NDA 1 Notification 2026, Recruitment Dates, Apply Online

NDA 1 Notification 2026 has been released on 10 December 2025 on the official website at upsc.gov.in. by UPSC. NDA 1 2026 will be conducted on 12 April 2026 for admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. The NDA exam is open to candidates aged 16.5 to 19.5 years. 

Students who have completed or are currently appearing for their Class 12 exams are eligible to apply. The recruitment process includes a written test followed by the SSB Interview. The NDA 1 Notification 2026 mention vacancies, eligibility, syllabus, exam dates, and the online application process. 

Candidates planning to join the forces should stay updated for the release of the official PDF and important dates. 

NDA 1 Notification 2026 Overview

UPSC NDA 2026 notification has been released on 10 December 2025, detailing the important events. Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website. Here is an overview:

NDA 1 Notification 2026 PDF Download

The complete UPSC NDA 1 notification PDF has been made available on 10 December 2025 on the official portal detailing key events and processes. The notification includes exam dates, eligibility, syllabus, and application instructions. 

NDA 1 Notification 2026 PDF Download (Active)

NDA 1 Notification 2026 Important Dates 

UPSC NDA 1 2026 online applications has opened from 10 December to 30 December 2025.  The exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026. Additionally, the NDA 2 exam 2026 will be held on 13 September 2026. 

Check out the important dates for the NDA 1 exam 2026: 

You can download the UPSC exam calendar 2026 from the following link to get insights into the timeline of UPSC events for 2026. 

UPSC Exam Calendar 2026 PDF Download

NDA Vacancy 2026

UPSC NDA 1 2026 notification, released on December 10, 2025, announces a total of 394 vacancies for admission to Army, Navy, Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy. These posts target unmarried male and female candidates for the 157th NDA Course and 119th INAC Course starting January 2027, with applications open until December 30, 2025.​

NDA 1 Notification 2026 Eligibility Criteria 

Before applying, candidates must check the NDA 1 2026 eligibility conditions, such as nationality, age limit, and educational qualifications. These rules ensure only eligible candidates apply for the exam.

1. Educational Qualification

The educational requirements vary for each academy. Candidates can refer to the details below to see the specific qualifications needed for different NDA academies.

2. NDA Age Limit

Candidates must be unmarried and born between 1st January 2007 and 1st January 2010 to be eligible.

3. NDA Marital Status

Only unmarried male and female candidates are allowed to apply for the exam.

NDA 1 Application Process 2026

The entire application process for NDA 1 Notification 2026 is being conducted online. Candidates must fill out the form carefully, upload documents correctly, and pay the required fee. Follow the steps below to complete the application smoothly:

1. Visit the official UPSC website.
2. Click on the “NDA 1 2026 Apply Online” link.
3. Register by providing your basic personal details.
4. Complete the application form with academic, contact, and other required information.
5. Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per specifications.
6. Pay the application fee online through net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
7. Apply and download the confirmation receipt for future reference.

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NDA 1 Application Fee 2026

NDA 1 Application Fee 2026 is applicable for general and OBC category candidates, while SC/ST candidates are exempted from payment. The fee can be paid online through net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI during the application process. Here are the details of the NDA 1 Application Fee 2026: 

NDA 1 Selection Process 2026

The selection for NDA 1 involves multiple stages to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge, physical fitness, and suitability for the armed forces. Here are the major steps in the selection process: 

1. Written Exam: Candidates must first qualify in the NDA written examination, which tests Mathematics and General Ability.
2. SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which assesses personality, leadership, and officer-like qualities.
3. Medical Examination: Candidates must clear a medical fitness test conducted as per defence standards.
4. Final Merit List: The final selection is based on combined performance in the written exam and SSB Interview, along with medical fitness.

NDA Salary 

NDA cadets earn a fixed monthly stipend of Rs 56,100 during their three-year training at the academy, as per Pay Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission. After commissioning as Lieutenants, basic pay starts at Rs 56,100–Rs 1,77,500 plus Rs 15,500 Military Service Pay, with total emoluments reaching Rs 90,000–Rs 1,00,000 including DA, HRA, and transport allowances.

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