NDA 2 Notification 2026: 394 Vacancies Announced at upsc.gov.in

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA 2 Notification 2026, inviting applications for 394 vacancies. This prestigious exam is conducted twice annually to recruit eligible candidates for the Indian National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy.

The online application window opened on 20th May 2026 and remains active until 9th June 2026 via the official UPSC portal at www.upsc.gov.in. Prospective candidates should review the eligibility criteria carefully before applying. This guide provides comprehensive details regarding the NDA 2026 selection process, syllabus, and exam requirements.

NDA 2 Notification 2026: Official Details

The UPSC NDA & NA exam is a premier national-level gateway for candidates aspiring to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. The official NDA 2 2026 notification contains vital information regarding exam dates, selection procedures, salary packages, and category-wise vacancies. You can find the direct download link for the official PDF in this guide.

Overview of the NDA 2 2026 Exam

The National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination serves as the primary selection process for entry into the Indian Armed Forces. Applicants must be 12th-grade graduates aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years. Applications are accepted through the UPSC website until 9th June 2026. The selection comprises a written examination followed by an Intelligence and Personality Test, known as the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.

Important Exam Dates for NDA 2 2026

The online application process for NDA 2026 is currently underway, with the written exam confirmed for 13th September 2026. Please refer to the upcoming official schedule for complete timeline details.

NDA 2 2026 Vacancy Breakdown

NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the official eligibility requirements is mandatory for all NDA applicants. The age limit is strictly set between 16.5 and 19.5 years, and candidates must have passed the 12th standard. Detailed physical and educational requirements are outlined below to help you verify your eligibility.

NDA 2026 Age Requirements

Aspiring officers must be within the specified age limit of 19.5 years. Both male and female candidates are eligible if they were born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009. Please verify your date of birth against these dates to ensure you are eligible to appear for the exam.

Nationality and Citizenship

Candidates must be unmarried citizens of India, subjects of Bhutan or Nepal, or Tibetan refugees who migrated to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement. Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from specified countries are also eligible.

Educational Qualifications

The NDA exam is open to students who have passed or are currently appearing for their 10+2 examinations. For the Army Wing, any recognized 10+2 pass or equivalent qualification is sufficient.

For the Air Force and Naval wings, candidates are required to have completed their 10+2 education with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects. Students currently in their 12th-grade year are eligible to sit for the exam provisionally.

• For Air Force, Naval Wings, and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at Indian Naval Academy: Must have completed 12th grade (HSC) or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board or university. Candidates appearing in the 12th grade are also eligible.

Physical Standards

Adherence to physical fitness standards is critical for selection. Candidates who do not meet the specified height, weight, and general health criteria will be disqualified. Please review the official guidelines for Ground Duty and Flying Duty requirements.

How to Apply Online for NDA 2026

The UPSC has launched the online application portal for NDA 2 2026. Interested and eligible candidates should submit their forms by providing accurate personal details, uploading required documents, and completing the fee payment process. Click the link below to reach the official application page.

​NDA 2 2026 Application Portal - Click Here to Apply​

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Follow the official instructions on the UPSC website to complete your registration, fill in the application details, upload necessary certificates, and finalize your submission.

• Candidates can apply through the official UPSC website.
• Begin by visiting the UPSC website to complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process before filling out the application form.
• During the application process, you’ll need to provide details from identity documents such as a voter ID, driving license, passport, school ID, Aadhaar, or PAN card.
• Ensure that all required documents, including your photograph and signature, are uploaded in the correct format.
• If any mistakes are made during the application, you can use the correction window, which will be available on the UPSC website
• After submitting your application, keep a printed copy for use in the future admission process.

Application Fee Structure

A non-refundable application fee of ₹100 is required for most candidates to finalize their registration. Payments can be made via UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, or through an SBI challan. Ensure your transaction is confirmed before concluding the process.

NDA 2026 Salary and Benefits

Officers in the Indian Armed Forces receive a highly competitive salary package. Based on the 7th Pay Commission, the base pay for a Lieutenant starts at approximately ₹56,100, supplemented by allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Military Service Pay (MSP). Beyond salary, officers enjoy comprehensive medical benefits, subsidized canteen facilities, and pension coverage.

The NDA 2026 Selection Process

The UPSC follows a two-tiered selection approach to recruit candidates for the defence services:

The final selection is based on the aggregate performance in the written examination and the rigorous SSB interview process, which assesses leadership, aptitude, and psychological suitability.

NDA 2026 Exam Pattern

The exam is conducted in an offline, objective-type format. It includes negative marking: 0.83 marks deducted for wrong answers in Mathematics and 1.33 marks for the GAT section. Candidates should focus on high-accuracy preparation strategies to minimize penalties.

Comprehensive NDA 2026 Syllabus

The exam consists of two primary papers: Mathematics (120 questions) and the General Ability Test (GAT) comprising 150 questions. The GAT covers English, General Science, and General Knowledge to evaluate overall intellectual capability.

Mathematics Syllabus Overview

The Mathematics paper tests quantitative aptitude through topics including Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, and Probability. Mastery of these concepts is essential for achieving a competitive score.

General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus

The GAT is split into an English section (50 questions) and a General Knowledge section (100 questions). A detailed breakdown of the curriculum is provided below.

English Proficiency

The English section evaluates grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence structure. It ensures that candidates possess the necessary language skills for effective communication in the armed forces.

General Knowledge

This section covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, and current national/international affairs, assessing a candidate's awareness and fundamental knowledge base.

NDA 2026 Marking Scheme

Understanding the marking scheme is vital for test-taking strategy. Correct answers earn 4 marks, while incorrect answers incur a penalty of 1/3 of the marks assigned to that question (approx. 1.33 marks).

Selecting multiple options for a single question is treated as an incorrect response and attracts a penalty. However, no marks are deducted for unattempted questions, allowing candidates to skip uncertain questions strategically.