UPSC Opens NDA & NA 1 2026 Applications; Apply by December 30
New Delhi, 11th December 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for NDA & NA (1) 2026, opening the gateway for candidates aspiring to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy (INAC). The examination, held twice a year, selects candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA.
The NDA & NA (1) 2026 examination is scheduled for 12 April 2026. Successful candidates will be admitted to the 157th NDA Course and the 119th INAC (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme), which will commence on 2 January 2027.
Candidates applying for the examination must ensure compliance with all eligibility conditions. Admission at all stages will be provisional, subject to verification of these requirements.
Nationality: Applicants must be unmarried males and either:
-Citizens of India
-Subjects of Bhutan or Nepal, or
-Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962, intending permanent settlement, or
-Persons of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or select East African countries and Vietnam with the intention of permanent settlement in India.
Unmarried male and female candidates born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2010 are eligible to apply. Birth dates must be as per the Matriculation or equivalent certificate.
Educational Qualifications
Army Wing: 12th Class pass under the 10+2 system or equivalent.
Air Force, Naval Wings, and INAC 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme: 12th Class pass with Physics and Mathematics under the 10+2 system or equivalent.
A total of 394 vacancies have been announced for this. Out of which, 208 vacancies are for the Army, 42 for the Navy (Executive Branch), 92 for Air Force Flying, 18 for Air Force Ground Duties (Technical), 10 for Air Force Ground Duties (Non-Technical), and 24 for the Naval Academy under the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Executive Branch).
Application Process
Eligible candidates can apply online through the UPSC official website www.upsc.gov.in. It is advised to carefully review the instructions, eligibility criteria, and syllabus before submission. Interested candidates can check further details on the official website. The last date to apply is December 30, 2025, by 6:00 pm.
