Union Public Service Commission — Ministry of Defence
| Post Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination |
|---|---|
| Qualification | 12th Pass or Appearing (PCM for Navy/Air Force) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 - 19.5 years |
| Salary | Rs. 56,100 (Starting Pay in Level 10 during training) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 100 (Exempted for SC/ST/Female candidates) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination |
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 |
Securing a government position under Union Public Service Commission requires a disciplined and strategic approach. Candidates with 12th Pass or Appearing (PCM for Navy/Air Force) qualifications should focus on the following:
To avoid fraud and secure your candidature for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination position, always complete the following checks before submitting your application:
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The educational qualification required for this recruitment is: 12th Pass or Appearing (PCM for Navy/Air Force). Please always refer to the official notification PDF linked in the "Source/Official Links" section above for the most accurate and complete eligibility criteria, including age limits, experience requirements, and category-specific relaxations.
Anita Verma is a certified HR professional with extensive experience in government and semi-government hiring practices. She specializes in university, hospital, and court recruitment notifications across India.