Welcome to the comprehensive job description for the UPSC NDA & NA I 2026 Recruitment. This detailed guide provides all necessary information for eligible candidates interested in applying for this prestigious defense examination. The notification invites young, ambitious individuals seeking a career in the Indian armed forces through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Read on to find in-depth details about eligibility criteria, vacancy breakdown, application process, examination pattern, salary structure, physical standards, and other essential instructions.
UPSC NDA & NA I 2026 Recruitment Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the recruitment of 394 posts under the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026. Interested candidates must carefully review the eligibility requirements and application procedures outlined below.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Advertisement Details | |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026 |
| Total No. of Posts | 394 (Male: 370, Female: 24) |
| Salary | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500/- per month (Level 10) |
| Qualification | 12th Class pass or appearing |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Start Date for Online Application | 10/12/2025 |
| Last Date for Application | 30/12/2025 (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Breakdown and Service Allocation
The total recruitment includes vacancies across different wings and academies. The distribution is as follows:
Vacancy Details by Service
| Academy/Service | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy – Army (157th Course, Jan 2027) | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| National Defence Academy – Navy (All Executive Branch) | 37 | 5 | 42 |
| National Defence Academy – Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 2 | 92 |
| National Defence Academy – Air Force (Ground Duties – Technical) | 16 | 2 | 18 |
| National Defence Academy – Air Force (Ground Duties – Non Technical) | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Naval Academy – 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (119th INAC, All Branches) | 21 | 3 | 24 |
| Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Note: Indian Army recruits men and women separately, and selection processes are conducted independently based on gender-specific vacancies.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet certain educational and physical standards to be eligible for the UPSC NDA & NA I 2026 examination. Below are the detailed eligibility conditions:
Educational Qualifications
- Army Wing (NDA): 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent from recognized boards or universities.
- Air Force & Naval Wings (NDA) and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Applicants appearing in the 12th standard: Allowed to apply; must submit proof of passing by 10th December 2026.
- Note: Candidates appearing in 11th class are NOT eligible to apply.
Nationality & Citizenship
- Must be a citizen of India, or
- Subject of Nepal, or
- Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam, with the intention of permanent settlement in India.
Marital Status
- Applicants must be UNMARRIED. Married male and female candidates are not eligible.
- Male applicants who are divorcees or widowers cannot be treated as unmarried and are ineligible.
- Candidates must undertake not to marry until the completion of training. Marriage during training or after application submission leads to disqualification and possible refund of expenditures if applicable.
Age Limit (as on 01-07-2027)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 16.5 years (Born not later than 01 July 2010) |
| Maximum Age | 19.5 years (Born not earlier than 01 July 2007) |
Candidates must be born within the specified date range and only those born between 01/07/2007 and 01/07/2010 are eligible. Birth date verification is only accepted from Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate or equivalent document. No other documents like horoscopes or affidavits are accepted.
Physical Standards
Physical fitness is mandatory for military service. The standards include height, weight, vision, dental health, and other physical parameters outlined below:
Height Standards
- Males: Minimum 157 cm (162.5 cm for Flying Branch).
- Females: Minimum 152 cm (162.5 cm for Flying Branch).
- Gorkhas and candidates from hills of North Eastern regions, Garhwal, and Kumaon have a reduced height requirement by 5 cm.
- Growth allowance of 2 cm for candidates below 18 years.
Weight Standards
Weight should be proportionate to height and age, adhering to the prescribed charts. Wasting or excessive weight deviations are not acceptable unless supported by medical documentation.
Visual Standards
- Uncorrected vision: 6/12 in each eye.
- Corrected vision: 6/6 in each eye.
- Limits on Myopia, Hypermetropia, and Astigmatism are specified (+2.0 D Sph for hypermetropia, -1.0 D Sph for myopia, ±1.0 D Cyl for astigmatism).
- Binocular vision: III.
- Color vision: CP Pass (Ishihara test).
- Surgery (PRK/LASIK/SMILE) acceptable if performed at least 12 months prior and with some restrictions.
Dental & Other Physical Standards
- Minimum 14 dental points.
- Clear mouth opening of at least 30 mm, with no more than two mobile teeth.
- Chest circumference minimum 77 cm with expansion of 5 cm.
- Normal hearing capacity, able to hear whisper at 610 cm in each ear.
- No medical deformities or diseases affecting military duties.
- Permanent tattoos permitted only on inner face of forearms (from elbow to wrist) and back of hands.
Application Process
The application process for UPSC NDA & NA I 2026 is entirely online. Follow the step-by-step guide below:
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC online registration portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Create your account and generate your Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with accurate personal details.
- Upload recent passport-sized photograph and capture a live photo as per specifications.
- Select preferences for the service in the Examination Specific Module (Army, Navy, Air Force) in order of priority.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents and valid Photo ID proof.
- Select your preferred examination center (subject to availability and first-come-first-serve basis).
- Pay the application fee online via Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.
- Submit the application form and note down the Application Number for future reference.
- When the e-Admit Card is issued, download and print it for the examination.
Note: Ensure at least one service preference is indicated, as it is mandatory. Also, candidates must register separately on the respective recruiting websites for SSB interviews after qualifying the written exam.
Examination Pattern and Selection Process
The selection process comprises three stages: written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination. The final selection depends on performance in all three stages.
Stage 1: Written Examination
Conducted by UPSC, the written test consists of two papers:
| Paper | Description | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Mathematics (Only for IMA/INA/AFA, not for Naval Academy) | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| Paper-II | General Ability Test (English + General Knowledge) | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| Total | 900 Marks | ||
All questions are multiple choice, and answers must be marked using a Black Ball Pen. Negative marking applies at 0.33 marks per wrong answer.
Stage 2: SSB Interview
The interview process is conducted in two stages:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT). Shortlisting of candidates is based on combined performance.
- Stage II: Includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview over four days. The entire process assesses the candidate’s personality, intelligence, and suitability.
For Air Force Candidates: The Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) is a mandatory prerequisite for Flying Branch applicants and is conducted once. The grades remain valid for subsequent interviews.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Only candidates who clear the written and interview stages are eligible for medical examination conducted by the Special Medical Board at designated armed forces hospitals. Candidates are evaluated for physical fitness and medical standards as per the prescribed checklists. Medical fitness is mandatory for final selection.
Salary Structure and Allowances
Selected candidates undergo a rigorous training period at NDA, spanning 3 years, with a fixed stipend. Post-commissioning, officers receive a comprehensive pay package along with various allowances.
During Training at NDA
- Stipend: Rs. 56,100/- per month (Level 10)
- Additional expenses like books, uniforms, accommodation are borne by the Government.
- Pocket money: Approximately Rs. 3,000/- per month, payable by candidates/parents.
- Financial assistance: Rs. 2,500/- per month for candidates from low-income families (income < Rs. 45,000/- per month).
Post-Commissioning Salary & Benefits
| Rank | Pay Level | Approximate Monthly Salary | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 | Military Service Pay (Rs. 15,500), Allowances |
| Captain | Level 10B | Rs. 61,300 – 1,93,900 | Dress Allowance, Transport Allowance |
| Major | Level 11 | Rs. 69,400 – 2,07,200 | Children Education Allowance, Hostels, etc. |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | Rs. 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 | Field Area Allowance, Para Allowance |
| Colonel | Level 13 | Rs. 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 | Special Allowances, Insurance coverage |
Additional allowances such as Dearness Allowance, Dress Allowance, Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance, and Field Area Allowances are applicable. Insurance coverage is provided during and after service, with premiums and benefits detailed accordingly.
Physical and Medical Standards
Visual Acuity & Eye Standards
- Uncorrected vision: 6/12 or better in each eye.
- Corrected vision: 6/6 in each eye.
- Spherical and Cylindrical corrections as specified (+2.0 D Sph for hypermetropia, -1.0 D Sph for myopia, Cyl within ±1.0 D).
- Color vision: Normal, Pass (Ishihara test).
- Binocular vision: III.
- Kerato-refractive surgeries acceptable if compliant with timing and medical guidelines.
Dental & Other Physical Requirements
- Minimum 14 dental points.
- Good mouth opening (at least 30 mm).
- Chest circumference at least 77 cm with 5 cm expansion.
- Normal hearing ability.
- No significant deformities or diseases affecting duty performance.
Other Important Instructions
Applicants should adhere to the following:
- Apply exclusively through the official portal https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Provide accurate details; no correction or withdrawal is allowed after submission.
- Use only Black Ball Pen for answering sheets.
- Candidates must carry their Admit Card and valid ID proof to the examination center.
- Face authentication is mandatory at the venue.
- Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited in the examination hall.
- Ensure prompt arrival at the examination center, ideally 30 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time.
- Admit cards will be issued only online; no postal or email dispatch.
- After qualifying written exams, candidates must register separately on the respective services’ recruitment portals (e.g., joinindianarmy.nic.in, joinindiannavy.gov.in) for SSB scheduling.
Important Dates and Timeline
All candidates should keep track of crucial dates related to the examination process:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10/12/2025 |
| Online Application Start | 10/12/2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30/12/2025 (by 06:00 PM) |
| Examination Date | 12/04/2026 |
| Written Result Declaration (Tentative) | May 2026 |
| SSB Interview Period (Tentative) | June to July 2026 |
| Course Commencement for NDA & INAC | 01/01/2027 |
| Document Submission (for appearing candidates) | 10/12/2026 |
Contact and Support
For assistance regarding the application process or examination-related queries, candidates can contact the UPSC helpdesk:
- Phone: 011-24041001
- Email: helpdesk.upsc@gov.in
Additional Resources & Links
- Apply Online for UPSC NDA & NA I 2026
- Official Notification PDF
- Sarkari Result Vacancy
- Follow Us on Twitter
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When can I start applying for UPSC NDA & NA I 2026?
Application process begins on 10th December 2025.
2. What is the deadline for application submission?
The last date to apply is 30th December 2025, up to 06:00 PM.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates must have passed 12th class (or appear), with specific subject requirements for Air Force and Naval Wings, and be within the age limit of 16.5 to 19.5 years.
4. How many vacancies are available?
Total vacancies are 394, with separate allocations for males and females across various branches.
5. What does the selection process include?
It involves a written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination. Final merit is based on aggregate performance across all stages.
For additional details, eligibility conditions, and updates, always refer to the official UPSC website and notification PDF.