Examination Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2026 for admission to:

• Army Wing of the National Defence Academy
• Navy Wing of the National Defence Academy
• Air Force Wing of the National Defence Academy
• 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at Indian Naval Academy

Official website: https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/National%20Defence%20Academy%20and%20Naval%20Academy%20Examination%20%28I%29%2C%202026

Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirements

Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years as of examination date

For NDA I 2026 specifically:

• Birth Date Range: July 2, 2007 to July 1, 2010
• Candidates must be unmarried (both male and female eligible)

Educational Qualifications

Nationality Requirements

Eligible candidates must be one of the following:

• Indian citizens
• Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan
• Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962

    Persons of Indian origin from:

• Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or Vietnam
• East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia)

Physical & Medical Standards

• Height and weight standards as per service requirements
• Well-developed chest with no physical defects
• Normal hearing and speech capabilities
• No history of fits or mental illness
• Detailed medical examination conducted during SSB

Examination Pattern

Written Examination (900 Marks Total)

• Total Duration: 5 hours
• Format: Pen-and-paper based examination

Mathematics Syllabus Breakdown

• Algebra: Complex numbers, quadratic equations
• Trigonometry: Identities and applications
• Calculus: Limits, derivatives, and integrals
• Statistics & Probability: Basic concepts and applications
• Coordinate Geometry & Mensuration: 2D and 3D geometry

General Ability Test Components

English (200 marks):

• Grammar and vocabulary
• Reading comprehension
• Sentence completion

General Knowledge (400 marks):

• Physics and Chemistry concepts
• General Science principles
• Indian History and Geography
• Current affairs and events
• Civics and Political Science

Important Dates

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026

Date of Notification	10/12/2025
Date of Commencement of Examination	12/04/2026
Duration of Examination	One Day
Last Date for Receipt of Applications	30/12/2025-6:00pm
Date of Upload	10/12/2025

Syllabus

Selection Process

The selection follows a multi-stage process:

Stage 1: Written Examination

• Mathematics and General Ability Test
• Qualifying candidates proceed to SSB

Stage 2: SSB Interview

• Psychological Aptitude Tests
• Group Testing Officer Tasks
• Personal Interview
• Physical Fitness Assessment

Stage 3: Medical Examination

• Comprehensive medical fitness check
• Service-specific medical standards

Stage 4: Final Merit List

    Based on combined performance in written exam and SSB interview

Application Process

How to Apply

• Online application only through UPSC official website: upsc.gov.in
• Ensure complete eligibility before applying to avoid rejection
• No limit on number of attempts
• Students appearing for Class 12 are eligible to apply

Important Notes

• Verify all eligibility criteria thoroughly before submission
• Keep documents ready for verification
• Pay application fees as specified in the notification

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of training:

• Army Wing: Commission as Lieutenant in Indian Army
• Navy Wing: Commission as Sub-Lieutenant in Indian Navy
• Air Force Wing: Commission as Flying Officer in Indian Air Force
• Naval Academy: Commission as Sub-Lieutenant in Indian Navy