UPSC NDA II 2026 Notification Out: The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the UPSC NDA & NA II 2026 Notification for candidates who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. Through this recruitment drive, eligible male and female candidates can get admission into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) courses starting from July 2027.
The NDA II 2026 Exam is one of the most prestigious defence entrance examinations in India, offering opportunities in the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Interested candidates can now apply online through the official UPSC portal before the last date.
UPSC NDA II 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC NDA & NA II Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | UPSC |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| NDA II Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Course Commencement | 01 July 2027 |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
UPSC NDA II 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should carefully note all the important dates related to the examination process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Training Course Starts | 01 July 2027 |
UPSC NDA II 2026 Vacancy Details
UPSC has announced a total of 394 vacancies for NDA & Naval Academy Examination II 2026.
| Academy / Branch | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army Wing | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy Wing | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| Air Force Flying Branch | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| Air Force Ground Duty (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| Air Force Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Eligibility Criteria for NDA II 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions prescribed by UPSC.
Nationality
Applicants must be unmarried male or female candidates who are:
- Citizens of India, or
- Subjects of Nepal, or
- Persons of Indian origin from specified countries intending to settle permanently in India.
UPSC NDA II 2026 Age Limit
Only candidates born between 01 January 2008 and 01 January 2011 are eligible to apply for this examination.
Educational Qualification
For Army Wing
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 from a recognized board.
For Air Force & Naval Wings
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics subjects.
UPSC NDA II 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | Exempted |
| Payment Mode | Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, Wallet |
How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA II 2026
Candidates can complete the online application process by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC online portal.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
- Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Upload scanned photo and signature.
- Complete live photo capture verification.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
UPSC NDA II 2026 Exam Pattern
The written examination consists of two objective-type papers.
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | 900 | 5 Hours |
General Ability Test Includes
- English: 200 Marks
- General Knowledge: 400 Marks
Candidates should note that there will be negative marking in the written examination. One-third marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
NDA II 2026 Selection Process
The selection process includes multiple stages designed to assess intelligence, personality, and leadership qualities.
Stage I
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
- Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
Stage II
- Psychological Tests
- Group Testing Officer Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Conference Round
Candidates applying for the Air Force Flying Branch must also qualify the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Notification PDF | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| New Job Alert | Click Here |
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA & NA II Examination 2026 is a golden opportunity for young aspirants aiming to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers. Eligible candidates are advised to complete their application process before the deadline and begin their preparation early to secure a place in one of India’s most respected defence academies.
