National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026: Examination Notice No. 3/2026-NDA-I - UPSC

Important Dates

Notice Date: 2025-12-10
Last Date for Submission of Applications: 2025-12-30 (until 06:00 PM)
Examination Date: 2026-04-12 (Subject to change)
e-Admit Card Issuance: Last working day of the preceding week of the examination date (available on UPSC website)
Submission of 10+2 passing proof (for appearing candidates): 2026-12-10
SSB Interview: Likely June 2026 to July 2026

Issuing Organization

Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Government Level: Central
State Name: null

Examination Details

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites applications for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026 for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA (157th Course) and the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) (119th Course) commencing from January 1, 2027.

Application Process

Applicants must apply online using the UPSC Online Application Portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.

Key Steps:

Registration: Create an account and obtain a Universal Registration Number (URN).
Application Form: Fill out the examination-specific form to generate an Application Number (to be retained for future communication).
Document Upload: Follow detailed instructions on the portal's home page for uploading documents.
Photo ID: Provide details of one photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, School Photo ID) while filling the URN profile. This ID must be carried to the examination/SSB.
Aadhaar Card: Strongly advised for verification and authentication.

Important Notes:

No withdrawal of applications after submission.
No correction/alteration/modification allowed after application submission and closure.
A one-time facility is provided to update/modify the URN profile, but changes will not reflect in already submitted applications.
Candidates appearing in the 11th class exam are not eligible.
Candidates serving in Government/Armed Forces, or studying in Military/Sainik Schools, must inform their respective Head of Office/Department in writing.

Eligibility Conditions

1. Nationality:

Citizen of India, or
Subject of Nepal, or
Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with intention of permanent settlement in India.
A certificate of eligibility from the Government of India is required for (ii) and (iii), unless the candidate is a Gorkha subject of Nepal.

2. Age Limits, Sex, and Marital Status:

Unmarried male/female candidates born not earlier than 2007-07-01 and not later than 2010-07-01 are eligible.
Date of birth proof must be from the Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate. No other documents (horoscopes, affidavits) are accepted.

3. Educational Qualifications:

For Army Wing of NDA: 12th Class pass (10+2 pattern of School Education) from a State Education Board or University.
For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at Indian Naval Academy: 12th Class pass (10+2 pattern of School Education) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a State Education Board or University.
Candidates appearing in the 12th Class are also eligible to apply, but must submit proof of passing by 2026-12-10. No extension will be granted.
Candidates debarred by the Ministry of Defence are not eligible.
Candidates who failed CPSS/PABT earlier are eligible for Air Force Ground Duties if willing.

4. Physical Standards:

Candidates must be physically and mentally fit according to the prescribed physical standards outlined in Appendix-III of the notification. It is advised to get medically examined beforehand.
Specific conditions for