Introduction
If you have ever dreamed of wearing an officer’s uniform and serving the nation with pride, this is your moment. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA & NA Examination II 2026 Notification — one of the most competitive and prestigious defence entrance exams in India.
The notification went live on May 20, 2026, and the online application window is already open. But here’s the catch: the last date to apply is June 9, 2026. That gives you less than three weeks to get everything in order.
In this complete guide, you will learn:
- All important dates and deadlines
- Vacancy breakdown (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Eligibility criteria — age, education, marital status
- Step-by-step application process
- Exam pattern and syllabus overview
- Preparation tips to give you an edge
Table of Contents
- NDA II 2026 — Quick Overview
- Important Dates at a Glance
- Total Vacancies — Wing-wise Breakdown
- Eligibility Criteria
- Application Fee
- How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step
- Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Selection Process
- Preparation Tips
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
NDA II 2026 — Quick Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Examination II, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 (Tentative) |
| Course | NDA 158th Course & 120th INAC |
| Training Commencement | 2nd July, 2027 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Application Mode | Online only |
The NDA exam is conducted twice a year and remains one of the few pathways for Class 12 students to directly enter the Indian Armed Forces as officer-rank trainees. Both male and female unmarried candidates are eligible to apply.
Important Dates at a Glance
This is the most critical section. Missing a deadline means waiting another year. Mark these dates right now.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | May 20, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | June 9, 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| NDA II Written Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| SSB Interview | After written exam results |
| Training Commencement | July 2, 2027 |
Pro Tip: Do not wait until June 8 or 9 to apply. UPSC servers get heavily loaded near the deadline, and a technical failure won’t earn you an extension. Apply by June 5 to stay safe.
Total Vacancies — Wing-wise Breakdown
A total of 394 vacancies have been announced for NDA II 2026 across the following wings:
| Academy / Wing | Service | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy | Army | 208 (incl. 10 for females) |
| National Defence Academy | Navy | 42 (incl. 6 for females) |
| National Defence Academy | Air Force – Flying | 92 |
| National Defence Academy | Air Force – Ground Duties (Technical) | 18 |
| National Defence Academy | Air Force – Ground Duties (Non-Technical) | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | INAC | 24 (incl. 5 for females) |
| Total | 394 |
Note: These numbers are provisional and subject to change. Check the official UPSC notification PDF for the final count.
Eligibility Criteria
Getting this wrong could mean instant rejection. Read carefully.
4.1 Nationality
Candidates must be citizens of India, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who migrated to India before January 1, 1962 (with intent to permanently settle). Certain categories of persons of Indian origin from specific countries also qualify — refer to the official notification for the complete list.
4.2 Age Limit
Only unmarried candidates born between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2011 are eligible.
- Born before January 1, 2008? Too old.
- Born after January 1, 2011? Too young.
This translates to an age range of roughly 15.5 to 18.5 years at the time of the exam.
4.3 Marital Status
Strictly unmarried. Both male and female candidates must be unmarried at the time of application and must remain unmarried throughout their training at NDA/Naval Academy.
4.4 Educational Qualification
This is where Air Force and Navy aspirants need to pay extra attention:
- Army Wing: Class 12 pass (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised State Board or University.
- Air Force Wing, Naval Wing, and Indian Naval Academy (INAC): Class 12 pass with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
Appearing Candidates: Students currently in Class 12 who haven’t received results yet can also apply — you just need to produce proof of passing before the final round.
4.5 Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the medical standards laid down by the Army HQ. This includes:
- Minimum height: 157 cm for Army; 162.5 cm for Air Force; 157 cm for Navy
- Good vision, hearing, and overall fitness
- No colour blindness (especially for Air Force and Navy)
- No significant past medical conditions
Detailed physical standards are available in the official notification PDF.
Application Fee
The fee is highly affordable, with full exemption for several categories:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
| Female candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
| Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | Nil (Exempted) |
Payment modes accepted: Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Debit or Credit Card, UPI.
How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step
The application is done through UPSC’s One Time Registration (OTR) platform at upsc.gov.in. Here’s exactly how it works:
Step 1 — Visit the Official Website
Go to upsc.gov.in and navigate to the “Active Examinations” or “Online Application” section.
Step 2 — Complete OTR Registration
If you are a first-time applicant, register under the One Time Registration system. You’ll create a unique account valid for all future UPSC exams — not just NDA.
Step 3 — Fill Part I of the Application Form
Enter personal details: full name, date of birth, parent’s name, permanent address, educational qualification details. Double-check everything before proceeding.
Step 4 — Receive Your Registration ID
On successful submission of Part I, the system generates a unique Registration ID. Save this — you’ll need it to log back in.
Step 5 — Pay the Application Fee
Use the Registration ID to pay the fee online through Net Banking or card/UPI. SC/ST/Female/JCO wards skip this step.
Step 6 — Complete Part II of the Application Form
Select your preferred exam centres, upload scanned documents (photograph, signature), and choose the wing(s) you are applying for.
Step 7 — Submit and Download
Review the entire form once more, submit it, and download the confirmation page. Keep a printed copy.
Documents to Keep Ready: Recent passport-size photograph (white background), scanned signature, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets or admit card (if appearing), caste certificate if applicable.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The NDA written exam consists of two objective-type papers on the day of the exam:
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 2.5 hours | 300 | 120 |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 hours | 600 | 150 |
| Total | 5 hours | 900 | 270 |
Negative marking: ⅓ mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
Mathematics Covers:
Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D), Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Statistics & Probability.
General Ability Test (GAT) Covers:
- Part A — English (200 marks): Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary
- Part B — General Knowledge (400 marks): Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs
The syllabus is based on NCERT Class 10–12 standards. Students who are strong in their board exam subjects will find a lot of overlap.
Selection Process
Clearing the written exam is just the beginning. The full selection process has three stages:
Stage 1 — Written Examination
Conducted by UPSC on September 13, 2026. Shortlisted candidates are called for Stage 2.
Stage 2 — SSB Interview
The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is a 5-day intensive assessment at designated boards across India. It tests Officer Like Qualities (OLQs), including intelligence, psychological fitness, group tasks, and personal interview.
Stage 3 — Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a thorough medical examination. Only those declared medically fit are considered for final merit.
Final Merit List
A combined merit list is drawn based on the written exam score and SSB performance. Separate merit lists are published for male and female candidates.
Preparation Tips
Start With NCERT First
The entire NDA syllabus is rooted in Class 11 and 12 NCERT books. Master those before moving to advanced material.
Solve Previous Year Papers
The last 10 years of NDA question papers follow recognizable patterns. Solving them builds speed and reveals frequently tested topics.
Take Mock Tests Regularly
Time management is critical — 120 math questions in 150 minutes means 75 seconds per question. Practice under timed conditions from Day 1.
Work on Current Affairs Daily
For the GAT paper, read a quality newspaper every morning and maintain a current affairs notebook. Focus on defence, science, and national/international events.
Physical Fitness Cannot Be an Afterthought
The medical standards are strict. Start a daily fitness routine early — running, pull-ups, and swimming are particularly useful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for the wrong wing without checking the Physics and Mathematics requirement (Air Force / Navy).
- Incorrect date of birth or name — any mismatch with board certificates leads to rejection.
- Waiting until the last day to apply and facing server downtime.
- Uploading low-quality photos or signatures — UPSC specifies exact dimensions and file sizes.
- Ignoring the SSB round and only focusing on the written exam. The SSB carries significant weightage in the final merit.
Key Takeaways
- UPSC NDA II 2026 notification is officially out as of May 20, 2026.
- Total vacancies: 394 across Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.
- Last date to apply: June 9, 2026.
- Written exam date: September 13, 2026.
- Age eligibility: Born between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2011.
- Air Force/Navy applicants must have Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
- Application fee is ₹100 for General/OBC; free for SC/ST, females, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs.
- Selection = Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical Examination.
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA II 2026 notification is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for eligible candidates. With 394 vacancies available and a clear pathway through the written exam and SSB interview, the path to joining the Indian Armed Forces is well-defined — but competitive.
The biggest mistake most aspirants make is underestimating preparation time. Start now. Fill the form today. And build a structured study and fitness plan that you can follow consistently for the next four months leading up to the September 13 exam.
The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force are waiting for candidates who are academically sharp, physically fit, and mentally resilient. If that sounds like you, apply before June 9, 2026 and begin your journey.
FAQs
Q1. When was the UPSC NDA II 2026 notification released?
The official notification was released on May 20, 2026, on upsc.gov.in.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC NDA II 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is June 9, 2026 (up to 6:00 PM).
Q3. How many vacancies are available in NDA II 2026?
A total of 394 tentative vacancies have been announced across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.
Q4. Can girls apply for UPSC NDA II 2026?
Yes. Female candidates are eligible to apply. They are also exempted from the application fee.
Q5. What educational qualification is needed for the Air Force wing?
Candidates applying for the Air Force or Naval wing must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. The Army wing only requires a Class 12 pass.
Q6. What is the age limit for NDA II 2026?
Candidates must be born between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2011 (both dates inclusive). Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
Q7. What is the salary after NDA selection?
Selected candidates undergo training at NDA for 3 years. After commissioning as a Lieutenant/Sub-Lieutenant/Flying Officer, the pay scale starts from approximately ₹56,100 per month under the 7th Pay Commission, plus allowances.
