UPSC NDA & NDA II Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 394 Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination II 2026. Candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through the NDA examination can now apply online for the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026.
The recruitment offers admission into the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy for eligible male and female candidates. A total of 394 vacancies have been announced under different defence wings including Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.
The online application process has started from May 20, 2026, and candidates can submit their applications until June 9, 2026. The NDA II examination will be conducted on September 13, 2026.
What is UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination is one of India’s most prestigious defence entrance examinations conducted by UPSC for candidates who want to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Through the NDA examination, selected candidates receive professional military training before joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers.
The examination is conducted twice every year and provides opportunities for students after 10+2 qualification to start a career in defence services.
UPSC NDA II 2026 Quick Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | NDA & NA Examination II 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Begin | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 09 June 2026 |
| Correction Form | As per Schedule |
| Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Availability | Before Exam |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST Candidates | ₹0 |
Payment Methods:
- Net Banking
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- E-Challan
Vacancy Details
A total of 394 posts are available under different defence wings:
| Service | Male | Female | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| NDA Navy | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| NDA Air Force Flying | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| NDA Air Force Ground Duty (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| NDA Air Force Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy 10+2 Scheme | 21 | 03 | 24 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following educational qualifications:
Army Wing
- Passed or appearing in 10+2 examination from a recognized board
Air Force & Naval Wing
- Passed or appearing in 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics subjects
Age Limit
Candidates:
- Must not be born before: 01 January 2008
- Must not be born after: 01 January 2011
Age relaxation will be applicable as per UPSC recruitment rules.
Selection Process
The selection process generally includes:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates who successfully qualify all stages will receive admission into NDA or Naval Academy.
Why You Should Apply?
Here are some benefits of joining NDA:
- Opportunity to serve the nation
- Prestigious career in defence services
- Professional military training
- Attractive salary and government benefits
- Leadership development
- Career growth and job security
- Chance to join Army, Navy, or Air Force as an officer
Required Documents
Candidates may need the following documents during application:
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Valid ID Proof
- Educational Certificates
- Address Details
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply for UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps to apply online:
Step 1
Visit the official UPSC website.
Step 2
Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
Step 3
Fill out the NDA II online application form carefully.
Step 4
Upload the required documents including live photo, signature, and ID proof.
Step 5
Pay the application fee if applicable.
Step 6
Review the application form carefully before final submission.
Step 7
Submit the form and take a printout for future use.
Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in/
Important Points
- Total vacancies available are 394
- Application process is online only
- Last date to apply is June 9, 2026
- NDA II examination will be conducted on September 13, 2026
- Live photo upload is mandatory during application
- One Time Registration (OTR) is compulsory for UPSC applications
Common Questions
Q. What is the last date to apply for UPSC NDA II 2026?
The last date to apply online is June 9, 2026.
Q. How many vacancies are available?
A total of 394 vacancies are available.
Q. What is the application fee?
General/OBC/EWS candidates need to pay ₹100 while SC/ST candidates are exempted.
Q. What is the exam date?
The NDA II Examination 2026 will be conducted on September 13, 2026.
Final Words
The UPSC NDA & NDA II Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for students who want to build a career in the Indian Armed Forces after 10+2. With opportunities available in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, candidates can begin their journey toward becoming defence officers through one of India’s most respected examinations. Interested applicants should complete their applications before the deadline and begin their preparation seriously for the written examination and SSB interview process.