Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 for September 13, 2026. The examination will recruit candidates for the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA and the Indian Naval Academy’s 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme; the total number of vacancies will be confirmed in the detailed notification.
Candidates should note that the written examination is expected to be conducted in two shifts. The Mathematics paper is generally held from 10 am to 12.30 pm, followed by the General Ability Test from 2 pm to 4.30 pm, subject to confirmation on the admit card.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | NDA and Naval Academy Cadet |
| Total Vacancies | To be announced in the detailed notification |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date | June 9, 2026 |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Result Date | TBA |
The NDA 2 admit card is expected to be released online before the examination. Applicants will need to download it using their registration credentials and carefully check their examination centre, reporting time and paper-wise instructions.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- For the Army Wing of NDA, candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
- For the Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA, candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- The same PCM requirement applies to the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy.
- Students appearing in the Class 12 examination may also apply, subject to producing proof of qualification within the prescribed deadline.
- Candidates who have only passed Class 11 are not eligible.
Age Limit
- Unmarried male and female candidates within the date-of-birth range specified in the UPSC NDA 2 notification may apply.
- NDA applicants are generally required to be approximately 16.5 to 19.5 years old at the commencement of the course.
- Candidates must verify the exact eligible birth-date window in the official notification, as the age condition is applied strictly.
- Applicants must remain unmarried until completion of the prescribed training, in accordance with NDA rules.
Fees
- General, OBC and EWS candidates are generally required to pay an application fee of Rs 100.
- Female candidates and applicants belonging to SC or ST categories are exempt from paying the fee.
- Eligible wards of serving or former Junior Commissioned Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks may also receive fee exemption under the notified conditions.
- Payment can normally be made through the online options provided in the application portal.
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Candidates must appear for Mathematics and the General Ability Test. The papers are objective in nature and negative marking applies to incorrect answers.
- SSB Interview: Candidates who clear the written examination are called for intelligence, psychological, group testing and personal interview stages conducted by the Services Selection Board.
- Medical Examination and Final Merit: Recommended candidates undergo a detailed medical examination. Final selection is based on written and SSB marks, medical fitness, eligibility and vacancy availability.
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in and open the online application portal.
- Complete the required registration process using an active mobile number and email address. Candidates already registered should sign in with their existing credentials.
- Select National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 from the active examination list.
- Enter personal details, educational qualifications, identity information and examination-centre preferences accurately.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and identity document in the prescribed format and file size.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable, through the available online payment facility.
- Review all entries before final submission. Incorrect details may lead to rejection or complications during document verification.
- Download and save the submitted application form and fee receipt for future reference.
- Once released, download the admit card separately and carry a printed copy along with an accepted photo identity document to the examination centre.
Important Links
FAQs
1. When will the UPSC NDA 2 Exam 2026 be conducted?
The NDA and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 is scheduled for September 13, 2026.
2. What are the expected NDA 2 shift timings?
Mathematics is generally conducted from 10 am to 12.30 pm, while the General Ability Test is held from 2 pm to 4.30 pm. Candidates must follow the timings printed on their admit cards.
3. When will the UPSC NDA 2 admit card be released?
The admit card release date is yet to be announced. It will be made available online before the examination, and no candidate will be allowed to enter the centre without the required documents.
