UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026: UPSC has released the NDA exam date notification on its official website. The UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026 is April 12, 2026. This examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), opens doors to Army, Navy, and Air Force wings for unmarried male candidates who meet specific eligibility criteria.
UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026: Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Notification Release | December 10, 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 394 posts (tentative) |
| Courses Covered | 157th NDA Course, 119th INAC |
| Target Audience | Unmarried male candidates |
UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Starts | December 10, 2025 |
| Application Last Date | December 30, 2025 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | December 30, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | To be notified later |
| UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026 | April 12, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Expected May 2026 (tentative) |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA
Candidates must carefully review eligibility norms before applying for the examination scheduled on the UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026, as these rules determine who can participate in this gateway to national defense. UPSC sets straightforward yet strict criteria focusing on age, education, nationality, and marital status to select physically and mentally fit individuals capable of enduring rigorous military training. Meeting these requirements positions aspirants favorably for both written tests and subsequent interviews.
Age Limit
The age criteria for the UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026 ensure that only young, energetic candidates enter the academy, typically those born between specific dates that align with training commencement timelines. UPSC calculates age as of July 1, 2026, allowing relaxations only where notified for reserved categories, but unmarried status remains non-negotiable for all applicants.
| Parameter | Details |
| Born Not Earlier Than | July 2, 2007 |
| Born Not Later Than | July 1, 2010 |
| Age as on | July 1, 2026 (19-1/2 months relaxation possible) |
| Marital Status | Only unmarried males |
Educational Qualification
Educational standards for the UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026 vary by wing, emphasizing strong foundations in core subjects like mathematics and physics for technical branches while keeping army requirements accessible to 12th-pass students. UPSC verifies these qualifications during the application and later stages, so aspirants must possess recognized board certificates to avoid rejection. Final-year students can apply provisionally if they complete requirements before training begins.
| Wing | Qualification |
| Army | 10+2 from any recognized board |
| Air Force/Navy | 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics |
| Naval Academy (10+2) | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
Vacancy Details
Vacancies for the UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026 reflect the Indian Armed Forces’ needs, distributed across Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy to build a balanced officer cadre for future leadership roles. UPSC announces exact numbers in the notification, but historical trends show hundreds of openings that motivate widespread participation from eligible youth. These positions promise honorable service, adventure, and national pride upon successful completion of training.
| Cadet Entry | Post Name | Total Posts (Tentative) |
| National Defence Academy | Army | 208 |
| National Defence Academy | Navy | 42 |
| National Defence Academy | Air Force | 120 |
| Naval Academy | 10+2 Cadet Entry | 24 |
| Total | – | 394 |
Exam Pattern
The examination structure for the UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026 tests a broad range of skills through two objective papers, helping UPSC identify candidates with analytical minds and general awareness suitable for defense roles. Mathematics assesses quantitative ability, while the General Ability Test covers English, science, and current affairs, with negative marking to encourage accuracy over guesswork. Understanding this pattern allows students to allocate study time wisely for optimal performance.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | – | 900 | 5 Hours |
Application Fee
Paying the correct fee on time forms a crucial step for confirming registration ahead of the UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026, with UPSC offering exemptions to promote inclusivity across economic backgrounds. Candidates use secure online modes like debit cards or net banking, ensuring transactions complete before the deadline to prevent application invalidation. This nominal charge underscores the seriousness of the commitment to a defense career.
| Category | Fee Amount |
| General/OBC | Rs. 100/- |
| SC/ST/Sons of JCOs/ORs/Females | Exempted |
| Payment Mode | Online (Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking) |
Salary and Benefits
Lieutenants commissioned after training from the UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026 intake enjoy competitive pay scales along with allowances that support a dignified lifestyle amid demanding duties. The Seventh Pay Commission structures stipulate starting salaries around Rs. 56,100 per month, supplemented by dearness allowance, military service pay, and kit maintenance grants that enhance financial stability. Over time, promotions bring substantial hikes, making defense service rewarding both materially and honor-wise.
| Component | Amount (Approx.) |
| Basic Pay (Lt.) | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| MSP | Rs. 15,500 |
| Other Allowances | DA, Kit, Transport (Varies) |
Important Links: UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026
Reliable links direct candidates to authentic resources for the UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026, streamlining access to notifications, forms, and updates without misinformation risks. UPSC maintains these on its primary site, where aspirants download schedules, apply online, and check results later, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
| Purpose | Link |
| Official Notification | upsc.gov.in |
| Apply Online | upsconline.nic.in |
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FAQs: UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026
When is the UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026?
The UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026 is scheduled for April 12, 2026.
Who can apply for UPSC NDA I 2026?
Unmarried male candidates aged 16.5-19.5 years with 10+2 qualification (Physics/Math for Navy/Air Force) can apply.
What is the application period for UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026?
Applications start on December 10, 2025, and end on December 30, 2025.
How many vacancies are there for UPSC NDA I 2026?
Around 394 posts across Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.
Is there negative marking on UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026?
Yes, 1/3 marks deducted for wrong answers in both papers.
When will the admit card for UPSC NDA I Exam Date 2026 be released?
Admit cards release closer to April 2026, notified on upsc.gov.in