UPSC NDA and NA 2026: eligibility, syllabus, cut-offs, salary and how to apply
UPSC National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), with Services Selection Boards. Posts: Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy, and the Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme).
| Vacancies | How often | Application fee |
|---|---|---|
| 406 (NDA and NA (II) 2025) | Twice a year: exams in April and September. | Rs 100. SC, ST, sons of JCOs, NCOs and ORs (as notified) and women do not pay. |
UPSC NDA and NA eligibility: who can apply
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Who | Unmarried men and women who are Indian citizens (and others as set out in the notification). |
| Age | 16½ to 19½ years, within the birth-date window given in the notification. |
| Education | Army wing: Class 12 in any stream. Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Students in Class 12 can apply. |
| Physical | Physical and medical standards of the Services, checked at the SSB and medical board. |
UPSC NDA and NA selection process
- Written exam (UPSC)
- Services Selection Board (SSB) interview over five days
- Medical examination
- Final merit (written + SSB)
UPSC NDA and NA exam pattern and marks
Written exam and SSB
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2½ hours |
| General Ability Test (English 200 + General Knowledge 400) | 150 | 600 | 2½ hours |
| SSB test and interview | - | 900 | 5 days |
| Total | 1,800 |
Wrong answers carry negative marking.
At least 25% is needed in each written subject.
UPSC NDA and NA syllabus
- Mathematics: algebra, matrices and determinants, trigonometry, analytical geometry, differential and integral calculus, vectors, statistics and probability.
- General Ability Test: English (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension) and general knowledge (physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography, current events).
How to prepare for UPSC NDA and NA
- Use Class 11 and 12 NCERT Mathematics, and solve previous years' papers from upsc.gov.in.
- Read daily for English and general knowledge.
- Prepare for the SSB alongside: officer intelligence tests, picture perception and discussion, psychological tests, group tasks and the interview.
- Keep up physical fitness and check the medical standards early.
UPSC NDA and NA previous cut-offs: NDA and NA (II) 2025, National Defence Academy
| Stage | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum qualifying at written stage (out of 900) | 304.90 | 358.84 |
| Last recommended candidate, final (out of 1,800) | 666.01 | 737.40 |
At least 25% marks in each written subject is also required. Source: UPSC: NDA and NA (II) 2025 recommendation details and cut-off marks
Salary and posts after UPSC NDA and NA
Permanent commission as an officer in the Army, Navy or Air Force after three years at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and a further year at the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy or Air Force Academy.
| Post | Pay level and starting basic pay | What the work is |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant (Army) | Level 10, Rs 56,100 + Military Service Pay Rs 15,500 | Commands a platoon of about 30 soldiers in an infantry, armoured, artillery or other unit. |
| Sub Lieutenant (Navy) | Level 10, Rs 56,100 + Military Service Pay Rs 15,500 | Watchkeeping and divisional duties on a ship, then specialisation (gunnery, navigation, engineering and others). |
| Flying Officer (Air Force) | Level 10, Rs 56,100 + Military Service Pay Rs 15,500 | Pilot, or a ground duty or technical branch, after flying or branch training. |
Example: a cadet who joins the Army wing spends three years at the NDA (a degree comes with it) and one year at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, drawing a stipend of Rs 56,100 a month in the final year of training, and is commissioned as a Lieutenant into an Army regiment.
Lieutenant and equivalents start at Pay Level 10 (Rs 56,100) of the defence pay matrix plus Military Service Pay of Rs 15,500 a month, with Dearness Allowance and service allowances on top.
UPSC NDA and NA job profile and duties
- Leading and training soldiers, sailors or airmen
- Operations on the border, at sea or in the air, and in disaster relief
- Looking after equipment, discipline and the welfare of the unit
UPSC NDA and NA promotions and promotion cycle
| Stage | Pay | When |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | On commission |
| Captain | Higher defence pay level | After 2 years |
| Major | Higher defence pay level | After 6 years |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Higher defence pay level | After 13 years |
| Colonel, Brigadier, Major General, Lieutenant General, Chief | Up to Level 18 | By selection boards |
Army ranks shown; the Navy and Air Force have equivalent ranks on the same time scale. Ranks up to Lieutenant Colonel come with years of service; higher ranks are by selection. Sources: Indian Army Lieutenant pay, as reported by Physics Wallah · Join Indian Army
How to apply for UPSC NDA and NA, step by step
- Read the NDA and NA notification on upsc.gov.in.
- Complete One Time Registration and fill the application, choosing your order of preference for the wings.
- Upload photo, signature and photo ID; pay the fee if applicable and submit.
- Download the e-admit card and take the written exam.
- If you qualify, register on the Service's recruiting website for SSB dates as told in the result.
Sources: UPSC Active Examinations. Rules, vacancies and dates change with each notification: read the official notification before applying.
UPSC NDA and NA: common questions
How many vacancies are there in UPSC NDA and NA?
406 in NDA and NA (II) 2025. Army 208, Navy 42, Air Force 120, Naval Academy 36 (each including seats for women). NDA and NA (I) 2026 was notified for 394.
What is the age limit for UPSC NDA and NA?
16½ to 19½ years, within the birth-date window given in the notification.
What qualification is needed for UPSC NDA and NA?
Army wing: Class 12 in any stream. Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Students in Class 12 can apply.
What is the selection process of UPSC NDA and NA?
Written exam (UPSC); Services Selection Board (SSB) interview over five days; Medical examination; Final merit (written + SSB).
What is the salary after UPSC NDA and NA?
Lieutenant (Army): Level 10, Rs 56,100 + Military Service Pay Rs 15,500; Sub Lieutenant (Navy): Level 10, Rs 56,100 + Military Service Pay Rs 15,500; Flying Officer (Air Force): Level 10, Rs 56,100 + Military Service Pay Rs 15,500. Lieutenant and equivalents start at Pay Level 10 (Rs 56,100) of the defence pay matrix plus Military Service Pay of Rs 15,500 a month, with Dearness Allowance and service allowances on top..
What was the last cut-off of UPSC NDA and NA?
NDA and NA (II) 2025, National Defence Academy: Minimum qualifying at written stage (out of 900) 304.90, 358.84; Last recommended candidate, final (out of 1,800) 666.01, 737.40. The full table is above.
What is the application fee for UPSC NDA and NA?
Rs 100. SC, ST, sons of JCOs, NCOs and ORs (as notified) and women do not pay.
How do I apply for UPSC NDA and NA?
Read the NDA and NA notification on upsc.gov.in. Complete One Time Registration and fill the application, choosing your order of preference for the wings. Upload photo, signature and photo ID; pay the fee if applicable and submit. Apply only on the official website: https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/active-exams