The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is going to release the NDA 1 Notification today, on 10 December 2025. After the announcement, the online application link will be available, and candidates will be able to fill out their forms. NDA 1 application forms can be submitted till December 30. Once the application window is closed by UPSC, a correction window will be available for candidates to edit their forms.
While the application fee is INR 100, SC/ST candidates, female candidates, and the wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from paying the fee. Passed or ongoing students of Class 12 are eligible to apply and the age limit should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years. The date for the NDA 1 exam has been announced by UPSC only. The exam will be held on 12 April 2026. Check the latest NDA 1 2026 notification updates below.
Parameter
Details
Conducting Body
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name
National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) 1, 2026
Around 400 (final number in official notification)
Mode of Application
Online (through UPSC OTR Portal)
Exam Stages
1. Written Examination (900 marks)
2. SSB Interview (900 marks)
3. Medical Examination
Educational Qualification
12th Pass/Appearing (any stream for Army; PCM required for Air Force, Navy, Naval Academy)
Age Limit
16.5 to 19.5 years
Easy Steps to Fill NDA 1 Application Form
Follow these easy steps to fill out the UPSC NDA & NA 1 application form:
Step 1: Click on the 'NDA 1 Apply Online' option.
Step 2: Make your One-Time Registration (OTR) ID.
Step 3: Use the necessary login details to log in.
Step 4: Enter all the data in the application form.
Step 5: Make the payment for the application, if necessary.
Step 6: Check all the information again and then confirm the submission of the form.
NDA 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The majority of students graduating from the 12th standard dream of serving the nation through the defence forces and take the NDA exam for the first time. The criteria for eligibility in NDA 1 2026 include conditions for the candidate's nationality, educational qualification, age limit, and physical standards. The detailed criteria for eligibility will be specified in the NDA 1 2026 Notification. As a rule, the NDA exam is open only for Indian nationals.
NDA 1 2026 Educational Qualification
To be eligible for NDA 1 2026, a candidate should complete the 10+2 examination or its equivalent. The minimum subjects for the different wings may differ though.
Wing
Minimum Educational Qualification
Army Wing (National Defence Academy)
12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent; any stream is accepted.
Air Force & Naval Wings (National Defence Academy)
12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects.
10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Indian Naval Academy - INA)
12th Class pass with Physics, Chemzistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects.
NDA 1 2026 Age Limit
The NDA 1 in 2026 allowed unmarried male and female candidates aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years to apply. In other words, those who are born between 2 July 2006 and 1 July 2009 (both days inclusive) are eligible to apply.
NDA 1 2026 Nationality Requirements
The candidate, who is unmarried, and meets any one of the following criteria, can apply for the NDA exam:
The candidate must be a citizen of India.
A subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intent of permanently residing here.
A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who shifted to India from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or from the East African countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to settle in India permanently.
Note: Candidates who are not Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal are required to produce an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
