The Union Public Service Commission conducts the UPSC NDA & NA examination to recruit candidates into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy Course. This recruitment is intended for unmarried male and female candidates who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers across 394 vacancies in the 2026 cycle.
Age Limit
To qualify for entry into the 158th Course of NDA and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course commencing July 1, 2027, candidates must satisfy exact date of birth criteria set by the commission. Only candidates born within the prescribed eligibility window are considered.
Crucial Date Range: Only candidates born between January 2, 2008 and January 1, 2011 are eligible to apply for UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026. Both dates are inclusive.
| Category | Minimum Age Limit | Maximum Age Limit | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Candidates (General / OBC / SC / ST) | 16.5 years (Approx.) | 19.5 years (Approx.) | No age relaxation is permitted for reserved categories. |
Educational Qualification
Educational requirements vary based on the specific wing of the Defence Forces a candidate wishes to join. Candidates currently studying in 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern are also eligible to apply under the final-year provision.
| Wing / Service | Educational Qualification Required | Final Year Appearing Status |
|---|---|---|
| Army Wing of National Defence Academy | 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University (any stream). | Allowed to apply. Candidates must submit proof of passing 12th Class by June 10, 2027. |
| Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA & 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Board or University. | Allowed to apply. Candidates must submit proof of passing 12th Class by June 10, 2027. |
Attempts & Other Conditions
There is no specific cap on the number of attempts for the NDA exam, provided the candidate satisfies the age limit requirements for each respective exam cycle. Candidates must fulfill physical and medical standards alongside marital status rules.
| Condition | Details and Criteria |
|---|---|
| Number of Attempts | No fixed limit on attempts. Candidates can apply as long as they fall within the age criteria of 16.5 to 19.5 years. |
| Marital Status | Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. Candidates must undertake not to marry until they complete their training. |
| Physical & Height Standards | Minimum height required is 157 cm for Army/Navy and 162.5 cm for Air Force. Gorkhas and candidates from the Hills of North Eastern region, Garhwal and Kumaon get a 5 cm relaxation (minimum 152 cm for males, 148 cm for females). Lakshadweep region candidates get a 2 cm relaxation. |
| Application Fee | General and OBC candidates pay ₹100. SC/ST candidates, female candidates, and Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs pay ₹0. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are female candidates eligible to apply for UPSC NDA 2026?
Yes, unmarried female candidates are eligible to apply for NDA & NA examination across all services, provided they meet the requisite physical standards and educational qualifications.
Q2: Can 12th Class appearing students apply for the NDA exam?
Yes, candidates appearing in their 12th Class or equivalent examination can apply. However, they must submit proof of passing the qualifying exam by June 10, 2027.
Q3: Is there any age relaxation for SC or ST candidates in NDA?
No, UPSC does not provide any age relaxation for SC, ST, or OBC candidates for the NDA examination. All candidates must be born between January 2, 2008 and January 1, 2011.
Q4: Do Arts or Commerce stream students qualify for the Air Force or Navy wings?
No, candidates applying for the Air Force and Naval wings of NDA, or the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA, must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12. Arts or Commerce students are eligible only for the Army wing.