UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026: Apply Online
Total 394 Vacancies, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Important Dates, Selection Process & Complete Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (II), 2026 under Advertisement No. 10/2026-NDA-II. This recruitment offers a prestigious opportunity for young candidates who aspire to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers.
The online application process for UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 commenced on 20 May 2026 and will remain open until 09 June 2026. Candidates who have completed or are appearing in Class 12 can apply online through the UPSC portal. The NDA examination is one of the most sought-after defence entrance examinations in India and serves as a gateway to a rewarding career in the Armed Forces.
UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 |
| Advertisement Number | 10/2026-NDA-II |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
Candidates must keep track of all important events related to the recruitment process.
- Notification Release Date: 20 May 2026
- Online Application Start Date: 20 May 2026
- Last Date for Online Registration: 09 June 2026
- Application Correction Window: June 2026 (Expected)
- Admit Card Release Date: September 2026
- NDA II Written Examination: 13 September 2026
- Result Declaration: October 2026 (Expected)
- SSB Interview: To be notified later
UPSC NDA II Vacancy Details 2026
A total of 394 vacancies have been announced under NDA & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026.
Wing-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| Academy/Wing | Vacancies |
| National Defence Academy – Army Wing | 208 |
| National Defence Academy – Navy Wing | 42 |
| National Defence Academy – Air Force Wing | 120 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 24 |
| Total | 394 |
The final vacancy distribution may be revised by UPSC depending on organizational requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates should carefully verify that they meet all eligibility requirements.
Educational Qualification
Army Wing of NDA
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
Air Force, Navy & Naval Academy
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
Candidates appearing in Class 12 examinations are also eligible to apply provisionally.
Age Limit
Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
Candidates must be born:
- Not earlier than 01 January 2008
- Not later than 01 January 2011
Any candidate born outside these dates will not be eligible for the examination.
Marital Status
Candidates must remain unmarried throughout the training period. Marriage during training may lead to cancellation of candidature and recovery of training expenses incurred by the government.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹200 |
| SC/ST | Exempted |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
Payment can be made through online modes such as Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
Selection Process
The NDA II Recruitment 2026 selection process consists of multiple stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination
Candidates first appear in the UPSC NDA written examination.
Stage 2: SSB Interview
Qualified candidates are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo detailed medical testing.
Stage 4: Final Merit List
The final merit list is prepared based on written examination and SSB interview marks.
NDA II Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination consists of two papers.
Paper 1: Mathematics
- Maximum Marks: 300
- Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
- Questions: Objective Type
Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT)
- Maximum Marks: 600
- Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
- Questions: Objective Type
Total Written Examination Marks
- Mathematics: 300 Marks
- GAT: 600 Marks
- Total: 900 Marks
SSB Interview
- Total Marks: 900
Overall Selection Marks
- Written Exam: 900 Marks
- SSB Interview: 900 Marks
- Grand Total: 1800 Marks
Negative marking is applicable in the written examination.
NDA II Syllabus 2026
Mathematics
The Mathematics paper includes:
- Algebra
- Matrices and Determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical Geometry
- Differential Calculus
- Integral Calculus
- Vector Algebra
- Statistics
- Probability
General Ability Test (GAT)
English Section
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Sentence Formation
General Knowledge Section
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General Science
- Indian History
- Geography
- Current Affairs
- Defence Awareness
Physical Standards
Candidates must satisfy prescribed physical and medical standards.
Minimum Height Requirements
- Army and Air Force: Generally 157 cm
- Navy: Generally 157 cm
Certain relaxations are available for candidates belonging to specific regions.
Vision Standards
Candidates must possess acceptable visual standards as prescribed by UPSC and the Armed Forces Medical Board.
SSB Interview Details
The Services Selection Board Interview evaluates a candidate’s overall personality.
The assessment includes:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Discussion
- Group Tasks
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Personal Interview
- Conference Round
The SSB Interview is conducted over a period of approximately five days.
Training Academies
Selected candidates receive training at prestigious institutions including:
- National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Air Force Training Establishments
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
After successful completion of training, candidates are commissioned as officers in their respective services.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Class 10 Marksheet
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Recent Passport Size Photograph
- Scanned Signature
- Aadhaar Card or Valid Photo ID
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate (if applicable)
IMPORTANT LINKS: UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026: Apply Online
Apply Online Link |
Click Here |
Check Official Notification |
Click Here |
UPSC Official Website |
Click Here |
How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026
Step 1: Visit the UPSC official website.
Step 2: Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).
Step 3: Login using your credentials.
Step 4: Open the NDA II Examination 2026 application link.
Step 5: Fill in personal, educational, and communication details.
Step 6: Upload photograph and signature.
Step 7: Pay the application fee.
Step 8: Review all details carefully.
Step 9: Submit the application form.
Step 10: Take a printout of the final application form for future reference.
NDA Preparation Tips
Candidates aiming to crack NDA II 2026 should follow a disciplined preparation strategy:
- Strengthen Mathematics fundamentals.
- Read newspapers daily for current affairs.
- Practice previous year question papers.
- Improve English grammar and vocabulary.
- Attempt mock tests regularly.
- Focus on physical fitness.
- Develop communication and leadership skills for SSB.
Why Choose NDA?
Joining NDA offers numerous benefits:
- Prestigious Officer Rank
- Government Job Security
- Attractive Salary and Allowances
- Free Training
- Medical Facilities
- Adventure Activities
- Pension and Retirement Benefits
- Opportunity to Serve the Nation
Final Words
UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for young aspirants who dream of serving in the Indian Armed Forces. With 394 vacancies available across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy, eligible candidates should not miss this chance. Interested applicants must complete their registration before 09 June 2026 and begin their preparation for the written examination scheduled on 13 September 2026.
A career through NDA is not just a job; it is a journey of leadership, discipline, courage, and service to the nation. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification and submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
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