NDA 2 Notification 2026 Released for 394 Vacancies: Register at UPSC; Check Eligibility, Exam Date, Selection Process and More

The Union Public Service Commission has released the NDA 2 Notification 2026 for admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy courses. Candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force can now apply online through the official UPSC website. According to the notification, a total of 394 vacancies have been announced for eligible male and female candidates across different defence wings.

The release of the notification has started the registration process for one of the most prestigious defence entrance examinations in the country. Students who have completed or are appearing in Class 12 can submit their applications within the prescribed deadline. The NDA examination is conducted twice every year and offers young aspirants an opportunity to begin their careers in the armed forces at an early age.

The NDA 2 2026 examination will be conducted in offline mode at various centres across India. Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for the Services Selection Board interview, followed by medical examinations.

NDA 2 Notification 2026 Released

The official notification contains important details related to the number of vacancies, educational qualifications, age limit, application process, exam pattern, and selection stages. Candidates are advised to carefully read the complete notification before filling out the application form.

The NDA examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for admission to:

• National Defence Academy
• Naval Academy

Selected candidates receive training for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.

The NDA exam remains highly competitive every year as lakhs of students apply for a limited number of seats. Aspirants are therefore advised to start preparation early and complete the application process without waiting for the last date.

NDA 2 Vacancy 2026 Details

This year, UPSC has announced a total of 394 vacancies under NDA 2 2026. The vacancies are distributed among different defence services.

The expected distribution includes:

• Army Wing seats
• Naval Wing seats
• Air Force Wing seats
• Naval Academy seats

The detailed category-wise and wing-wise seat allocation is available in the official notification released by UPSC.

Candidates should note that final vacancies may change depending on administrative requirements.

NDA 2 2026 Important Dates

Candidates should keep track of all major dates related to the examination and admission process.

Important Events

Applicants are advised to regularly check the official UPSC portal for updates related to admit cards, corrections, and results.

Eligibility Criteria for NDA 2 2026

Candidates must satisfy all eligibility requirements before applying for the examination.

Educational Qualification

Educational requirements vary according to the defence wing chosen by the candidate.

Army Wing of NDA

Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognised board.

Air Force and Naval Wings

Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

Students appearing in Class 12 final examinations are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing during the admission process.

Age Limit

Only unmarried male and female candidates within the prescribed age bracket mentioned in the official notification are eligible to apply.

Candidates must carefully verify their date of birth eligibility before filling out the form because requests for correction are usually not entertained later.

Nationality Criteria

Applicants must be:

• Citizens of India, or
• Subjects of Nepal, or
• Persons of Indian origin meeting UPSC conditions

Detailed nationality conditions are mentioned in the official notification.

NDA 2 2026 Application Process

The online application process has started on the official UPSC website. Candidates need to complete registration carefully because incomplete or incorrect forms may be rejected.

Steps to Apply Online

1. Visit the official UPSC portal.
2. Open the NDA 2 2026 application link.
3. Complete One Time Registration if not already registered.
4. Fill personal and academic details.
5. Upload required documents and photograph.
6. Pay the application fee.
7. Submit the application form.
8. Download and print the confirmation page.

Candidates are advised to use active mobile numbers and email addresses during registration to receive important communication from UPSC.

Application Fee

Applicants belonging to the General and OBC categories are usually required to pay the prescribed examination fee. However, female candidates and candidates belonging to SC and ST categories are generally exempted from fee payment.

The payment can be completed through:

• Debit card
• Credit card
• Net banking
• UPI
• Other approved online payment methods

Candidates should keep payment receipts safely for future reference.

NDA 2 2026 Exam Pattern

The written examination consists of two papers conducted on the same day.

Mathematics Paper

• Total Marks: 300
• Duration: 2.5 hours

General Ability Test

• Total Marks: 600
• Duration: 2.5 hours

The General Ability Test includes:

• English
• General Knowledge
• Physics
• Chemistry
• History
• Geography
• Current Affairs

The total written examination carries 900 marks.

Candidates must prepare according to the latest UPSC syllabus to improve their chances of qualifying.

NDA Selection Process 2026

The selection process includes multiple stages.

Written Examination

Candidates first appear for the UPSC written examination.

SSB Interview

Those who qualify in the written test are called for the Services Selection Board interview. The interview tests personality, intelligence, leadership skills, communication ability, and overall suitability for defence services.

The SSB process generally includes:

• Psychological tests
• Group tasks
• Personal interview
• Officer intelligence rating tests

Medical Examination

Candidates who clear the SSB interview must undergo medical fitness tests conducted by authorised military hospitals.

Final Merit List

The final merit list is prepared based on combined performance in:

• Written examination
• SSB interview

Medical fitness is mandatory for final selection.

Training After Selection

Selected candidates are admitted to the National Defence Academy in Pune and the Naval Academy for rigorous military training.

Training includes:

• Academic education
• Physical fitness
• Military discipline
• Leadership development
• Weapon training
• Outdoor exercises

After completing training, cadets are commissioned into the Indian Armed Forces as officers.

Why NDA is a Popular Career Choice

The NDA examination attracts thousands of students every year because it offers a prestigious and disciplined career path.

Benefits of joining NDA include:

• Opportunity to serve the nation
• High respect and honour
• Government job security
• Excellent salary and allowances
• Adventure and leadership opportunities
• Pension and retirement benefits

Many students choose NDA immediately after school because it allows them to enter defence services at a young age.

Preparation Tips for NDA 2 2026

Candidates preparing for the NDA exam should focus on disciplined study and physical fitness.

Study the Syllabus Carefully

Understanding the syllabus helps candidates prepare important topics systematically.

Practice Mathematics Daily

Regular practice improves speed and accuracy in solving numerical problems.

Improve English Skills

Reading newspapers and practicing grammar can help in the General Ability Test.

Focus on Current Affairs

Questions related to national and international events are often asked in the examination.

Solve Previous Year Papers

Practicing old question papers helps candidates understand the examination pattern and difficulty level.

Stay Physically Fit

Physical fitness is important for SSB interviews and medical examinations.

Documents Required During Application

Candidates may need the following documents while filling the application form:

• Photograph
• Signature
• Identity proof
• Educational certificates
• Category certificate if applicable

All uploaded documents should match the prescribed format and size mentioned in the notification.

Important Instructions for Candidates

UPSC has advised candidates to fill out the application form carefully. Incorrect information may lead to rejection during verification.

Candidates should:

• Verify personal details before submission
• Use valid email and mobile number
• Keep application number safely
• Download confirmation page
• Regularly check updates regarding admit cards and results

Applicants are also advised to avoid multiple registrations to prevent complications.

Growing Interest Among Female Candidates

In recent years, the participation of female candidates in NDA examinations has increased significantly after the opening of NDA admissions for women. Many female aspirants are now actively preparing for careers in the armed forces.

This change has brought greater inclusivity and opportunity in defence education and officer training.

Conclusion

The release of the NDA 2 Notification 2026 has opened the doors for students who dream of serving the nation through the Indian Armed Forces. With 394 vacancies announced, eligible candidates now have an opportunity to begin their journey toward becoming defence officers.

Candidates should complete the application process within the deadline, understand the syllabus thoroughly, and begin preparation seriously. Since the competition level remains high, early preparation and consistent practice will play an important role in achieving success.

The NDA examination continues to be one of the most respected entrance exams in India, offering not only a stable career but also honour, discipline, and the chance to serve the country with pride.