UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 406 Posts, Apply Online

UPSC NDA II 2026 Apply Online Started, Eligibility, Age Limit & Exam Details

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy II Examination 2026. This recruitment drive offers a prestigious opportunity for young candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Below is a summary of the key dates and timeline for the application process.

Important Dates & Timeline:-

Event	Date
Online Application Start Date	20 May 2026
Online Application Last Date	09 June 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment	09 June 2026
Examination Date	13 September 2026
Admit Card Release	Before Exam
Result Date	To Be Announced

Students are advised to check the official UPSC website for any updates or changes in the schedule.

Eligibility Criteria:-

To apply for the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria related to age, education, and nationality. Below is a detailed table summarizing these requirements.

Criteria	Details
Age Limit	Candidates must be born between 01 January 2008 and 01 January 2011 (both dates inclusive). Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC rules.
Educational Qualification	For Army Wing: Passed or appearing in 10+2 (any stream) from a recognized board in India. For Air Force & Naval Wing: Passed or appearing in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects.
Nationality	Candidates must be Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962.
Marital Status	Only unmarried male candidates are eligible to apply.
Physical Standards	Candidates must meet the physical standards set by the UPSC and the respective academies.

Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully for detailed eligibility criteria.

Application / Checking Process (Step-by-Step):-

Applying for the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 is a straightforward process if you follow the steps below. Ensure you complete the application before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Go to the [UPSC official website](https://upsc.gov.in/) or the [UPSC Online Application Portal](https://upsconline.nic.in/).

• Click on the “Apply Online” link for the NDA II Examination 2026.
• If you are a new user, click on “New Registration” and fill in your basic details like name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
• You will receive a registration ID and password on your registered email and mobile number.

• Log in using your registration ID and password.
• Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, and other required information.
• Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other documents as per the specifications mentioned in the notification.

• The application fee for General and OBC candidates is ₹100, while SC/ST candidates and all female candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
• Payment can be made using Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, or Mobile Wallet.

• Review all the details carefully before submitting the form.
• Click on the “Submit” button to complete the application process.
• Take a printout of the application form for future reference.

• Keep checking the official website for updates on the admit card release, exam date, and result.
• The admit card will be available for download before the exam. Use your registration details to log in and download it.

• After the examination, UPSC will release the results on its official website.
• Candidates can check their results by entering their roll number and date of birth on the result portal.

Selection Process / Evaluation Method:-

The selection process for the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 consists of two main stages:

1. Written Examination
2. SSB Interview

• The written exam is conducted in offline mode and consists of two papers:

– Paper I: Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hours)
– Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT) (600 marks, 2.5 hours)

• The GAT paper includes sections on English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.
• Candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks in both papers to proceed to the next stage.

• Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview.
• The SSB Interview consists of two stages:

– Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
– Stage II: Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Interview, and Conference

• The SSB Interview assesses the candidate’s mental and physical fitness, leadership qualities, and suitability for a career in the Armed Forces.

• The final selection is based on the combined marks of the written exam and the SSB Interview.
• Candidates who clear both stages are offered admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) or Naval Academy (NA) based on their merit and preferences.

Documents Required:-

Before applying for the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026, ensure you have the following documents ready. These documents will be required during the application process and at later stages of the selection process.

Document	Details
Photograph	Recent passport-sized color photograph (10-200 KB, JPEG format).
Signature	Scanned copy of your signature (10-20 KB, JPEG format).
Age Proof	Birth certificate or Class 10 mark sheet as proof of date of birth.
Educational Certificates	Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates.
Category Certificate	SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate (if applicable), issued by a competent authority.
Domicile Certificate	For candidates claiming relaxation under domicile quota.
ID Proof	Aadhar card, PAN card, voter ID, or passport.
Other Documents	Any other documents mentioned in the official notification.

Candidates are advised to keep both original and photocopies of these documents for verification during the SSB Interview.

Salary / Benefits / Career Scope:-

Joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) or Naval Academy (NA) is not just about serving the nation; it also offers a rewarding career with attractive pay scales, benefits, and opportunities for growth.

• Cadets receive a monthly stipend of ₹56,100 during their training period at the NDA or NA.

After successful completion of training, candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The salary structure is as follows:

Rank	Pay Scale (Per Month)	Allowances
Lieutenant	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500	Dearness Allowance, Military Service Pay, Kit Maintenance Allowance, etc.
Captain	₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900	Additional allowances for field postings, high-altitude areas, etc.
Major	₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200	Higher allowances for senior ranks.
Lieutenant Colonel	₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400	Additional benefits for command roles.

• Free Medical Facilities: Comprehensive medical care for officers and their families.
• Accommodation: Government-provided housing or housing allowance.
• Pension: Retirement benefits and pension after completing the minimum service period.
• Leave: Annual leave, casual leave, and study leave for higher education.
• Travel Allowance: Free travel facilities for officers and their families.
• Insurance: Life insurance coverage under the Armed Forces Group Insurance Scheme.

• Officers can rise through the ranks based on their performance, experience, and vacancies.
• Promotions are time-bound and merit-based, ensuring a clear career progression path.
• Opportunities for specialized training and higher studies are also available.

Important Rules & Guidelines :-

Candidates applying for the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 must adhere to the following guidelines and instructions to ensure a smooth application process.

Instruction	Details
Eligibility Verification	Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Ineligible candidates will be rejected.
Application Submission	Submit the application form only once. Multiple applications will lead to disqualification.
Document Upload	Upload documents in the specified format and size. Incorrect formats may lead to rejection.
Fee Payment	Pay the application fee before the last date. Incomplete payments will result in application rejection.
Admit Card	Download the admit card only from the official website. No physical admit cards will be sent.
Exam Center	Choose the exam center carefully, as changes may not be allowed later.
Exam Day Instructions	Carry the admit card, ID proof, and required stationery to the exam center. Mobile phones and electronic devices are not allowed.
SSB Interview	Candidates must report to the SSB center on the specified date and time. Latecomers may not be allowed to appear.
Medical Examination	Candidates must meet the medical standards set by the UPSC and the Armed Forces.
Final Selection	The final selection is based on merit and availability of vacancies. No requests for re-evaluation will be entertained.

Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully for detailed instructions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:-

Applying for the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 requires careful attention to detail. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your application is accepted.

Mistake	How to Avoid
Incorrect Personal Details	Double-check your name, date of birth, and other personal details before submitting the form.
Wrong Educational Qualifications	Ensure you enter the correct marks and subjects as per your certificates.
Uploading Blurry Documents	Upload clear and legible copies of your photograph, signature, and other documents.
Incorrect Fee Payment	Verify the payment status after submitting the fee. Keep the transaction receipt for future reference.
Missing Deadlines	Submit the application well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Choosing Wrong Exam Center	Select the exam center closest to your location to avoid travel-related issues.
Not Reading the Notification	Read the official notification thoroughly to understand all requirements and instructions.
Ignoring Physical Standards	Ensure you meet the physical and medical standards before applying.
Multiple Applications	Submit only one application. Multiple applications will lead to disqualification.
Not Checking Updates	Regularly check the official website for updates on admit cards, exam dates, and results.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Who Should Apply / Check This?

The UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 is open to unmarried male candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Candidates must be Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan.
• Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India are also eligible.
• Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

• Candidates must be born between 01 January 2008 and 01 January 2011 (both dates inclusive).
• Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC rules for reserved categories.

• For Army Wing: Passed or appearing in 10+2 (any stream) from a recognized board in India.
• For Air Force & Naval Wing: Passed or appearing in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects.
• Only unmarried male candidates are eligible to apply.

• Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards set by the UPSC and the respective academies.
• Height, weight, and vision requirements vary for different wings (Army, Navy, Air Force).

• Candidates must be mentally and physically fit to serve in the Armed Forces.
• They should have a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and patriotism.

Candidates who do not meet these criteria are advised not to apply, as their applications will be rejected.

How to Use the Official Website :-

The UPSC official website ([https://upsc.gov.in/](https://upsc.gov.in/)) is the primary source of information for the NDA II Recruitment 2026. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the website effectively.

• Open the [UPSC official website](https://upsc.gov.in/) in your browser.
• The homepage displays latest notifications, exam schedules, and important announcements.

• Click on the “Examinations” tab in the top menu.
• Select “Active Examinations” from the dropdown menu.
• Look for the “National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II) 2026” link and click on it.

• The notification page contains detailed information about the recruitment, including eligibility, exam pattern, and important dates.
• Download the PDF notification for offline reference.

• Click on the “Apply Online” link provided in the notification.
• You will be redirected to the [UPSC Online Application Portal](https://upsconline.nic.in/).
• If you are a new user, click on “New Registration” and follow the instructions to create an account.
• If you are a returning user, log in using your registration ID and password.
• Follow the steps outlined in the “Application Process Guide” section above to complete your application.

• After submitting the application, regularly check the UPSC website for updates on admit cards, exam dates, and results.
• The “What’s New” section on the homepage provides the latest updates.

• Once the admit card is released, log in to the UPSC Online Portal using your credentials to download it.
• Similarly, check the results on the official website after the exam.

• Use a desktop or laptop for a better experience, as the portal may not be fully optimized for mobile devices.
• Ensure your browser is updated to avoid technical issues.
• Keep your registration details safe for future logins.

Official Links & Verification:-

Below are the important links related to the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026. These links will help you access official resources, verify information, and complete your application.

Resource	Link
Official Website	[https://upsc.gov.in/](https://upsc.gov.in/)
Online Application Portal	[https://upsconline.nic.in/](https://upsconline.nic.in/)
Official Notification	[Download Notification PDF](https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-II-2026-Engl-200526.pdf
Admit Card Download	Available on the UPSC Online Portal (before exam)
Result Announcement	Available on the UPSC Official Website (after exam)
Contact UPSC	For queries, visit the [UPSC Contact Page](https://upsc.gov.in/contact-us)

Candidates are advised to verify all information from the official sources before proceeding with the application.

Disclaimer:-

This article provides general information about the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 based on the details available in the official notification. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, students are advised to cross-check all details with the official sources before applying.

• The UPSC reserves the right to change the exam schedule, eligibility criteria, or other details without prior notice.
• No responsibility is taken for any loss or damage arising from the use of this information.
• Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected without any prior notice.
• Admit cards and results will be available only on the official website. No physical copies will be sent.
• Candidates are advised to keep their login credentials safe for future use.

For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the [UPSC official website](https://upsc.gov.in/). Good luck with your application!

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