NDA 2 Notification 2026 Out for 394 Vacancies @upsc.gov.in, Application Form
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA 2 Notification 2026, announcing 394 vacancies. Conducted twice annually, the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) examination is the premier gateway for eligible candidates to join the Indian Armed Forces.
The online application process commenced on 20th May 2026 and will remain open until 9th June 2026 via the official UPSC website at www.upsc.gov.in. Aspiring candidates should review the eligibility criteria thoroughly and submit their applications well before the deadline. This page provides a comprehensive guide to all details regarding the NDA 2026 exam.
NDA 2 Notification 2026 Out
UPSC NDA is a prestigious national-level entrance exam for admission into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. The detailed NDA 2 2026 notification covers essential information, including exam dates, syllabus, salary structures, selection procedures, and vacancy details. A direct link to download the notification is provided below.
NDA 2 2026 Detailed Notification PDF - Download Official Notice
NDA 2 Exam 2026
The NDA & NA Examination is the primary recruitment channel for the armed forces. Candidates aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years who have passed their 12th-grade education are eligible to apply until 9th June 2026. The selection process consists of a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) intelligence and personality test.
NDA 2 Exam 2026: Highlights | |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
Exam Name | NDA Exam 2026 |
Vacancy | 394 |
Application Mode | Online |
Application Dates | 20th May to 9th June 2026 |
Selection Process | Online Exam and Intelligence Test |
Official website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates For NDA 2 Exam 2026
The online application window for NDA 2026 is currently active, and the exam is scheduled to be held on 13th September 2026. Please refer to the summarized schedule below for further planning.
Events | NDA 1 Dates | NDA 2 Dates |
Notification Release | 10th December 2025 | 20th May 2026 |
Apply Online Starts | 10th December 2025 | 20th May 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | 30th December 2025 | 9th June 2026 |
Admit Card | April 2026 | - |
Exam Date | 12th April 2026 | 13th September 2026 |
NDA 2 2026 Vacancy Details
Academy | Wing | Vacancies (Male) | Vacancies (Female) | Total |
National Defence Academy | Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
Navy | 37 | 5 | 42 | |
Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 2 | 92 | |
Air Force (Ground Duty – Tech) | 16 | 2 | 18 | |
Air Force (Ground Duty – Non-Tech) | 8 | 2 | 10 | |
Naval Academy | 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme | 21 | 3 | 24 |
Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To successfully register for the NDA exam, candidates must satisfy the strict eligibility criteria, including an age bracket of 16.5 to 19.5 years and a minimum qualification of 12th standard completion. Refer to the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria table for a detailed breakdown.
NDA 2026 Exam Age Limit
If you aspire to serve the nation through the NDA and INAC, ensure you fall within the prescribed age limit of 19.5 years. Both male and female candidates born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009 are eligible to apply. Verify your date of birth against the official requirements before proceeding with your application.
Nationality
Applicants must be unmarried citizens of India, subjects of Bhutan or Nepal, Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement, or persons of Indian origin who have migrated from designated countries to settle in India permanently.
NDA 2026 Education Qualification
The NDA examination is strictly for students who have completed or are currently appearing for their 10+2 (12th standard) examinations. Candidates currently in 10th or 11th grade are ineligible. For the Army Wing, passing 12th grade (HSC) or its equivalent from a recognized educational board is mandatory.
Candidates opting for the Air Force and Naval Wings, as well as the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy, must have completed their 12th grade with Physics and Mathematics as core subjects. Those currently sitting for their 12th-grade final exams are also eligible to apply.
- 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 specific physical and medical standards is a prerequisite for the NDA exam. Candidates who do not meet these physical requirements will be disqualified during the selection process. Detailed height and medical guidelines for both Ground and Flying Duty roles are provided below.
Duty Type | Height Requirements | Minimum Height | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|---|
Ground Duty | Other States | 157.5 cm | - |
Gorkhas & North-Eastern Regions | 152.5 cm | - | |
Lakshadweep Candidates | 155.5 cm | - | |
Flying Duty | Sitting Height | 81.5 cm | 96.0 cm |
Leg Length | 99.0 cm | 120.0 cm | |
Thigh Length | - | 64.0 cm |
NDA 2026 Apply Online
The UPSC has enabled the NDA 2 2026 'Apply Online' portal for all aspirants aiming for the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Qualified candidates can complete the form by submitting personal details, uploading required documents, and processing the application fee via the link provided below.
NDA 2 2026 Application Portal - Click to Apply
How to Apply Online for NDA 2 Exam 2026?
The NDA 2 2026 online registration process is currently live on the official UPSC website. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided on the portal to ensure a successful submission of your application.
- 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.
NDA 2 2026 Application Fee
The mandatory application fee for the NDA 2026 exam is ₹100. This non-refundable fee can be paid online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI, or offline using an SBI bank challan. Please verify all transaction details before confirming your payment to ensure the application is successfully recorded.
NDA 2026 Salary Structure
Serving in the Indian Armed Forces through the NDA offers a highly competitive salary and a prestigious career path. Upon successful training, officers join at Pay Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission, starting at approximately ₹56,100 per month, supplemented by allowances such as DA, HRA, and Military Service Pay (MSP). Officers also benefit from free healthcare, subsidized canteens, professional housing, and pensionary benefits.
NDA 2026 Selection Process
The UPSC conducts the NDA recruitment process through a rigorous two-stage evaluation designed to test the mental and physical capabilities of future officers:
NDA 2025 Selection Process | |
Written Exam | In the first stage, candidates have to clear a written exam which tests their knowledge and aptitude. |
Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB) | Candidates who qualify for the written exam are called to the SSB where their intelligence, leadership ability, and character are assessed. |
Final selection is contingent upon clearing both the written examination and the SSB interview. The final merit list is prepared based on the aggregate score of both stages, making both components critical for success.
NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
A thorough understanding of the UPSC-prescribed exam pattern is vital for success. The offline exam features objective-type questions in both English and Hindi. Note that negative marking is strictly enforced: 0.83 marks are deducted for incorrect answers in Mathematics, and 1.33 marks in the English and General Knowledge sections. Strategic preparation focusing on accuracy is key to clearing the NDA 2 2026 exam.
Subject | Duration | Total Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics | 2½ Hours | 120 | 300 |
General Ability Test | 2½ Hours | 150 | 600 |
SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 900 | |
Total | 1800 | ||
NDA 2026 Syllabus
The NDA Syllabus is categorized into two sections: Mathematics (120 questions) and the General Aptitude Test (GAT) (150 questions). These sections are designed to assess quantitative problem-solving, English proficiency, and overall general awareness.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics syllabus evaluates quantitative aptitude across topics such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Analytical Geometry, Matrices, and Probability. Mastery of these concepts through consistent practice is essential for achieving a high score, given the emphasis on both speed and accuracy.
Topic | Explanation |
Algebra | Covers sets, relations, real numbers, quadratic equations, permutations and combinations, and logarithms. |
Matrices and Determinants | Types and operations on matrices; solving systems of linear equations using Cramer's rule and matrix methods. |
Trigonometry | Focuses on trigonometric ratios, identities, inverse functions, and applications like height-distance problems. |
Analytical Geometry | Includes concepts in 2D and 3D geometry, such as equations of lines, circles, conics, and planes. |
Differential Calculus | Discusses functions, limits, derivatives, and their applications, including maxima and minima. |
Integral Calculus | Covers integration techniques, definite integrals, and applications like finding areas under curves. |
Vector Algebra | Vector addition, scalar and vector products, and their applications in physics and geometry. |
Statistics and Probability | Covers data representation, central tendency, standard deviation, probability theorems, and binomial distribution. |
NDA General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus
The GAT section is divided into English (50 questions) and General Ability (100 questions). A detailed breakdown of the curriculum for these segments is provided in the tables below.
NDA English
The English section evaluates proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Key topics include sentence structure, parts of speech, and tenses, aimed at testing a candidate's ability to communicate and understand the language effectively.
English | |
Subject | Topics |
English Syllabus Overview | Grammar and Usage: Parts of Speech, Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Active and Passive Voice, Sentence Structure, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases |
Comprehension: Passage Comprehension, Inferences, Vocabulary Usage | |
Expression: Sentence Structure, Punctuation, Conjunctions, Direct and Indirect Speech, Articles, Verbs, Sentence Correction | |
General Knowledge
The General Knowledge section covers Physics, Chemistry, Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. This broad curriculum assesses a candidate’s grasp of foundational academic principles and their awareness of national and global socio-political developments.
General Knowledge Syllabus Overview | |
Subject | Topics |
Physics | Mass, Weight, Volume, Newton’s Laws, Force, Gravitation, Work, Energy, Heat, Light, Electricity, Simple Machines, X-Rays |
Chemistry | Elements, Mixtures, Acids, Bases, Compounds, Chemical Changes, Oxidation-Reduction, Structure of Atom, Atomic Weights, Valency |
General Science | Living vs. Non-living, Growth and Reproduction, Human Body, Food and Balanced Diet, Epidemics, Solar System |
History | Indian History, Freedom Movement, Indian Constitution, Five-Year Plans, World History (Renaissance, Revolutions, Science and Technology, United Nations) |
Geography | Earth’s Origin, Latitudes and Longitudes, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Rocks, Climate, Ocean Currents, Natural Regions, Indian Geography (Climate, Resources) |
Current Affairs | Important National and International Events, Prominent Personalities, Cultural Activities, Sports |
NDA 2026 Marking Scheme
Understanding the marking scheme is crucial: correct answers earn +4 marks, while incorrect answers result in a deduction of 1/3 of the marks assigned to that specific question, amounting to roughly 1.33 marks lost per error.
Selecting multiple options for a single question is treated as an incorrect response, attracting the standard negative marking penalty. Unanswered questions do not incur any penalties, allowing candidates to strategically skip uncertain questions to protect their overall score.