UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification [Out] Apply for 394 Vacancies

UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 394 Vacancies in Army, Navy & Air Force. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination-II, 2026 notification on 20th May 2026. This is a golden opportunity for young, unmarried male and female candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces — Army, Navy, and Air Force — through one of the most prestigious examinations conducted in India. A total of 394 vacancies have been announced for NDA 158th Course and 120th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). Read the complete details below before applying.

📋 UPSC NDA 2 2026 – Quick Overview / Summary Table

Here is a complete at-a-glance summary of the UPSC NDA NA II 2026 examination for quick reference. All key dates, eligibility, and important links are listed below.

 

🪖 UPSC NDA 2 2026 Vacancy Details – Wing-wise & Gender-wise Breakup

The UPSC NDA NA II 2026 examination offers a total of 394 vacancies across different wings of the National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy. Vacancies are notified separately for male and female candidates, and selection is done in a gender-pure manner as per the following breakup. These vacancies are provisional and may be revised depending on the training capacity available.

Note: Written results and final merit lists for Men and Women are prepared separately. Candidates must clearly indicate their order of service preferences (1 to 4) in the Examination Specific Module while applying.

 

🎂 UPSC NDA 2 2026 Age Limit – Eligibility Criteria for Date of Birth

Only unmarried male and female candidates born between the following dates are eligible to apply for UPSC NDA NA 2 2026. The date of birth must be as per the Matriculation / Secondary School Leaving Certificate or an equivalent certificate recognised by an Indian University. No other document (horoscope, affidavit, birth extract from Municipal Corporation, etc.) will be accepted.

Important: Candidates must not marry until the completion of their full training. A candidate who marries after submitting the application — even if successful — will not be selected for training. A candidate who marries during training shall be discharged and will be required to refund all expenses incurred by the Government.

 

🎓 UPSC NDA 2 2026 Educational Qualification – Wing-wise Eligibility

The minimum educational qualification required for UPSC NDA & NA Examination 2026 differs based on the wing you are applying for. Candidates currently appearing in Class 12th can also apply, subject to producing proof of passing by the prescribed deadline. Candidates appearing in Class 11th are NOT eligible.

Note for Appearing Candidates: Those who qualify SSB but have not yet produced the 10+2 certificate must forward duly self-attested photocopies to the respective Army/Naval HQ by 10th June 2027, failing which their candidature will be cancelled. Certificates issued by Principals of institutions are also acceptable where Boards/Universities have not yet issued certificates; however, certified photocopies/photostat copies are not accepted.

 

🌏 Nationality and Citizenship Eligibility for UPSC NDA 2 2026

A candidate must be unmarried and must satisfy one of the following nationality conditions to be eligible for the NDA & NA Examination-II, 2026:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Candidates belonging to categories (ii) and (iii) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. However, Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempted from this requirement. Candidates debarred by the Ministry of Defence from holding any type of Commission in Defence Services are not eligible to apply.

💳 UPSC NDA 2 2026 Application Fee – Payment Details & Exemptions

Candidates applying for UPSC NDA NA 2026 are required to pay a nominal examination fee. The fee can be paid online through net banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Credit or Debit Cards, or UPI. Fees paid will not be refunded under any circumstances and cannot be held in reserve for any future examination.

 

📍 UPSC NDA 2 2026 Exam Centres – List of All 86 Cities Across India

The UPSC NDA & NA Examination-II 2026 will be conducted at 86 centres across India. Candidates are advised to apply early, as centre allotment follows a “first-apply-first-allot” basis. Once a centre reaches capacity, it will be frozen. You cannot change your exam centre once allotted. Candidates appearing at any venue other than the one on their e-Admit Card will not be allowed to take the examination. Some of the major exam centres include:

 

📝 UPSC NDA 2 2026 Exam Pattern – Written Test Paper Structure & Marks

The NDA & NA Examination consists of a Written Examination followed by an SSB Interview/Intelligence and Personality Test. The written exam comprises objective-type questions only. There is negative marking for wrong answers — one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer. Calculators, log tables, and mathematical instruments are not permitted in the examination hall.

General Ability Test (Paper II) Subject Weightage:

 

🏆 UPSC NDA 2 2026 Selection Process – Step-by-Step Process Explained

The selection for NDA & NA 2026 is a multi-stage process conducted over several months. Here is the complete step-by-step selection procedure every aspiring candidate must be aware of:

SSB Interview for written-qualified candidates is likely to be held between December 2026 and January 2027. Candidates with Army as first choice should register at www.joinindianarmy.nic.in; those with Navy/Naval Academy as first choice at www.joinindiannavy.gov.in.

 

🖥️ How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA 2 2026 – Step-by-Step Application Guide

All candidates must apply online only through the official UPSC portal at https://upsconline.nic.in. No other mode of application is accepted. Follow the steps below carefully to complete your application without errors:

Download UPSC NDA II 2026 Notification PDF

1. Visit the official website: Go to https://upsconline.nic.in
2. Create an Account: Register by creating a new account (one-time process for new users).
3. Complete Universal Registration (URN): Fill your basic profile details including date of birth, photo ID, etc. The URN generated is permanent and valid for all UPSC exams lifelong.
4. Fill Common Application Form (CAF): Enter your personal, educational, and communication details.
5. Upload Documents: Upload a clear photograph (and capture a live photograph), and upload your signature (sign three times on plain white paper with black ink).
6. Fill Examination Specific Module: Select NDA-II 2026, choose your preferred services in order (1 to 4), select exam centre, and pay the fee.
7. Pay Application Fee: Pay ₹100/- via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI (exempted categories need not pay).
8. Submit & Save: Submit the form before 9th June 2026 (6:00 PM). Download and save the application confirmation for future reference.

⚠️ Important: No withdrawal, modification, or correction is allowed after submission of the application form under any circumstances. Use your Aadhaar Card as your ID document for seamless verification.

Apply Online for UPSC NDA 2 2026

📅 UPSC NDA 2 2026 Important Dates – Key Deadlines to Remember

Missing any of these critical dates could result in cancellation of candidature. Save these dates and set reminders well in advance.

 

💰 UPSC NDA 2 2026 Salary & Pay Scale – Stipend During Training and Post-Commission Pay

One of the most attractive aspects of joining the NDA is the excellent pay structure, allowances, and perks that come with a career in the Indian Armed Forces. Here is the complete salary and pay scale applicable to NDA-commissioned officers:

Stipend During Training: Cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100/- per month during training. On successful commissioning, pay is fixed at the first cell of Level 10 in the Pay Matrix.

Military Service Pay (MSP): An additional ₹15,500/- per month (fixed) is paid to officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier (and equivalent ranks in Navy and Air Force).

Key Allowances & Benefits Include:

• Dearness Allowance (DA) as applicable to civilian personnel
• Field Area Allowance (up to ₹42,500/- pm for High RH Siachen)
• Dress Allowance – ₹20,000/- per year
• Children Education Allowance – ₹2,250/- per month per child (for 2 children)
• Transport Allowance – ₹7,200/- + DA (Higher TPTA cities)
• Ration in Kind (Peace and Field areas)
• Hostel Subsidy – ₹6,750/- per month per child
• Army Group Insurance of ₹30 lakh (paid via one-time premium of ₹14,000/-)
• Pension, Gratuity, and other retirement benefits as per rules

 

🎖️ NDA Training Details – Duration, Degree & Post-Training Placements

Selected candidates undergo comprehensive academic and physical training at premier defence institutions. The training programme and degree awarded depend on the wing selected:

The cost of training, accommodation, books, uniforms, boarding, and medical treatment is borne by the Government. Parents/guardians may be required to meet private/pocket expenses (normally not exceeding ₹3,000/- per month). Financial assistance of ₹2,500/- per month is available for candidates whose parent’s income is less than ₹45,000/- per month.

 

🏃 UPSC NDA 2 2026 Physical Standards & Medical Fitness Requirements

Candidates must be physically and mentally fit as per the prescribed physical standards for NDA & NA Examination 2026. Medical examination is conducted by a Board of Service Medical Officers after SSB qualification. Common defects that can lead to rejection include:

• Wax in Ears / Deviated Nasal Septum
• Overweight or Underweight condition
• Undersized Chest
• Hydrocele / Phimosis
• Piles / Varicocele / Tonsillitis / Gynaecomastia

Tattoo Policy: Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of the forearm (from inside elbow to wrist) and on the reverse/dorsal side of the palm/hand. Tattoos on any other part of the body are not acceptable. Tribal tattoos on face/body as per existing customs may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Selection Centre Commandant.

Candidates are strongly advised to get a medical check-up before applying to avoid disappointment at the final stage. Rectifying minor defects before the medical examination at the Military Hospital can speed up the finalisation process.

 

📞 UPSC NDA 2 2026 Helpdesk & Contact Information

UPSC has established a dedicated helpline for candidates facing issues during the application process, including fee payment, document uploading, and other related queries.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions UPSC NDA 2 2026

Here are the most commonly asked questions about the UPSC NDA & NA Examination-II 2026 that every aspirant should know before applying:

Q1. Who can apply for UPSC NDA 2 2026?

Unmarried male and female candidates who are citizens of India (or eligible foreign nationals), born between 01 January 2008 and 01 January 2011, and have passed/appearing in Class 12 can apply.

Q2. Can a female candidate apply for UPSC NDA 2 2026?

Yes. Female candidates can apply for all wings — Army, Navy, and Air Force (including all sub-branches). However, selection is done separately for male and female candidates as per gender-specific vacancies. Female candidates are also exempted from the application fee.

Q3. Is PCM mandatory for applying to NDA 2026?

PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) is mandatory only for Air Force Wing, Naval Wing, and Naval Academy (INAC). For the Army Wing, no specific subject combination is required — any stream in Class 12 is acceptable.

Q4. Is there negative marking in UPSC NDA 2 2026?

Yes. For every wrong answer, 1/3rd (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question is deducted. Questions left blank (unanswered) attract no penalty. Candidates are advised to attempt questions carefully.

Q5. Can I change my exam centre after application submission?

No. No request for change of examination centre will be entertained after submission. Also, the application form cannot be modified or withdrawn once submitted. Candidates should choose their centre carefully at the time of applying.

Q6. What is the CPSS test for Air Force candidates?

The Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) / Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) is a one-time test conducted for Air Force Flying Branch candidates. The result remains valid for all future attempts. Candidates who fail CPSS can still apply for Air Force Ground Duty branches.

Q7. What is the Travelling Allowance for SSB Interview?

Candidates appearing for SSB interview for the first time for a particular type of Commission are entitled to AC III Tier to-and-fro railway fare or bus fare (including reservation-cum-sleeper charges) within Indian limits. Candidates appearing again for the same type of Commission are not entitled to TA.

Q8. When will the NDA 2 2026 written exam result be declared?

The result of the written examination is expected to be declared in October 2026. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website for updates.

Q9. What are the scholarships available for NDA cadets?

Several state governments and institutions offer scholarships to NDA cadets, including schemes from Kerala (₹2,00,000/-), Maharashtra (₹1,00,000/-), UP (₹50,000/-), Nagaland (₹1,00,000/-), Manipur (₹1,00,000/-), Karnataka (₹1,500/- pm), Punjab (₹1,00,000/-), and many others. The Parashuram Bhau Patwardhan Scholarship is awarded to the cadet topping academics of the passing-out course.

Q10. Can I use a mobile phone at the UPSC NDA 2 2026 exam centre?

Strictly NO. Mobile phones (even in switched-off mode), pagers, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, cameras, pen drives, and any other electronic communication devices are completely banned at the examination venue. Violation will result in disciplinary action including a ban from future examinations.

✅ Important Tips & Final Notes for UPSC NDA 2 2026 Aspirants

• Apply early to secure your preferred examination centre — allotment is on first-come, first-served basis.
• Use your Aadhaar Card as the primary ID document for seamless verification.
• Ensure your email ID and mobile number are active and valid — all UPSC communications will be sent electronically.
• Get a medical pre-check to identify and rectify any minor physical defects before the final medical examination.
• Practice Mathematics and General Ability Test thoroughly — the written exam is highly competitive.
• e-Admit Card will be available for download on the UPSC website and will NOT be sent by post or email.
• Face authentication is mandatory at the examination venue — arrive well in advance.
• Entry to the examination hall closes 30 minutes before commencement of each session. Late entry is not permitted under any circumstances.
• Use only a Black Ball Pen for writing on OMR sheets. No pencil or ink pen is allowed.
• Candidates qualifying the written exam must register on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in with the same email ID used in the UPSC application for SSB centre allotment.