The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the notification for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026 tomorrow. This is a big update for students who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force after class 12. Along with the detailed notification, the online application form for NDA 1 2026 will also be available from **December 10, 2025**. Students can find all important information and apply on the official website, **upsconline.nic.in**.
The last date to fill the application form for NDA 1 2026 is **December 30, 2025**. The written examination for NDA & NA (I) 2026 is scheduled for **April 12, 2026**. Students should read the full notification carefully once it is released to understand all the rules and steps.
Key Dates for NDA 1 2026 Exam
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | December 10, 2025 |
| Application Start Date | December 10, 2025 |
| Application End Date | December 30, 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
How to Apply for NDA 1 2026
Applying for the NDA 1 2026 exam is a straightforward process. Students need to follow these steps:
- Step 1: Visit the Official Website: Go to the UPSC online application portal at **upsconline.nic.in**.
- Step 2: Find the Notification: Look for the link that says 'National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026' under the 'Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC' section.
- Step 3: Register/Login: If you are a new user, you must register first. This involves creating a One Time Registration (OTR) profile. If you have already registered, you can log in with your details.
- Step 4: Fill the Application Form: Complete the application form with your personal details, educational qualifications, and other required information. Make sure all information is accurate.
- Step 5: Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the instructions given in the notification.
- Step 6: Pay the Application Fee: Pay the required application fee online. The fee amount and payment methods will be mentioned in the notification.
- Step 7: Review and Submit: Carefully review all the details filled in the application form before submitting it. Once submitted, it is usually not possible to make changes.
- Step 8: Print Confirmation: After successful submission, download and print a copy of the application form for your records.
What Information is in the NDA 1 2026 Notification?
The detailed NDA 1 2026 notification PDF will contain all essential information about the exam. Students must read this document to understand everything before applying. Key details include:
- Exam Overview: This section explains what the NDA and NA exams are, the academies involved, and the career opportunities available after joining. It gives a general idea of the defence services.
- Important Dates: All key dates, from application opening to exam day and result announcements, are listed here. Students should mark these dates carefully.
- Vacancies: The notification will clearly state the number of seats available in the Army, Navy, Air Force wings of NDA, and for the Naval Academy. This tells students how many positions are open.
- Eligibility Criteria: This is a very important section. It covers who can apply based on factors like age limit, educational qualification (e.g., usually requiring Class 12 pass), and marital status (candidates must be unmarried).
- Nationality: Rules about being an Indian citizen or from specific neighbouring countries are explained here.
- Physical Standards: Details on required height, weight, vision, and other physical fitness standards for joining the defence forces are provided. Students must meet these standards.
- NDA Application Process: This section explains step-by-step how to fill out and submit the application form online, including fee payment instructions.
- Selection Procedure: It outlines the entire selection process. This typically includes a written examination, followed by a Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview, and then a medical examination.
- Exam Pattern and Syllabus: This part describes the structure of the written exam. It tells students which subjects they need to study, the type of questions asked, and the total marks. The syllabus lists all the topics covered in each subject.
- Marking Scheme: Information on how marks are awarded for correct answers and if there is any negative marking for wrong answers is given here.
- Admit Card Instructions: Details on when and how to download the admit card (hall ticket) for the written exam, and what documents to carry to the exam hall.
- Training and Pay Details: This section gives an idea of the training period at the academies and the pay and benefits candidates receive during and after training.
Students planning to apply should prepare well for the written exam and physical fitness tests. Always refer to the official notification for the most accurate and complete information.