National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026 – UPSC
Quick Info
- Vacancies
- Vacancies: 394
- Employment Type
- Employment Type: Full Time
- Pay Scale
- Pay Scale: ₹56,100 - ₹177,500 per month
- Qualification
- Qualification: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination for Army Wing. 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent for Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy.
- Experience Required
- Experience Required: Freshers eligible
- Age Limit
- Age Limit: Between 16 to 19 years
- Application Mode
- Application Mode: Online
- Deadline
- Deadline:
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announces the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026, for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. This entry offers 12th-pass candidates a direct pathway to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers after completing a rigorous 3-4 year training program.
- Admission to the 157th NDA Course and 119th INAC commencing from 2nd January 2027.
- Open to unmarried male and female candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12.
- Selection based on a written exam followed by an SSB interview.
- Cadets receive a degree from JNU/Jawaharlal Nehru University upon completion of training.
- Offers a stable career with high status, Level 10 starting pay, and lifelong benefits.
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Additional Salary Information
Stipend Rs 56,100 during training; Pay Level 10 upon commissioning; Military Service Pay Rs 15,500; Dearness Allowance; Field Area Allowances; Insurance Cover.
Important Dates
Selection Process
Written Examination (Mathematics and General Ability Test).
Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview (Intelligence and Personality Test).
Medical Examination.
Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) for Air Force Flying Branch aspirants.
Application Fees
General / OBC / EWS: Rs. 100/-
SC / ST / Female / Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Exempted
Pay online via Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card/UPI or Internet Banking.
Reservation
Vacancies reserved for men and women separately as per service requirements.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Go to the UPSC Online website at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Step 2: Register on the One Time Registration (OTR) platform if applying for the first time.
- Step 3: Fill out the application for NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026.
- Step 4: Upload scanned photograph, signature, and ID proof strictly adhering to the guidelines.
- Step 5: Pay the examination fee (unless exempted) and submit the application form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unmarried male and female candidates born between 1st July 2007 and 1st July 2010 who have passed or are appearing in the 12th Class examination are eligible.
No, candidates appearing in the 11th class examination are not eligible for this examination; only those in 12th class or passed are eligible.
Cadets receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month (Starting pay in Level 10) during the entire duration of training in Service academies.