NDA 1 2026 Notification (Out): Exam Date, Eligibility, Vacancy, Fees & How to Apply

The UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification is officially out! If you dream of joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, now is your time. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the notification on December 10, 2025.

👉 Download NDA 1 2026 Notification PDF

👉 Direct link to apply online for the UPSC NDA 2026

The NDA 2026 notification has announced a total of 394 vacancies for the examination. The last date to submit the application form is December 30th, and a correction facility will be available after the submission deadline.

The application fee is Rs. 100, with exemptions for SC/ST candidates, female candidates, and children of JCOs/NCOs/ORs. Candidates must have passed or be appearing for their Class 12 examination, with age between 16.5 and 19.5 years. The NDA 1 examination is scheduled for April 12th.

This article explains everything you need to know. Here, the exam date, eligibility criteria, vacancies, fees, cut-off marks, how to apply, and other important information are explained in simple terms.

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NDA 1 Exam Notification 2026: Overview

NDA 1 2026 Notification: Key Dates and Exam Schedule

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA 2026 notification, confirming the exam schedule for both sessions. The NDA exam is conducted twice a year—NDA 1 and NDA 2—offering candidates two opportunities to join the National Defence Academy.

Candidates must keep these dates in mind and start their NDA preparation after 10th to ensure they are ready for the exam. The application process is entirely online, and candidates must fill out the form carefully, upload required documents, and pay the application fee (Rs. 100 for general candidates; SC/ST, female, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted).

UPSC NDA Vacancy 2026

The NDA 1 2026 Vacancy details has been published along with the official NDA notification 2026 on 10th December 2025. These vacancies are divided among the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026

To apply for the NDA exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements set by UPSC. These criteria ensure that only qualified and physically fit individuals join the armed forces.

Nationality

• Indian nationals and subjects of Nepal are eligible.
• Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from certain countries (Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, East African countries, etc.) with the intention of permanently settling in India can also apply.

Age Limit

• NDA 1 2026: Candidates must be born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 (age range: 16.5 to 19.5 years).
• NDA 2 2026: Candidates must be born between 2nd January 2008 and 1st July 2011 (age range: 16.5 to 19.5 years).
• Both male and female candidates can apply, but only unmarried candidates are eligible.

Educational Qualification

• Army Wing: Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.
• Air Force & Naval Wings: Passed 12th or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized board.
• Candidates appearing in the qualifying exam are also eligible to apply.

Physical Standards

• Candidates must be physically and mentally fit to undergo the rigorous training at NDA. After clearing the written exam, candidates must pass medical tests and the SSB interview.​

NDA 1 2026 Application Fee

The Application fee for a General Category candidate is Rs 100/-

The fee can be deposited in any Branch of SBI by cash or can be submitted by using the net banking facility of the State Bank of India or directly by using Visa/ MasterCard/ Rupay Credit/ Debit Card.

Candidates belonging to SC/ ST categories/ Sons of JCOs/ NCOs/ ORs are exempted from payment of the fee.

How to Apply online for UPSC NDA I 2026

Step 1: Visit upsc.gov.in and open the NDA & NA I 2026 notification link.
Step 2: Click on the online application portal, redirected to upsconline.nic.in.
Step 3: Register using the required personal and contact details.
Step 4: Fill in the online form, upload documents, and pay the applicable fee.
Step 5: Submit the application and download the confirmation page for records.

NDA Cut Off 2026 (Expected)

Candidates must ensure minimum 25% marks in each paper to qualify for SSB, regardless of their total score.

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NDA Study Material