The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II) 2026 for a total of 394 vacancies across Army, Navy, Air Force and the Indian Naval Academy (INAC). Candidates born between 01‑01‑2008 and 01‑01‑2011 with a 12th pass can apply online from 20‑05‑2026 to 09‑06‑2026.
Highlights
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi |
| Examination | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (II), 2026 |
| Notice No. | 10/2026‑NDA‑II dated 20/05/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 (370 Male + 24 Female) |
| Application Mode | Online only via https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Exam Date | 13‑09‑2026 |
| Course Commencement | 01‑07‑2027 |
Post & Organization Details
- Organization Name: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi
- Examination Name: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026
- Course / Academy: NDA 158th Course (Army, Navy, Air Force) & 120th INAC (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)
- Stipend During Training: Rs. 56,100 per month (Level 10)
Vacancy Details
| Academy | Service / Branch | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) – 158th Course | Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy (All Executive Branch) | 37 | 5 | 42 | |
| Air Force – Flying | 90 | 2 | 92 | |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Tech) | 16 | 2 | 18 | |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Non‑Tech) | 8 | 2 | 10 | |
| Naval Academy (INAC) – 120th Course | 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (All Executive Branch) | 21 | 3 | 24 |
| Total | 394 | |||
Eligibility Criteria
| Nationality | Citizen of India or subjects of Nepal, or persons of Indian origin from specified countries (with eligibility certificate where applicable). |
| Marital Status | Unmarried male and female candidates only. |
| Educational Qualification – Army Wing (NDA) | 12th Class pass (or appearing) of the 10+2 pattern. |
| Educational Qualification – Navy, Air Force & INAC | 12th Class pass (or appearing) with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics. |
| Age Limit | Born not earlier than 01‑01‑2008 and not later than 01‑01‑2011 (date of birth as per school certificate). |
| Physical Standards | Must satisfy the “Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces”. |
| Other Disqualifications | Candidates withdrawn from any training academy on disciplinary grounds, or debarred by MoD, are ineligible. |
Pay Scale & Salary
- Stipend during training: Rs. 56,100 per month (starting pay in Level 10).
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 100/- |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Notification | 20/05/2026 |
| Opening of Online Application | 20‑05‑2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 09‑06‑2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Helpline Active Period | 20‑05‑2026 to 09‑06‑2026 (10:00 AM‑5:30 PM) |
| Date of Written Examination | 13‑09‑2026 |
| Written Result (Tentative) | October 2026 |
| SSB Interview (Tentative) | December 2026 – January 2027 |
| Course Commencement | 01‑07‑2027 |
Selection Process
- Written Examination (Objective Type)
- SSB Intelligence & Personality Test (including CPSS for Air Force Flying)
- Medical Examination
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC online portal: https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Click on “New Registration” and create a login ID and password.
- Fill in personal, academic and service‑preference details in the Examination Specific Module.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents (photograph, signature, 12th mark sheet, etc.).
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 100 (General/OBC/EWS Male) through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card or UPI.
- Review the application carefully and click “Submit”. A confirmation receipt will be generated.
- Print/save the receipt for future reference.
Important Links
FAQ’s
- What is the age limit for candidates?
Candidates must be born between 01‑01‑2008 and 01‑01‑2011. No upper age relaxation is provided for any category. - Can a candidate appearing in 12th class apply?
Yes, appearing candidates may apply but must submit proof of passing the 12th exam by 10‑06‑2027. - Is there any relaxation in educational qualification for the Army wing?
No. Army wing candidates need only a 12th pass (or appearing) without mandatory Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics. - What is the application fee for female candidates?
The source does not specify a separate fee for female candidates; only the General/OBC/EWS male fee of Rs. 100 is mentioned. - How many service preferences can a candidate give?
Candidates must specify at least one and can give up to four service preferences in the Examination Specific Module.