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)<\/strong> has officially released the NDA & NA Examination II 2026 Notification<\/strong> \u2014 one of the most competitive and prestigious defence entrance exams in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The notification went live on May 20, 2026<\/strong>, and the online application window is already open. But here’s the catch: the last date to apply is June 9, 2026<\/strong>. That gives you less than three weeks to get everything in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this complete guide, you will learn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The NDA exam is conducted twice a year<\/strong> 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<\/strong> unmarried candidates are eligible to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the most critical section. Missing a deadline means waiting another year. Mark these dates right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n A total of 394 vacancies<\/strong> have been announced for NDA II 2026 across the following wings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: These numbers are provisional and subject to change. Check the official UPSC notification PDF for the final count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting this wrong could mean instant rejection. Read carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2014 refer to the official notification for the complete list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only unmarried candidates<\/strong> born between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2011<\/strong> are eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This translates to an age range of roughly 15.5 to 18.5 years<\/strong> at the time of the exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strictly unmarried.<\/strong> Both male and female candidates must be unmarried at the time of application and must remain unmarried throughout their training at NDA\/Naval Academy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where Air Force and Navy aspirants need to pay extra attention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Appearing Candidates:<\/strong> Students currently in Class 12 who haven’t received results yet can also apply \u2014 you just need to produce proof of passing before the final round.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Candidates must meet the medical standards laid down by the Army HQ. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Detailed physical standards are available in the official notification PDF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fee is highly affordable, with full exemption for several categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Payment modes accepted:<\/strong> Net Banking, Visa\/Master\/RuPay Debit or Credit Card, UPI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The application is done through UPSC’s One Time Registration (OTR)<\/strong> platform at upsc.gov.in. Here’s exactly how it works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 1 \u2014 Visit the Official Website<\/strong> Step 2 \u2014 Complete OTR Registration<\/strong> Step 3 \u2014 Fill Part I of the Application Form<\/strong> Step 4 \u2014 Receive Your Registration ID<\/strong> Step 5 \u2014 Pay the Application Fee<\/strong> Step 6 \u2014 Complete Part II of the Application Form<\/strong> Step 7 \u2014 Submit and Download<\/strong> Documents to Keep Ready:<\/strong> Recent passport-size photograph (white background), scanned signature, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets or admit card (if appearing), caste certificate if applicable.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The NDA written exam consists of two objective-type papers<\/strong> on the day of the exam:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Negative marking:<\/strong> \u2153 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D), Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Statistics & Probability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The syllabus is based on NCERT Class 10\u201312<\/strong> standards. Students who are strong in their board exam subjects will find a lot of overlap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clearing the written exam is just the beginning. The full selection process has three stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stage 1 \u2014 Written Examination<\/strong> Stage 2 \u2014 SSB Interview<\/strong> Stage 3 \u2014 Medical Examination<\/strong> Final Merit List<\/strong> The entire NDA syllabus is rooted in Class 11 and 12 NCERT books. Master those before moving to advanced material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The last 10 years of NDA question papers follow recognizable patterns. Solving them builds speed and reveals frequently tested topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time management is critical \u2014 120 math questions in 150 minutes means 75 seconds per question. Practice under timed conditions from Day 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the GAT paper, read a quality newspaper every morning and maintain a current affairs notebook. Focus on defence, science, and national\/international events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The medical standards are strict. Start a daily fitness routine early \u2014 running, pull-ups, and swimming are particularly useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2014 but competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q1. When was the UPSC NDA II 2026 notification released?<\/strong> Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC NDA II 2026?<\/strong> Q3. How many vacancies are available in NDA II 2026?<\/strong> Q4. Can girls apply for UPSC NDA II 2026?<\/strong> Q5. What educational qualification is needed for the Air Force wing?<\/strong> Q6. What is the age limit for NDA II 2026?<\/strong> Q7. What is the salary after NDA selection?<\/strong> 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 \u2014 one of the most competitive and prestigious defence entrance exams in India. The notification went live […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/examupdates.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/examupdates.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/examupdates.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examupdates.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examupdates.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=914"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/examupdates.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":916,"href":"https:\/\/examupdates.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914\/revisions\/916"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examupdates.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/examupdates.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examupdates.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examupdates.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
Table of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
NDA II 2026 \u2014 Quick Overview <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Detail<\/th> Info<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Conducting Body<\/td> Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)<\/td><\/tr> Exam Name<\/td> NDA & NA Examination II, 2026<\/td><\/tr> Total Vacancies<\/td> 394 (Tentative)<\/td><\/tr> Course<\/td> NDA 158th Course & 120th INAC<\/td><\/tr> Training Commencement<\/td> 2nd July, 2027<\/td><\/tr> Official Website<\/td> upsc.gov.in<\/td><\/tr> Application Mode<\/td> Online only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Important Dates at a Glance <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Event<\/th> Date<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Official Notification Released<\/td> May 20, 2026<\/td><\/tr> Online Application Start Date<\/td> May 20, 2026<\/td><\/tr> Last Date to Apply Online<\/strong><\/td> June 9, 2026 (up to 6:00 PM)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> NDA II Written Exam Date<\/td> September 13, 2026<\/td><\/tr> Admit Card Release<\/td> To be announced<\/td><\/tr> SSB Interview<\/td> After written exam results<\/td><\/tr> Training Commencement<\/td> July 2, 2027<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
Total Vacancies \u2014 Wing-wise Breakdown <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Academy \/ Wing<\/th> Service<\/th> Vacancies<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> National Defence Academy<\/td> Army<\/td> 208 (incl. 10 for females)<\/td><\/tr> National Defence Academy<\/td> Navy<\/td> 42 (incl. 6 for females)<\/td><\/tr> National Defence Academy<\/td> Air Force \u2013 Flying<\/td> 92<\/td><\/tr> National Defence Academy<\/td> Air Force \u2013 Ground Duties (Technical)<\/td> 18<\/td><\/tr> National Defence Academy<\/td> Air Force \u2013 Ground Duties (Non-Technical)<\/td> 10<\/td><\/tr> Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry)<\/td> INAC<\/td> 24 (incl. 5 for females)<\/td><\/tr> Total<\/strong><\/td> <\/td> 394<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Eligibility Criteria <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4.1 Nationality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4.2 Age Limit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4.3 Marital Status<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4.4 Educational Qualification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
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4.5 Physical Standards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Application Fee <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Category<\/th> Fee<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> General \/ OBC<\/td> \u20b9100\/-<\/td><\/tr> SC \/ ST candidates<\/td> Nil (Exempted)<\/td><\/tr> Female candidates<\/td> Nil (Exempted)<\/td><\/tr> Wards of JCOs\/NCOs\/ORs<\/td> Nil (Exempted)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n How to Apply Online \u2014 Step-by-Step <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Go to upsc.gov.in and navigate to the “Active Examinations” or “Online Application” section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 not just NDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enter personal details: full name, date of birth, parent’s name, permanent address, educational qualification details. Double-check everything before proceeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On successful submission of Part I, the system generates a unique Registration ID. Save this \u2014 you’ll need it to log back in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use the Registration ID to pay the fee online through Net Banking or card\/UPI. SC\/ST\/Female\/JCO wards skip this step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Select your preferred exam centres, upload scanned documents (photograph, signature), and choose the wing(s) you are applying for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Review the entire form once more, submit it, and download the confirmation page. Keep a printed copy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Exam Pattern and Syllabus <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Paper<\/th> Subject<\/th> Duration<\/th> Marks<\/th> Questions<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Paper I<\/td> Mathematics<\/td> 2.5 hours<\/td> 300<\/td> 120<\/td><\/tr> Paper II<\/td> General Ability Test (GAT)<\/td> 2.5 hours<\/td> 600<\/td> 150<\/td><\/tr> Total<\/strong><\/td> <\/td> 5 hours<\/td> 900<\/strong><\/td> 270<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Mathematics Covers:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
General Ability Test (GAT) Covers:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Selection Process <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conducted by UPSC on September 13, 2026. Shortlisted candidates are called for Stage 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a thorough medical examination. Only those declared medically fit are considered for final merit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preparation Tips <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Start With NCERT First<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Solve Previous Year Papers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take Mock Tests Regularly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Work on Current Affairs Daily<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Physical Fitness Cannot Be an Afterthought<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Key Takeaways <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The official notification was released on May 20, 2026<\/strong>, on upsc.gov.in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last date to submit the online application form is June 9, 2026 (up to 6:00 PM)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A total of 394 tentative vacancies<\/strong> have been announced across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes. Female candidates<\/strong> are eligible to apply. They are also exempted from the application fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Candidates applying for the Air Force or Naval wing<\/strong> must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics<\/strong> as compulsory subjects. The Army wing only requires a Class 12 pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Candidates must be born between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2011<\/strong> (both dates inclusive). Only unmarried candidates are eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Selected candidates undergo training at NDA for 3 years. After commissioning as a Lieutenant\/Sub-Lieutenant\/Flying Officer, the pay scale starts from approximately \u20b956,100 per month<\/strong> under the 7th Pay Commission, plus allowances.<\/p>\n\n\nExam Updates<\/a><\/h1>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"