UPSC NDA 1 Registration 2026 Begins: Apply Now for 394 Defence Vacancies — Step-by-Step Form Guide & Eligibility
UPSC NDA 1 Registration 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA & NA I 2026 notification, and the online application process has now begun. Candidates dreaming of joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force through the prestigious National Defence Academy can register between 10 December and 30 December 2025.
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This year, UPSC has introduced its updated online application portal with a four-module system, offering smoother account creation and universal registration. After completing the initial steps, candidates can fill the NDA 1 examination form and generate their Application Number.
The written exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026 (Sunday), and UPSC will recruit 394 candidates across Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy wings.
UPSC NDA 1 Registration 2026 – Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NDA & NA I 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Dates | 10–30 December 2025 |
| Mode of Application | Online (upsconline.nic.in) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
What’s New in the UPSC Online Application System?
The new UPSC portal includes four modules, out of which the first three can be completed anytime:
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Account Creation
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Universal Registration
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Common Application Form
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Exam-Specific Form (Active only during application dates)
Once registered, candidates receive a Universal Registration Number (URN) used for every future UPSC exam.
Vacancy Breakdown – UPSC NDA 1 Registration 2026 (394 Seats)
| Academy / Branch | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army (NDA) | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy (NDA) | 37 | 5 | 42 |
| Air Force – Flying | 90 | 2 | 92 |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Tech) | 16 | 2 | 18 |
| Air Force – Ground Duties (Non-Tech) | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 21 | 3 | 24 |
| Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
UPSC NDA 1 Registration 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Candidates must be:
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Citizens of India
-
Or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan
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Or Tibetan refugees settled before 1962
Age Limit
Unmarried male/female candidates born between:
01 July 2007 – 01 July 2010
Educational Qualification
Army Wing:
12th pass (10+2 pattern)
Air Force & Naval Wing:
12th pass with Physics + Chemistry + Mathematics
UPSC NDA 1 Registration 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Female / Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | Exempted |
Payment can be made via:
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Debit/Credit card
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UPI
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Internet Banking
How to Apply for UPSC NDA 1 Registration 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide
STEP 1: Visit upsconline.nic.in
STEP 2: Complete:
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Account Creation
-
Universal Registration
-
Common Application Form
You will receive a Universal Registration Number (URN).
STEP 3: Login with URN → Open NDA I 2026 Application Form
Fill details, upload documents, and pay the fee.
STEP 4: Once submitted, you receive a unique application number for NDA I.
STEP 5: Download & save the final form.
NaukriBee Insight
The NDA exam remains one of India’s most prestigious defence entry pathways. With 394 seats and lakhs of aspirants applying every cycle, starting early with the new portal registration is crucial. The earlier you complete the four-module registration process, the more time you’ll have to prep for April 2026.
FAQs – UPSC NDA 1 Registration 2026
Q1. When did the NDA 1 2026 registration start?
10 December 2025.
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
30 December 2025.
Q3. How many vacancies are available?
A total of 394 posts across NDA & NA.
Q4. Who can apply for NDA?
Unmarried male/female candidates aged 16.5 to 19.5 years.
Q5. What is the exam date?
12 April 2026.
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