The Union Public Service Commission has issued the official notification for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination I 2026, inviting applications for 394 vacancies across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the UPSC official website. The last date to apply is 06-01-2026.
Updated 12 December 2025 10:28 AM
by Staff Reporter
UPSC has announced the NDA NA I Exam 2026 for the selection of candidates for training at the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. Interested candidates meeting the required educational and age criteria may apply online. This article provides complete details including eligibility conditions, age limits, vacancy distribution, exam selection process, important dates, application steps and official links.
UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026 Overview
Organization Name: Union Public Service Commission
Exam Name: NDA NA I Examination 2026
Total Vacancies: 394
Post Category: Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy
Exam Mode: Offline written examination followed by SSB interview
Application Mode: Online
Start Date for Application: 10-12-2025
Last Date for Application: 06-01-2026
Official Website: upsc.gov.in
Vacancy Details
The total number of available posts for UPSC NDA NA I 2026 is 394 under the following categories:
National Defence Academy
• Army: 208
• Navy: 42
• Air Force: 120
• Flying Branch
• Ground Duty (Tech and Non-Tech)
Naval Academy
• 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme: 24
Total Vacancies: 394
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
• Army Wing: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board.
• Air Force and Naval Wings: Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board.
• 10+2 Cadet Entry: Candidates must have completed 12th with Physics and Mathematics.
• Candidates appearing in Class 12 final examination may also apply.
Nationality
• Citizen of India
• Subject of Nepal or Bhutan
• Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before 1 January 1962
• Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanent settlement
Age Limit
• Candidates must be born between 02-07-2007 and 01-07-2010
• Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible
• Marriage during training or before joining will lead to disqualification
Selection Process
The NDA NA I 2026 selection procedure includes the following stages:
• Offline written examination conducted by UPSC
• SSB interview for intelligence and personality assessment
• Document verification and medical examination
• Final merit list based on written scores and SSB performance
Exam Pattern
Written Examination
• Mathematics: 300 marks
• General Ability Test: 600 marks
• Total: 900 marks
• Objective-type questions
• Negative marking applies
SSB Interview
• Total: 900 marks
• Includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview
Important Dates
Notification Release Date: 10-12-2025
Online Application Start Date: 10-12-2025
Online Application End Date: 06-01-2026
Exam Date: As per UPSC calendar
Admit Card Release: Three weeks before the exam
How to Apply for UPSC NDA NA I 2026
Follow the steps below to apply online:
• Visit the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in
• Navigate to the NDA NA I 2026 notification section
• Open the online application link
• Complete Part I registration with basic details
• Proceed to Part II registration to upload documents and pay fees
• Verify the form carefully and submit the application
• Take a printout of the final submitted form for future reference
General Instructions
• Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions before applying
• Applications submitted without correct details will be rejected
• Admit cards will be available only on the UPSC website
• No corrections are allowed after final submission
• Candidates must carry valid ID proof to the examination centre
• SSB call letters will be issued only to shortlisted candidates