UPSC NDA II Notification 2026 :- The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the highly anticipated UPSC NDA II Notification 2026. This is a golden opportunity for young, energetic, and patriotic unmarried male and female candidates dreaming of a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. Through this examination, eligible candidates can secure admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) for the 158th Course, and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing on 1st July 2027.
Aspiring candidates can submit their online applications through the official UPSC portal starting from May 20, 2026. Ensure you review the complete eligibility guidelines, educational criteria, and application procedure detailed below before submitting your form.
| Key Highlights: UPSC NDA II Notification 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Notification Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Job Location | Across India (Training at Khadakwasla, Pune / Ezhimala, Kerala) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC NDA II 2026 Vacancy Details
The Union Public Service Commission has announced a total of 394 vacancies across various wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. Below is the branch-wise and gender-wise classification of the vacancies:
| Academy / Wing | Service Branch | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy (Executive Branch) | 37 | 05 | 42 | |
| Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 02 | 92 | |
| Air Force (Ground Duties – Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 | |
| Air Force (Ground Duties – Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 | |
| Naval Academy (NA) | 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Executive Branch) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Grand Total | 370 | 24 | 394 | |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
To be eligible for the exam, candidates must satisfy the following conditions of nationality:
- Must be an unmarried male or female candidate.
- Must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Educational Qualification for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
The academic criteria vary depending on the chosen wing of the Armed Forces:
- For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: Candidates must have passed the 12th Class (10+2 pattern) of school education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or University.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy & 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at Indian Naval Academy: Candidates must have passed the 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects under the 10+2 pattern of school education or its equivalent.
- Appearing Candidates: Candidates who are currently appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern or equivalent can also apply for this examination.
Age Limit for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
According to the official notification, only unmarried male and female candidates born within the specified timeframe are eligible to apply:
- Minimum Age: Candidates must not be born later than January 1, 2011.
- Maximum Age: Candidates must not be born earlier than January 1, 2008.
Application Fees for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
The application fee structure is highly affordable, with exemptions provided to specific categories:
- General / OBC Candidates: Rs. 100/- (Rupees one hundred only).
- SC / ST / Female Candidates & Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Nil (Exempted from payment of fee).
- Payment Mode: Payment can be made online via Net Banking of any bank, or using Visa, Master, RuPay Credit/Debit Card, or through UPI Payment.
Selection Process for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
The selection under the UPSC NDA II Notification 2026 is highly competitive and consists of multiple challenging stages:
- Written Examination: Consists of two objective-type papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks), totaling 900 marks.
- SSB Interview / Test: Candidates qualifying the written exam will undergo a 5-day Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) evaluating Officer-like Qualities (OLQs), carrying another 900 marks.
- CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System): Mandatory only for candidates opting for the Flying Branch of the Air Force.
- Medical Examination: Selected candidates must undergo a thorough medical evaluation by a Board of Service Medical Officers to be declared fit.
- Document Verification & Final Merit List: Preparation of the final merit list based on aggregate marks in the Written Exam and SSB Interview.
How to Apply for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
Follow these easy steps to submit your application form on the official website:
- Go to the official online application portal of UPSC at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete your One-Time Registration (OTR) if you have not registered previously. A Universal Registration Number (URN) will be generated.
- Login using your OTR credentials and proceed to the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Fill in all the required details carefully, including educational qualifications, communication address, and physical preferences.
- Specify your preferred choice of exam centers and branches (Army, Navy, Air Force) in order of preference.
- Upload clear scanned copies of your signature and photograph as per the instructions, along with a valid photo ID document (e.g., Aadhaar Card).
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 100/- (if applicable) through the preferred online payment mode.
- Preview your application thoroughly before hitting the “Submit” button. Take a printout of the final confirmation page for future reference.
Important Links
| Link Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Download Notification |
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Website | Visit UPSC Website |
Important Dates for UPSC NDA II Examination 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Notification | 20.05.2026 |
| Last Date for Submitting Application Form | 09.06.2026 (until 06:00 PM) |
| Date of Written Examination | 13.09.2026 |
| Expected Date of Written Results | October, 2026 |
| Commencement of SSB Interviews | December 2026 to January 2027 |
Key Takeaways for Candidates
- No withdrawal or modification of the application is permitted once the form is successfully submitted.
- Ensure your registered email ID and mobile number are active, as all primary communication from UPSC will be electronic.
- Candidates must use only a black ballpoint pen to fill in details and mark responses in the OMR answer sheets during the offline written examination.
- Carrying mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, or any other electronic gadgets to the examination venue is strictly prohibited.
- Biometric face authentication will be conducted mandatorily for all candidates at the examination venue.
Final Thoughts on UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
The UPSC NDA II Notification 2026 marks the beginning of an exceptional and honorable journey for India’s youth. Serving the nation as a commissioned officer offers unparalleled career growth, dynamic leadership opportunities, and extreme respect in society. Given the high competition and strict physical standards, applicants are advised to initiate their academic preparation and physical fitness routines early. Be sure to submit your applications well in advance of the deadline on June 9, 2026, to avoid any last-minute server congestion.
Download Official Notification