UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 394 Posts

The UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 notification has been officially published by the Union Public Service Commission on 20 May 2026, under Advertisement Number Advt. No. 10/2026-NDA-II. This exam is the gateway for Class 12 students and appearing candidates who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces — Army, Navy, Air Force, or Naval Academy — right after their board exams. With 394 vacancies on offer and the application window closing on 09 June 2026, this is your signal to start preparing. Here's a complete, no-fluff breakdown of everything you need to apply and qualify.

What is UPSC NDA II 2026?

The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination is one of India's most prestigious entry-level defence examinations. Conducted twice a year by UPSC, it selects candidates for the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces directly after Class 12. NDA II is the second edition for 2026, held under Advt. No. 10/2026-NDA-II.

Here's what makes NDA unique — unlike most defence exams, this one targets 12th-pass or appearing students, typically between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 years. Successful candidates undergo a 3-year training programme at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune, followed by service-specific training at the respective academies.

We've compiled all the key information below so you don't have to hunt through multiple sources. For similar central government opportunities, also check out our detailed post on UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 — another major defence exam open simultaneously.

Important Dates – UPSC NDA II 2026

These are the dates that matter. Miss the deadline and you're waiting another cycle. Set reminders now.

Application Fee – UPSC NDA II 2026

Accepted Payment Methods: Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Card / Mobile Wallet.

Eligibility Criteria – UPSC NDA II 2026

Age Limit

Let's be clear: the age requirement here is strict and non-negotiable. Candidates must have a date of birth falling between 01 January 2008 and 01 January 2011 (both dates inclusive). This translates to candidates who are roughly 15 to 18 years old at the time of application. Age relaxation is available for reserved category candidates as per UPSC regulations — check the official notification for exact details.

Nationality

The applicant must be a citizen of India. Additionally, subjects of Bhutan or Nepal, and Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962, may also be eligible — subject to a government-issued eligibility certificate.

Marital Status

Candidates must be unmarried at the time of application and throughout the training period at NDA. Married candidates are not eligible to apply.

Educational Qualification (Wing-wise)

Vacancy Details – UPSC NDA II 2026

A total of 394 posts are available across four wings of the Indian Armed Forces. The Army accounts for the largest chunk with 208 seats — making it the most accessible pathway for candidates from all streams.

Additionally, the Air Force Wing includes vacancies for both Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. Candidates should confirm branch-specific availability in the official notification PDF before applying.

Selection Process – UPSC NDA II 2026

The NDA selection process has two clear stages. Both are mandatory — clearing one does not automatically qualify you for the next without meeting the cutoff.

Stage 1: Written Examination

Scheduled for 13 September 2026, the written exam is an objective-type test conducted at centres across India. It consists of two papers:

There is a negative marking system in place — wrong answers carry a penalty of 1/3rd of the marks for that question. Attempt carefully and strategically.

Stage 2: SSB Interview

Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which carries 900 marks — equal to the written exam. The SSB is a 5-day process that tests psychological aptitude, group dynamics, leadership, and personal interview performance. The total marks for selection are 1800 (Written 900 + SSB 900).

How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA II 2026

The entire application process happens online through UPSC's OTR (One Time Registration) portal. Follow these steps carefully — one mistake and your form could get rejected.

1. Go to the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in
2. Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process if you are a first-time applicant — you'll get a permanent OTR ID
3. Log in using your OTR credentials and search for the NDA II 2026 application form (Advt. No. 10/2026-NDA-II)
4. Select your preferred wing (Army / Navy / Air Force / Naval Academy) and fill in all personal and educational details
5. Upload a recent passport-size photograph and your signature in the specified format (JPEG, within UPSC's prescribed file size)
6. Choose your preferred exam centre from the available list of cities
7. Pay the application fee of ₹100/- (General/OBC) online via net banking, debit/credit card, or mobile wallet. SC/ST candidates skip this step
8. Review your filled form carefully, then click Submit. Save or print the confirmation receipt for future reference

Required Documents for UPSC NDA II 2026

Keep these ready — both for the online application and the SSB Interview stage later if you qualify.

Important Links – UPSC NDA II 2026

Conclusion

Bottom line: UPSC NDA II 2026 is one of the finest opportunities for young Indians aspiring to serve in the Armed Forces. With 394 vacancies across the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Naval Academy — and a simple ₹100 application fee — there is almost no barrier to entry for eligible candidates. Apply before 09 June 2026, prepare seriously for the 13 September written exam, and start your SSB preparation alongside.

Stay connected with all Defence Jobs 2026 updates on Rojgarvala.in and also read our detailed guide on UPSC CDS II 2026 — another defence exam open right now for graduates. Best of luck!