Detailed Overview of UPSC NDA II 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (II) 2026. This prestigious examination serves as the gateway for young, ambitious candidates to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. With 400 vacancies available across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings, this is a golden opportunity for 12th-pass students to embark on a distinguished career in national service.

Category-wise Vacancies & Salary Scale

The UPSC NDA II 2026 recruitment aims to fill 400 positions. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous training at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Naval Academy, Ezhimala. During the training period, cadets receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100.

Important Dates

Candidates must adhere to the following schedule to ensure their application is processed successfully.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is strictly monitored by the UPSC. Candidates must meet the following requirements to be considered for the selection process:

Age Limit

Candidates must be unmarried male or female applicants born between 02-01-2007 and 01-01-2010 (both dates inclusive).

Educational Qualifications

• Army Wing: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
• Air Force and Naval Wings: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

Selection Process

The selection process for UPSC NDA II 2026 consists of two primary stages:

1. Written Examination: A pen-and-paper-based test consisting of two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks). The exam includes negative marking for wrong answers.
2. SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify for the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which evaluates intelligence, personality, and psychological aptitude over five days.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Apply Online

1. Visit the official UPSC website at https://upsc.gov.in or the direct application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.
2. Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if you have not already done so.
3. Log in using your credentials and select the NDA II 2026 examination link.
4. Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
5. Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified dimensions.
6. Pay the application fee of Rs. 100 (if applicable) via online payment modes.
7. Submit the application and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Important Links

• Official Notification: https://upsc.gov.in
• Apply Online: https://upsconline.nic.in