The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2026 notification. Candidates aspiring to join the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Naval Academy can now apply online through the official websites upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in.
The application process began on December 10, 2025, and will remain open until December 30, 2025 (06:00 PM). A total of 394 vacancies have been announced for recruitment to the rank of Lieutenant under the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme.
UPSC NDA I 2026: Overview
Exam Name: NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026
Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Application Mode: Online
Total Vacancies: 394
Exam Date: April 12, 2026
I want to prepare for the examination.
UPSC NDA I 2026 Vacancy Details
The commission has released branch-wise vacancy details across all wings. The complete distribution is as follows:
| Wing / Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Army | 208 |
| Navy (Executive Branch) | 42 |
| Air Force – Flying | 92 |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Technical) | 18 |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Non-Technical) | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme – Executive Branch) | 24 |
| Total | 394 |
Important Dates: NDA I 2026
Notification Release Date: December 10, 2025
Application Start Date: December 10, 2025
Last Date to Apply: December 30, 2025 (till 06:00 PM)
Written Examination Date: April 12, 2026
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA I 2026
Age Limit
Candidates must be unmarried male or female
Date of birth should be between July 1, 2007 and July 1, 2010
Educational Qualification
Applicants must meet the educational requirements prescribed for the respective wings of the NDA and NA as mentioned in the official notification.
Physical Standards
Candidates must fulfill the physical and medical standards specified by UPSC for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy entries.
Application Fee Details
Rs.100/- for General, OBC, and EWS candidates
No fee for SC, ST, female candidates, and wards of JCOs, NCOs, and ORs
Fee payment is to be made online only
How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA I 2026
Follow the steps below to complete the application process:
Visit the official website upsc.gov.in
Open the NDA & NA I 2026 notification link
Click on the online application portal, which redirects to upsconline.nic.in
Complete registration with personal and contact details
Fill in the application form, upload required documents, and pay the fee (if applicable)
Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference
I want to prepare for the examination.
Selection Process for UPSC NDA I 2026
The selection process consists of multiple stages:
Written Examination
SSB Interview
Document Verification
Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the written examination will be shortlisted for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, conducted by the respective defence boards.
Important Links
Official Website: upsc.gov.in
Online Application Portal: upsconline.nic.in
Notification PDF: https://static.toiimg.com/education/news/photo/125901953.cms
Final Note
The release of the UPSC NDA I 2026 notification marks an important opportunity for defence aspirants aiming to serve the nation. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification, verify eligibility, and complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
