About Us
NDA Exam 2026 is an examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC).
National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, Pune is a Defence Training Institute which imparts basic training for all the three services of Indian Defence – Army, Air Force and Navy. Indians who intend to join Defense Forces can join NDA after 12th. To get into NDA, a Three Stage selection procedure is followed, i.e. written Exam, Service Selection Board (SSB), Interview and Medical Examination.
The selected candidates then go through rigorous training for 3 years culminating in graduation with BA/BSc or BSc. Comp Sc (Computer Science) degree from JNU, Delhi & apart from this, the candidates are also trained in outdoor skills, like PT, drills and games.
The emphasis in NDA is on character building, mental and physical robustness, leadership and a sense of keen observation for leading the troops in the battle field.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality –
> Citizen of India or
> Subject of Nepal - Age - Only unmarried male/female candidates born not earlier than 01stJul 2007 and not later than 01st July 2010 are eligible.
- Educational Qualification – 12th pass from recognised board.
> Army Wing – Any Stream
> Air Force Wing & Navy Wing – PCM only. - Physical Standards -
Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 as per guidelines given in Appendix-IV.
NOTE – Candidate is not allowed to marry until he/she finishes his/her Training.
Registration Fee – Rs 100/.
NOTE - Candidates belonging to SC/ST, female candidates, wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted to pay this fee & they should provide proof for exemption.
Exam Pattern
Stage 1 – NDA Entrance Examination
|
SUBJECT |
CODE |
DURATION |
MAXIMUM MARKS |
|
Mathematics |
01 |
2 Hours 30 minutes |
300 |
|
General Ability Test Part A – English Part B – General Knowledge |
02 |
2 Hours 30 minutes |
600 |
|
TOTAL |
900 |
||
|
SSB Test/ Interview |
900 |
||
Note - There is Negative marking for wrong answers.
Stage 2 - Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB Interview) – 5 days
The SSB procedure consists of two stage Selection process - stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear the stage I are permitted to appear for stage II.
> Day 1 – Screening Tests: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) - Picture Perception Test & Description Test
> Day 2 – Psychological Tests
> Day 3 – Group Activities & Tasks
> Day 4 – Group Activities & Tasks
> Day 5 – Interview
Stage 3 - Medical Examination
Vacancies
The approximate number of vacancies to be filled on the results of this examination will be as under:—
|
National |
Army |
208 (including 10 for female candidates) |
|
Navy |
42 (including 05 for female candidates) |
|
|
Air Force |
|
|
|
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) |
NAVY |
24 (including 03 for female candidate) |
|
TOTAL |
394 |
|
Note - Vacancies are provisional and may be changed depending on the availability of training capacity of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.
How to Apply
- Apply Online by using the website upsconline.gov.in
- Click here to know more - https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-NA-I-2026-Engl-101225.pdf
Important Dates
|
EVENTS |
DATES |
|
Date of Examination |
12 April 2026 |
|
Duration of NDA Exam |
One Day |
|
Application Start Date |
10 December 2025 |
|
Last Date for Submission of Applications |
30 December 2025 up to 06:00 PM |
