NDA Vacancy 2026 OUT: NDA (2) Vacancies for Male & Female Candidates

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam 2026 ( NDA )

Shikha Goyal
Updated on Sep 9, 2026 17:35 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

NDA Vacancies 2026: The Union Public Service Commission released the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Vacancies in the official notification. These numbers are always remain tentative till the declaration of final result. As per the official notification, the total number of NDA 2 2026 vacancies are 394. The Commission will select the candidates separately against the NDA and NA vacancies. The UPSC receives the requisition from the Ministry of Defence regarding the vacancies in different forces.

The candidates should note that the number of vacancies have a direct relation with the NDA cutoff. Higher the number of vacancies implies low cutoff for the exam. NDA exam is conducted for admission to Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Courses. The selection process of NDA comprises the written exam and SSB Interview.

Also Read: 

NDA Application Form

NDA Notification

Table of contents
  • NDA 2 Vacancies 2026
  • NDA Exam Schedule 2026
  • Previous Years' NDA Vacancies
  • NDA Selection Process
  • NDA Vacancy 2026 FAQs
NDA Logo

NDA 2 Vacancies 2026

NDA 2 2026 vacancies are available now. The vacancy break-up is given below.

Academy Wings No. of Vacancies

NDA

Army 

208 (including 10 for female candidates)

Navy 

42 (including 05 for female candidates) (All Executive Branch)

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)

-

 24  (including 03 for female candidates) (All Executive Branch)

Total

 

394

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many vacancies are announced for NDA 2 2026 exam?
A: 

A total of 394 vacancies are announced for NDA 2 2026 exam. The break-up is given below.

AcademyWingsNo. of Vacancies

NDA

Army 

208 (including 10 for female candidates)

Navy 

42 (including 05 for female candidates) (All Executive Branch)

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)

-

 24  (including 03 for female candidates) (All Executive Branch)

Total

 

394

Q:   How much time is required for NDA Exam Preparation?
A: 
NDA preparation requires one year to six months. Candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. They should attempt mock tests. Candidates must know the exam pattern and syllabus. They should also solve the previous years question papers.

NDA Exam Schedule 2026

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

DatesPast Exam Dates
13 Sep ' 26

NDA 2 2026 Exam

20 May ' 26

NDA 2 2026 notification

20 May ' 26 - 11 Jun ' 26

NDA 2 2026 application

NDA Logo

Previous Years' NDA Vacancies

The table below provides NDA 1 & 2 vacancies for the last five years.

Year NDA I NDA II
2025 406 406
2024 400 404
2023 395 395
2021 400 400
2020 418 413
2019 415 415
2018 415 383
2017 390 390

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can women candidates apply for Indian Naval Academy courses for NDA exam?
A: 

Women candidates can apply for Indian Naval Academy courses for NDA exam. In 2024, vacancies were released for women candidates for admission to Indian Naval Academy courses. 

Q:   What are the important points related to NDA vacancies?
A: 

Few important points related to NDA vacancies are given below:

  • NDA vacancies are provisional and may change depending on the availability of training capacity of the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy
  • Candidates are required to specify clearly in the online NDA application form, the services for which they wish to be considered in the order of their preferences
  • Candidates are also advised to indicate as many preferences as they wish for NDA recruitment so that while offering appointments due consideration can be given to the preferences as per their ranks in the merit list
  • Candidates should note that they will be considered under NDA recruitment 2022 for appointment to those services only for which they have expressed their preferences
  • UPSC will not entertain any request for addition/alteration in the preferences indicated in the NDA Recruitment application
  • Admission will be offered to candidates on the basis of NDA results of the written exam and SSB Interview 
NDA Logo

NDA Selection Process

NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. The written exam is held for 900 marks. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks. Candidates are selected based on their merits. They need to be medically fit inorder to inorder to carry on their responsibilities.

Both male and female candidates can apply for the exam. Candidates between 16.5 to 19.5 years and who have passed Class 12 pass can apply for the exam. NDA 2026 selection process started with the release of notification. 

The girls of the age group 16 ½ to 19 years are eligible to undergo three-year training in NDA. The military training of the girl cadets is conducted in a gender-neutral manner. The training objective of the girl cadet at NDA continue to remain as centre excellence for producing military leaders equipped with professional, moral and physical attributes with minimum changes to the existing curriculum in training, drill outdoor training, etc. Owing to the physiological differences between male and female cadets, there might be certain changes in the physical training of girl cadets

Also Read: NDA Selection Process

 
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the complete selection process of NDA exam?
A: 

The step-by-step selection process of NDA exam is explained below:

Filling the Application Form

The application process is completely online. Interested candidates need to apply from the official website. The application fees are INR 100, however, SC/ST candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs were exempted from paying the fees. NDA application form comprises two parts: Part I (Registration) and Part II (Filling the application form).

Release of Admit Card

NDA admit card is released online three weeks before the exam. All registered candidates can download the admit card by logging with either registration number or roll number. The hard copy of the NDA admit card is not sent to candidates by post.

Appearing in Written Exam

The written exam comprises two sections: Mathematics and General Ability Test. The total marks of the written exam are 900.  Each paper is held for  2 ½ hours. Total questions asked in GAT are 150 while it is 120 in Mathematics.

Declaration of Result

NDA result is declared in two stages: written and final. The result of both the stages is declared online. The results are made available in PDF format. NDA resultdisplays the roll numbers of qualified candidates. NDA Cutoff is announced after the completion of selection process.

Appearing in SSB Interview

SSB Interview comprises two stages. Stage I comprise Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on the combination of performance in OIR Test and PP&DT. Stage II comprises Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over four days.

Final Selection

To be acceptable should secure the minimum qualifying marks separately in written exam and SSB Interview. Subject to these conditions the qualified candidates will be placed in a single combined list on the basis of total marks secured by them in the written exam and SSB Interview.

Q:   What is the process of training in NDA Pune?
A: 

NDA is the joint training institute for all three services-Army, Navy and Air Force. After joining the NDA cadet undergo training for three years. After graduating from NDA candidates are sent to their respective training academies for one year of training before commissioning. Army cadets are sent to the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), naval cadets to the Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala), and Air Force cadets to the Air Force Academy (Dundigal, Hyderabad).

Q:   What after final selection in NDA?
A: 
The selected candidates undergo training at NDA. After passing out from NDA, cadets go to the respective defence academies for further training.
NDA Logo

NDA Vacancy 2026 FAQs

Candidates can check below NDA vacancies FAQs.

Q:   How many vacancies have been announced for the Army wing of NDA in 2023?
A: 

A total of 208 vacancies are announced for the Army wing of NDA. A total of 10 vacancies are earmarked for female candidates. Those who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 can apply.

Q:   How many NDA 1 vacancies 2024 for women were announced in 2024?
A: 

Following NDA 1 vacancies 2024 for women were announced in 2024.

AcademyWingsNo. of Vacancies
NDAArmy 10
Navy 12
Air Force (i) Flying-2
(ii) Ground Duties (Tech)-18
(iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech)-10
Indian Naval Academy-9
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.

Q:   How many vacancies were announced for NDA 2 2025 exam?
A: 

A total of 404 vacancies were announced for NDA 2 2025 exam. The vacancy break-up is given below.

Academy

Wings

No. of Vacancies

NDA

Army 

208 (including 10 for female candidates)

Navy 

42 (including 05 for female candidates)

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)

Total

 

404

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

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

 

The following NDA 2 vacancies in 2024 for females were announced.

AcademyWingsNo. of Vacancies
NDAArmy 10
Navy 6
Air Force (i) Flying-2
(ii) Ground Duties (Tech)-2
(iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech)-2
Indian Naval Academy-5
Q:   How the candidates are selected against NDA vacancies?
A: 

Candidates for NDA exam are selected as per the vacancies. The written exam is held for 900 marks. The  SSB interview is conducted for 900 marks. The final selection of candidates is done based on both the stages.

 

Q:   How many vacancies were announced for the Navy wing of the NDA in 2023?
A: 

A total of 42 vacancies (three for female candidates) have been announced for the Navy wing of the NDA. For admission to the Navy wing of NDA. Candidates must have passed Class 12/HSC with Physics Chemistry and Mathematics.

Q:   How many vacancies were announced for the Air Force wing of NDA in 2023?
A: 

A total of 120 vacancies are announced for Air Force wing of NDA. Out of the total vacancies, 92 are Flying Branch (two for female candidates), 18 for Ground Duties (Tech) (two for female candidates) and 10 for Ground Duties (Non-Tech) (two for female candidates).. .

Explore top NDA/NA exams

12 Dec '26 -

13 Dec '26

CTET 2026 Sep Session Exam

7 Sep '26 -

10 Sep '26

CTET 2026 Sep Application Corr...

7 Nov '25 -

6 Dec '25

REET Mains Application Form

6 Nov '25

REET Mains Notification

8 Oct '26 -

6 Nov '26

RRB NTPC 2026 Graduate Posts (...

14 Oct '26

RRB NTPC 2026 Under Graduate P...

Sep '26

MAHA TET 2026 New Exam Date

Sep '26

MAHA TET 2026 Admit Card

30 Sep '26 -

30 Oct '26

SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I Exam Dates

Dec '26

SSC CGL 2026 Tier-2 Exam Dates

2 Jul '26 -

4 Jul '26

UPTET 2026 Exam date

Mar '26

UPTET 2026 Application Form

15 Feb '26

RRB Group D 2025 Answer Key

31 Jan '26 -

2 Mar '26

RRB Group D Application Form 2...

Dec '25

Bihar STET 2025 Result

24 Nov '25 -

28 Nov '25

Provisional Bihar STET Answer ...

15 Nov '24

RBI Grade B Phase 2 Result

25 Jul '24

RBI Grade B Notification

12 Nov '25

UTET 2025 Result

27 Sep '25

UTET 2025 Exam Date

9 Jun '25

SSC CGL 2025 Notification

4 Feb '25 -

25 Feb '25

SSC GD 2025 Exam Dates

Jun '25

PSTET 2025 Notification

19 Feb '25

PSTET 2024-25 Result

13 Sep '26

CDS 2 Exam Date 2026

20 May '26

CDS 2 Notification 2026

9 Oct '25 -

7 Nov '25

DSSSB 2025 TGT Application For...

7 Jul '25 -

4 Aug '25

DSSSB 2025 PGT Exam Dates

31 Jan '26

AFCAT 1 2026 exam

22 Jan '26

AFCAT 1 Admit Card 2026

7 Mar '24

MP Police Constable Result

15 Sep '23

MP Police Constable Answer Key

16 Jun '24

UPSC Prelims Exam 2024

14 Feb '24 -

5 Mar '24

UPSC IAS 2024 Application Date...

10 Nov '25

HTET 2024 Result

1 Aug '25

HTET 2024 Answer Key

4 Oct '26

IBPS PO 2026 Mains Exam

22 Aug '26 -

23 Aug '26

IBPS PO 2026 Prelims Exam

30 Sep '25 -

12 Oct '25

UPPSC 2025 Admit Card

29 Jun '25 -

2 Jul '25

UPPSC UPPCS Main Exam Dates 20...

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

NDA Exam

Student Forum

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

Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates

IBPS Clerk 2026 Prelims 10 Oct '26 - 11 Oct '26
IBPS Clerk 2026 Prelims Exam 10 Oct '26 - 11 Oct '26
RRB NTPC 2026 Under Graduate Posts (07/2026) Notification 14 Oct '26
UGC NET Dec 2026 Exam 8 Oct '26 - 28 Oct '26
TNPSC Group 4 2026 Application Dates 6 Oct '26 - 5 Nov '26

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News