UPSC NDA & NA II 2026 — 394 Posts, Apply Before 9 June
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II) 2026. A total of 394 posts are available across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA, plus the Naval Academy's 10+2 Cadet Entry scheme. The written exam is scheduled for 13 September 2026. Applications are open till 9 June 2026 at upsconline.nic.in.
Who Can Apply?
For the Army wing, candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 in any stream are eligible. For the Navy and Air Force wings, Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics is mandatory. The age window is strict: candidates must be born between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2011. Both male and female candidates can apply — female seats are available across all wings this year.
Selection Process
NDA selection is a two-stage process. The written exam (Stage 1) tests Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks). Candidates who clear the written exam appear for the SSB Interview (900 marks) conducted by the Services Selection Board. Final merit is based on total marks in both stages. Selected candidates join the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, Pune for a 3-year joint training programme.
Training & Career After NDA
NDA training is one of the most prestigious defence training programmes in the world. After completing the 3-year NDA course, cadets go to their respective Service Academies (IMA for Army, INA for Navy, AFA for Air Force) for pre-commissioning training. They are then commissioned as Officers with starting pay of ₹56,100/month at Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission, along with service allowances, accommodation, and medical benefits.