UPSC Opens NDA 2026 Applications; Candidates Must Apply by December 30

UPSC has begun NDA 1 2026 registrations with 394 vacancies. Eligible candidates can apply online until December 30, 2025. Details, eligibility, tips.

Mumbai |11 December 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened the application window for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2026, inviting eligible candidates across India to submit forms online. This annual recruitment drive offers a gateway into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the Indian Armed Forces, making it one of the most competitive and prestigious defence entry examinations. Applicants can register and complete the form on the official UPSC portal before the deadline of December 30 2025 at 6 pm.

The notification for NDA 1 2026 was released on December 10, and the online portal was activated the same day to allow candidates to begin the application process. A total of 394 vacancies have been announced for candidates seeking admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy under the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme. These vacancies cover various wings including the Army, Navy, and Air Force branches.

Aspiring candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before submitting their forms. Applicants are typically required to be unmarried males or females with a 12th class (10+2) pass certificate, and they must fall within the specified age range set by UPSC. The exact age range for this cycle is generally between 16.5 and 19.5 years, corresponding to prescribed birth date cutoffs. Though specific details are published in the official notification, candidates are strongly advised to verify eligibility, including age limits and educational qualifications, on the UPSC website before applying.

The registration process is entirely online. Candidates need to visit upsconline.nic.in or the official UPSC site to register, fill in personal and academic information, upload necessary documents, and pay the application fee, if applicable. The application system consists of multiple stages including account creation, universal registration, and exam-specific form submission. Late or incomplete applications are likely to be rejected.

For general category candidates, a fee of Rs 100 is usually charged at the time of application. However, candidates from SC/ST categories, female applicants, and certain other exempted classes typically do not need to pay the fee. All payments must be made online using authorized modes such as net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI before the deadline.

Once applications close on December 30, 2025, UPSC will begin preparing for the next stages which include issuing admit cards and scheduling the written examination. The NDA 1 2026 written exam is expected to be conducted on April 12, 2026, across centres throughout the country. Successful candidates will later be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical evaluations as part of the selection process.

This year’s recruitment drive comes amid heightened interest in defence careers among young aspirants. With expansion in defence opportunities and the prestige associated with NDA training, thousands of applicants are anticipated. Competitors are advised to plan their preparation early and complete the application well ahead of the closing date to avoid last-minute server issues or form errors.

Candidates should also keep an eye on official UPSC notifications and updates for any changes to schedules or procedures. Regularly checking the commission’s announcements ensures applicants do not miss important dates or miss out due to avoidable mistakes.

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