initial deposit on joining: Rs. 40,376/- (covers various expenses)

After Commissioning as Officer:

Additional Benefits:

• Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs. 15,500/- monthly (fixed from Lieutenant to Brigadier)
• Dearness Allowance (as per government rules)
• Dress Allowance: Rs. 20,000/- per year
• Transport Allowance: Rs. 7,200/- or Rs. 3,600/- (plus DA, depending on location)
• Children Education Allowance: Rs. 2,250/- per child monthly (up to 2 children)
• Free Ration in field areas
• Field-specific allowances
• Para Allowance: Rs. 10,500/- monthly (for parachute operations)
• Special Forces Allowance: Rs. 25,000/- monthly
• Insurance coverage: Rs. 1.25 Crore after commissioning

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🎯 Selection Process

The selection happens in 3 stages:

Stage 1: Written Examination (900 Marks)

• Conducted by UPSC on 12th April 2026
• Two papers of 2.5 hours each

Paper-I: Mathematics (300 Marks)

• Only for Army, Navy, and Air Force NDA (not for Naval Academy 10+2)
• All objective-type questions

Paper-II: General Ability Test (600 Marks)

• Part A – English (200 marks): Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar
• Part B – General Knowledge (400 marks): Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, Current Events

Exam Details:

• Bilingual papers (Hindi & English) for Mathematics and Part B
• Use only Black Ball Pen to mark answers
• Negative Marking: 0.33 marks deducted for each wrong answer
• Must pass in all subjects to qualify for next round

Stage 2: Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview (900 Marks)

• Duration: 4 days
• Two parts conducted

SSB Stage-I (Shortlisting):

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests
• Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
• Candidates are selected based on combined performance

SSB Stage-II (4 Days) – For Selected Candidates:

• Day 1-2: Group Testing Officer Tasks
• Day 3: Psychological Assessment
• Day 4: Interview and Conference

Special for Air Force Candidates:

• Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test required
• Conducted only once; grades are permanent
• If you fail CPSS, you can still apply for Ground Duty branches
• CPSS happens after clearing Stage-I

Stage 3: Medical Examination

• Conducted by Armed Forces Medical Services Hospitals
• Special Medical Board examination
• Complete physical fitness check-up
• Must meet all medical standards for the chosen service

Final Selection:

• Merit list based on Written Exam + SSB marks
• Subject to medical fitness clearance
• Selected separately for male and female candidates

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⏳ Age Limit (As on 1st July 2027)

• Minimum Age: 16.5 years (Born not later than 1st July 2010)
• Maximum Age: 19.5 years (Born not earlier than 1st July 2007)
• Eligible Date Range: Born between 1st July 2007 and 1st July 2010

Important Points:

• Date of birth accepted ONLY from 10th/12th class certificate
• No changes in date of birth allowed later
• Growth allowance of 2 cm for candidates below 18 years

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📑 How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Visit Official Website: Go to https://upsconline.nic.in
2. Create Account:
   • Click “Register” button
   • Generate your Universal Registration Number (URN)
   • Use this URN for all future UPSC exams
3. Fill Common Application Form (CAF):
   • Enter all personal details accurately
   • Upload recent photograph (4×6 cm)
   • Capture live photo at the time of application
4. Fill Examination Module:
   • Select your service preferences (Army/Navy/Air Force)
   • Arrange in order of preference (1st to 4th choice)
   • At least one preference is mandatory
5. Upload Documents:
   • Photo ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter Card/PAN/Passport/Driving License/School ID)
   • Recent photograph
   • Any other required documents
6. Select Examination Centre:
   • Choose from available centres on first-apply-first-allot basis
   • Some centres have limited seats
7. Pay Application Fee (if applicable):
   • General/OBC Male Candidates: Rs. 100/-
   • Female Candidates: No fee
   • SC/ST Candidates: No fee
   • Wards of JCOs/NCOs: No fee (certificate required)
   • Payment modes: Credit/Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking
   • Fee is non-refundable
8. Submit Application:
   • Review all details carefully
   • Click Submit
   • Note: No changes allowed after submission
   • Save your Application Number
9. Download Admit Card:
   • Will be issued on the last working day before the exam week
   • Download from UPSC website
   • No physical admit card by post/email
   • Reach exam centre 30 minutes before exam start

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⚙️ Key Documents Required

At the Time of Application:

• Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter Card, PAN, Passport, Driving License, or School Photo ID)
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Aadhaar number (strongly recommended)

For Verification (Later Stages):

• 10th/12th Class Certificate (for date of birth verification)
• Caste Certificate (if applicable – SC/ST candidates)
• Disability Certificate (if applicable – PWD candidates)
• Certificate for wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs (if claiming fee waiver)
• Proof of passing 12th class by 10th December 2026 (for appearing candidates)

Important Notes:

• Original documents must be brought during SSB interview
• No corrections/changes allowed after application submission
• Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited in examination hall

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🌐 Important Links

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✅ Key Eligibility Requirements at a Glance

✓ Educational: 12th pass (Physics, Chemistry, Math for Navy/Air Force) ✓ Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years as on 1st July 2027 ✓ Nationality: Indian citizen ✓ Marital Status: Must be UNMARRIED (no marriage till end of training) ✓ Citizenship: Indian citizen OR Nepal subject OR Indian origin from specified countries ✓ Medical: Must meet all physical and medical standards ✓ Physical: Min height 157 cm (male), 152 cm (female); 162.5 cm for Flying

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⚠️ Important Things to Remember

• Apply only online – No other mode accepted
• Aadhaar strongly recommended but Voter Card, PAN, Passport, or Driving License acceptable
• Female candidates encouraged to apply – Government strives for gender balance
• Already in Government Service? Inform your Head of Office before applying
• Clear Previous Papers: Check UPSC website for past exam papers and practice
• No negative marks relief – 0.33 marks deducted for each wrong answer
• Cannot withdraw after submission – Apply carefully
• No corrections allowed – Double-check before submitting
• Face Authentication mandatory at exam centre – Bring a valid photo ID

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📞 Contact & Support

• UPSC Helpline: 011-24041001
• Email: upsc@gov.in
• Office Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (weekdays only)
• Question Paper Representation: Available for 7 days after exam on UPSC website

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💡 Quick Summary

This is an excellent opportunity for patriotic 12th-pass students to build a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. With competitive salary packages starting from Rs. 56,100/- during training and going up to Rs. 2,15,900/- as a Colonel, plus numerous benefits, an NDA commission offers both honor and financial security. Start your preparation now and aim for this opportunity!