UPSC NDA I Recruitment 2026: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the NDA & NA (I) Examination 2026 under Examination Notice No. 3/2026-NDA-I, dated 10 December 2025. This exam will be conducted for admission to the Army, Navy & Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (157th Course) and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course, commencing from 1 January 2027. The online application process has started, and eligible candidates can apply through the official UPSC website.
The NDA exam is one of India’s most prestigious defence entrance examinations, giving candidates an opportunity to join the armed forces as officers. The application window will remain open until 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM). Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria regarding age, education and physical standards before applying. The written exam will be held offline on 12 April 2026 across various examination centres in India.
UPSC NDA I Recruitment 2026 Overview
Details
Information
Organization
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Examination Name
NDA & NA (I) 2026
Notification No.
3/2026-NDA-I
Courses
NDA 157th & NA 119th Course
Mode of Application
Online
Exam Date
12 April 2026
Training Start
1 January 2027
UPSC NDA I 2026 Important Dates
Event
Date
Notification Release Date
10 December 2025
Application Start
10 December 2025
Application Last Date
30 December 2025
Admit Card Release
Last week before exam
Exam Date
12 April 2026
Result (Written)
May 2026
UPSC NDA I Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
Category
Fee
General / OBC
₹100/-
SC / ST
Exempted
Female Candidates
Exempted
Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs (as per rules)
Exempted
UPSC NDA I 2026 Vacancies & Qualification
Wing / Course
Male
Female
Total
Qualification
Army (NDA)
198
10
208
12th Pass
Navy (NDA)
37
05
42
12th with PCM
Air Force – Flying
90
02
92
12th with PCM
Air Force – Ground Duties (Tech)
16
02
18
12th with PCM
Air Force – Ground Duties (Non-Tech)
08
02
10
12th Pass
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry)
21
03
24
12th with PCM
UPSC NDA I Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
Only unmarried male and female candidates born between:
01 July 2007 (inclusive)
01 July 2010 (inclusive)
are eligible to apply.
UPSC NDA I 2026 Selection Process
The selection process includes two major stages:
Written Examination
SSB Interview
Documents Verification
Medical Test
How to Apply for UPSC NDA I 2026
Candidates must apply online through the UPSC portal https://upsconline.nic.in. First, they need to complete the Universal Registration Number (URN), then fill the Common Application Form (CAF), and finally complete the examination-specific module. All required documents must be uploaded correctly, including a live photo capture. No corrections are allowed after final submission, so applicants must fill the form carefully. Payment of the application fee can be made through online modes only.
