UPSC NDA NA I Examination Notification 2026 – Online Applications for 394 Positions, The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Recruitment 2025 is open for 394 positions in NDA NA I. Candidates possessing a 12th-grade qualification may apply online. The online application commences on December 10, 2025 and concludes on December 30, 2025. Applications must be submitted via the UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
The UPSC has issued an official notification for recruitment of 394 National Defence Academy and Naval Academy I positions. Qualified and interested individuals may apply online via the official UPSC website. The final date for submission is December 30, 2025. This article provides details on the recruitment, including eligibility criteria, age limit, salary, selection process, application procedures, and direct links to the official notification and online application form.
National Defence Academy – Army (157th Course commencing January 2027)
198
10
208
National Defence Academy – Navy (All Executive Branch)
37
5
42
National Defence Academy – Air Force (Flying)
90
2
92
National Defence Academy – Air Force (Ground Duties – Technical)
16
2
18
National Defence Academy – Air Force (Ground Duties – Non Technical)
8
2
10
Naval Academy – 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (119th INAC, All Executive Branch)
21
3
24
Total
370
24
394
Criteria for Eligibility
Academic Credentials
Army Wing of NDA: Completion of 12th grade under 10+2 system or equivalent.
Air Force & Naval Wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme: Completion of 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Applicants enrolled in 12th Class under 10+2 system are eligible. Must provide evidence of completion by 10th December 2026. Candidates in 11th grade are ineligible.
Citizenship
Citizen of India, OR
Subject of Nepal, OR
Individual of Indian descent migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East Africa, or Vietnam with intent of permanent residence in India.
Certificate of eligibility required for categories (ii) and (iii), except Gorkhas from Nepal.
Marital Status
Candidates must be UNMARRIED.
Male divorcee/widower candidates are ineligible.
Candidates must pledge not to marry until completion of training. Marriage after application will result in disqualification.
Age Limit (as of 01-07-2027)
Minimum Age: 16.5 years (Born on or after 1st July 2010)
Maximum Age: 19.5 years (Born on or before 1st July 2007)
Date of birth verified via Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate. No alterations accepted.
Application Fee
General/OBC Male Candidates: Rs. 100/-
Female Candidates: No Fee
SC/ST Candidates: No Fee
Dependents of JCOs/NCOs/ORs at Military/Sainik Schools: No Fee
Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Card, UPI, Internet Banking. Fees are non-refundable.
Important Dates
Notification Release Date: 12 October 2025
Start Date for Online Applications: 10/12/2025
Final Date for Online Applications: 30/12/2025 (by 06:00 PM)
Date of Examination: 12/04/2026
Written Results Announcement: May 2026 (Provisional)
SSB Interview Period: June to July 2026 (Tentative)
Course Start (NDA 157th Course): 01/01/2027
Course Start (Naval Academy 119th INAC): 01/01/2027
Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) & Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT)
Stage II: Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychological Assessments, Conference
Air Force candidates: Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) mandatory
Stage 3 – Medical Examination at designated Armed Forces Medical Services Hospitals
Final merit: Aggregate of Written + SSB, contingent on medical fitness
Salary & Allowances
Stipend during NDA training: Rs. 56,100 per month
Expenses covered by government: accommodation, books, uniforms, boarding, medical treatment
Pocket expenses: Rs. 3,000/- per month; financial assistance available for low-income families
Pay upon commissioning:
Lieutenant: Rs. 56,100 – 177,500/-
Captain: Rs. 61,300 – 193,900/-
Major: Rs. 69,400 – 207,200/-
Lt. Colonel: Rs. 121,200 – 212,400/-
Colonel: Rs. 130,600 – 215,900/-
Additional allowances: Military Service Pay, Dearness Allowance, Dress Allowance, Transport Allowance, Children’s Education Allowance, Hostel Subsidy, Para Allowance, Special Forces Allowance
Insurance Coverage: During training Rs. 15 lakh, after commissioning Rs. 1.25 crore
Physical & Physiological Criteria
Height: Male 157 cm, Female 152 cm, Flying Branch 162.5 cm
Weight: Must align with height and age; restrictions apply
