UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026: 394+ Vacancies for 10th & 12th Pass Candidates – Apply Now
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced a golden opportunity for young candidates who have cleared their 10th or 12th standard. The UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (II) 2026 offers a prestigious career path in the Indian Armed Forces as an officer . With over 394 vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings, this is one of the most sought-after government job opportunities for 12th pass candidates.
The application process for this highly prestigious UPSC recruitment has been completely digitized to ensure absolute operational transparency and rapid departmental onboarding. Candidates must strictly ensure they possess all required educational certificates, highly localized identity proofs, and highly active digital communication channels before initiating the process. You must always rigorously verify active recruitment notifications by directly accessing official .gov.in domains (such as upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in) to ensure authentic E-E-A-T signals.
The formal recruitment drive strongly emphasizes a direct, highly merit-based selection matrix through centralized competitive evaluations, bypassing outdated bureaucratic delays. After meticulously verifying the official notifications on the official UPSC portal, candidates can also strategically explore equivalent verified opportunities through:
Naukri India – https://www.naukri.com/
Indeed India – https://www.indeed.com
Apna Jobs – https://www.apna.co
Available Positions and Vacancy Details
The UPSC NDA & NA recruitment offers a comprehensive range of positions across different services. The total of 394 vacancies includes 370 positions for male candidates and 24 for female candidates . Here is a detailed breakdown:
Salary Structure and Benefits
Selected candidates receive an attractive stipend during training and a handsome salary upon commissioning as officers. The salary structure is as follows:
Note: The total in-hand salary for a commissioned officer is approximately ₹80,000 – ₹90,000 per month, including all allowances and MSP . The training at NDA is fully funded by the government, with only pocket expenses of approximately ₹3,000 per month to be met by candidates . Financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month is available if the parent’s income is less than ₹45,000 per month .
Eligibility Criteria for 10th and 12th Pass Candidates
Educational Qualifications
For NDA Army Wing:
Candidates must have passed the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University . Candidates from any stream (Arts, Commerce, or Science) are eligible .
For NDA Air Force & Naval Wings and Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme):
Candidates must have passed 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects .
Appearing Candidates:
Candidates who are currently appearing in their 12th Class can also apply provisionally. The UPSC has clarified that candidates who have appeared for their Class 12 examinations for the 2025–26 academic session and are yet to receive official proof of qualification may indicate their academic status accordingly while filling the Common Application Form . They must submit their passing certificate by June 10, 2027 .
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years
- Maximum Age: 19.5 years
- Date of Birth: Candidates must be born between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2011 (both dates inclusive)
- Important: There is no age relaxation for any category (SC/ST/OBC) .
Nationality and Marital Status
Only unmarried male and female candidates of Indian nationality are eligible to apply . Candidates who marry during training will be discharged and must refund all expenses incurred by the Government of India .
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the following physical standards :
| Measurement | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 157 cm | 152 cm |
| Flying Branch Height | 162.5 cm | 162.5 cm |
| Chest | 77 cm | NIL |
| Chest Expansion | 5 cm | NIL |
| Vision Standards | Uncorrected: 6/12 for each eye | Corrected: 6/6 for each eye |
Selection Process: Steps to Join the Armed Forces
The selection process for the UPSC NDA & NA recruitment is rigorous and systematic. Candidates must successfully clear each stage to secure their position :
Stage 1: Written Examination (Objective Type)
The written exam is conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode) and consists of two papers, carrying a total of 900 marks :
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | 900 | 5 Hours |
- Part A: English (200 marks)
- Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks)
Negative Marking: Every wrong answer carries a penalty of 1/3rd mark .
Important Dates:
- NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026: Written Exam scheduled for 12th April 2026
- NDA & NA Examination (II) 2026: Written Exam scheduled for 13th September 2026
Stage 2: SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview
Candidates who qualify in the written examination are shortlisted based on a merit list and called for the SSB Interview. This stage includes :
- Intelligence and Personality Tests
- Psychological Tests
- Group Discussion and Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Physical Fitness Tests
The SSB Interview also carries 900 marks . The final merit list is prepared based on the combined score of the Written Examination and SSB Interview.
For Air Force candidates: Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) is mandatory. Those who fail in this cannot apply for the Flying Branch, but may be considered for Ground Duty Branches .
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the SSB Interview undergo a comprehensive medical examination to ensure they meet the medical standards of the Armed Forces . The medical examination is conducted at designated Armed Forces Medical Services hospitals .
How to Apply for UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026
The application process for UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026 has been completely digitized. Candidates are strongly advised to follow these steps :
Step 1: Visit the official UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal: https://upsconline.nic.in/ or https://upsc.gov.in/.
Step 2: Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process if registering for the first time. This is a one-time registration that is valid for all future UPSC applications .
Step 3: Log in with your OTR credentials and click on the “NDA & NA Examination (II) 2026” application link.
Step 4: Fill out the application form carefully with accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
Step 5: Upload scanned copies of required documents, including your photograph, signature, and identity proof.
Step 6: Pay the application fee (if applicable) through online payment modes (net banking, UPI, debit card, or credit card) .
Step 7: Preview the application form before final submission, then click “Submit” and take a printout for future reference.
Important Dates for NDA & NA Examination (II) 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Application End Date | 9 June 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 10 June – 16 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 6 September 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| SSB Interview Period | December 2026 – January 2027 |
| Course Commencement | 1 July 2027 |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
| All Female Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
| Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | Nil (Certificate from Principal required) |
Accepted Payment Modes: Net Banking, Visa, Master, RuPay Credit/Debit Card, UPI .
Helpline Support: The Commission has established a dedicated helpline to assist candidates: Helpline No. 011-24041001/011-40303444 or Email ID: upscsoap@nic.in .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can 10th pass candidates apply for UPSC NDA recruitment?
No, candidates must have passed 12th class to be eligible for the NDA & NA recruitment. However, 10th pass candidates can apply for other government jobs like SSC GD, Railway Group D, or state police constable posts.
2. Is the UPSC NDA exam open to female candidates?
Yes, both male and female candidates are eligible to apply. The total vacancies for females are 24 out of 394 posts. Female candidates are also exempted from application fees .
3. What is the age limit for UPSC NDA 2026?
Candidates must be born between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2011. The age limit is 16.5 to 19.5 years. There is no age relaxation for any category .
4. What are the educational requirements for the NDA Army Wing?
For the Army Wing, candidates must have passed 12th class in any stream (Arts, Commerce, or Science) from a recognized board .
5. Can I apply for NDA if I am appearing for my 12th exams?
Yes, candidates currently appearing in their 12th class can apply provisionally. They must submit their passing certificate by June 10, 2027 .
6. What is the selection process for UPSC NDA recruitment?
The selection process consists of a written examination (900 marks) followed by an SSB interview (900 marks). The final merit list is based on the combined score .
7. Are there any government jobs for 10th and 12th pass candidates other than NDA?
Yes, there are many government job opportunities for 10th and 12th pass candidates, including RRB Group D, SSC GD, Delhi Police Constable, Bank Clerks, and state-level recruitments.
8. Is there a physical fitness test in the NDA selection process?
Yes, physical fitness tests are conducted during the SSB interview stage, including running, push-ups, squats, and other physical activities. Medical fitness is also mandatory .
9. What is the salary of an officer after completing NDA training?
After training, officers receive a pay level of ₹56,100 per month plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500, along with various allowances, making the total in-hand salary approximately ₹80,000-₹90,000 per month .
10. Where can I check my NDA 2026 result?
Candidates can check their results on the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in. The results are published in PDF format under the “What’s New” section .
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026 presents a life-changing opportunity for young candidates who have completed their 10th or 12th education. With 394 vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, this recruitment drive offers a direct pathway to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces .
The selection process, while demanding, is designed to identify candidates with the right mental aptitude, physical fitness, and leadership qualities. The written examination, scheduled for 13th September 2026, will be followed by the prestigious SSB interview, which evaluates candidates on intelligence, personality, and decision-making skills .
The salary and benefits are exceptional, with a starting stipend of ₹56,100 during training and a comprehensive package of over ₹80,000 per month upon commissioning. The additional benefits include lifetime security, pension, medical facilities, and career progression opportunities .
For candidates who have cleared their 12th standard, this is a golden opportunity to serve the nation with honour and pride. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply online through the official UPSC portal before the deadline.
Apply now and embark on a journey of valour, discipline, and service to the nation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The application process is free of cost; beware of fraudulent recruiters. Always verify job postings through official channels and never share personal financial information with unauthorized parties.
