Training & Apply Online

UPSC NDA (2) Exam 2026 Detailed Notification Out: Apply Online for 394 Defence & Naval Academy Posts Total Vacancies: 394 Posts Date Posted: 20 May 2026 Last Date: 09 June 2026 Stipend: Rs. 56,100/- pm Brief Notification Overview: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published Examination Notice No. 10/2026-NDA-II for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026. This recruitment drive offers an unparalleled opportunity to join the Indian Armed Forces, aiming to fill 394 prestigious vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA (158th Course) and the Indian Naval Academy (120th INAC Course). Unmarried male and female candidates born between 02nd January 2008 and 01st July 2011 can register via the official UPSC One Time Registration (OTR) portal. The online application link is active and will permanently close at 6:00 PM on 09th June 2026. The objective-type written examination is scheduled to be held nationwide on 13th September 2026. Table of Contents 1. Important Dates & Schedule 2. Wing-Wise Vacancy Breakdown 3. Educational, Age & Tattoo Eligibility 4. Application Fee Details 5. Exam Pattern & Strict Exam Day Rules 6. Selection Process & Tie-Breaking Rules 7. Training, Degrees Awarded & Salary 8. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply (Live Photo) 9. Crucial Direct Links 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Important Dates & Schedule Candidates must adhere strictly to the timelines mentioned below. No withdrawal of application is permitted once submitted. UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment Schedule 2026 Important Timelines Date of Notification: 20/05/2026 Closing Date for Online Application: 09/06/2026 (upto 6:00 PM) Date of Written Examination: 13/09/2026 Release of e-Admit Cards: Last working day of the preceding week of the exam 2. Wing-Wise Vacancy Breakdown A total of 394 provisional vacancies have been announced. Out of these, 370 are reserved for male candidates and 24 for female candidates. Academy / Wing Total Vacancies National Defence Academy (NDA) Army 208 (Includes 10 for female candidates) Navy 42 (Includes 06 for female candidates) Air Force – Flying 92 (Includes 02 for female candidates) Air Force – Ground Duties (Tech) 18 (Includes 02 for female candidates) Air Force – Ground Duties (Non-Tech) 10 (Includes 02 for female candidates) Naval Academy (NA) 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme 24 (Includes 02 for female candidates) Grand Total 394 Posts 3. Educational, Age & Tattoo Eligibility A. Age Limit & Marital Status Marital Status: Only unmarried male and unmarried female candidates are eligible. Candidates must undertake not to marry until they complete their full training. Age Bracket: Candidates must be born not earlier than 02nd January 2008 and not later than 01st July 2011. The date of birth entered in the Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate is the only acceptable proof. B. Educational Qualifications For Army Wing of NDA: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination. For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA & 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent. Note: Candidates who are currently appearing in the 12th Class examination are also eligible to apply, but 11th class appearing students are strictly NOT eligible. C. Physical Standards & Tattoos Body Tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of the forearm (inside of elbow to the wrist) and on the reverse side of the palm/back of the hand. Tattoos on any other part of the body will result in disqualification. (Exception: Tribal tattoos permitted as per customs on a case-to-case basis). 4. Application Fee Details The fee can be paid online via Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI Payment. Fees once paid are not refundable. Applicant Category Application Fee General / OBC Candidates Rs. 100/- SC, ST, Female Candidates, Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs NIL (Exempted) 5. Exam Pattern & Strict Exam Day Rules The written examination comprises objective-type questions only. Paper I – Mathematics: Maximum Marks 300. Duration: 2.5 Hours. Paper II – General Ability Test: Maximum Marks 600 (English: 200, General Knowledge: 400). Duration: 2.5 Hours. Negative Marking: There is a penalty for wrong answers. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. Exam Day Rules: Candidates must use a Black Ball Pen ONLY for both writing and marking answers in the OMR sheet. Face Authentication: Mandatory face authentication will be conducted at the examination venue. Entry Closure: The entry of the candidates into the venue shall be closed exactly 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the Examination in each session. Mobile phones, smart watches, and Bluetooth devices are strictly banned. 6. Selection Process & Tie-Breaking Rules Candidates qualifying the written examination will be called for the Intelligence and Personality Test by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Stage I (Screening): Comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage II: Comprises Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference (Total 900 Marks). Air Force Candidates: Must qualify the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS). A candidate who fails CPSS cannot apply for the flying branch again but can opt for Ground Duties if willing. Tie-Breaking Principles: If marks in the aggregate are equal, the candidate securing more marks in the written total will be ranked higher. If still tied, marks in Paper-II (GAT) will be considered, followed by seniority in age. 7. Training, Degrees Awarded & Salary Selected candidates undergo extensive academic and physical training. Degrees Awarded: Army Cadets: B.Sc./B.Sc. (Computer)/B.A. from JNU. Naval Cadets & Air Force Cadets: B.Tech Degree (Air Force Cadets can also opt for B.Sc./B.Sc. Computer). Stipend: A fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month is paid to Gentlemen/Lady Cadets during the entire duration of training in Service academies. Post-Commissioning Salary: Starting as Lieutenant (or equivalent) in Pay Level 10 (Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500) plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500/- per month. Promotions: Time-scale and selection-based promotions lead up to General / Admiral / Air Chief Marshal ranks. 8. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply