UPSC NDA (2) Exam 2026

1. Important Dates & Schedule

Candidates must adhere strictly to the timelines mentioned below. No withdrawal of application is permitted once submitted.

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.

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.

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 (Live Photo)

The application process must be done digitally via the official UPSC portal. No withdrawal of application is permitted once submitted.

1. OTR Registration: Visit upsconline.nic.in. Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) to generate your Universal Registration Number (URN). A one-time edit facility is available for URN profiles.
2. Photo ID Requirement: Keep details of a valid Photo ID (Aadhaar Card preferred) ready. You must carry this identical ID to the exam center.
3. Form Completion: Log in and fill the Common Application Form (CAF). Choose your preferred branches.
4. Live Photo & Signature: Applicants are mandatorily required to upload their photograph and also capture a live photograph using a webcam/camera. You must also upload a scanned image of your signature (signed three times on plain white paper).
5. Fee Payment: Pay the Rs. 100 fee online.
6. Submit & Print: Review all details, click on final submit, and take a printout of the application form for future reference.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)