The UPSC NDA AND NA EXAM 2026 is a crucial gateway for young aspirants aiming to join India’s prestigious armed forces through the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Naval Academy (NA). Every year, thousands of candidates appear for this highly competitive exam, seeking to serve the nation as officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The official 2026 cycle has brought fresh updates that every candidate must know
What Is the UPSC NDA & NA Exam?
Overview of NDA & NA
The NDA & NA exam is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. It’s typically held twice a year and consists of a written test followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical examinations.
Why It Matters for Defence Aspirants
This exam is considered one of the most prestigious routes into India’s defence services and attracts aspirants from across the country immediately after Class 12. Success here can start your journey toward becoming a commissioned officer.
Latest News on NDA & NA 2026 Notification
In December 2025, UPSC officially released the NDA & NA (I) 2026 notification on its website. The notification outlines crucial details like vacancies, eligibility, application process, and exam dates. Applications opened immediately and will remain active until late December 2025.
This is the most significant update for aspirants as it marks the beginning of the 2026 exam cycle rollout.
Important Dates for NDA & NA 2026
Here’s the 2026 cycle timeline every aspirant should mark:
Notification Release: December 10, 2025
Application Window: December 10 – December 30, 2025
Written Exam Date (NDA I): April 12, 2026
Admit Card Release: Expected early April 2026
Additionally, UPSC typically conducts NDA II later in the year, expected around September 2026, with its own separate notification and application window.
Vacancies Announced for NDA & NA 2026
The detailed notification for 2026 NDA & NA shows 394 vacancies available across different wings of the defence forces. Jobs include positions in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy entry schemes.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Requirements
Candidates must be within the age bracket prescribed by UPSC. For preparatory guidance:
Typically, candidates must be between 5 to 19.5 years.
Educational Qualifications
Army Wing: Class 12 pass or appearing.
Air Force & Navy: Class 12 with Physics & Mathematics.
Nationality & Marital Status
Applicants should be Indian citizens (or subject to specific provisions like Nepal/Bhutan).
Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
Application Process Step by Step
How to Apply Online
Visit gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.
Complete One-Time Registration (OTR).
Fill in personal & educational details.
Upload photo & signature.
Pay the application fee online
Required Details & Documents
Ensure you have accurate ID proof (like Aadhar), academic certificates, and scanned signatures ready before applying.
Application Fees
General/OBC/EWS: ₹100
SC/ST, Female candidates: Fee exempted.
Exam Pattern Explained
Written Exam Structure
The exam comprises two papers:
Mathematics
General Ability Test (GAT)
Both are objective tests conducted in offline (pen & paper) mode on the same day.
SSB Interview
Cleared candidates then undergo a multi-stage SSB interview, testing intelligence, personality, and leadership skills.
Syllabus Breakdown
Understanding the NDA syllabus is key to planning:
Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, etc.
General Ability Test: English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA AND NA EXAM 2026 marks a fresh opportunity for defense aspirants to realize their dreams of serving India’s armed forces. With the official notification already released and the application window open, candidates must act now to secure their spot in this prestigious national-level examination. Early preparation, awareness of key dates, and adherence to eligibility norms will boost your chances of success.
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