UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026: 394 Vacancies for Army, Navy, Air Force & Naval Academy — Complete Guide
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 notification on 20 May 2026 under File No. 7/01/2026.E.1(B). This is a golden chance for young 12th pass boys and girls who dream of wearing the uniform. A total of 394 vacancies are open across the Army (208), Navy (42), Air Force (120), and the Indian Naval Academy 10+2 Cadet Entry (24) — admission to the 158th NDA Course and 120th INAC, commencing 1 July 2027.
Online applications are open from 20 May 2026 to 9 June 2026 on the UPSC portal. If you are unmarried, between roughly 16.5 and 19.5 years, and have passed (or are appearing in) 12th class, this is your moment. The written exam is on 13 September 2026. Read this full article on GovtJobsAlert.in carefully so you do not miss any age, eligibility, fee, or selection detail — and check our Defence Jobs section for more such openings.
Key Highlights — UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 Notification
The National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune trains future officers of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force in a joint setup, while the Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala trains 10+2 Cadet Entry officers for the Navy. UPSC conducts the NDA & NA examination twice every year. Successful candidates join the 158th NDA Course and 120th INAC from 1 July 2027. This is a great opportunity for 12th pass students who want a respected officer-level career in the armed forces.
- Post Names: Cadets for NDA (Army, Navy, Air Force) & Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry)
- Total Vacancies: 394
- Salary / Stipend: Rs 56,100 starting (Lt. — Pay Level 10) after commissioning; Rs 56,100 Fixed Stipend during cadet training final year
- Job Location: All India (NDA Khadakwasla, Pune & INA Ezhimala, Kerala)
- Application Start Date: 20 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 9 June 2026 (6:00 PM)
- Written Exam Date: 13 September 2026
Vacancy Breakdown — UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026
The 394 vacancies are spread across the three NDA wings and the Naval Academy 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme. Indian Army announces male and female vacancies separately; the figures below are the indicative numbers notified by UPSC and may be adjusted later based on training capacity.
| Wing | Total Vacancies | Notes (Male / Female) |
|---|---|---|
| NDA — Army | 208 | Male 198 / Female 10 |
| NDA — Navy | 42 | Male 37 / Female 5 (All Executive branch) |
| NDA — Air Force (Flying) | 92 | Male 90 / Female 2 |
| NDA — Air Force (Ground Duties Tech) | 18 | Male 16 / Female 2 |
| NDA — Air Force (Ground Duties Non-Tech) | 10 | Male 8 / Female 2 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 24 | Male 21 / Female 3 (All Executive branch) |
| Total | 394 | Male 370 / Female 24 |
Eligibility Criteria — UPSC NDA (II) 2026
Educational Qualification
The educational requirement depends on which wing you are applying for. Make sure you choose the right wing in the application form.
- For Army Wing of NDA: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a recognised University.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at Indian Naval Academy: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern from a State Board or recognised University.
- Candidates appearing in 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern can also apply — but must produce the passing certificate at the time of SSB interview (or send a self-attested copy to the Directorate General of Recruiting by the cut-off mentioned in the notification).
Age, Sex and Marital Status
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
- Born not earlier than 01 January 2008 and not later than 01 January 2011 (both dates inclusive).
- The date of birth as recorded in your Matriculation / Secondary School Examination Certificate is final — no change request will be entertained later.
Physical Standards
- Candidates must be physically and medically fit as per the guidelines published in Appendix-IV of the official notification.
- Air Force Flying candidates have stricter visual acuity and height standards. Please read the PDF carefully.
What is the Salary for UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Cadets and Officers?
During training, NDA cadets receive a Fixed Stipend of Rs 56,100 per month in the final year of training (as per the latest pay rules). After successful commissioning as a Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer, you enter Pay Level 10 of the 7th CPC.
- Starting Basic Pay (Lieutenant / equivalent): Rs 56,100
- Pay Level: Level 10 (Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500)
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs 15,500 per month (for officers)
- Dearness Allowance (DA): as per Central Government rates
- Other Allowances: Field Area Allowance, Kit Maintenance Allowance, Transport Allowance, HRA / free accommodation as applicable
With MSP, DA and other allowances combined, the approximate in-hand salary of a newly commissioned officer ranges from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1,10,000 per month, depending on posting location and branch.
Beyond pay, officers get free medical care (ECHS), CSD canteen facilities, group insurance, generous leave, military training abroad opportunities, and lifelong pension after retirement. Disability and family welfare benefits are also among the best in the country.
What is the Selection Process for UPSC NDA (II) 2026?
The selection happens in two big stages — a written examination conducted by UPSC, followed by the SSB Interview conducted by the Services Selection Board.
Stage 1: Written Examination (900 Marks)
The written exam has two papers, both held on the same day (13 September 2026).
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 2½ Hours | 300 |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 2½ Hours | 600 |
- Mathematics covers algebra, matrices, trigonometry, calculus, analytical geometry, statistics, and probability — at 10+2 level.
- General Ability Test (GAT) has two parts: Part A — English (200 marks); Part B — General Knowledge (400 marks) covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Events.
- There is negative marking in both papers — be careful with guess work.
- For deeper preparation, refer to our NDA syllabus and exam pattern page.
Stage 2: SSB Interview (900 Marks)
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, conducted over about 5 days in two stages:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests + Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT).
- Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, and a Personal Interview.
Final merit is prepared based on the combined marks of Written (900) + SSB (900) = 1800, followed by medical fitness.
How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA (II) 2026?
Before starting, keep ready: a valid photo ID (Aadhaar / Voter / PAN / Passport), your 10th and 12th class certificates, a scanned photograph and signature, and a working email and mobile number.
- Visit the UPSC online application portal (link in Essential Links below).
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you have not already done it.
- Log in and click on “Apply” against the NDA & NA (II) 2026 examination.
- Fill the Examination Specific Module — personal details, qualification, choice of wings (Army/Navy/Air Force/Naval Academy), and examination centre.
- Upload your photograph, signature, photo ID and any other documents requested.
- Pay the application fee of Rs 100 online (if not exempted) — using net banking, credit/debit card, UPI or Visa/Master/RuPay.
- Submit the final application and take a printout for your records.
Important Dates — UPSC NDA (II) 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 June 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Application Withdrawal Window | As notified by UPSC |
| Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Course Commencement | 1 July 2027 |
Application Fees — UPSC NDA (II) 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs 100 |
| SC / ST | No Fee (Exempted) |
| Female Candidates (All categories) | No Fee (Exempted) |
| Wards of JCOs / NCOs / ORs (as per notification) | No Fee (Exempted) |
Fee can be paid online using net banking (SBI), Visa/Master/RuPay credit/debit card, UPI, or by cash payment at any SBI branch through the e-receipt option. Note: OBC and EWS candidates are NOT exempted — only SC/ST and female candidates get the waiver.
Essential Links — UPSC NDA (II) 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for UPSC NDA (II) 2026
- Visit UPSC Official Website
- Check UPSC Exam Calendar 2026-27
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
If you are an unmarried 12th pass candidate aged between roughly 16.5 and 19.5 years and dream of serving the nation in uniform, this is the perfect launchpad — apply well before the deadline of 9 June 2026 to avoid last-minute server load. Prepare seriously for the 13 September 2026 exam, and explore more such openings in our Defence Jobs section. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for every important update on NDA, CDS, Agniveer and other UPSC notifications.