The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has started the application process for the NDA/NA-I Recruitment 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for young and aspiring candidates who wish to join India’s defense forces through the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA). A total of 394 vacancies are available across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Interested candidates should review the eligibility criteria, important dates, and application process carefully. For more details about the NDA/NA-I Recruitment , read below.
Prospective candidates are strongly urged to review the official notification thoroughly to confirm all eligibility parameters before proceeding with the online application.
Key Examination Dates (NDA/NA-I Recruitment)
| Event | Schedule |
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application & Fee Payment Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Form Correction Window | As per UPSC Schedule |
| Written Examination Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam (Expected March 2026) |
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee Amount |
| General, OBC | ₹ 100/- |
| SC / ST, All Female Candidates | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) |
| Payment Mode: Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking) is the preferred method for submission. |
NDA/NA-I Recruitment Vacancy Details (394 Posts)
The total number of vacancies is distributed across the National Defence Academy and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Naval Academy.
| Wing/Entry Name | Post Name | No. of Posts |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Army | 208 |
| (Male / Female) | Navy | 42 |
| Air Force (All Branches) | 120 | |
| Naval Academy (NA) | 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Male Only) | 24 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 394 |
Educational & Age Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Army Wing (NDA) | Navy & Air Force Wings (NDA) & NA (10+2) |
| Educational Qualification | Must have passed Class 12 (10+2 pattern) or equivalent from a recognized Board. | Must have passed Class 12 (10+2 pattern) or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. |
| Marital Status | Unmarried Male and Female candidates only. | Unmarried Male and Female candidates only. |
| Age Limit | Born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (Both dates inclusive). Age relaxation is not typically applicable for this exam. |
Selection Process & Exam Pattern Overview
The selection is a rigorous multi-stage process designed to assess a candidate’s mental, psychological, and physical fitness for officer training.
1. Written Examination (900 Marks)
The pen-and-paper-based exam consists of two mandatory papers:
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Max. Marks | Negative Marking |
| Paper-I | Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 | Yes (0.83 marks/wrong answer) |
| Paper-II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 600 | Yes (1.33 marks/wrong answer) |
2. SSB Interview (900 Marks)
Candidates who clear the written cut-off proceed to the 5-day Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which includes:
- Stage I: Screening (Officer Intelligence Rating Test & Picture Perception and Description Test).
- Stage II: Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Personal Interview, and Conference.
3. Medical Examination
Final stage to ensure candidates meet the specified physical and medical standards for the Indian Armed Forces.
How to Apply for NDA/NA-I Recruitment Online Form 2026
The application must be completed via the official UPSC online portal.
- OTR Registration: First-time applicants must complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC official website.
- Part I: Log in with OTR details and fill in personal information , and educational qualifications.
- Part II: Pay the required fee (if applicable) and select your preferred examination center
- Upload Documents: Upload the scanned photograph and signature as per the specifications.
- Final Submission: Review the application form thoroughly before final submission and take a printout of the submitted form .Note: The deadline for final submission is 30 December 2025.
SOME USEFUL IMPORTANT LINKS
| Link Description | Action | Link |
| Apply Online Link | Click Here | Click Here |
| Check Official Notification PDF | Click Here | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here | Click Here |