UPSC releases notification for 394 NDA and Naval Academy posts for 2026; check details here

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued an official notification inviting applications for the recruitment of 394 posts through the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2026. 

Eligible and interested candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website. The last date for submission of online applications is December 30, 2025, up to 06:00 PM.

Vacancy Details

National Defence Academy – Army (157th Course commencing January 2027):
Male: 198 | Female: 10 | Total: 208

National Defence Academy – Navy (All Executive Branch):
Male: 37 | Female: 05 | Total: 42

National Defence Academy – Air Force (Flying):
Male: 90 | Female: 02 | Total: 92

National Defence Academy – Air Force (Ground Duties – Technical):
Male: 16 | Female: 02 | Total: 18

National Defence Academy – Air Force (Ground Duties – Non-Technical):
Male: 08 | Female: 02 | Total: 10

Naval Academy – 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (119th INAC, All Executive Branch):
Male: 21 | Female: 03 | Total: 24

Total Vacancies:
Male: 370 | Female: 24 | Overall Total: 394

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for the Army wing of the NDA must have passed the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern or an equivalent examination. For the Air Force and Naval wings, candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Candidates appearing in the Class 12 examination are also eligible, provided they submit proof of passing by December 10, 2026. Candidates studying in Class 11 are not eligible to apply.

Applicants must be unmarried, both male and female, and must undertake not to marry until completion of training.

Age Limit

The eligible age range is between 16.5 and 19.5 years as on July 1, 2027, with candidates born between July 1, 2007 and July 1, 2010 considered eligible.

Application Fee

The application fee is Rs. 100 for General and OBC male candidates, while female candidates, SC/ST candidates and eligible wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from payment. Payments can be made through credit or debit cards, UPI, or internet banking.