🎖️ UPSC NDA II 2026 — APPLY NOW!
📅 Apply Online: 20 May – 9 June 2026
🎯 ~400 Vacancies | Army • Navy • Air Force • Naval Academy
📝 Exam Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)
🎓 Class 12 / 10+2 Appearing Students Eligible
🚀 Apply Online →The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the much-awaited National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II) 2026 Notification on 20 May 2026. For every young Indian who dreams of wearing the olive green, navy white, or air force blue uniform straight after Class 12 — this is the most prestigious gateway available in the country.
The NDA II 2026 examination opens doors to four distinguished wings — Army, Navy, Air Force, and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy. With approximately 400 vacancies expected and online applications accepted from 20 May 2026 to 9 June 2026 (6:00 PM) via upsconline.gov.in, this is the moment defence aspirants have been preparing for. The written examination is scheduled for Sunday, 13 September 2026.
What makes NDA unique is that you can apply as early as 16.5 years of age — straight from Class 12. Selected cadets undergo 3 years of joint training at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla (Pune), followed by 1 year of service-specific training at IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala, or AFA Hyderabad. By the time you turn 22-23, you are a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces. In this comprehensive guide, we cover every detail: vacancy break-up, eligibility criteria, age limits, application fee, exam pattern, syllabus, SSB process, training journey, salary, step-by-step application process, required documents, and FAQs.
📌 UPSC NDA II 2026 — Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 |
| Notification Released | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Window | 20 May – 9 June 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Total Vacancies | ~400 (Tentative) |
| Wings | Army • Navy • Air Force • 10+2 Cadet Entry (INA) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 – 19.5 years |
| Educational Qualification | Class 12 / 10+2 (or appearing) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (Gen/OBC/EWS) | NIL (SC/ST/JCO Sons) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medical → Merit |
| Training Location | NDA, Khadakwasla (Pune) for 3 years |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.gov.in |
📅 Important Dates — NDA II 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Closes | 9 June 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Application Withdrawal Window | 16 – 22 June 2026 (tentative) |
| Admit Card Release | ~3 weeks before exam (late August 2026) |
| Written Examination | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result (Written) | November–December 2026 (tentative) |
| SSB Interview | December 2026 – April 2027 (tentative) |
| Final Result | May–June 2027 (tentative) |
| Training Commences (NDA Khadakwasla) | July 2027 (tentative) |
🎯 NDA II 2026 Vacancy Distribution (Tentative)
The exact wing-wise break-up will be confirmed once the official UPSC notification PDF is uploaded. Based on the NDA I 2026 pattern (394 vacancies) and historical trends, here is the expected distribution for NDA II 2026:
| Wing | Tentative Vacancies | Gender Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy — Army Wing | ~208 | Male & Female |
| National Defence Academy — Navy Wing | ~42 | Male & Female |
| National Defence Academy — Air Force (Flying) | ~92 | Male & Female |
| National Defence Academy — Air Force (Ground Duty Tech) | ~18 | Male & Female |
| National Defence Academy — Air Force (Ground Duty Non-Tech) | ~10 | Male & Female |
| 10+2 Cadet Entry — Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | ~30 | Male & Female |
| TOTAL (Tentative) | ~400 | — |
✅ Eligibility Criteria — NDA II 2026
🎂 Age Limit
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 16.5 years (16 years 6 months) |
| Maximum Age | 19.5 years (19 years 6 months) |
| Date of Birth (Between) | 2 January 2007 – 1 January 2010 (tentative) |
| Marital Status | Only UNMARRIED candidates allowed |
| Age Relaxation | No age relaxation for any category |
🎓 Educational Qualification
| Wing | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing of NDA | Class 12 / 10+2 from a recognised board, in ANY stream |
| Air Force, Navy & 10+2 Cadet Entry (INA) | Class 12 / 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
🇮🇳 Nationality
Candidates must be (a) a citizen of India, OR (b) a subject of Bhutan or Nepal, OR (c) a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, OR (d) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
💍 Marital Status
Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. Married candidates are NOT permitted to apply. Cadets are also not permitted to marry during the entire period of training.
💰 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST | NIL (Exempted) |
| Sons of JCOs / NCOs / ORs of Armed Forces | NIL (Exempted) |
| All Female Candidates | ₹100 (no exemption based on gender) |
Payment Modes: SBI Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Credit or Debit Card, UPI, or SBI Cash Challan (deposited at any SBI branch by next working day).
📝 NDA II 2026 Exam Pattern
The NDA written examination is a 2-paper objective MCQ test conducted in a single day (forenoon + afternoon sessions). Total marks: 900. SSB interview adds another 900 marks. Final merit out of 1800 marks.
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Written Total | 5 Hours | 900 | |
| SSB Interview | ~5 days | 900 | |
| GRAND TOTAL | — | 1800 | |
📐 GAT Paper Break-Up (Paper II — 600 marks)
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Part A — English | 200 |
| Part B — General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events) | 400 |
• All questions are Objective (MCQ) type
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted per wrong answer
• Math paper has 120 questions; GAT paper has 150 questions
• GAT is bilingual (Hindi + English); Mathematics is only in English
• Each correct answer in Maths = 2.5 marks; each correct in GAT = 4 marks
📚 NDA II 2026 Syllabus Overview
🧮 Mathematics (300 marks — Class 11 & 12 Level)
Topics: Algebra (Sets, Relations, Functions, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Binomial Theorem, Logarithms), Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry (Identities, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Heights & Distances), Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D, Conic Sections), Differential Calculus (Limits, Continuity, Derivatives), Integral Calculus & Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics, Probability.
📖 GAT — Part A: English (200 marks)
Topics: Grammar & Usage, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Synonyms & Antonyms, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Idioms & Phrases, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, One-Word Substitution.
🌍 GAT — Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks)
| Section | Approx. Marks |
|---|---|
| Physics | 100 |
| Chemistry | 60 |
| General Science (Biology, Health) | 40 |
| History, Freedom Movement, Polity | 80 |
| Geography | 80 |
| Current Events | 40 |
🎖️ Selection Process — 4 Stages
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Written Examination | 13 September 2026 — Mathematics + GAT (900 marks) |
| 2. SSB Interview | 5-day SSB process at Allahabad, Bhopal, Bengaluru, or Visakhapatnam centres (900 marks) |
| 3. Medical Examination | Conducted by Military Hospitals — fitness for officer service |
| 4. Final Merit List | Combined marks of Written + SSB; published by UPSC; followed by joining at NDA Khadakwasla |
🗣️ SSB Interview Breakdown (5 Days)
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 — Screening | Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) + Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT) |
| Day 2 — Psychology | TAT, WAT, SRT, SD (Thematic Apperception, Word Association, Situation Reaction, Self Description) |
| Day 3 — GTO Day 1 | Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Task, Half Group Task, Group Obstacle Race |
| Day 4 — GTO Day 2 | Command Task, Individual Obstacles, Final Group Task, Lecturette |
| Day 5 — Personal Interview & Conference | One-on-one interview with Interviewing Officer + Final Board Conference + Results |
🏋️ Training Journey — From Cadet to Officer
| Phase | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Training (NDA) | 3 years | National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla (Pune) |
| Service-specific Training — Army | 1 year | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun |
| Service-specific Training — Navy | 1 year | Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala |
| Service-specific Training — Air Force | 1.5 years | Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad |
| Degree Awarded at NDA | BA / BSc / BSc (Computer Science) / B.Tech (Air Force / Navy) | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) affiliated |
💵 NDA Cadet Stipend & Officer Salary
During Training
Cadets receive a monthly stipend of ₹56,100/month during the last year (4th year) of training. The first 3 years at NDA include free boarding, lodging, books, uniforms, medical care, and pocket allowance.
After Commissioning — Officer Pay Scales
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lt. Colonel | Level 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
Additional Allowances: Military Service Pay (MSP) ₹15,500/month, Dearness Allowance, Kit Maintenance, Field Area Allowance, Siachen Allowance, Flying Pay (for AF Pilots ₹25,000), Submarine Pay (for Navy), Free Ration, Subsidised Housing (CSD), Medical Cover for self + family (ECHS), Group Insurance ₹75 lakh, lifelong Pension/Gratuity.
📝 How to Apply for UPSC NDA II 2026 — Step by Step
- Visit the official UPSC online portal: upsconline.gov.in
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) — if not already done. Register with mobile number, email, and create password.
- Login to your account and click on "Apply for Examinations".
- Select "National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026" from the active examinations list.
- Fill Part I — Personal details, communication address, education qualification (Class 12 details), parents' details, exam centre preference.
- Choose wing preference (Army / Navy / Air Force / 10+2 Cadet Entry INA) in order of priority.
- Submit Part I and proceed to Part II.
- Pay application fee online (₹100 for Gen/OBC/EWS; NIL for SC/ST/JCO sons) via Net Banking, Card, UPI, or SBI Challan.
- Upload photograph (3 KB – 40 KB), signature (1 KB – 40 KB), and photo identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Class 10 certificate etc).
- Select exam centre preference (city-wise, on first-come-first-served basis — apply early for preferred centre).
- Read declaration, agree to terms, and click "Final Submit".
- Download the application confirmation page and take 2 printouts for future reference.
📄 Documents & Specifications Required
| Document | Format & Size |
|---|---|
| Scanned Photograph | JPG, 3 KB – 40 KB, 350×350 px |
| Scanned Signature | JPG, 1 KB – 40 KB, 350×350 px |
| Photo Identity Card | PDF, max 300 KB (Aadhaar/PAN/Class 10 Certificate/Passport) |
| Class 10 Certificate (DOB Proof) | Keep ready for SSB stage |
| Class 12 Marksheet / Hall Ticket | For SSB stage |
| Caste/Category Certificate | If applicable, for SSB & medical stage |
| Domicile/Nationality Proof | For SSB stage |
🏃 Physical & Medical Standards
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height (Army) | 157 cm | 152 cm |
| Minimum Height (Air Force) | 162.5 cm | 152 cm |
| Minimum Height (Navy) | 157 cm | 152 cm |
| Weight | As per height-age chart | As per height-age chart |
| Vision (Air Force Pilot) | 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in other (correctable to 6/6) | Same |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 5 cm | Not applicable |
| BMI | Within healthy range; no obesity | Within healthy range |
| Body Tattoos | Permitted only on inner forearm; not allowed on face/neck | Same |
📈 Preparation Strategy — 4-Month Roadmap (June → September 2026)
| Month | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| June 2026 | NCERT foundation — Class 11 & 12 Math (full coverage); Physics & Chemistry NCERTs; Wren & Martin for English |
| July 2026 | Topic-wise PYQs (last 10 years); daily current affairs; History/Geography NCERTs (Class 9–12) |
| August 2026 | Full-length mock tests (1/week initially, then 2-3/week); identify weak areas; subject-wise revision |
| Sept (T-15 days) | Revision only — formula sheets, GK capsules, current affairs of last 6 months. NO new topics. |
📚 Recommended Books
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | NCERT (Class 11 & 12), R.S. Aggarwal, Arihant NDA Pathfinder Mathematics |
| Physics & Chemistry | NCERT (Class 11 & 12), Lucent's General Science, Arihant NDA Pathfinder GAT |
| English | Wren & Martin, Norman Lewis "Word Power Made Easy" |
| GK + Current Affairs | Lucent's GK, Manorama Yearbook 2026, daily The Hindu / PIB / AIR News |
| History/Geography/Polity | NCERT (Class 6–12), Spectrum Modern India |
| SSB Preparation | "Let's Crack SSB Interview" by Dr Cdr N. K. Natarajan |
🎯 Why NDA is the Best Career Choice After Class 12
The NDA is unlike any other career path in India. While your friends are still figuring out which college to apply to, you walk into a 7,300-acre campus on the banks of Khadakwasla Lake — surrounded by the Sahyadri hills, world-class infrastructure, and the legacy of generals, admirals, and air chiefs who walked the same corridors before you.
By the time you turn 22, you are a commissioned officer earning ₹1+ lakh per month in-hand, with lifelong pension, free medical cover for self and family (ECHS), subsidised housing, free ration, group insurance of ₹75 lakh, and the deepest respect from society. You will fly Sukhoi Su-30s, command tank regiments at the LOC, sail aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean, or lead counter-terrorist operations. Few careers in the world offer this combination of youth, leadership, adventure, prestige, and financial security. The NDA II 2026 is your one-time opportunity — don't let it pass.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When is the UPSC NDA II 2026 application start and end date?
Online applications open on 20 May 2026 and close on 9 June 2026 at 6:00 PM. Applications are accepted only through upsconline.gov.in.
Q2. What is the NDA II 2026 written exam date?
The written examination is scheduled for Sunday, 13 September 2026, conducted by UPSC across designated centres in India.
Q3. How many vacancies are there in NDA II 2026?
Approximately 400 vacancies across Army, Navy, Air Force, and the 10+2 Cadet Entry (INA). The exact wing-wise break-up will be in the official notification PDF.
Q4. What is the age limit for NDA II 2026?
Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age. Tentative DOB range: 2 January 2007 – 1 January 2010. No age relaxation for any category.
Q5. Can Class 12 appearing students apply for NDA II 2026?
Yes. Students currently appearing in their Class 12 board exam can apply. However, they must submit passing certificates before joining training at NDA.
Q6. Can girls / women apply for NDA II 2026?
Yes. From NDA I 2022 onwards, women are eligible for all wings — Army, Navy, and Air Force — under the gender-neutral policy implemented per Supreme Court directions.
Q7. What is the application fee for NDA II 2026?
₹100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST candidates and sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs of Armed Forces are exempted (NIL fee).
Q8. What subjects do I need for Air Force / Navy entry?
Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is mandatory for Air Force, Navy, and 10+2 Cadet Entry (INA). For Army Wing, any stream is acceptable.
Q9. What is the NDA exam pattern?
Two papers — Paper I Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hours) + Paper II General Ability Test (600 marks, 2.5 hours). Total written: 900 marks. SSB Interview: 900 marks. Grand total: 1800.
Q10. Is there negative marking in NDA exam?
Yes. 1/3rd of the marks allotted to a question is deducted for every wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Q11. What is the training duration and where does it take place?
3 years of joint training at NDA Khadakwasla (Pune), followed by 1 year of service-specific training — IMA Dehradun (Army), INA Ezhimala (Navy), or AFA Hyderabad (Air Force). NDA cadets are awarded a degree (BA/BSc/B.Tech) from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Q12. When will the NDA II 2026 admit card be released?
The e-Admit Card will be released approximately 3 weeks before the exam, i.e., late August 2026, on upsc.gov.in. Candidates must download and carry a printout to the exam centre along with a valid photo ID.
🔗 Related Posts from Sarkari Nokrii
- UPSC CDS II 2026 Notification — 400+ Officer Vacancies
- AFCAT 02/2026 Notification — 142+ IAF Officer Vacancies
- UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 — T-4 Final Strategy Guide
- RRB Technician CEN 02/2026 — 6,565 Vacancies
📢 Join Sarkari Nokrii Community
Get instant updates on UPSC, Defence, SSC, Banking, Railway & State Govt jobs!
📱 WhatsApp 💬 Telegram 🐦 Twitter/X 📸 Instagram 👍 Facebook ▶️ YouTube
🎖️ FROM CLASS 12 TO COMMISSIONED OFFICER 🇮🇳
Apply by 9 June 2026 (6 PM) — Your path to the Indian Armed Forces starts NOW!
🚀 Apply @ upsconline.gov.in →