UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 394 Prestigious Officer Vacancies

Are you a young, driven individual with a burning desire to serve the motherland? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has unlocked a golden gateway for 12th-pass students with the announcement of the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026. This is not just a job notification; it is an invitation to join an elite brotherhood and sisterhood of leaders who safeguard the skies, waters, and borders of India.

With a total of 394 vacancies spread across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA, as well as the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), this is one of the most sought-after opportunities for young defense aspirants. Taking the NDA route guarantees unmatched training, a prestigious career, and the lifelong pride of donning the uniform.

Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity! The online application window is currently active and will officially close on June 09, 2026. Whether you dream of navigating fighter jets, commanding naval fleets, or leading infantry battalions, your journey begins right here. Read on to find all the essential details about qualifications, age limits, and how you can successfully secure your spot.

About the Recruiter

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's premier central recruiting agency, established under the Constitution of India. It is entrusted with the critical responsibility of selecting the best and brightest minds for various prestigious Group 'A' and Group 'B' services, including the Civil Services, Engineering Services, and Defense Services. Through the NDA & NA exam, UPSC acts as the bridge connecting passionate youth with the tri-services institutions, ensuring that only the most dedicated and capable candidates make it to the armed forces.

Posts and Breakdown: Qualification, Age, & Salary Overview

To ensure you meet the strict standards of the Armed Forces, please review the specific eligibility parameters below:

• Total Vacancies: 394 (Includes vacancies for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy).

• Educational Qualifications:

  • For Army Wing of NDA: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

  • For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA & INAC: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent. (Note: Candidates appearing in the 12th class exam can also apply).

• Age Limit:

  • Only unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2008, and not later than January 1, 2011, are eligible. (Please refer to the official notification for exact cutoff dates).

• Salary & Pay Scale (7th Pay Commission):

  • Stipend during Training: Gentlemen/Lady Cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100/- per month (Level 10) during the entire duration of training in service academies.

  • Post-Commissioning: Upon successful commissioning as an Officer (Lieutenant rank or equivalent), the salary starts at Level 10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500) along with Military Service Pay (MSP), Dearness Allowance, and numerous other prestigious perks and allowances.

Detailed Overview of the Job Profile

Clearing the NDA exam is the first step toward a transformative journey. As a cadet, you will undergo rigorous physical, academic, and psychological training at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune.

Once commissioned as an Officer, your job profile will involve:

• Leadership and Command: Leading contingents of highly trained soldiers, sailors, or airmen.

• Strategic Execution: Planning and executing defensive and offensive operations depending on your branch.

• Asset Management: Operating and managing state-of-the-art military hardware, from artillery to fighter jets and submarines.

• Crisis Management: Providing immediate response during national emergencies, natural disasters, and internal security threats.

• Continuous Learning: Engaging in lifelong physical training, tactical learning, and skill development to remain battle-ready.

Important Dates

Keep track of these crucial deadlines to ensure your application is processed without any hiccups:

How to Apply

Ready to take the leap? Follow these simple steps to submit your application form:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the UPSC online application website at upsconline.nic.in.

2. One Time Registration (OTR): If you haven't registered previously, complete your OTR by providing your basic personal details.

3. Login: Use your OTR ID and password to log in to the dashboard.

4. Fill Part-I Application: Select the NDA (2) 2026 examination and fill in your academic details and branch preferences.

5. Pay Application Fee: Pay the fee of ₹100/- online (SC/ST candidates, female candidates, and Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted).

6. Fill Part-II Application: Choose your examination center, upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, and photo ID card in the prescribed format.

7. Final Submission: Review all entered details carefully. Once confirmed, submit the application and print a copy for your future reference.

Selection Process

The selection process for the National Defence Academy is rigorous and multi-phased to test the overall personality, intelligence, and physical fitness of the candidates:

1. Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC, comprising two papers: Mathematics (300 Marks) and General Ability Test or GAT (600 Marks).

2. SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test): Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. It is a 5-day extensive process assessing psychological aptitude, physical prowess, and leadership qualities (900 Marks).

3. Medical Examination: Recommended candidates must clear stringent medical and physical standards set by the military hospitals.

4. Final Merit List: Prepared based on the combined marks of the Written Exam and SSB Interview.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the last date to apply for the UPSC NDA (2) 2026 exam? The last date to successfully submit your online application for the NDA (2) 2026 exam is June 09, 2026, up to 6:00 PM.

2. Can female candidates apply for this NDA examination? Yes, absolutely. Unmarried female candidates who meet the educational and age criteria are fully eligible and highly encouraged to apply for the NDA & NA exam.

3. I am currently in my 12th standard. Can I apply for NDA 2 2026? Yes, candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent examination are eligible to apply, provided they can submit proof of passing by the stipulated deadline during the SSB interview phase.

4. What are the specific educational requirements for the Air Force and Navy wings? To apply for the Air Force, Navy, and Naval Academy branches, a candidate must have passed their 12th-grade examinations with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

5. How much is the application fee, and who is exempt from paying it? The application fee is ₹100. However, female candidates, SC/ST candidates, and Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are entirely exempted from paying any application fee.

6. What is the stipend provided to candidates during their NDA training period? Gentlemen and Lady Cadets undergo training at the NDA, during which they are provided a fixed stipend of ₹56,100/- per month (Level 10) starting from the training period.

7. Can I modify my application form if I made a mistake? Yes, UPSC generally provides an application correction window after the closing date. Candidates can log in to the OTR portal during this designated timeframe to modify their submitted details.

8. What subjects are covered in the UPSC NDA Written Exam? The written exam consists of two papers. Paper-I is Mathematics (300 Marks), and Paper-II is the General Ability Test (600 Marks), which includes English and General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events).

9. Is there any negative marking in the NDA written examination? Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as negative marking for every incorrect answer.

10. What is the OTR in the UPSC application process? OTR stands for One Time Registration. It is a mandatory, one-time profile creation process on the UPSC portal. Once registered, your basic personal details are saved, making it much faster to apply for any future UPSC examinations.