UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 394 Vacancies, Check Eligibility & Apply Online

UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 Notification Details

UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official examination notice (No. 10/2026-NDA-II) for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination-II, 2026. This is a highly sought-after opportunity for 12th pass students who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces as Commissioned Officers.

Through the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026, a total of 394 vacancies will be filled across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA, as well as the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy (INA). Eligible unmarried male and female candidates can apply online using the official UPSC portal. The detailed eligibility criteria, academy-wise vacancies, age limit, syllabus, and direct application link are provided below.

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UPSC NDA 2 Notification 2026 Overview

Candidates must carefully register using the OTR (One Time Registration) platform on the UPSC website to apply.

Overview of UPSC National Defence Academy Exam II 2026
Organization Name Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Examination Notice No. 10/2026-NDA-II
Exam Name National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026
Total Vacancies 394 Posts
Pay Scale / Stipend Rs. 56,100/- p.m. during training (Level 10 Pay Matrix: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 upon commissioning)
Job Location All India
Official Website upsc.gov.in
Notification PDF Download PDF

Important Dates for UPSC NDA II 2026

Candidates are strongly advised to apply early to get their preferred examination centre, as centres are allotted on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis.

Schedule and Important Dates for UPSC NDA 2 2026
Event Date & Time
Date of Notification 20 May 2026
Last Date for Submission of Application 09 June 2026 (upto 06:00 P.M.)
Date of Written Examination 13 September 2026
Issuance of e-Admit Card Last working day of the preceding week of the exam date

UPSC NDA 2 Vacancy Details 2026

A total of 394 vacancies are distributed across various defense academies, including reserved vacancies for female candidates. Below is the detailed breakdown:

Academy-wise Vacancy Distribution for NDA II 2026
Name of the Course / Academy Total Vacancies Male Female
National Defence Academy (Army) 208 198 10
National Defence Academy (Navy) 42 37 05
National Defence Academy (Air Force) 120 114 06
– Flying 92 90 02
– Ground Duties (Tech) 18 16 02
– Ground Duties (Non-Tech) 10 08 02
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) 24 21 03
Total Vacancies 394 370 24

Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit

1. Nationality

A candidate must either be a Citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India (subject to GOI certificate).

2. Age Limit & Marital Status

The candidate must be unmarried and must undertake not to marry until they complete their full training. The specific age limits are below:

  • Age Range: Unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than 01st January 2008 and not later than 01st January 2011 are eligible.

3. Educational Qualifications

Candidates must possess the required educational qualification from a recognized Board:

  • For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
  • For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent.
Note: Candidates who are currently appearing in the 12th Class examination under the 10+2 pattern can also apply, provided they submit proof of passing the exam by 10th June 2027. (11th Class appearing candidates are NOT eligible).

Application Fees

Candidates are required to pay a fee of Rs. 100/- (Rupees One Hundred Only). Payment can be made using net banking, Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.

Exemptions: Female candidates, SC, ST candidates, and Wards of serving/ex-JCOs/NCOs/ORs studying in Military/Sainik Schools are fully exempted from payment of the application fee.

Selection Process

The selection for the UPSC NDA II 2026 will be based on a two-stage process:

  1. Written Examination: Objective type papers (Mathematics and General Ability Test) conducted by UPSC. There will be a negative marking (1/3rd penalty) for wrong answers.
  2. SSB Interview: Candidates clearing the written exam will be called for an Intelligence and Personality Test at the Services Selection Board (SSB). It consists of two stages (OIR & PP&DT in Stage-I; Interview, Group Tasks, Psychology Tests in Stage-II).
  3. Medical Examination: Final medical fitness test conducted by Armed Forces Medical Boards.

UPSC NDA Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Exam Pattern for NDA & NA Examination
Subject Code Duration Maximum Marks
Mathematics 01 2½ Hours 300
General Ability Test 02 2½ Hours 600
Total Written Exam Marks 900
SSB Test/Interview 900

Brief Syllabus

  • Mathematics (300 Marks): Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability.
  • General Ability Test (600 Marks): Divided into Part ‘A’ – English (200 Marks) and Part ‘B’ – General Knowledge (400 Marks). General Knowledge covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events.

How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA II 2026?

Candidates must apply exclusively online via the official UPSC portal. Follow the steps below:

  1. Visit the official UPSC online application website: upsconline.nic.in.
  2. Complete your One Time Registration (OTR) profile to generate a Universal Registration Number (URN) if you haven’t already.
  3. Log in and proceed to the Common Application Form (CAF) and the Examination Specific Module for NDA-II.
  4. Fill in all necessary details, including your preference for the branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval Academy).
  5. Live Photo & Signature: Capture a clear live photograph through your webcam and upload scanned signatures on plain white paper using black ink as per specifications.
  6. Pay the application fee (if applicable) and choose your preferred examination center.
  7. Submit the final application before 09 June 2026, 06:00 PM and download the confirmation page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the last date to apply for UPSC NDA II 2026?

The last date to submit the online application for UPSC NDA II 2026 is 09 June 2026 (upto 06:00 P.M.).

How many total vacancies are announced in NDA II 2026?

A total of 394 vacancies have been announced across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA, and the Naval Academy.

What is the age limit for NDA 2 2026?

Only unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than 01st January 2008 and not later than 01st January 2011 are eligible.

Can women apply for the UPSC NDA II Examination?

Yes, unmarried women candidates can apply for the NDA & NA Examination. A total of 24 vacancies are specifically reserved for female candidates across different branches.

Is there any negative marking in the UPSC NDA Exam?

Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as negative marking.

Final Words on UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026

The UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 is one of the most prestigious opportunities for 12th pass students to serve the nation as Commissioned Officers in the Armed Forces. Starting with a handsome stipend of Rs. 56,100/- during the training period, the career offers unmatched pride, respect, and growth. With 394 vacancies, candidates must ensure they meet the strict physical and educational standards before applying. Remember to submit your application on upsconline.nic.in before 09 June 2026 and prepare thoroughly for the written exam on 13 September 2026!