Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Admit Card for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2026. Candidates who applied for the 394 vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force can now download their hall tickets. The examination is scheduled to be conducted on 12 April 2026 across various centers in India.
UPSC NDA / NA-I 2026 Overview (एक झलक)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Exam (I) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Status | Available Now |
| Job Location | All India |
Important Dates & Application Fees (महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां और आवेदन शुल्क)
| Event / Category | Details / Fee |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | December 2025 |
| Online Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| General / OBC Fee | ₹ 100/- |
| SC / ST / Female | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) |
UPSC NDA/NA-I Vacancy & Eligibility (रिक्तियों का विवरण और पात्रता)
| Wing Name | Vacancies | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Army Wing | 208 | Passed 10+2 (Intermediate) from any recognized board. |
| Navy Wing | 42 | Passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. |
| Air Force Wing | 120 | Passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet) | 24 | Passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. |
Age Limit Requirements (आयु सीमा)
As per UPSC rules, the candidate’s age must fall within the following window:
- Minimum Age: Candidate must be born not earlier than 02/07/2007.
- Maximum Age: Candidate must be born not later than 01/07/2010.
- Age relaxation is applicable as per official UPSC norms for specific categories.
UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Pattern & Selection Process (परीक्षा पैटर्न और चयन प्रक्रिया)
The selection is a rigorous multi-stage process designed to test both mental aptitude and physical fitness.
1. Written Examination (900 Marks)
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (Paper I) | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) (Paper II) | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | 5 Hours | 900 |
Note: There is a negative marking of 1/3rd for every incorrect answer.
2. SSB Interview (900 Marks)
Candidates qualifying the written test are called for the Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). This stage involves group tasks, psychology tests, and personal interviews.
Salary Structure (NDA Officer Pay Scale)
During the training period, cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month (Level 10). Upon successful commissioning, the salary increases significantly with allowances (DA, HRA, MSP, etc.). A Lieutenant can expect an in-hand salary starting from ₹90,000 to ₹1,10,000 depending on the posting area.
How to Download UPSC NDA / NA-I Admit Card 2026
- Visit the official portal of UPSC: upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the “Admit Cards” section on the homepage.
- Select “E-Admit Cards for various Examinations of UPSC”.
- Find the link for “National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026”.
- Enter your Registration ID or Roll Number and Date of Birth.
- Submit the details and download your PDF Admit Card.
- Print the admit card on A4 paper and read the instructions carefully.
Important Links for Candidates
| Action Item | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Download Hall Ticket / Admit Card | Download UPSC NDA Admit Card 2026 |
| Download Admit Card Notice | Download Official Notice PDF |
| Download Exam Date Notice | View Detailed Exam Schedule |
| Download Detailed Notification PDF | Download Full Notification |
| Visit Official Department Portal | UPSC Official Website |
| Join Our WhatsApp Channel | Follow for Instant Updates |
| Join Our Telegram Channel | Join Mock Test Hub Group |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the UPSC NDA I 2026 Exam Date?
The written exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
2. How can I download the NDA 1 2026 Admit Card?
You can download it from upsconline.nic.in using your Registration ID or Roll Number.
3. Is there negative marking in the NDA exam?
Yes, 0.33 (1/3rd) marks are deducted for every wrong answer in both Mathematics and GAT papers.
4. What documents are required at the exam center?
You must carry a printed copy of the Admit Card and an original Photo ID proof (Aadhar, Voter ID, PAN, etc.) as mentioned in the application.
5. Can female candidates apply for UPSC NDA 2026?
Yes, female candidates are eligible for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA.
6. What is the total number of vacancies?
There are a total of 394 vacancies for the NDA/NA-I 2026 session.
7. What if I forget my Registration ID?
You can use the “Forgot RID” option on the UPSC official login page to retrieve it via email or SMS.
8. Is the NDA exam conducted offline or online?
The UPSC NDA written exam is an offline (Pen and Paper-based) test using OMR sheets.
9. What is the eligibility for the Naval Academy?
Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
10. Is the SSB interview mandatory?
Yes, only candidates who clear the written exam are eligible for the SSB Interview stage.