Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) — Ministry of Defence
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued an official recruitment notification for National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination, announcing a total of multiple vacancies located in All India. To be eligible, applicants must hold 12th Pass or Appearing (PCM for Navy/Air Force) and be within the prescribed age limit of 16.5 - 19.5 years, with category relaxation applicable as per government guidelines. Selected candidates will receive an approved pay scale of Rs. 56,100 (Starting Pay in Level 10 during training). The selection procedure comprises Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination. For complete guidelines, syllabus breakdown, and official notification PDF, refer to the verified information below on ApplySarkariJob.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy examination twice a year. To join the elite Indian Armed Forces, aspirants must meet specific eligibility requirements including age, educational qualification, and physical standards. This guide provides the complete breakdown for the NDA 1 2026 and NDA 2 2026 cycles.
The age criteria for NDA is strictly enforced, and no age relaxation is provided to any category (SC/ST/OBC). Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age at the time of commencement of the course.
| Exam Cycle | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Estimated Birth Date Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA 1 2026 | 16.5 Years | 19.5 Years | 02 July 2007 to 01 July 2010 |
| NDA 2 2026 | 16.5 Years | 19.5 Years | 02 January 2008 to 01 July 2011 |
The educational requirements vary depending on the wing of the National Defence Academy you wish to join. Candidates appearing in their Class 12 exams are also eligible to apply provisionally.
Candidates must be unmarried males or females. Marriage is not permitted during the training period.
Nationality Requirements:
The selection process begins with a written examination followed by an SSB Interview. The written test consists of two objective-type papers:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | 5 Hours | 900 |
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