UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification OUT: Check Exam Dates, Eligibility & Apply Online Now

UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification — Overview

The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination (I), 2026 notification. This examination selects young candidates for admission to:

• 157th NDA Course

• 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC)

Both courses commence from 1 January 2027.

If you dream of joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force right after Class 12th, then NDA is the most prestigious and competitive examination in India. Every year, lakhs of aspirants compete for this opportunity — and with the NDA 1 2026 notification out, this is your chance to secure a spot.

This Kolee guide simplifies everything for you — dates, eligibility, age limit, vacancy breakup, fee, exam pattern, selection process, syllabus overview, step-by-step apply process, and FAQs.

Key Details (Quick Facts Table)

Eligibility Criteria for NDA 1 2026

NDA has strict and clear eligibility rules. You must satisfy all conditions — nationality, age, marital status, education, physical standards, etc.

1. Nationality

You must be either:

• A Citizen of India

• Or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan

• Or a Tibetan refugee settled in India before 1 Jan 1962

• Or a person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries to settle in India

2. Gender & Marital Status

• Both male and female candidates can apply.

• You must be unmarried — before, during, and throughout training.

3. Age Limit (Strict DOB Range)

Your date of birth must fall between:

Born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (inclusive)

This is one of the most important filters. Any deviation leads to automatic rejection.

4. Educational Qualification

For Army Wing of NDA

• Must have passed 10+2 (any stream) from a recognized board.

For Air Force, Naval Wings of NDA and INAC

• Must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.

Appearing Students Can Apply?

Yes. If you are appearing for Class 12 in 2026, you can apply, but you must submit proof of passing later.

5. Physical & Medical Standards

You must meet:

• Height standards

• Vision standards

• General medical fitness

• No past history of chronic diseases

• No physical deformities

Detailed medical conditions are examined during the SSB process.

Important Dates for NDA 1 2026

Vacancy Details — NDA 1 2026

Total vacancies: 394

Here is the official and complete wing-wise male/female vacancy breakup:

This makes NDA 1 2026 one of the bigger recruitment cycles in recent years.

Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

Applying for NDA is now simpler thanks to UPSC’s online portal. Here’s a clean walkthrough.

Step 1 — Visit the Official Website

Go to: upsconline.nic.in

Click on:
“ONLINE APPLICATION FOR VARIOUS EXAMINATIONS OF UPSC”

Step 2 — Create/Update Your OTR (One Time Registration)

You must fill:

• Name

• Mobile

• Email

• Date of Birth

• Aadhaar / other Photo ID

• Address

• Educational Details

OTR is permanent — check accuracy carefully.

Step 3 — Fill NDA 1 2026 Application Form

Provide details like:

• Service preferences (Army/Navy/Air Force/INAC)

• Exam center choice

• Education details

• Communication details

Step 4 — Upload Required Documents

You will need:

• Passport-size photo

• Signature

• Photo ID proof

• Other required certificates (if applicable)

Make sure your photograph is recent and clear.

Step 5 — Pay Application Fee

Fee: ₹100

Exemptions:

• SC

• ST

• Female candidates

• Some defence categories

Payment modes:

• Debit/Credit Card

• Net Banking

• UPI

Step 6 — Final Submit

Double-check:

• DOB

• Gender

• Service preference

• Exam center

• Category

Once submitted, no correction is allowed.

Download the final form and keep it safe.

Selection Process for NDA 1 2026

NDA selection has three major phases:

1. Written Examination

Total: 900 marks

Paper I — Mathematics (300 marks)

Duration: 2.5 hours
Topics include:

• Algebra

• Trigonometry

• Matrices & Determinants

• Calculus

• Vector Algebra

• Statistics & Probability

Paper II — General Ability Test (GAT) (600 marks)

GAT has two parts:

Part A — English (200 marks)

Covers grammar, usage, vocabulary, comprehension.

Part B — General Knowledge (400 marks)

Covers:

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biology

• History

• Geography

• Polity

• Current Affairs

2. SSB Interview (900 marks)

Stages include:

• Intelligence Test

• Psychological Tests

• Group Testing

• Interview Round

• CPSS for Air Force Flying Branch

3. Medical Examination

You must be medically fit as per defence standards.

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Negative marking applies for wrong answers.

Salary, Training & Benefits

During Training

• Stipend: ₹56,100 per month

After Commissioning

Officers receive:

• Defence Pay Matrix

• DA, HRA

• Transport Allowance

• Kit Maintenance

• Flying Allowance (Air Force Flying Branch)

• Uniform allowance

The lifestyle, facilities and career growth in the Indian Armed Forces are some of the best in India.

How to Apply?

Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit upsconline.nic.in

2. Complete OTR

3. Open NDA 1 2026 form

4. Fill personal + academic details

5. Select services & exam centre

6. Upload documents

7. Pay fee (if applicable)

8. Submit the form

9. Download the confirmation

Apply Now Before Deadline!

Waiting till the last day often results in payment failures. Apply early to avoid issues.

Important Links (Official)

FAQs — Most Searched Questions

1. Can girls apply for NDA 1 2026?

Yes, both male and female candidates can apply.

2. What is the age limit for NDA 1 2026?

Born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2010.

3. Can Class 12 appearing students apply?

Yes, but they must pass Class 12 later.

4. What is the last date to apply?

30 December 2025 (till 6 PM).

5. What is the total number of vacancies?

394 vacancies, including male and female seats.

6. What subjects are required for Air Force/Navy?

You must have Physics + Maths in Class 12.

7. Is there negative marking?

Yes, 1/3rd marks are deducted for wrong answers.

8. What is the NDA exam date?

12 April 2026.

9. What is the fee?

₹100, except for SC/ST/Female candidates.

10. What is SSB?

A 5-day personality and intelligence assessment used by the Armed Forces.

Conclusion

NDA is one of India’s most respected and rewarding career opportunities. NDA 1 2026 is now officially open, and with 394 vacancies, this is a major chance for students aiming to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.

If you meet the eligibility criteria — especially the strict date of birth range — start your application early and begin preparing for the written exam and SSB.

This is your moment. Don’t let it slip. Apply today!

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