Guwahati, June 5, 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026, inviting applications for 394 officer posts across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Aspirants seeking to join India’s prestigious defence forces can apply online. The application window commenced on May 20, 2026, and the final date for submission of online applications is June 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
This examination offers a golden opportunity for unmarried male and female candidates who have passed or are appearing for their 12th-class examinations to embark on a distinguished career in the Indian Armed Forces. The recruitment drive aims to fill vacancies for the 158th Course of the National Defence Academy and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), both commencing from July 1, 2027.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Notification No. | 10/2026-NDA-II |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Start Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 9, 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Job Location | Across India (for training and postings) |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
About the Organization
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a premier constitutional body in India, established on October 1, 1926. It is entrusted with the responsibility of recruiting officers for the All India Services and Central Civil Services (Group A and B) through various standardized examinations. Operating with autonomy and freedom, similar to the higher judiciary, UPSC plays a pivotal role in maintaining the high standards of India’s public administration and defence services. The commission conducts several examinations annually, including the Civil Services Exam, Combined Defence Services Exam, and the National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam, among others.
Vacancy Details
A total of 394 vacancies have been announced for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026. These vacancies are distributed across different wings of the defence forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the Naval Academy. The distribution of posts, including reservations for male and female candidates, is detailed below:
| Service | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (Army) | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| National Defence Academy (Navy) | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| National Defence Academy (Air Force) – Flying | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| National Defence Academy (Air Force) – Ground Duties (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| National Defence Academy (Air Force) – Ground Duties (Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Grand Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they meet the comprehensive eligibility criteria set by the UPSC for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026.
Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: Candidates must have passed the 12th Class (10+2 pattern) of School Education or an equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: Candidates must have passed the 12th Class (10+2 pattern) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects, or an equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
- Appearing Candidates: Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class examination are also eligible to apply. However, they must submit proof of passing the 10+2 examination to the respective Army HQ / Naval HQ by July 1, 2027, for the 158th Course and 120th INAC. Candidates studying in Class 11 are explicitly NOT eligible.
Age Limit
Only unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than January 1, 2008, and not later than January 1, 2011, are eligible to apply. The age is accepted only as recorded in the Matriculation / Secondary School Leaving Certificate. There is no upper age relaxation for any category (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD) in this examination; the age band is uniformly applicable to all candidates.
Nationality
A candidate must be either:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
Salary & Pay Scale
Joining the National Defence Academy offers an attractive pay scale and numerous allowances, making it a highly sought-after career path.
- Stipend During Training: During the three-year training period at the National Defence Academy, cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month, corresponding to Level 10 of the Pay Matrix. This period is not treated as commissioned service, and admissible allowances are paid as arrears upon successful commissioning.
- Pay Scale After Commissioning: Upon successful completion of training and commissioning as a Lieutenant (or equivalent rank in Navy/Air Force), officers are placed in the Pay Level 10. The basic pay ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500.
- Military Service Pay (MSP): A fixed Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month is additionally paid to officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier.
- Gross Salary: Including various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and other location-specific allowances, the gross monthly salary can range approximately from ₹75,000 to ₹90,000.
The salary structure is in accordance with the 7th Pay Commission, and officers are also entitled to other benefits like insurance, medical facilities, and retirement benefits.
Application Fee
The application fee for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026, is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC Candidates | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | ₹0/- (Exempted) |
| Female Candidates | ₹0/- (Exempted) |
| Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | ₹0/- (Exempted) |
The fee can be paid either online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI, or offline by generating a Challan of SBI Bank.
Selection Process
The selection process for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026, is rigorous and comprises multiple stages designed to assess a candidate’s intellectual, psychological, and physical fitness. The stages are:
- Written Examination: This is the first stage, conducted by UPSC. It consists of two objective-type papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks), totaling 900 marks. Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in both papers. The question papers are set bilingually in Hindi and English.
- Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview: Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for a five-day SSB Interview. This involves a two-stage selection process. Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT). Stage II, for shortlisted candidates, includes Interview, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychology Tests, and a Conference.
- Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) Test: Candidates aspiring for the Air Force Flying Branch must also qualify the CPSS test. This test is administered only once in a candidate’s lifetime.
- Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a thorough medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officers. Only medically fit candidates are considered for final selection.
- Final Merit List: A final merit list is prepared based on the candidate’s performance in both the written examination and the SSB Interview. Admission to the respective academies is granted based on this merit list, preference, and medical fitness.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in applying for the UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026, must do so online through the UPSC’s official application portal. The process involves a One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- If you are a new user, click on the “New Registration” button to complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process. You will need to provide personal details, contact information, and create a login.
- After successful OTR, log in using your registered Email ID, Mobile Number, or OTR ID.
- Navigate to the “Latest Notification” tab or “Examinations” section on the OTR application portal.
- Find and click on the “National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026” application link.
- Fill out the online application form carefully with all required personal, educational, and communication details.
- Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph, signature, and other necessary documents in the prescribed format and size.
- Pay the application fee of ₹100/- (if applicable) through online modes such as Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. SC/ST/Female candidates and Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from fee payment.
- Review all the entered details before final submission.
- Submit the application form. It is highly recommended to take a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.
Candidates are advised to apply well in advance of the deadline, June 9, 2026, by 6:00 PM, to avoid any last-minute technical issues. A correction window will be available from June 10 to June 16, 2026, for rectifying errors in the submitted application.
Important Dates
Candidates should note the following important dates for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | June 9, 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | June 9, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | June 10 – June 16, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | Before Exam (Expected around September 6, 2026) |
| Written Examination Date | September 13, 2026 (Sunday) |
Important Links
Apply Online: Click Here
Official Notification Reference
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released Examination Notice No. 10/2026-NDA-II dated May 20, 2026, for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026?
The last date to apply online for the UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026, is June 9, 2026, by 6:00 PM.
What are the total vacancies for NDA & NA (II) 2026?
There are a total of 394 vacancies announced for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026. These include posts in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.
What is the age limit for UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026?
Unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than January 1, 2008, and not later than January 1, 2011, are eligible to apply. There is no age relaxation for any category.
What is the educational qualification required for the Air Force and Naval Wings?
For the Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy, candidates must have passed the 12th Class (10+2 pattern) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Is there an application fee for female candidates?
No, female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee for the UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 examination.
What is the salary during NDA training?
During the three-year training period at the National Defence Academy, cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month (Level 10 of the Pay Matrix).
When will the UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 written exam be conducted?
The written examination for the UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026, is scheduled for September 13, 2026 (Sunday).