NDA Recruitment 2026: Check Vacancies, Eligibility, Selection Process & Result

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam 2026 ( NDA )

DeskCalelnderExam On - 12 Apr '26

Anangsha Patra
Updated on Dec 2, 2025 21:55 IST

By Anangsha Patra, Deputy Manager – Editorial

NDA Recruitment 2026: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the UPSC NDA & NA 1 recruitment notice on December 10, 2025. NDA 1 apply online link will be made available from December 10 to 30, 2025. The NDA 2 official notification PDF will be released on May 20, 2026. NDA II registration form will be available from May 20 to June 9, 2026. NDA exam dates 2026 were announced by the examination authority. The NDA I 2026 exam will be conducted on April 12, 2026. NDA II exam will be held on September 13, 2026

NDA recruitment notification is made available in PDF form and contains details such as eligibility criteria, vacancies, reservation policy, admit card, stages of exam, etc. NDA recruitment is done for admission to Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). NDA recruitment is one of the sought-after defence entrance exams in the country. A large number of defence aspirants apply for the exam every year. Read below for more details on NDA recruitment.

Table of contents
  • NDA Registration 2026
  • NDA Dates 2026
  • NDA Eligibility
  • Details of NDA Exam Pattern and Syllabus
  • NDA Salary
  • NDA Vacancies 2026
  • NDA Selection Process
  • NDA Recruitment 2026 FAQs
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NDA Registration 2026

DeskCalendarRegistration: 20 May ' 26 - 09 Jun ' 26

Interested candidates need to fill NDA application form online. The application fee can be paid both online and offline which is INR 100. Candidates must note that the application fee is exempted for SC/ST candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs. Only unmarried male and female candidates who have completed Class 12 can apply for the exam. To fill the application form, candidates need to first complete the one time registration. After generation of one time registration ID, candidates will be able to fill the application form.

Also Read: NDA vacancy

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the stages of NDA selection process?
A: 

NDA exam is conducted in two stages: written and SSB Interview. Candidates qualifying the written exam of NDA by securing the required cut off marks are called for the SSB interview. The SSB Interview is divided into two stages. Candidates qualifying theStage 1 are called for the Stage 2 exam. Stage 1 of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. This stage carries 900 marks.

Q:   What should I do if my name is more than 30 characters in the NDA form?
A: 

You can abbreviate your name within 30 characters and fill it in the name column of NDA application form. You need to send a signed written request to Joint Secretary (Examination), UPSC Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi 110069 by speed-post or fax by giving details of the full name and reasons for abbreviation in this regard. Applicants need to fill NDA application form online. Candidates are not required to sent the hard copy of the NDA application form. The application form can be filled in two parts. In Part 1 of NDA application form, candidates need to fill register for the exam, choose the preferred branch, verify the details and generate the registration ID. In Part 2, candidates need to select the exam centre, upload scanned images of photograph and signature. Before filling the application form, candidates need to complete the one time registration.

NDA Dates 2026

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NDA 2026 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
12 Apr ' 26

NDA 1 2026 Exam Date

Apr ' 26

NDA 1 2026 Result

TENTATIVE
20 May ' 26

NDA 2 2026 notification

20 May ' 26 - 09 Jun ' 26

NDA 2 2026 application

13 Sep ' 26

NDA 2 2026 Exam

DatesPast Exam Dates
10 Dec ' 25

NDA 1 Notification 2026

10 Dec ' 25 - 30 Dec ' 25

NDA 1 Application Form 2026

14 Sep ' 25

NDA 2 2025 exam

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NDA Eligibility

NDA eligibility is fixed by the examination authority. The age of candidates is 16.5 to 19.5 years. Candidates must have passed Class 12. Those who appeared in the Class 12 exam can also apply. Candidates must check the eligibility before applying.

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Details of NDA Exam Pattern and Syllabus

NDA exam is divided into a written exam and SSB Interview. The written as per NDA exam pattern comprises two papers-GAT and Maths. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. The SSB Interview is held for 900 marks.

NDA syllabus is simple and comprises the topics that candidates have studied in Class 10, 11, and 12 standards. The Mathematics section comprises topics from Algebra, Matrices, and Determinants, Trigonometry, Integral Calculus, and Differential Equation, Vector Algebra, etc. GAT comprises topics from General Knowledge and English.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the passing marks in NDA?
A: 

Candidates are required to score a minimum of around 25 per cent marks in each subject to clear the NDA written exam. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Besides the subject-wise cut off marks, the examination authority also decides overall cut off marks for different defence services. Candidates are required to secure both section-wise and overall cut off marks. To be in the final merit list, candidates are required to secure separate qualifying marks in the written exam and SSB interview.

Q:   How many questions are asked in NDA exam?
A: 

A total of 120 questions are asked in the Maths paper of NDA. Questions are usually asked from Algebra Matrices and Determinants Trigonometry Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, and Differential Equations Vector Algebra Statistics and Probability. In the GAT part of the NDA exam, a total of 150 questions are asked. This section is divided into parts. Part A comprises questions from English and Part B comprises questions from General Knowledge. In English questions are generally asked from Spotting Errors, Antonyms, Synonyms, Idioms, and Phrases and Fill in the Blanks. In General Knowledge, questions are asked from Physics Chemistry Biology Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Defence Specific, Current Affairs & Static GK, etc.

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NDA Salary

The Gentleman cadets undergoing training at IMA are INR 56,100. After the successful training, the NDA salary of the Officer Commissioned will be fixed in the first Cell of Level 10. Besides, candidates are also entitled to various benefits. The rank-wise salary of Officers is given below:

Ranks NDA salary (In INR)

Lt to Maj

Lt: Level 10 (56,100-1,77,500)

Capt: Level10 B (61,300-1,93,900)

Maj: Level 11 (69,400-2,07,200)

Lt Col to Maj Gen

Lt Col: Level 12A (1,21,200-2,12,400)

Col: Level 13 (1,30,600-2,15,900)

Brig: Level 13A (1,39,600-2,17,600)

Maj Gen - Level 14 (1,44,200-2,18,200)

Lt Gen to HAG Scale

Level 15 (1, 82, 200-2,24,100)

HAG+Scale

Level 16 (2,05,400-2,24,400)

VCOAS/ArmyCdr/Lt Gen (NFSG)

Level 17 (2,25,000) (fixed)

COAS

Level 18 (2,50,000) (fixed)

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Are there any allowances along with the NDA salary?
A: 

There are multiple allowances offered to the Officers along with NDA salary such as Uniform Allowance, Dearness and Transport Allowance, Para Reserve Allowance, Technical Allowance, Children Education Allowance, Hostel Subsidy, High Altitude Allowance, etc. The Army Aviators (Pilots) in Lt and above in Level 10 and above serving in the Army Aviation Corps are entitled to flying allowance of INR 25,000 (R1H1 of Risk and Hardship Matrix).. .

Q:   What is the full form of NDA?
A: 

NDA stands for National Defence Academy. NDA is situated at Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra and it is one of the most prestigious military training institutions in the world. NDA trains cadets for Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The cadets are trained to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces upon graduation. Cadets are received a Bachelor's degree in the field of engineering or technology or any other field. NDA exam is conducted for two courses every year, one starting in January and the other starting in July. The courses are of three years duration and cadets are trained in various aspects of military and academic education. NDA exam comprises written exam and SSB interview.

View salary details
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NDA Vacancies 2026

NDA vacancy 2026 will be released along with the notification. The vacancies are released for different academies. Candidates can check below the last year vacancy break-up.

NDA 2 Vacancy 2025

Academy Wings No. of Vacancies

NDA

Army 

208 (including 10 for female candidates)

National Defence Academy Navy

42 (including 05 for female candidates are allotted for Navy NDA )

Air Force 

(i) Flying: 92 (including 02 for female candidates)
(ii) Ground Duties (Tech):18 (including 02 for female candidates)
(iii) Ground Duties (Non Tech): 10 (including 02 for female candidates)

Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)

-

36 (including 04 for female candidates)

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many vacancies were announced for NDA 2 exam in 2023?
A: 

A total of 395 vacancies were announced for NDA 2 2023 exam. Out of total vacancies, 208 vacancies were announced for Army, 42 for Navy, 120 for Air Force and 25 for Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme). A total of 35 vacancies were announced for women candidates.

Q:   How many vacancies were announced for NDA 2 2024 exam?
A: 

A total of 404 vacancies were announced for NDA 2 2024 exam. The vacancy break-up is given below.

AcademyWingsNo. of Vacancies

NDA

Army 

208 (including 10 for female candidates)

Navy 

42 (including 06 for female candidates)

Air Force 

Flying- 92  (including 02 for female candidates)

Ground Duties (Tech)-18  (including 02 for female candidates)

Ground Duties (Non Tech)-10  (including 02 for female candidates)

Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)

-

34 (including 05 for female candidate)

Total

 

404

View Vacancy details
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NDA Selection Process

The selection of candidates is done based on the written exam and SSB Interview. UPSC will prepare a list of candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in the written exam. Such candidates are required to appear before the Services Selection Board for Intelligence and Personality Test. Candidates need to secure separate qualifying marks for the written exam and SSB Interview. On the basis of candidates' performance in the written exam and SSB Interview NDA selection is done. The final allocation to the Army, Navy, Air Force of the National Defence Academy and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of Indian Naval Academy is done based on the number of NDA vacancies, eligibility criteria, medical fitness, and merit-cum-preference of candidates.

Read More:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Does NDA select cadet according to academy vacancy or service vacancy?
A: 

NDA select cadet based on service vacancy. It is according to the number of officers required at that time. But the academy accommodation also plays a role. The existing infrastructure at the academy can accommodate a certain number of cadets each term. If it is extended or the intake is greater than the capacity, the training standards will drop.

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NDA Recruitment 2026 FAQs

Candidates can check below NDA recruitment 2026 FAQs.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the standard of questions in the NDA exam?
A: 

 NDA exam carries two papers-Maths and GAT of Class 10, 11 & 12 levels. The GAT paper is further divided into two parts-English and General Awareness. With a good preparation, candidates can crack the exam. Candidates can also refer to the high school level books to clear their concepts of topics asked in the exam.

Q:   What are the stages of NDA selection process?
A: 

NDA exam is conducted in two stages: written and SSB Interview. Candidates qualifying the written exam of NDA by securing the required cut off marks are called for the SSB interview. The SSB Interview is divided into two stages. Candidates qualifying theStage 1 are called for the Stage 2 exam. Stage 1 of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. This stage carries 900 marks.

Q:   How many vacancies were announced for NDA 1 2023?
A: 

UPSC  announced 395 vacancies for NDA 1 2023. A total of 208 (including 10 for female candidates) were announced for Army, 42 (including 03 for female candidates) for Navy and 120 for Air Force (two vacancies each were earmarked for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical Branches). NDA exam is conducted for admission of candidates to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy courses.

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NDA Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 days ago

Candidates after joining Navy gets the position of Sub Lieutenant. With promotions, candidates reach to the level of Admiral. The posts offered to candidates in Navy are given below.

Sub Lieutenant

Lieutenant

Lt  Commander

Commander

Captain (Selection)

Captain (Time Scale)

Commodore

Rear Admiral

Vice Admiral

Admiral

M

Mani Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

Candidates after clearing NDA and commissioning get the position of Lieutenant. The posts offered to candidates are given below.

Lieutenant

Captain

Major

Lieutenant Colonel

Colonel (Selection)

Colonel (Time Scale)

Brigadier

Major General

Lieutenant General

General

I

Ishita Aggarwal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

NDA salary from Lt. Col level 12A is between INR 1,21,200 to 2,12,400. The same for Col. level 13 is INR 1,39,600-2,17,600. It is INR 1,44,200-2,18,200 for Maj General Level 14. 

B

Bhumika Lama

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

NDA salary for Lt. Level 10 is INR 56, 100 to 1,77,500. The salary for Capt. level 10 B is INR 61,300-1,93,900. NDA Salary for Major Level 11 is INR 69,400-2,07,200. 

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

NDA admit card is released one week before the exam day. NDA 1 hall ticket is expected in April. The call letter for NDA 2 will be released in September. Candidates can download their admit cards online only.

A

Abhishek Kumar

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Candidates can start clearing their basics for NDA Chemistry from NCERT books of Classes 11 & 12. These books cover core topics like Acids, Chemical Reactions, Bases, Atoms, etc. The syllabus for this subject is prescribed by the examination authority.

 

 

S

Sumridhi Singh

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

For NDA Physics section, candidates can refer to the NCERT books of Classes 11 and 12. These books covers the basic syllabus. They can clear the concepts of Mechanics, Electricity, Optics, Light, Heat, Motion, Resistance, etc.

 

R

Raushan Pradhan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

Here's a forum-style post tailored for the NDA 2 2026 result query:


Waiting for the NDA 2 2026 results can be quite nerve-wracking, especially after months of preparation and anticipation. Many aspirants are anxious to know exactly when the results will be declared and how their efforts translate int

...Read more

A

Aashish Upadhyay

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

NDA 2 2024 cut off marks are given below.

Sl.No.Name of the WingVacanciesNumber                                of Recommended candidatesMinimum qualifying standard                        at                         the written stage (out of 900 marks)Marks secured by last recommended candidate                                at Final Stage (out of 1800 marks)

1.

Army, Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Naval Academy Courses

208 (including  10  for 

 

792

 

 

 

 

 

 

305 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)

 

 

 

 

 

 

673

M

Mani Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

NDA 1 2025 cut off marks are given below.

Name of the WingMinimum qualifying standard                        at                         the written stage (out of 900 marks)Marks secured by last recommended candidate                                at Final Stage (out of 1800 marks)

Army, Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Naval Academy Courses

334 (With at least  25% marks in each subject)

699 

I

Ishita Aggarwal

Contributor-Level 7

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