NDA 2 Registration 2026 Underway; Check Last Date to Apply

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has started the registration process for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination (II), 2026. Candidates who aspire to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through the NDA route can now submit their applications online. The registration process is currently underway on the official UPSC portal, and eligible candidates are advised to complete their applications well before the deadline.

According to the official schedule released by UPSC, the last date to submit the NDA 2 application form is June 9, 2026. The written examination is scheduled to be conducted on September 13, 2026, across examination centres in India.

The NDA examination remains one of the most prestigious entrance exams for students seeking a career in the Indian Armed Forces. Every year, thousands of candidates apply for admission to the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy, making it one of the most competitive defence entrance examinations in the country.

NDA 2 Registration 2026: Important Dates

Candidates should keep track of the important dates related to the examination.

Event	Date
Notification Release Date	May 20, 2026
Application Start Date	May 20, 2026
Last Date to Apply	June 9, 2026
NDA 2 Exam Date	September 13, 2026
Admit Card Release	Expected in August/September 2026

 

The registration window opened on May 20, 2026, and candidates have a limited period to complete the online application process.

NDA 2 2026 Vacancy Details

UPSC has announced a total of 394 vacancies under NDA and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026. These vacancies are distributed among the Army, Navy, Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy.

The examination offers candidates an opportunity to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the armed forces after completing their training.

Eligibility Criteria for NDA 2 2026

Candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements before applying.

Educational Qualification

For Army Wing:

• Candidates should have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.

For Air Force and Naval Wings:

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

Students appearing in Class 12 examinations may also be eligible to apply, subject to UPSC guidelines.

Age Limit

Candidates applying for NDA 2 2026 must fall within the prescribed age bracket notified by UPSC. Generally, applicants should be unmarried and fall within the specified birth date range mentioned in the official notification.

Nationality

Applicants must satisfy nationality conditions prescribed by UPSC. Indian citizens are eligible to apply, along with other categories mentioned in the official notification.

How to Apply for NDA 2 Registration 2026?

Candidates can complete the application process online by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the UPSC online application portal.

Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)

New users must complete the One-Time Registration process by entering personal details such as name, email address, mobile number, and other required information.

Step 3: Log In

Use the registered credentials to access the application form.

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

Enter all required details including:

• Personal information
• Educational qualifications
• Address details
• Examination centre preferences

Step 5: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of:

• Passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Other required documents

Step 6: Pay Application Fee

Candidates belonging to applicable categories must pay the prescribed examination fee through the available online payment methods.

Step 7: Submit the Form

Carefully review all information before final submission.

Step 8: Download Confirmation

Take a printout of the submitted application form and confirmation page for future reference.

NDA 2 Application Fee Details

Candidates applying for NDA 2 2026 must pay the prescribed application fee during the online registration process. The fee for General and OBC candidates is ₹100, payable through online modes such as debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. SC, ST, and all female candidates are exempted from paying the fee. Applicants should ensure successful payment before final submission, as incomplete transactions may lead to rejection of the application. Candidates are advised to keep a copy of the payment receipt and verify fee-related instructions in the official UPSC notification.

NDA 2 Selection Process

The NDA selection process consists of multiple stages.

Written Examination

The written test includes:

• Mathematics
• General Ability Test (GAT)

The examination evaluates candidates on subjects including mathematics, English, science, current affairs, and general knowledge.

SSB Interview

Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

The SSB process assesses:

• Intelligence
• Leadership qualities
• Communication skills
• Psychological aptitude
• Physical fitness

Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by the SSB must undergo a medical examination before final selection.

Why NDA Is a Popular Career Choice?

The National Defence Academy is considered one of the premier military training institutions in the world. It provides young aspirants with an opportunity to receive high-quality academic and military training while preparing for leadership roles in the armed forces.

Some key benefits of joining NDA include:

• Prestigious officer-level career
• World-class military training
• Opportunities in Army, Navy, and Air Force
• Attractive salary and allowances
• Adventure and leadership opportunities
• Job security and career growth

For many students completing Class 12, NDA serves as the first step toward a distinguished career in national service.

Preparation Tips for NDA 2 2026

With the examination scheduled for September 13, candidates still have time to strengthen their preparation.

Some useful preparation tips include:

• Understand the latest syllabus thoroughly.
• Practice Mathematics daily.
• Improve English language skills.
• Read newspapers regularly for current affairs.
• Solve previous years’ question papers.
• Take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Focus on physical fitness alongside academic preparation.

Consistent preparation can significantly improve a candidate’s chances of success in the examination.

Documents Required During Application

Candidates should keep the following documents ready before beginning the registration process:

• Class 10 certificate
• Class 12 mark sheet or appearing certificate
• Aadhaar card or valid identity proof
• Passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Active email ID
• Mobile number

Keeping these documents ready can help ensure a smooth application process.

Final Reminder for Candidates

UPSC has already opened the NDA 2 Registration 2026 window, and interested candidates should not wait until the last day to apply. Early registration helps avoid technical issues and last-minute rush.

The application process will remain open until June 9, 2026, while the written examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026. Candidates aspiring to wear the uniform and serve the nation should complete their applications, verify all details carefully, and begin focused preparation for the upcoming examination.