Age Limit
Application Fee
nion Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination II (NDA & NA II) 2026 notification for a total of 394 Posts across Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy wings. Both Male and Female candidates who have passed or are appearing in 10+2 can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 11 June 2026 at upsconline.nic.in. The written examination is scheduled on 13 September 2026. This is a golden opportunity for young aspirants aged between 15 to 18 years to join the prestigious National Defence Academy and build an illustrious career in the Indian Armed Forces.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
| Wing | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 from any recognized board in India |
| Navy Wing | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics |
| Air Force Wing (Flying) | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics |
| Air Force Ground Duties (Technical) | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics |
| Air Force Ground Duties (Non-Technical) | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 in any stream |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Scheme) | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics |
Important: Candidates who are appearing in Class 12 in 2026 (result awaited) can also apply. However, they must produce proof of passing at the time of joining.
📝 UPSC NDA II 2026 Exam Pattern
Written Examination:
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | 900 | 5 Hours |
Paper II – General Ability Test (GAT) Breakdown:
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Part A – English | 200 |
| Part B – General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events) | 400 |
| Total GAT | 600 |
- Exam Type: Objective / Multiple Choice QuestionsNegative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer in Mathematics; 1/4 mark in GATMedium: English and Hindi (bilingual)SSB Interview: 900 marks (after written exam clearance)Grand Total (Written + SSB): 1800 marks
🎯 Selection Process for UPSC NDA II 2026
Stage 1 – Written Examination (13 September 2026)
- Paper I: Mathematics (300 marks)
- Paper II: General Ability Test (600 marks)
- Total: 900 marks
- Candidates must clear UPSC’s cut-off to be eligible for SSB Interview
Stage 2 – SSB Interview / Intelligence & Personality Test (900 Marks)
- Conducted by Services Selection Board (SSB) at various centers across India
- 5-day comprehensive assessment covering:
- Day 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test & Picture Perception Description Test (PPDT) — Screening
- Day 2-4: Psychological Tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
- Day 5: Personal Interview with a Board Officer
- Candidates must clear each stage to proceed to the next
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
- Comprehensive medical fitness test at designated military hospitals
- Candidates must meet specific physical and medical standards for their chosen wing
Stage 4 – Merit List & Final Joining
- Final merit list prepared based on combined Written Exam + SSB marks
- Selected candidates allocated to respective wings and academies based on merit and preference
- Joining the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune or Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
📋 Documents Required for Application
- UPSC OTR Registration ID and Password
- Valid Email ID and Active Mobile Number
- Live Photo (taken at the time of application — not a pre-captured photo)
- Scanned Signature (black ink on white paper)
- Class 10th Certificate (for age/date of birth proof)
- Class 12th Marksheet / Admit Card (for 10+2 appearing candidates)
- Category Certificate — SC/ST candidates (for fee exemption)
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhar Card / Voter ID / Passport)
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
| Wing | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 from any recognized board in India |
| Navy Wing | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics |
| Air Force Wing (Flying) | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics |
| Air Force Ground Duties (Technical) | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics |
| Air Force Ground Duties (Non-Technical) | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 in any stream |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Scheme) | Passed or Appearing in 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics |