UPSC NDA I Exam 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2026 on 10 December 2025. This is the premier entry for young men and women who dream of wearing the uniform and serving the nation as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The online application window is open from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025. The written examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026. If you are unmarried and have passed (or are appearing in) Class 12th, this is your golden ticket to a disciplined and honorable career. Check the complete details regarding Age Limit (DOB Range), Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Exam Date, Admit Card, Answer Key, Exam Result, and Selection Process below.
Overview of UPSC NDA I Exam 2026
| Details | Information |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam (I), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 400 (Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval Academy) |
| Job Location | All India (Training at Khadakwasla, Pune) |
| Application Mode | Online Form (OTR Based) |
Important Dates
- Notification Released: 10 December 2025
- Online Application Starts: 10 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025 (06:00 PM)
- Exam Fee Payment Last Date: 30 December 2025
- Correction Window: 7 Days after closing (Expected)
- Written Exam Date: 12/04/2026
- Admit Card Release: 2 weeks before the exam
- Exam Result:- 08/05/2026
Application Fees
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100/-
- SC / ST / Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: ₹0/- (Nil)
- All Female Candidates: ₹0/- (Nil)
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Age Limit (Crucial)
- Minimum Age: 16.5 Years
- Maximum Age: 19.5 Years
- DOB Criteria: Candidates must be born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (both dates inclusive).
- Note: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
Qualification and Vacancies
| Wing | Qualification Required |
| Army Wing | 12th Class Pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University. |
| Air Force & Naval Wings | 12th Class Pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent. |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 12th Class Pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. |
Post Wise Vacancies
| Academy | Service | Male | Female | Total |
| National Defence Academy | Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy | 37 | 05 | 42 | |
| Air Force | ||||
| (i) Flying | 90 | 02 | 92 | |
| (ii) Ground Duties (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 | |
| (iii) Ground Duties (Non Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 | |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 21 | 03 | 24 | |
| Grand Total Post | 370 | 24 | 394 | |
Selection Process
- Written Examination (900 Marks):
- Mathematics: 300 Marks (2.5 Hours)
- General Ability Test (GAT): 600 Marks (2.5 Hours) – Includes English & GK.
- SSB Interview (900 Marks): Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
- Medical Examination.
How to Apply for UPSC NDA I Online Form 2026
Follow these steps to submit your application form on the UPSC OTR portal:
- Visit Official Website: Go to upsconline.nic.in (Direct link below).
- OTR Registration: If applying for the first time, complete the One Time Registration (OTR). If already registered, log in with Email/Mobile/OTR ID.
- Fill Part-I: Complete the Part-I registration with personal details and educational qualification.
- Fill Part-II: Pay the exam fee, select the exam center, and upload scanned Photo and Signature.
- Submit: Review all details carefully and click on “Final Submit”.
- Print: Save the application PDF for future reference.
Important Links
| Content | Dates | Link |
| Exam Result | 08/05/2026 | Download |
| Answer Key (General Ability Test) | 16/04/2026 | Download |
| Answer Key (Maths) | 16/04/2026 | Download |
| Admit Card | 01/04/2026 | Click Here |
| Admit Card Notice | 01/04/2026 | Admit Card Notice |
| Exam Date Notice | 09/01/2026 | Click Here |
| Apply Online | 10/12/2025 | Click Here |
| Download Notification PDF | 10/12/2025 | Click Here |
| Official Website | 10/12/2025 | Click Here |
FAQs – UPSC NDA I Exam 2026
Q1. When will the NDA 1 2026 Exam be held?
Ans: The written exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
Q2. Who can apply for NDA 2026?
Ans: Unmarried male and female candidates born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 who have passed or are appearing in Class 12th.
Q3. Is Mathematics compulsory for the Army Wing?
Ans: No, for the Army Wing, passing Class 12th in any stream (Arts/Commerce/Science) is sufficient. Math and Physics are mandatory only for Air Force and Navy.
Q4. What is the application fee for girls?
Ans: Female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
Q5. Can 12th appearing students apply?
Ans: Yes, students currently in Class 12th can apply, provided they submit proof of passing at the time of SSB Interview.