What's in this article?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy II Examination 2026, offering a golden opportunity for young aspirants to join India's prestigious defence forces. A total of 394 vacancies are available across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy. Interested candidates can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 09 June 2026.
UPSC NDA II 2026: Key Recruitment Details
ProJobAlert.com | |
|---|---|
| UPSC NDA & NA II Examination 2026 Advertisement No.:- 10/2026-NDA-II | |
| Recruitment Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy II Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Start Date to Apply | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Qualification | 12th Pass (Specific subjects for certain wings) |
| Age Limit | Born between 01 Jan 2008 and 01 Jan 2011 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test |
| Salary | Stipend during training, then Officer Pay Scale |
| Application Fees |
General, OBC: ₹ 100/- SC / ST: ₹ 0/- Payment Mode: Online |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Syllabus & PYQs PDF | Download PDF |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| 👉 Apply Online Now | |
Important Date
- Notification Released: 20 May 2026
- Application Start: 20 May 2026
- Last Date : 09 June 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 09 June 2026
- Exam Date: 13 September 2026
- Admit Card: Before Exam
- Result Date: Update Soon
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: Born not earlier than 01 January 2008
- Maximum Age: Born not later than 01 January 2011
- Age Relaxation:
- As per UPSC Examination Rules 2026
- Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Application Fees
- General, OBC: ₹ 100/-
- SC / ST: ₹ 0/-
- Payment Mode: Online (Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Card / Mobile Wallet)
Qualification
- For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: Candidates must have passed the 12th Class or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or 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 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized Board or University.
Full Eligibility
To be eligible for the UPSC NDA & NA II Examination 2026, candidates must meet specific educational and physical standards. Ensure you fulfill all criteria before applying for these prestigious defence roles.
| Wing / Academy | Educational Qualification | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| Army Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass from a recognized Board or University. | Unmarried Male / Female Candidates |
| Air Force & Naval Wings of NDA | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized Board or University. | |
| 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at Indian Naval Academy | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized Board or University. |
Physical Test Criteria
Candidates applying for the NDA & NA II Examination 2026 must meet stringent physical standards. These criteria ensure that selected individuals are fit for rigorous military training and service.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height (Minimum) | Army/Navy: 157 cm (Gorkhas/Assamese/Garhwalis/Tribals: 152 cm) Air Force: 162.5 cm |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age as per medical standards. |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 5 cm expansion. |
| Vision | Specific visual standards apply for each wing (e.g., 6/6 uncorrected for certain roles). |
| General Health | Free from any disease/disability, physically and mentally fit. |
Salary
During the training period at NDA, cadets receive a fixed stipend. Upon successful completion of training and commissioning as officers, they are entitled to a competitive salary package as per the 7th Pay Commission.
| Stage | Remuneration |
|---|---|
| During Training (NDA Cadets) | Stipend of ₹ 56,100/- per month (Pay Level 10) |
| Upon Commissioning (Lieutenant) | Pay Matrix Level 10 (₹ 56,100 - ₹ 1,77,500) |
| Additional Benefits | Dearness Allowance (DA), Military Service Pay (MSP), Field Area Allowance, High Altitude Allowance, Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance, etc. |
- The stipend is provided during the entire training period at the National Defence Academy.
- Upon commissioning, officers are granted the rank of Lieutenant and receive full pay and allowances.
- Various allowances and benefits are provided in addition to the basic pay, making it an attractive career.
Selection Process
The selection process for the UPSC NDA & NA II Examination 2026 is rigorous and multi-staged, designed to identify candidates with the necessary academic, physical, and psychological attributes for a career in the armed forces.
- Written Examination: Candidates first appear for a written test comprising Mathematics and General Ability Test.
- SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates from the written exam undergo a comprehensive Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
- Medical Examination: Candidates who qualify the SSB interview are subjected to a thorough medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officers.
- Final Merit List: A final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in the written examination and the SSB interview.
Exam Pattern
The UPSC NDA & NA II written examination consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test. Both papers are objective type with multiple-choice questions, and there is a penalty for incorrect answers.
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2 Hours 30 Mins | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2 Hours 30 Mins | 600 |
| Total Written Exam Marks | 5 Hours | 900 |
- The General Ability Test (GAT) is divided into two parts: Part 'A' (English) and Part 'B' (General Knowledge).
- Part 'B' of GAT covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.
- The SSB Interview carries 900 marks and assesses candidates' personality, intelligence, and leadership qualities.
- There is negative marking for incorrect answers in the written examination.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy
The UPSC NDA & NA II Recruitment 2026 offers a total of 394 vacancies distributed across various wings of the National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy. Candidates can choose their preferred wing based on eligibility.
| Wing / Academy | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Army | 208 |
| Navy | 42 |
| Air Force | 120 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 24 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
Job Profile & Responsibility
Joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) or Naval Academy (NA) is the first step towards a distinguished career as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Cadets undergo intensive training in military subjects, academics, and physical fitness, preparing them for leadership roles. Upon commissioning, officers are entrusted with significant responsibilities, including leading troops, managing resources, and safeguarding national security in diverse operational environments. The job demands high levels of discipline, courage, strategic thinking, and a commitment to service.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Training | Three years at NDA/NA covering academic, military, and physical training. |
| Commissioning | Upon successful completion, commissioned as officers in Army, Navy, or Air Force. |
| Leadership | Lead and manage teams of personnel in various operational and administrative capacities. |
| Strategic Roles | Involve in planning and executing defence strategies, intelligence gathering, and combat operations. |
| Technical Roles | Specialized roles in engineering, logistics, communication, and aviation depending on the wing. |
- Officers are responsible for maintaining discipline and morale among their subordinates.
- They participate in training exercises and real-world operations to protect national interests.
- The career offers continuous opportunities for professional growth and higher education.
- Officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
How To Apply
Candidates interested in the UPSC NDA & NA II Examination 2026 must apply online through the official UPSC website. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful application submission before the deadline.
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process if you haven't already.
- Click on the "Apply Online" link for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026.
- Fill out Part-I of the application form with personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified format and size.
- Proceed to Part-II of the application, which includes fee payment and selection of examination center.
- Pay the application fee online using Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. SC/ST candidates are exempted from fees.
- Review all entered details carefully before final submission and take a printout of the completed application form for future reference.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Defence Jobs | Click Here |
| UPSC Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply online for UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 is 09 June 2026. Candidates are advised to complete their applications well before the deadline.
What are the total vacancies in UPSC NDA & NA II Examination 2026?
There are a total of 394 vacancies announced for the UPSC NDA & NA II Examination 2026, distributed across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.
What is the age limit for UPSC NDA II 2026?
Candidates must be born not earlier than 01 January 2008 and not later than 01 January 2011 (both dates inclusive) to be eligible for UPSC NDA II 2026.
What is the application fee for UPSC NDA II 2026?
The application fee for General and OBC candidates is ₹ 100/-. SC/ST candidates are exempted from paying any application fee.
What is the qualification required for NDA Army Wing?
For the Army Wing of NDA, candidates must have passed the 12th Class or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
When is the UPSC NDA II 2026 exam date?
The written examination for UPSC NDA II 2026 is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
How can I apply for UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026?
You can apply online through the official UPSC online application portal, upsconline.nic.in, by completing the OTR, filling the application form, uploading documents, and paying the fee.
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