UPSC NDA 2 Notification 2026: Join the Indian Armed Forces
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the recruitment for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) II Examination 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for young aspirants who dream of serving the nation as commissioned officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. With a total of 394 vacancies, this recruitment drive offers a direct path into the Indian Armed Forces right after completing the 12th standard.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide covering everything from eligibility criteria and age limits to the exam pattern and selection process. Ensure you read all the details carefully before submitting your application.
UPSC NDA & NA II 2026 Overview
The UPSC NDA exam is conducted twice a year on a national level. The 2026 second session aims to fill 394 seats across various wings. Below is a quick summary of the recruitment:
- Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Name: NDA & NA II Exam 2026
- Total Vacancies: 394
- Job Category: Permanent (Government of India)
- Job Location: All India
Important Dates for NDA 2 2026
Staying updated with the timeline is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines. Please note the following schedule:
- Notification Release: To be announced in 2026
- Online Application Starts: To be announced in 2026
- Last Date to Apply: To be announced in 2026 (by 06:00 PM)
- Exam Date: Scheduled for 2026
- Admit Card Release: Available shortly before the exam
Application Fee Structure
Candidates can pay the application fee through online modes such as Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, or UPI. The fee details are as follows:
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100/-
- SC / ST / Sons of JCOs / ORs: ₹0/- (Exempted)
- Female Candidates (All Categories): ₹0/- (Exempted)
Vacancy Details and Distribution
The total 394 vacancies are distributed among the National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy. Here is the gender-wise and wing-wise breakdown:
National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Army: 208 Posts (198 Male, 10 Female)
- Navy: 42 Posts (37 Male, 05 Female)
- Air Force (Flying): 92 Posts (90 Male, 02 Female)
- Air Force (Ground Duties – Tech): 18 Posts (16 Male, 02 Female)
- Air Force (Ground Duties – Non-Tech): 10 Posts (08 Male, 02 Female)
Naval Academy (NA)
- 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme: 24 Posts (21 Male, 03 Female)
Grand Total: 394 Posts
Eligibility Criteria: Age and Qualification
To be eligible for the UPSC NDA 2 2026 exam, candidates must meet specific age and educational requirements.
Age Limit
Candidates must be born between 2008 and 2011 (Exact dates will be specified in the official notification).
Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing: Must have passed the 12th Class (10+2) or equivalent from a recognized board.
- For Air Force & Naval Wings: Must have passed the 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
- For Naval Academy (NA): Must have passed the 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
The selection process for the NDA is rigorous and designed to test both the intellectual and physical capabilities of the candidates. It involves the following stages:
- Written Examination: A pen-and-paper-based test consisting of two papers.
- SSB Interview: A comprehensive 5-day interview process testing intelligence and personality.
- Medical Examination: To ensure the candidate meets the physical standards of the Armed Forces.
- Document Verification: Final check of all original certificates.
Written Exam Pattern
The written exam carries a total of 900 marks. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd for every wrong answer.
- Paper-I: Mathematics (300 Marks | 2.5 Hours)
- Paper-II: General Ability Test (GAT) (600 Marks | 2.5 Hours)
- English: 200 Marks
- General Knowledge: 400 Marks
Important Links
| Link Name | Access |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for UPSC NDA II 2026 | Open Link |
| Download UPSC NDA 2 2026 Official Notification PDF | Open Link |
| Visit UPSC Official Website | Open Link |
| Read Official Disclaimer | Open Link |
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA 2 2026 Examination is a golden gateway for young students to embark on a career of honor, discipline, and adventure. With 394 vacancies available, competition will be high, so early preparation is key. Ensure you meet the PCM requirements for the Navy and Air Force wings and keep an eye on the official dates to submit your application on time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can girls apply for the UPSC NDA 2 2026 exam?
Yes, female candidates are eligible to apply for all wings of the National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy.
2. Is there any negative marking in the NDA written exam?
Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. One-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted for each incorrect response.
3. What is the educational qualification for the Army wing?
For the Army wing, a candidate only needs to have passed the 12th class in any stream. PCM is not mandatory for the Army wing.
4. What is the total marks for the SSB Interview?
The SSB Interview carries 900 marks, which is equal to the weightage of the written examination.