The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the highly anticipated UPSC NDA II Notification 2026. This is a golden opportunity for young, energetic, and patriotic unmarried male and female candidates dreaming of a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. Through this examination, eligible candidates can secure admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) for the 158th Course, and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing on 1st July 2027.
Aspiring candidates can submit their online applications through the official UPSC portal starting from May 20, 2026. Ensure you review the complete eligibility guidelines, educational criteria, and application procedure detailed below before submitting your form.
Key Highlights: UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Notification Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Job Location | Across India (Training at Khadakwasla, Pune / Ezhimala, Kerala) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC NDA II 2026 Vacancy Details
The Union Public Service Commission has announced a total of 394 vacancies across various wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy.
| Academy / Wing | Service Branch | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total Vacancies |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| NDA | Navy (Executive Branch) | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| NDA | Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| NDA | Air Force (Ground Duties – Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| NDA | Air Force (Ground Duties – Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (NA) | 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Executive Branch) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Grand Total | – | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
To be eligible for the examination, candidates must fulfill the nationality and marital status conditions mentioned below.
- Candidate must be unmarried male or female.
- Candidate must be a citizen of India, or eligible subject/person as specified in the official notification.
- Candidates from Nepal and certain migrated Indian-origin categories are also eligible as per UPSC rules.
Educational Qualification for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
| Wing | Educational Qualification |
| Army Wing of NDA | Passed 12th Class (10+2 pattern) or equivalent examination |
| Air Force & Naval Wings of NDA | Passed 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
| Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | Passed 12th Class with PCM subjects |
| Appearing Candidates | Candidates appearing in Class 12th are also eligible |
Age Limit for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
| Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Age | Candidate should not be born later than 01 January 2011 |
| Maximum Age | Candidate should not be born earlier than 01 January 2008 |
| Marital Status | Only unmarried candidates are eligible |
Application Fees for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC Candidates | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / Female / Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | NIL |
Payment Mode :
- Net Banking
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
Salary / Pay Scale
| Rank / Training | Salary |
| Stipend During Training | Rs. 56,100/- per month |
| Lieutenant Pay Scale | Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 (Level-10) |
Additional military allowances and benefits will be applicable as per Government rules.
Selection Process for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
| Selection Stage | Details |
| Written Examination | Mathematics & General Ability Test |
| SSB Interview | 5-Day Intelligence & Personality Assessment |
| CPSS | Applicable for Air Force Flying Branch |
| Medical Examination | Comprehensive Medical Fitness Test |
| Final Merit List | Based on Written Exam + SSB Marks |
Written Examination Pattern
| Subject | Marks |
| Mathematics | 300 Marks |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 Marks |
| Total | 900 Marks |
Important Dates for UPSC NDA II Examination 2026
| Date of Notification | 20.05.2026 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 09.06.2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Written Examination Date | 13.09.2026 |
| Expected Written Result | October 2026 |
| SSB Interview Schedule | December 2026 – January 2027 |
Important Links
| Official Notification | Download Notification |
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Website | Visit UPSC Website |
How to Apply for UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
- Visit the official UPSC online portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
- Login using OTR credentials and open the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details carefully.
- Select preferred exam centres and branch preferences.
- Upload scanned Photograph, Signature, and valid Photo ID proof.
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable).
- Preview the application carefully and submit the form.
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Key Takeaways for Candidates
| Feature | Details |
| Application Modification | Not Allowed after final submission |
| Communication Mode | Email & SMS |
| Exam Mode | Offline OMR Based Examination |
| Allowed Pen | Black Ballpoint Pen Only |
| Electronic Gadgets | Strictly Prohibited |
| Biometric Verification | Mandatory at Exam Centre |
Final Thoughts on UPSC NDA II Notification 2026
The UPSC NDA II Notification 2026 opens the gateway for India’s youth to serve the nation as future officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. With excellent career growth, respect, leadership opportunities, and adventurous life, NDA remains one of the most prestigious defense examinations in India.
Candidates should begin preparation early for Mathematics, General Ability Test, and SSB Interview. Physical fitness preparation should also be prioritized alongside academic studies. Submit your online application before 09 June 2026 to avoid last-minute server congestion and technical issues.
FAQs :
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which organization conducts UPSC NDA II Examination 2026?
The examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Q2. What is the full form of NDA?
NDA stands for National Defence Academy.
Q3. How many vacancies are available under NDA II 2026?
A total of 394 vacancies have been announced.
Q4. What is the application mode for UPSC NDA II 2026?
The application process is completely online.
Q5. What is the official website for UPSC NDA applications?
The official websites are upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in.
Q6. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date to apply online is 09 June 2026.
Q7. What is the NDA II 2026 examination date?
The written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026.
Q8. Who can apply for the Army Wing of NDA?
Candidates who have passed 12th Class or equivalent examination can apply.
Q9. Who can apply for Air Force and Naval Wings?
Candidates must have passed 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Q10. Are female candidates eligible for NDA II 2026?
Yes, eligible unmarried female candidates can apply.
Q11. What is the application fee for General/OBC candidates?
The application fee is Rs. 100/-.
Q12. Are SC/ST/Female candidates exempted from fees?
Yes, they are exempted from payment of application fee.
Q13. What is the selection process for UPSC NDA II 2026?
The selection process includes Written Examination, SSB Interview, Medical Examination, and Final Merit List.
Q14. What is the total marks for NDA written examination?
The written examination carries a total of 900 marks.
Q15. Is CPSS mandatory for all candidates?
No, CPSS is applicable only for Air Force Flying Branch candidates.
Q16. What is the stipend during training?
Candidates receive Rs. 56,100/- per month during training.
Q17. How can candidates apply for UPSC NDA II 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the UPSC online application portal.