The UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification has been released by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit eligible candidates for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). This examination is conducted twice a year and offers one of the most prestigious opportunities for 12th-pass candidates to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. The selection will be done through a written exam followed by an SSB interview.
UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification – Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Vacancy | To be announced |
| Post Name | NDA & NA Cadet (Army, Navy, Air Force) |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Education | 12th Pass with Physics & Math (for Air Force/Navy), Any Stream (for Army) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years (Unmarried males and females) |
| Salary | ₹56,100 (Stipend during training) to ₹2,50,000 (after commission) |
Important Dates
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | December 2025 |
| Online Application Start | 10/12/2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30/12/2025 |
| Application Correction Window | January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2026 |
| NDA 1 Exam Date | 12th April 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | May 2026 |
| NDA 1 Result Declaration | May–June 2026 |
Post-wise Vacancy and Eligibility
| Post Name | Vacancy | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Army Wing | To be announced | 12th Pass (any stream), Age 16.5–19.5 years, Stipend ₹56,100 |
| Air Force & Naval Wing | To be announced | 12th Pass with Physics & Mathematics, Age 16.5–19.5 years, Stipend ₹56,100 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | To be announced | 12th Pass with Physics & Mathematics, Age 16.5–19.5 years, Stipend ₹56,100 |
Eligibility Details:
As per the UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification, candidates must have passed or be appearing in 12th standard. For Army, any stream is accepted; for Air Force, Navy, and Naval Academy, Physics and Mathematics are required. The age limit is 16.5 to 19.5 years, and only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. Cadets receive a stipend of ₹56,100 during training and full pay upon commission.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
| UPSC Career Page | https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Apply Online | https://upsconline.nic.in |
| UPSC Calendar latest 2025-2026 know the exam dates |
Detailed Education & Age Limit
Educational Qualification:
According to the UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification, candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination. For the Army Wing, any stream is acceptable. For the Air Force and Naval Wings, candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. Those appearing in the 12th board exam may also apply.
Age Limit:
Candidates must be born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 to be eligible for UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification. They must be unmarried at the time of application and must remain so until training is completed.
Salary Details
Under the UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification, selected candidates receive a stipend of ₹56,100 during training. After commissioning, officers receive salary as per the 7th CPC:
Lieutenant (starting rank): ₹56,100–₹1,77,500
Additional allowances include MSP ₹15,500, uniform allowance, transport allowance, etc.
Promotions follow rank progression up to ₹2,50,000 at senior levels.
UPSC NDA 1 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Written Examination:
| Paper | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hrs |
| Paper II | General Ability Test | 600 | 2.5 hrs |
| Total | 900 |
General Ability Test (GAT):
English: 200 Marks
General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs): 400 Marks
SSB Interview:
Candidates who qualify written exam are called for SSB interview (900 Marks)
Online Application Process
To apply for the UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification, follow the steps:
Click on “NDA & NA (I) Examination 2026”
Complete Part I Registration (personal details, preferences)
Proceed to Part II to upload photo, signature, and pay the fee
Pay ₹100 (exempted for SC/ST/females) through online/offline mode
Submit the application and save the PDF copy
Admit Card & Exam Date Details
The UPSC NDA 1 2026 Admit Card will be issued on the official UPSC website in March 2026. Candidates must download and print it to carry to the exam hall along with a valid photo ID. The NDA 1 exam date is scheduled for April 2026.
Answer Key & Result Details
The official UPSC NDA 1 2026 Answer Key will be released within a few weeks after the exam. It allows candidates to evaluate their performance. The UPSC NDA 1 2026 Result is expected by May–June 2026, shortlisting candidates for the SSB interview round.
FAQs – UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification
Q1. Who can apply for UPSC NDA 1 2026?
Unmarried male and female candidates aged 16.5–19.5 years and who have passed 12th can apply.
Q2. Is NDA 1 2026 open for female candidates?
Yes, both male and female candidates are eligible under the UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification.
Q3. What is the selection process for NDA 1 2026?
It includes a written test and SSB interview, followed by medical tests.
Q4. Can Class 12 appearing students apply?
Yes, students currently in Class 12 can apply, but they must pass before the final selection.
Q5. Is there negative marking in the NDA exam?
Yes, one-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for each incorrect response.