UPSC NDA I Recruitment 2026: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the NDA & NA (I) Examination 2026 under Examination Notice No. 3/2026-NDA-I, dated 10 December 2025. This exam will be conducted for admission to the Army, Navy & Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (157th Course) and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course, commencing from 1 January 2027. The online application process has started, and eligible candidates can apply through the official UPSC website.
The NDA exam is one of India’s most prestigious defence entrance examinations, giving candidates an opportunity to join the armed forces as officers. The application window will remain open until 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM). Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria regarding age, education and physical standards before applying. The written exam will be held offline on 12 April 2026 across various examination centres in India.
UPSC NDA I 2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | NDA & NA (I) 2026 |
| Notification No. | 3/2026-NDA-I |
| Courses | NDA 157th & NA 119th Course |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Training Start | 1 January 2027 |
UPSC NDA I 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week before exam |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Result (Written) | May 2026 |
UPSC NDA I 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
| Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs (as per rules) | Exempted |
UPSC NDA I 2026 Vacancies & Qualification
| Wing / Course | Male | Female | Total | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army (NDA) | 198 | 10 | 208 | 12th Pass |
| Navy (NDA) | 37 | 05 | 42 | 12th with PCM |
| Air Force – Flying | 90 | 02 | 92 | 12th with PCM |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 | 12th with PCM |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 | 12th Pass |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 21 | 03 | 24 | 12th with PCM |
UPSC NDA I 2026 Age Limit
Only unmarried male and female candidates born between:
- 01 July 2007 (inclusive)
- 01 July 2010 (inclusive)
- are eligible to apply.
UPSC NDA I 2026 Selection Process
The selection process includes two major stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Documents Verification
- Medical Test
How to Apply for UPSC NDA I 2026
Candidates must apply online through the UPSC portal https://upsconline.nic.in. First, they need to complete the Universal Registration Number (URN), then fill the Common Application Form (CAF), and finally complete the examination-specific module. All required documents must be uploaded correctly, including a live photo capture. No corrections are allowed after final submission, so applicants must fill the form carefully. Payment of the application fee can be made through online modes only.
UPSC NDA I 2026 Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC NDA I 2026 Apply Online | Apply Online |
| UPSC NDA I 2026 Official Notification | Notification |
| UPSC Official Website | UPSC |
