The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially started the application process for the NDA & NA II Examination 2026, opening the gateway for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through the prestigious National Defence Academy and Naval Academy.

Interested applicants can now submit their forms online through the official UPSC portal. The recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 394 vacancies across different defence wings.

UPSC NDA & NA II 2026 Application Process Starts

Candidates can begin submitting their online applications from:

• Application Start Date: May 20, 2026
• Last Date to Apply: June 9, 2026

The examination is scheduled to be conducted on:

• Exam Date: September 13, 2026

The NDA examination remains one of the most sought-after entry routes for students aiming to build a career in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Total Number of Vacancies

UPSC has announced recruitment for:

• 394 posts under NDA & NA II 2026

The vacancies are expected to be distributed among:

• Army Wing
• Naval Wing
• Air Force Wing
• Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)

Eligibility Criteria for NDA 2 2026

Educational Qualification

For admission to the NDA:

• Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board.

For the Naval Academy and Air Force-related entries:

• Applicants should have studied:
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
    in their Class 12 education.

Students currently appearing in Class 12 examinations are also eligible to apply.

Age Limit Details

Candidates applying for NDA & NA II 2026 must be born between:

• January 1, 2008
  and
• January 1, 2011

Only unmarried male and female candidates meeting the age criteria can apply.

Application Fee Details

The examination fee has been fixed as follows:

Candidates can pay the fee through online payment methods.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply Online

Applicants can follow these steps to complete the registration process:

1. Visit the official UPSC online application portal.
2. Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
3. Log in using registered credentials.
4. Carefully fill out the NDA & NA II 2026 application form.
5. Upload required documents and photographs.
6. Pay the application fee, if applicable.
7. Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Important Dates at a Glance

Why NDA Is Considered Prestigious

The NDA examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission is regarded as one of India’s most respected defence entrance exams. Successful candidates receive training at the National Defence Academy before joining the:

• Indian Army
• Indian Navy
• Indian Air Force

The selection process includes:

• Written Examination
• SSB Interview
• Medical Examination

Candidates who clear all stages are inducted into one of the country’s elite defence training systems.

Candidates Advised to Apply Early

Since the application window remains open for a limited period, candidates are advised to:

• Avoid last-minute registration
• Verify uploaded documents carefully
• Use only official UPSC portals
• Keep copies of submitted forms safely

Applicants should also regularly monitor official updates related to admit cards, exam centers, and further selection stages.