The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2026. This is a chance for young students to join India's Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. The application process started today, and interested candidates can apply online.
Students looking to join the NDA and NA must apply through the official UPSC website. The last day to submit the online application form is December 30, 2025 . The entrance exam for NDA & NA (I) 2026 will be held on April 12, 2026 .
Important Dates for NDA 1 Exam 2026
Here are the key dates for the NDA and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026:
| Event | Date |
| NDA 1 Notification Release | Today |
| Online Application Starts | Today |
| Last Date to Apply Online | December 30, 2025 |
| NDA 1 Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
What is the NDA and Naval Academy Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a premier joint services training institution of the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates who clear this exam get to train at the NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune, before going to their respective service academies for further training. The Naval Academy (NA) trains cadets for the Indian Navy.
UPSC conducts this examination twice a year to select candidates for officer posts in the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA, and for the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC).
How to Apply for NDA 1 Exam 2026
Candidates must follow a simple online process to fill out the application form. Make sure you have a valid email ID and mobile number before starting. Here are the steps:
- Step 1: Visit the Official Website: Go to the Union Public Service Commission's online application portal: upsconline.nic.in .
- Step 2: Create an Account: If you are a new user, find the "Account Creation" section on the homepage. Click on it to register. You will need to provide your email ID, mobile number, and other basic details.
- Step 3: Login: After creating your account, log in using your registered email ID and password, or mobile number and One Time Password (OTP), or your Universal Registration Number (URN) and password.
- Step 4: Fill the Application Form: Complete the detailed application form. Fill in all required personal, educational, and contact information accurately.
- Step 5: Pay the Application Fee: Pay the required application fee online. You can use a Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking, or other available options. Check the detailed notification for the exact fee amount and any exemption rules for certain categories.
- Step 6: Select Exam Centre: Choose your preferred exam centre from the given options.
- Step 7: Submit the Form: Review all the information carefully. Once confirmed, submit the application form.
- Step 8: Print Confirmation: After successful submission, download and print a copy of your application form for your records.
What Information is in the Full Notification?
The official UPSC NDA 1 Notification 2026 contains important details that every applicant must read carefully. This includes:
- Eligibility Criteria: Information about age limits, educational qualifications, and marital status needed to apply.
- Application Process: Detailed instructions on how to fill and submit the form.
- Exam Pattern: Details about the subjects, types of questions, and marking scheme for the written exam.
- Syllabus: A list of topics you need to study for the exam.
- Physical Standards: Requirements for height, weight, vision, and other physical fitness standards.
- Number of Vacancies: Total number of openings in each wing (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy).
Candidates are strongly advised to download the full notification from the UPSC website and read it completely before applying. This will help them understand all rules and requirements for the NDA and NA (I) 2026 exam.
