UPSC NDA I 2026 Notification Released for 394 Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the NDA I 2026 Notification on 10 December 2025 on upsc.gov.in. The online application window is open from 10 December to 30 December 2025 (till 6:00 PM).

The notification includes details about 394 vacancies for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the NDA+2 Cadet Entry Scheme. It provides complete information on eligibility criteria, exam pattern, age limit, application fees, selection process, and the steps required for candidates aiming to join the Armed Forces as Lieutenants after completing training. The NDA exam remains one of India's most prestigious defence recruitment examinations conducted twice every year.

UPSC NDA I 2026 Notification Released

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA & NA I 2026 Notification on 10 December 2025 on its official website upsc.gov.in. The notification marks the beginning of the online application process for candidates aspiring to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the prestigious National Defence Academy, along with the NDA+2 Cadet Entry Scheme. The recruitment aims to select eligible candidates for 394 vacancies to be commissioned as Lieutenants after training.

The application form is available from 10 December to 30 December 2025, closing at 6:00 PM, and can be filled through upsc.gov.in and upsconline.in.

Key Highlights of the NDA I 2026 Notification

The exam is conducted twice a year to recruit candidates for pre-commission training at NDA and the Naval Academy.

Vacancy Breakdown (Total: 394)

The UPSC NDA I 2026 Notification includes 394 vacancies, tentatively distributed as follows:

• Army Wing
• Navy Wing
• Air Force (Flying Branch & Ground Duties)
• NDA+2 Cadet Entry

These vacancies may include seats reserved for SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories as per government rules.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

Applicants must be:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
• A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before 1 January 1962, or
• A person of Indian origin who migrated from specific countries with the intent to settle in India.

Age Limit for NDA I 2026

Candidates should be born between:

• 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2010 (both dates inclusive).
• No relaxation is applicable.

Educational Qualification

• Army Wing: Must have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board.
• Navy & Air Force Wings: Must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics.
• Candidates appearing in Class 12 exams are also eligible.

Marital Status & Gender

Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.

Application Fees

• General/OBC Candidates: ₹100
• SC/ST/NCOs/ORs/Sons of JCOs: Exempted

The fee can be paid via:

• Debit/Credit Card
• Net Banking
• Offline challan

Selection Process for NDA I 2026

The NDA selection process consists of two stages:

1. Written Examination

Conducted offline in two papers:

• Mathematics: 300 marks
• General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks
• Total: 900 marks
• GAT includes English, General Knowledge, Science, Polity, Geography, and Current Affairs.

2. SSB Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be called for:

• Intelligence Test
• Psychological Tests
• Group Tasks
• Personal Interview

SSB carries 900 marks, making the total selection score 1800 marks.

Training & Career Prospects

Candidates who clear the written exam and SSB interview undergo training at:

• National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune
• Air Force Academy / Naval Academy, depending on the wing allotted.

Upon successful completion, candidates are appointed to the rank of Lieutenant in the Indian Armed Forces.

Conclusion

The release of the NDA I 2026 Notification marks a crucial opportunity for defence aspirants. With 394 vacancies, structured eligibility criteria, and a clear selection process, the notification provides a roadmap for students dreaming of serving the nation in the armed forces. Aspirants should utilize the application window wisely and begin their preparation with discipline and determination.