NDA 2 Exam Date 2026 announced for 394 vacancies!
UPSC National Defence & Naval Academy II exam is on September 13, 2026.
Get full details on the exam pattern, selection process, and eligibility.
NDA & NA (II) 2026 Examination: Key Details and What You Need to Know
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the examination date for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) II 2026. This is a crucial update for all aspiring candidates aiming for a career in the Indian Armed Forces. The examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the notification, important dates, eligibility, selection process, and year-over-year changes to help you prepare effectively. For more opportunities, you can also check other 12th Pass Jobs.
NDA & NA (II) 2026 Overview
The NDA & NA (II) examination is a highly sought-after opportunity for 12th-pass candidates to join the prestigious Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy. This year, a total of 394 vacancies have been announced. The application process commenced on May 20, 2026, and concluded on June 9, 2026. The examination aims to select candidates for various wings, offering a pathway to a distinguished career in national service. You can find more information about UPSC examinations on their dedicated section.
Vacancy Details
The NDA & NA (II) 2026 notification specifies a total of 394 vacancies. While the overall number is provided, the notification does not include a detailed breakdown of vacancies per post (Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval Academy) or category-wise distribution (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD). Candidates should refer to the full official notification for any further details on vacancy distribution, once released.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NDA & NA (II) 2026 examination, you must meet specific educational and age requirements.
Educational Qualification
* For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: You must have passed or be appearing in the 12th Class from a recognized board.
* For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Naval Academy: You must have passed or be appearing in the 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized board.
Appearing candidates are eligible to apply, making this a viable option even for those currently in their 12th standard. For those considering options after 12th science, exploring careers like these can be very rewarding. You can learn more about Career After 12th Science (PCM/PCB): Courses & Jobs 2026.
Age Limit
The typical age limit for NDA & NA examinations is 16.5 to 19.5 years. While the specific birth date range was not provided in the current data, it is historically consistent. You should check the full official notification for NDA & NA (II) 2026 for the precise birth date range.
Important Dates
Planning your preparation and application is crucial. Here are the key dates for the NDA & NA (II) 2026 examination:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 2026-05-20 |
| Application Start Date | 2026-05-20 |
| Application Last Date | 2026-06-09 |
| Exam Date | 2026-09-13 |
The application window for this examination has now closed.
Application Fee
The application fee for the NDA & NA (II) 2026 examination was Rs. 100/-. However, significant exemptions were provided:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | Rs. 100/- |
| SC/ST/Female candidates/Wards of NCOs/ORs (JCOs/ORs) of Army/Navy/Air Force | Nil |
Payment could be made online (Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, UPI) or offline (cash deposit at any SBI branch).
Salary & Benefits
Joining the National Defence Academy offers an attractive career path with competitive remuneration. During the entire duration of training at IMA/OTA/Naval Academy/Air Force Academy, cadets receive a stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month. Upon commissioning, officers are placed at Pay Level 10, with a basic pay of Rs. 56,100/-, along with various allowances as per government rules.
Selection Process
The selection process for NDA & NA (II) is rigorous and multi-staged, designed to identify the most suitable candidates for officer roles.
1. Written Examination: This is the first stage, conducted offline (pen and paper). It consists of two papers:
* Mathematics: 300 marks, 2.5 hours duration.
* General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks, 2.5 hours duration.
The total marks for the written examination are 900. There is negative marking (typically 1/3rd of marks allotted for each question). You must score minimum qualifying marks in each subject and in the aggregate, as decided by the UPSC.
2. Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview: Candidates who clear the written examination proceed to the SSB Interview, a comprehensive evaluation over several days, carrying 900 marks. It comprises:
* Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT).
* Stage II: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychology Tests, Interview, and Conference.
Qualifying in both Stage I and Stage II is mandatory for recommendation.
3. Medical Examination: A thorough medical check-up by a Board of Service Medical Officers assesses your physical and mental fitness according to prescribed standards for entry into the respective academies.
4. Document Verification: Verification of original documents is typically conducted during the SSB Interview to confirm eligibility criteria.
5. Merit List Preparation: The final selection is based on a combined merit list derived from your performance in the Written Examination and the SSB Interview, considering your preference for Army, Navy, Air Force, or Naval Academy.
6. Training: Successful candidates undergo 3 years of training at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Pune. This is followed by 1 year of pre-commission training at their respective service academies (e.g., Indian Military Academy for Army, Air Force Academy for Air Force, Indian Naval Academy for Navy). Naval Academy cadets (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) undergo 4 years of training at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala.
The entire selection process, from notification to final merit list, typically takes approximately 6-8 months.
To maximize your chances, start your preparation early, focusing on both the written exam syllabus and developing the leadership and communication skills required for the SSB interview.
Year-over-Year Comparison: NDA & NA (II)
Understanding the trends from previous years can provide valuable insights for your preparation. Here's a comparison between NDA & NA (II) 2025 and 2026:
| Aspect | NDA & NA II 2025 | NDA & NA II 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | Not Provided | 2026-05-20 |
| Application Start Date | Not Provided | 2026-05-20 |
| Application Last Date | Not Provided | 2026-06-09 |
| Exam Date | Not Provided | 2026-09-13 |
| Total Vacancies | Not Provided | 394 |
| Application Fee (General/OBC) | Not Provided | Rs. 100/- |
| Application Fee (SC/ST/Female/Wards of NCOs/ORs) | Not Provided | Nil |
| Educational Qualification (Army Wing) | Not Provided | 12th Class pass or appearing |
| Educational Qualification (Air Force & Naval Wings) | Not Provided | 12th Class pass or appearing with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
| Age Limit | Not Provided | Typically 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Pay Level (Upon Commissioning) | Not Provided | Level 10 |
| Basic Pay (Upon Commissioning) | Not Provided | Rs. 56,100/- |
| Training Stipend | Not Provided | Rs. 56,100/- per month |
Important Links
For further details and to stay updated, refer to the official sources:
| Type | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
| Apply Online Link | https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Notification PDF | Not Provided |
| Syllabus PDF | Not Provided |
| Helpdesk | Not Provided |