UPSC NDA I Recruitment 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released notification for the recruitment of 394 NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY & NAVAL ACADEMY EXAMINATION (I) 2026 (NDA NA I) posts. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s central recruiting agency, responsible for conducting some of the most prestigious and competitive exams in the country. It ensures merit-based selection for top civil services and various central government positions. Starting date of application is from 10th December 2025 and last date to apply is 30th December 2025. Interested candidates can go through the official website and notification for detailed information.
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | NDA/NA I |
| Total Vacancy | 394 |
| Starting Date of Application | 10 December 2025 |
| Ending Date of Application | 30 December 2025 |
| Age Limit | 16.5-19.5 Years |
| Army Wing (NDA) | 12th pass/HSC or equivalent examination from a State Education Board or a University. |
| Air Force & Naval Wings (NDA) | 12th pass/HSC or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics from a State Education Board or a recognised University. |
| 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Indian Naval Academy) | 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised Board/University. |
| Note | Candidates appearing in the 12th Class under 10+2 School Education or equivalent examination are also eligible to appear in the UPSC NDA examination. |
| Mode of Examination | Offline mode with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). |
| Language of Questions | Bilingual – English & Hindi. |
| Negative Marking | 0.83 marks deducted for Mathematics; 1.33 marks deducted for English and General Knowledge. |
| Written Examination Structure | Total marks: 900 | Total duration: 5 hours. |
| Mathematics | 300 marks | Duration: 2.5 hours (Code 1). |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 marks | Duration: 2.5 hours (Code 2). |
| Academy | Total Vacancies |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | 370 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 24 |
| Height Requirements | Male: Minimum 157 cm | Female: Minimum 152 cm | Flying Branch: Minimum 162.5 cm (both). Height for Gorkhas and candidates from NE region, Garhwal, Kumaon is relaxed by 5 cm. Growth allowance of 2 cm for candidates below 18 years. |
| Weight Requirements | Weight should be proportionate to height and age as per prescribed standards. Minimum and maximum weight limits apply. Weight below minimum or above maximum (except documented bodybuilders/wrestlers) is not acceptable. |
| Visual Standards | Uncorrected vision: 6/12 each eye | Corrected: 6/6 each eye | Myopia: -1.0 D | Hypermetropia: +2.0 D | Astigmatism: ±1.0 D Cyl | Binocular vision: III | Colour perception: CP Pass. |
| Surgery Rules | Kerato-refractive surgeries like PRK/LASIK/SMILE allowed in all branches except submarine, diving & MARCO (subject to conditions). Surgery must be done after age 20 and at least 12 months before the examination. |
| General | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates / Wards of JCOs, NCOs, ORs | Exempted |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
