In this post, we will look into every single detail like who can apply, what is the age limit, exam dates, and how to fill the online form without making any mistakes. Let us get started!
What is the UPSC NDA 2 2026 Exam Overview?
The UPSC conducts the NDA exam twice every year at a national level. This second session of 2026 is going to recruit eligible unmarried male and female candidates for the 158th Course of NDA and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). Both these courses will commence from July 1, 2027.
| Exam Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam (II), 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Selection Process | Written Test followed by SSB Interview & Medicals |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in |
What are the Important Dates for NDA 2 2026?
It is very important to track the dates carefully so that you do not miss out on the deadline. UPSC has given a very tight window for registration this time, so don't wait for the last moment because server issues can happen anytime!
- Notification Release Date: May 20, 2026
- Online Application Starts: May 20, 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: June 9, 2026 (Till 6:00 PM strictly)
- Application Correction Window: June 2026
- NDA 2 Admit Card Release: August 2026 (Expected 1-2 weeks before exam)
- Written Exam Date: September 13, 2026 (Sunday)
How Many Vacancies are Announced for NDA 2 2026?
UPSC has announced a total of 394 vacancies across different wings. This includes opportunities for both male and female candidates. Let's look at the distribution below:
| Academy & Wing | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA - Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| NDA - Navy | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| NDA - Air Force (Flying, Tech, Ground) | 111 | 05 | 116 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 24 | 00 | 24 |
| Total Combined Vacancies | 370 | 24 | 394 |
Am I Eligible for the NDA 2 2026 Exam?
Eligibility criteria is the most crucial part where many students make minor mistakes. Please read through these conditions carefully before putting your time and energy into the form filling.
1. Age Limit & Marital Status
Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply. For the NDA 2 2026 exam, your date of birth must fall between the given range:
2. Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing of NDA: You must have passed Class 12 (10+2 pattern) or equivalent exam from any recognized state board or university. Any stream student (Arts, Commerce, Science) can apply here.
- For Air Force, Naval Wings & 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA: You must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects.
- Note for Appearing Students: If you are currently in your final year of Class 12, you are also eligible to apply. However, you will have to give proof of passing before the commencement date of the course.
What is the Step-by-Step Process to Apply Online?
You need to submit your applications through the official portal. Here are the exact steps you should follow carefully:
- Visit the official UPSC application website at
upsconline.nic.in. - If you have not registered before, complete your One Time Registration (OTR) by entering your basic personal info like name, mobile number, and email ID.
- Log in using your registered Email ID/Mobile Number via OTP or password.
- Fill out the Part-I of the application form where you enter personal details and select your preferred branch preferences (Army, Navy, Air Force).
- Pay the required application fee of ₹100. If you are a female candidate, SC/ST candidate, or son of a JCO/NCO/OR, you are completely exempted from paying any fees!
- Proceed to Part-II to select your exam center city. Choose wisely because it cannot be changed later.
- Upload scanned copies of your signature and photograph. Note that from this year, capturing a clear live photograph on the portal is also required.
- Submit the form and do not forget to take a clear printout of the confirmation page for future use.
What is the Exam Pattern and Selection Criteria?
The selection process is purely merit-based and checks you physically as well as mentally. It is split into two major stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination (Total 900 Marks)
The written exam is conducted in offline pen-and-paper mode and consists of objective-type questions with a strict 1/3rd negative marking policy for every wrong answer.
- Paper I - Mathematics: 120 Questions | 300 Marks | Duration: 2.5 Hours. (Focuses on 11th and 12th standard concepts like Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, etc.)
- Paper II - General Ability Test (GAT): 150 Questions | 600 Marks | Duration: 2.5 Hours. This paper is split into Part A: English (200 marks) and Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks including Physics, Chemistry, Science, Geography, History, and Current Affairs).
Stage 2: SSB Interview (Total 900 Marks)
Once you clear the written cut-off, you will receive a call letter for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. It is a highly comprehensive 5-day assessment process which includes intelligence rating tests, picture perception tests, psychological tests, group tasks, and a final personal interview to check your Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs).
Where Can I Connect with the Community for Help?
Preparing for these exams alone can get confusing sometimes. We recommend you to join our official social media channels where thousands of fellow aspirants discuss preparation strategies, share mock tests, and post fast updates regarding government jobs.
| Platform | Official Handle Link |
|---|---|
| Telegram Group | Join Telegram Channel |
| Instagram Page | Follow on Instagram |
| Facebook Page | Like Facebook Page |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can girls apply for the UPSC NDA 2 2026 exam?
Yes, absolutely! Unmarried female candidates are fully eligible to apply for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA.
Q2. Is there any correction window facility available for the application form?
Yes, UPSC provides a correction window for about a week in June after the registration process concludes, allowing you to fix small mistakes in your form.
Q3. What happens if I make a mistake while filling my OTR profile?
You can change details in your One-Time Registration (OTR) profile, but you can only do it once in your lifetime, so handle it with care.
Q4. Are Arts stream students eligible to apply for the Air Force?
No, Arts stream students can only apply for the Army Wing. For the Air Force and Navy wings, having Physics and Mathematics in your Class 12 is mandatory.