The NDA 1 Notification 2026 has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 10 December 2025. This notification invites applications from unmarried male and female candidates for admission into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy (INA).
The NDA examination is a national-level defence entrance exam conducted twice every year. It is the only exam in India that allows students after Class 12 to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers.
What is the NDA Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a premier joint services academy where cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force train together before moving to their respective service academies. Candidates selected through NDA undergo three years of rigorous training, followed by specialized training, and are then commissioned as officers.
NDA 1 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | UPSC |
| Exam Level | National |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Registration Dates | 10–30 December 2025 |
| NDA 1 Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
| Eligibility | 12th Pass |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
NDA 1 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card | March 2026 |
| NDA 1 Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Result | May 2026 |
| SSB Interview | May–June 2026 |
NDA 1 2026 Vacancy Details
A total of 394 vacancies have been released for:
- Army Wing (NDA)
- Navy Wing (NDA)
- Air Force (Flying & Ground Duties)
- Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)
Vacancies include positions for both male and female candidates, as per Supreme Court guidelines.
NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
- Army Wing: 10+2 pass from a recognized board
- Navy & Air Force: 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
- Candidates appearing in Class 12 are also eligible
Age Limit
- Born between 1 July 2007 and 1 July 2010
- Age range: 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Only unmarried candidates
Nationality
- Citizen of India, or
- Subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- Person of Indian origin (as per UPSC rules)
NDA Physical Standards
Candidates must meet strict physical and medical standards.
Physical Fitness Requirements
- 2.4 km run in 15 minutes
- Push-ups & sit-ups: Minimum 20 each
- Chin-ups: Minimum 8
- Rope climbing: 3.4 meters
Height Requirements
| Category | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| General (Ground Duty) | 157.5 cm |
| Gorkhas / NE Region | 152.5 cm |
| Lakshadweep | 155.5 cm |
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | 900 | 5 Hours |
- Objective-type questions
- Negative marking applicable
- GAT available in English & Hindi
NDA 1 2026 Application Process
Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC website. The application process involves registration, filling personal and academic details, uploading documents, and fee payment.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the UPSC online portal
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill NDA 1 2026 application form
- Upload photograph and signature
- Pay application fee (if applicable)
- Submit and download confirmation page
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹100 |
| SC/ST/Female | Exempted |
NDA Selection Process 2026
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (5-day assessment)
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
NDA Exam Centres 2026
NDA 1 2026 will be conducted across 100+ cities in India.
| Major Exam Cities |
|---|
| Delhi |
| Mumbai |
| Chennai |
| Kolkata |
| Jaipur |
| Pune |
| Lucknow |
| Chandigarh |
| Hyderabad |
| Bhopal |
Candidates can select preferred centres while filling the application form.
NDA Salary, Rank & Career Growth
After successful training, candidates are commissioned as officers.
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
Additional Allowances
- Dearness Allowance
- Military Service Pay
- Uniform Allowance
- Transport Allowance
NDA Cut-Off Trends (Previous Years)
| Year | Written Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 291 |
| 2022 | 301 |
| 2021 | 343 |
Candidates must score minimum 25% in each paper.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in NDA Preparation
Neglecting English sectionNDA Syllabus 2026
Ignoring physical fitness
Skipping mock tests
Studying without syllabus reference
Poor time management
Mathematics
Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Vector Algebra, Matrices, Determinants, Probability, Statistics, Analytical Geometry
General Ability Test (GAT)
- English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension
- General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, General Science, Current Affairs
NDA Preparation Tips After 10th
- Start preparation early
- Follow syllabus-based study plan
- Solve previous year papers
- Attempt mock tests
- Maintain physical fitness
Conclusion
The NDA 1 Notification 2026 is a golden opportunity for students who aspire to serve the nation as officers. With early preparation, discipline, and the right guidance, candidates can successfully clear both the written exam and SSB interview.
The NDA 1 Notification 2026 Out announcement presents a golden opportunity for young aspirants to begin a respected and honourable career in the Indian Armed Forces. With 394 vacancies, transparent eligibility criteria, and a structured selection process, success depends on early preparation, consistency, and the right mentorship.
Institutes like GICE Academy play a vital role in shaping disciplined, confident, and well-prepared NDA aspirants ready to lead the nation.
FAQs – NDA 1 Notification 2026
Q1. When is NDA 1 2026 exam?
12 April 2026
Q2. Can girls apply for NDA?
Yes, unmarried female candidates are eligible
Q3. What is the qualification required?
12th pass (Physics & Maths for Navy/Air Force)
