UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification: Exam Date, Eligibility, Age Limit & Syllabus, Exam Pattern. The Union Public Service Commission is set to release the UPSC NDA 1 Notification 2026 on 10 December 2025, marking the beginning of the admission cycle for one of India’s most prestigious defence examinations.
Every year, thousands of young aspirants prepare rigorously to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. With the upcoming notification, candidates will finally be able to begin their application process and plan their preparation timeline in a structured way.
“Discipline and determination are the first uniforms an NDA aspirant must wear long before donning the real one.”.
Overview of UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of Examination | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam (I), 2026 |
| Department / Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Country | India |
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Dates | 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025 |
| Important Change | Continued inclusion of both male and female candidates |
| Any Relevant Payment / Fee Update | ₹100 for General/OBC male applicants; exempt for SC/ST/Females |
| Beneficiaries / Target Group | Class 12 passed/appearing candidates aiming for defence services |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Additional Information | Exam scheduled on 12 April 2026; includes written + SSB stages |
UPSC NDA 1 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Online Applications Begin | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Application | 30 December 2025 (till 6 PM) |
| Application Correction | 1st Week of January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last Week of March 2026 |
| Written Exam | 12 April 2026 |
| Result Announcement | May 2026 |
| SSB Interview Schedule | July to September 2026 |
These dates help aspirants organise their study routine, revision plan, and SSB preparation.
Eligibility Criteria for NDA 1 2026
1. Age Limit
Candidates must be:
- Born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2010
- Unmarried, regardless of gender
- Able to present proof of age through Class 10/Matriculation certificates only
This strict date-of-birth range leaves no room for flexibility, and even a one-day difference leads to disqualification.
2. Educational Qualification
| Wing | Required Qualification |
| Army Wing (NDA) | Passed Class 12 (Any stream) |
| Air Force & Naval Wings | Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
| 10+2 Cadet Entry (Naval Academy) | Passed Class 12 with PCM |
| Appearing Students | Eligible to apply |
This inclusive policy encourages students from all streams to participate, especially those targeting the Army Wing.
How to Apply for NDA 1 2026
The entire application is conducted on the online OTR platform. A clear step-by-step process reduces the chances of rejection:
- Complete OTR Registration on upsconline.nic.in
- Log in using email/mobile and OTP
- Fill Part-I Form: Personal, educational, contact, and address details
- Fill Part-II Form: Fee payment (if applicable), exam centre selection
- Upload Photograph & Signature in accepted dimensions
- Preview & Final Submit
- Print the Confirmation Page
Candidates should apply early because exam centres fill according to a first-apply-first-allot basis.
NDA 1 2026 Vacancies (Tentative)
Although the final count will be declared in the notification, trends indicate that the total posts remain near 400 every cycle.
| Category | Expected Vacancies |
| Army | 208 |
| Navy | 42 |
| Air Force (including Ground Duties) | 120 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | Around 30 |
| Total Expected Vacancies | ~400 |
Opportunities remain open for both male and female candidates.
Exam Pattern: The 900-Mark Two-Paper Test
UPSC follows a fixed structure to evaluate analytical thinking, conceptual clarity, and general awareness.
Paper 1: Mathematics
- Marks: 300
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Questions: 120
- Focuses on Class 11–12 concepts
Paper 2: General Ability Test
- Marks: 600
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Questions: 150
- English → 50
- General Knowledge → 100
- Covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd for wrong answers
The pattern demands consistent practice and conceptual clarity. Aspirants often follow long-tail preparation strategies like chapter-wise mock tests, previous-year analysis, and regular current affairs revision to stay ahead.
Why NDA 2026 Matters for Defence Aspirants
The NDA is not just an exam—it is a structured gateway into a challenging, honourable, and rewarding career. With the notification scheduled for December 2025, candidates have enough time to refine their strategy, strengthen physical fitness, and enhance confidence for the SSB interview stage. The inclusion of both male and female aspirants continues the progression toward a more inclusive defence environment.
FAQs: Admission Open for UPSC NDA 1 Notification 2026
When will the NDA 1 2026 notification be released?
10 December 2025.
What is the age range for NDA 1 2026?
Born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2010.
Can Class 12 appearing students apply?
Yes, they are fully eligible.
What is the exam date for NDA 1 2026?
12 April 2026.
How many vacancies are expected?
Around 400 posts.
