UPSC NDA 1 Notification 2026 Out: 394 Vacancies, Eligibility, and Apply Online

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the NDA 1 Notification 2026 PDF (English). Aspiring candidates looking to build a career in the defense sector can now review all critical parameters regarding the upcoming NDA 1 Exam 2026. With a total of 394 vacancies announced, eligible unmarried male and female candidates can submit their applications online before the final deadline.

UPSC NDA 1 2026 Exam Overview

The examination serves admissions for the 157th Course of the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). All selected candidates will see their respective courses commence on January 1, 2027. To assist aspirants in tracking vital milestones, review the detailed breakdown below.

UPSC NDA 1 Notification 2026 Highlights

• Exam Conducting Body – Union Public Service Commission
• Exam Name – National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA)
• Mode of Application – Online
• Official Website – www.upsc.gov.in
• Notification Release Date – 10th December 2025
• Apply Online Starts – 10th December 2025
• Last Date to Apply – 30th December 2025
• NDA 1 Exam Date 2026 – 12th April 2026
• Vacancies – 394
• Educational Qualification – 12th pass/HSC or equivalent
• Age Limit – 16.5 and 19.5 years
• Selection Process – Written Test, SSB Interview

Vacancy Distribution Across Wings

The total count of 394 openings is distributed among male and female candidates across multiple branches of the armed forces. Check the comprehensive breakdown of seats in the table below:

Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications

Candidates must satisfy strict eligibility parameters specified by the commission before submitting their applications via the NDA Application Form 2026 – Apply Now portal.

Educational Qualification Requirements

• For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: 12th pass/HSC or equivalent
• For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at NA: 12th Class/HSC or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics

Additionally, candidates currently appearing for their 12th Class examination are also eligible to apply.

Age Limit and Marital Status

Applicants must be unmarried male and female candidates. The age requirement dictates that candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old, specifically born not earlier than July 1, 2007, and not later than July 1, 2010.

NDA Selection Process 2026

The selection pipeline is structured into distinct stages to evaluate candidates thoroughly:

• Written examination
• Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB)

Next Steps for Candidates

Once you complete your online registration before the December 30, 2025 deadline, focus your efforts on rigorous preparation for the written examination on April 12, 2026. Keep a close watch on official updates for the release of admit cards, and prepare necessary travel documents and identification proofs ahead of your exam center visits and subsequent SSB interviews.