The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2026 notification on its website. This announcement marks the start of the application process for young candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through one of India’s most prestigious defence entry exams.
NDA 1 2026 Notification and Exam Date
What Is NDA Examination?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 notification under Examination Notice No. 3/2026–NDA-I on 10 December 2025. This prestigious national-level examination is conducted for admission to the 157th Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), both commencing from 1 January 2027.
The written examination for NDA 1 2026 is scheduled to be held on 12 April 2026, subject to any changes at the discretion of the Commission. The application process is completely online, and candidates must submit their forms by 30 December 2025 (till 6:00 PM) through the official UPSC portal.
Online Application Process and Registration System
UPSC has streamlined its application process through a four-module Online Application Portal available at https://upsconline.nic.in. Three modules—Account Creation, Universal Registration Number (URN), and Common Application Form (CAF)—are common for all UPSC examinations and can be filled anytime. The fourth module is examination-specific and must be completed during the NDA 1 2026 application window.
Once registered, candidates are allotted a Universal Registration Number (URN), which remains constant for all UPSC examinations. After completing the NDA-specific application, an Application Number is generated, which is unique to this examination. Candidates must retain both numbers for future correspondence.
Applicants are strongly advised to use their Aadhaar Card for seamless identity verification. Live photo capture along with photograph upload is mandatory while filling the Common Application Form.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions before applying, as admission at every stage remains purely provisional until document verification after the SSB Interview. The issuance of an e-Admit Card does not confirm final eligibility.
Once submitted, applications cannot be withdrawn. Any failure to provide correct information or required documents may result in cancellation of candidature. UPSC allows a one-time update of URN profile details, but such changes will not reflect in applications already submitted.
Admit Card and Examination Guidelines
Eligible candidates will be issued an e-Admit Card during the last working day of the week preceding the examination. Admit cards will be available only on the UPSC website and will not be sent by post or email.
For answering questions, candidates must use black ball pen only on the OMR sheet. Use of pencil, ink pen, or pens of other colours is strictly prohibited. Any error in encoding details such as roll number or booklet code may lead to rejection of the answer sheet.
There will be negative marking for incorrect answers in the objective-type papers.
Question Paper Representation and Helpline
UPSC provides an Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep), allowing candidates to submit representations regarding question papers within 7 days from the next day of the examination. Representations are accepted only online through the designated portal.
For assistance during the application period, UPSC has set up a dedicated helpline operational from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days between 10 December and 30 December 2025.
Examination Day Rules and Security Measures
The use of mobile phones, smart watches, electronic devices, storage media, or Bluetooth gadgets is strictly banned inside the examination venue. Candidates are advised not to bring prohibited or valuable items, as no safekeeping arrangements will be provided.
Candidates must report to the examination centre at least 30 minutes before the start of each session. Late entry is not permitted under any circumstances. Additionally, mandatory face authentication will be conducted at the venue to ensure identity verification.
Vacancies for NDA 1 2026
A total of 394 vacancies have been announced for NDA and Naval Academy entries. These include posts for both male and female candidates across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy wings.
The distribution covers:
- National Defence Academy (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)
The Government has reiterated its commitment to gender balance, encouraging women candidates to apply.
Eligibility Conditions
Nationality
Candidates must be unmarried male or female and must be:
- Citizens of India, or
- Subjects of Nepal, or
- Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit
Candidates must be born not earlier than 1 July 2007 and not later than 1 July 2010.
Educational Qualification
- Army Wing: 12th Class pass (10+2 pattern) or equivalent.
- Navy & Air Force Wings / Naval Academy: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Candidates appearing in Class 12 are also eligible to apply.
Scheme of Examination
The NDA written examination consists of two objective-type papers:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2½ Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test | 2½ Hours | 600 |
| Total (Written Exam) | — | 900 |
| SSB Interview | — | 900 |
The Mathematics paper and Part-B of the General Ability Test will be set bilingually in Hindi and English.
Conclusion
The NDA 1 2026 Examination offers a prestigious opportunity for young aspirants to begin their journey as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. With a transparent application system, clearly defined eligibility criteria, and a structured selection process, candidates are advised to apply early, follow instructions carefully, and begin focused preparation to succeed in this highly competitive examination.
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