UPSC NDA (I) Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 394 Posts, 12th Pass Can Apply

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2026. This is widely considered one of the most prestigious exams for 12th-pass students who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces as officers.

The commission has announced a total of 394 Vacancies for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Both Unmarried Male and Female candidates from all states can apply.

The online application window is now open from December 10, 2025, and will close on December 30, 2025 (6:00 PM). The written exam is scheduled for April 12, 2026.

In this article, we provide a complete breakdown of vacancies, age limits, physical standards, and the direct link to apply.

UPSC NDA 1 2026: Recruitment Highlights

Quickly check the recruitment summary below.

Important Dates (Deadline Alert)

UPSC is very strict about deadlines. Make sure you submit your application well before the last date to avoid server traffic.

UPSC NDA 1 Vacancy Details 2026

This year, there are 394 seats available. Below is the detailed distribution of vacancies for Male and Female candidates across different wings.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, please ensure you meet the specific age and educational requirements.

1. Age Limit & Marital Status

1. Marital Status: Only Unmarried Male and Female candidates can apply.
2. Age Range: Candidates must have been born not earlier than 1st July 2007 and not later than 1st July 2010.
3. (Candidates born between these dates are eligible).

2. Educational Qualification

1. For Army Wing: 12th Class Pass (any stream - Arts/Commerce/Science) from a recognized Board.
2. For Air Force, Navy & Naval Academy: 12th Class Pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
3. Note: Students currently appearing in Class 12th are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing at the time of the SSB Interview.

Application Fee

Candidates can pay the fee using UPI, Credit/Debit Card, or Net Banking.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection involves two main stages: a Written Exam conducted by UPSC and an Intelligence/Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Written Examination Scheme (900 Marks)

1. Mode: Offline (OMR Based).
2. Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers).

Candidates who clear the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview (900 Marks).

How to Apply Online?

Follow these simple steps to fill out the UPSC NDA 1 Form:

1. Visit Website: Go to the official UPSC portal upsc.gov.in.
2. OTR Registration: If you are a new user, complete the One Time Registration (OTR) first.
3. Login: Log in using your Email/Mobile/OTR ID.
4. Select Exam: Go to "Latest Notifications" and select NDA & NA (I) 2026.
5. Fill Part-I: Enter personal details and educational qualifications.
6. Fill Part-II: Pay the fee, select the exam center, and upload your Photo & Signature.
7. Submit: Review the form and click on Final Submit.
8. Print: Save the PDF for future reference.

Important Links (Direct Access)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can Arts/Commerce students apply for NDA?

Yes, Arts and Commerce students can apply for the Army Wing of the NDA. For Air Force and Navy, PCM (Science) is mandatory.

Q2: What is the last date to apply for NDA 1 2026?

The last date is 30 December 2025.

Q3: Can girls apply for NDA 2026?

Yes, unmarried female candidates are eligible for vacancies in Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Disclaimer: CareerDiksha provides updates based on the official UPSC Notification 3/2026-NDA-I. Please verify details on the official website before applying.