National Defence Academy (NDA) 2026
Conducting body: UPSC · Official source: upsc.gov.in
Entry to the prestigious National Defence Academy for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Open to 12th pass candidates.
Eligibility
- Age limit
- 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Education
- 12th Pass (10+2)
National Defence Academy (NDA) Key Dates
- Exam: 24 May 2026 — UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026
- Application: 22 Sept 2026 — UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Prelims 2027 — application closes
- Application: 06 Oct 2026 — UPSC Engineering Services Prelims 2027 — application closes
- Notification: 25 Nov 2026 — UPSC CISF AC (Executive) LDCE 2027 — notification
- Notification: 02 Dec 2026 — UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2027 — notification
- Notification: 02 Dec 2026 — UPSC CDS (I) 2027 — notification
- Application: 15 Dec 2026 — UPSC CISF AC (Executive) LDCE 2027 — application closes
- Application: 22 Dec 2026 — UPSC NDA & NA (I) and CDS (I) 2027 — applications close
Practise for National Defence Academy (NDA) in Battle Arena
Real-time quiz battles against other candidates, with XP, streaks and a leaderboard. Battle Arena is free practice that complements your National Defence Academy (NDA) preparation — it does not replace syllabus study, mock tests or previous-year papers.
Latest UPSC Vacancies
- UPSC Assistant Legislative Counsel Recruitment 2026 – New Delhi – Apply Online — Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · New Delhi · 8 Posts · Last date: 16 Oct 2026
- UPSC Law Officer Recruitment 2026 – Delhi – Apply Online — Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · Land and Building Department, Delhi · 3 Posts · Last date: 16 Oct 2026
- UPSC Specialist Grade II (Cardiology) Recruitment 2026 – New Delhi – Apply Online — Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · New Delhi · 1 Post · Last date: 16 Oct 2026
See all active government job notifications
Other Upsc Exams
- UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) — UPSC · age 21–32
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) — UPSC · age 19–25
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) — UPSC · age 20–25
- Indian Engineering Services (IES/ESE) — UPSC · age 21–30
- Indian Forest Service (IFS) — UPSC · age 21–32
- UPSC EPFO (Enforcement/Accounts Officer) — UPSC · age 21–30
- Combined Medical Services (CMS) — UPSC · age 21–32
- Combined Geo-Scientist Examination — UPSC · age 21–32
- Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) — UPSC · age 16.5–19.5
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who conducts National Defence Academy (NDA)?
- National Defence Academy (NDA) is conducted by UPSC. The official portal is upsc.gov.in.
- What is the age limit for National Defence Academy (NDA)?
- Candidates must generally be between 16.5 and 19.5 years. Reserved categories receive the relaxation published in the current notification.
- What qualification is required for National Defence Academy (NDA)?
- 12th Pass (10+2)
- How do I apply for National Defence Academy (NDA)?
- Applications are submitted only on the official UPSC portal (upsc.gov.in). This site links to the notification and tracks the vacancy, but never collects applications or fees.
Always verify notifications, dates, fees and eligibility on the official UPSC website before applying.