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UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Notification Released for 394 Army, Navy & Air Force Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 notification for admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA). This recruitment is one of the biggest defence entry opportunities for 12th pass students who dream of becoming officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

A total of 394 vacancies are available for Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy wings. Both male and female unmarried candidates can apply online through the UPSC official website.

The online application process started on 20 May 2026 and the last date to apply is 9 June 2026. The written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026.

Students preparing for NDA exam 2026, defence jobs after 12th and officer-level government jobs should not miss this opportunity.

UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 Overview

Particulars	Details
Organisation	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name	NDA & NA Examination (II), 2026
Total Vacancies	394
Course Name	158th NDA Course & 120th INAC
Application Mode	Online
Application Start Date	20 May 2026
Last Date to Apply	9 June 2026
Written Exam Date	13 September 2026
Course Commencement	1 July 2027
Official Website	https://www.upsc.gov.in

UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Vacancy Details

The vacancies are divided across Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy wings.

Wing	Vacancies
Army Wing	208
Navy Wing	42
Air Force Flying Branch	92
Air Force Ground Duty (Technical)	18
Air Force Ground Duty (Non-Technical)	10
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry)	24
Total	394

Female Candidate Vacancies

Out of 394 vacancies:

Female vacancies: 24
Male vacancies: 370

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA (II) 2026

Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions before applying.

Educational Qualification

Army Wing of NDA

Candidates must have:

Passed 12th Class under 10+2 pattern
OR
Appearing in Class 12 examination

Navy, Air Force & Naval Academy Wings

Candidates must have:

Passed 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM)
OR
Appearing in Class 12 with PCM subjects

Students appearing in Class 12 can also apply provisionally.

UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Age Limit

Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply.

Date of Birth Criteria

Candidates must be:

Born not earlier than 01 January 2008
Born not later than 01 January 2011

The date of birth mentioned in the 10th certificate will be considered final.

Physical Standards for NDA 2026

Candidates must be physically and medically fit according to UPSC and defence guidelines.

Important points:

Air Force candidates have stricter eyesight requirements
Minimum height standards apply
Candidates with permanent tattoos may face restrictions
Medical fitness is compulsory after SSB selection

Candidates should carefully read the medical guidelines mentioned in the official notification.

UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Salary Details

NDA cadets receive training first and later become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

Training Stipend

Stage	Salary/Stipend
During Training	Rs 56,100 per month

Officer Salary After Commission

Rank	Pay Scale
Lieutenant/Sub Lieutenant/Flying Officer	Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500

Additional Benefits

Officers also receive:

Military Service Pay (MSP)
Dearness Allowance (DA)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Free medical facilities
CSD canteen benefits
Pension benefits
Leave travel concessions

The approximate in-hand salary of newly commissioned officers ranges between Rs 80,000 and Rs 1,10,000 per month.

UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Selection Process

The selection process has two major stages.

Stage 1: Written Examination

The written exam carries 900 marks.

Paper	Subject	Marks	Duration
Paper 1	Mathematics	300	2.5 Hours
Paper 2	General Ability Test (GAT)	600	2.5 Hours

Mathematics Syllabus

Topics include:

Algebra
Trigonometry
Calculus
Matrices
Statistics
Probability
Analytical Geometry

General Ability Test (GAT)

The GAT paper includes:

English
Physics
Chemistry
General Science
History
Geography
Current Affairs

Negative marking is applicable in both papers.

Stage 2: SSB Interview

Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for the SSB Interview.

The SSB process includes:

Officer Intelligence Rating Test
Picture Perception Test
Psychological Tests
Group Tasks
Personal Interview
Medical Examination

Final Merit

Final merit is prepared based on:

Written Exam Marks (900)
SSB Interview Marks (900)

Total Marks = 1800

How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA (II) 2026?

Candidates can apply online through the UPSC portal.

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready:

Aadhaar Card or valid ID proof
10th certificate
12th mark sheet/certificate
Passport-size photograph
Signature scan
Active email ID and mobile number

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1

Visit the UPSC official website.

Step 2

Complete One Time Registration (OTR).

Step 3

Open the NDA & NA (II) 2026 application form.

Step 4

Fill personal and educational details carefully.

Step 5

Choose your preferred wings and exam centres.

Step 6

Upload photo, signature and ID proof.

Step 7

Pay the application fee online.

Step 8

Submit the application form and take a printout.

UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Important Dates

Event	Date
Notification Release Date	20 May 2026
Application Start Date	20 May 2026
Last Date to Apply	9 June 2026
Written Exam Date	13 September 2026
NDA Course Starts	1 July 2027

UPSC NDA (II) 2026 Application Fee

Category	Fee
General/OBC/EWS	Rs 100
SC/ST Candidates	No Fee
Female Candidates	No Fee

Payment Methods

Candidates can pay fees using:

UPI
Debit Card
Credit Card
Net Banking
SBI Cash Deposit

Why Choose NDA After 12th?

Joining NDA offers:

Officer-level career in defence forces
High salary and allowances
Respect and prestige
Adventure and leadership training
Free education and training
Pension and lifetime benefits
Opportunities to serve the nation

NDA is considered one of the best career options after 12th for students interested in defence services.

Essential Links

Purpose	Link
UPSC Official Website	https://www.upsc.gov.in
NDA (II) 2026 Notification PDF	Available on UPSC website
Apply Online for NDA (II) 2026	https://upsconline.nic.in

Final Words

The UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 examination is an excellent opportunity for young students who dream of becoming officers in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force.

With 394 vacancies and officer-level career opportunities, this recruitment offers excellent salary, training, benefits and prestige.

Eligible candidates should complete their applications before 9 June 2026 and start preparing seriously for the written examination scheduled on 13 September 2026.

Students looking for defence jobs after 12th, NDA coaching, armed forces careers and government officer jobs should apply without delay.