UPSC NDA 2 2026 notification is out for 394 vacancies across Army, Navy and Air Force wings. Applications close on 9 June 2026 at 6:00 PM.

The biggest rejection reasons are age mismatch, wrong service preference lock, medical issues and OMR mistakes - not just low marks. The NDA Army Wing carries 208 seats (198 male, 10 female), making it the largest block. Air Force and Navy entries require Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at 12th level. The Army Wing does not.

Candidates must be unmarried, born between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2011, and apply online only. There is no hard-copy application and no offline mode. Selection involves a written exam, SSB interview, medical examination, and CPSS where applicable.

NDA 2 2026 at a Glance

NDA 2 2026 for Beginners: The Reality Check

Before you apply, understand what this exam actually demands:

• Army Wing does not require PCM: A 12th pass in any stream is enough.
• Air Force and Navy require PCM: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are mandatory at the 12th level.
• SSB is not a normal interview: It is a multi-day psychological, physical and leadership assessment.
• Written exam alone does not guarantee selection: SSB and medical screening are equally decisive.
• Medical rejection happens late: Many candidates are rejected at the very end of the process due to strict medical standards.
• Female candidates can apply: Separate vacancies are officially notified for male and female candidates.
• Class 11 students are not eligible: Only 12th pass or appearing candidates can apply.

Vacancy Breakdown: Service-Wise Seats

Important Note: Men and women are separate entries. Written results and final merit lists will be prepared separately as per the notified vacancies.

UPSC NDA 2 2026 Eligibility: Age Limit, Marital Status and Education

Age Limit

Born between:

• Not earlier than 1 January 2008
• Not later than 1 January 2011

Critical Alert: Date of Birth Strictness Only the date of birth entered in the Matriculation or Secondary School Certificate is accepted. Once a date of birth is submitted and recorded by UPSC, no change will be allowed at any subsequent stage. Verify this carefully before locking your application.

Marital Status

Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. Candidates must undertake not to marry until the completion of full training. Marriage during training leads to immediate discharge and a liability to refund all Government expenditure.

Educational Qualification by Wing

Appearing 12th Candidates: You are eligible to apply. However, you must submit proof of passing by 10 June 2027 if you clear the SSB stage.

Who Should Apply (and Who Shouldn't)

Top 7 Reasons NDA Candidates Get Rejected

Even after scoring well in the written exam, candidates often face disqualification due to the following process failures:

• 1. Age mismatch or wrong DOB entered: The DOB in the online application does not perfectly match the 10th certificate.
• 2. Medical unfitness: Common hidden issues include being underweight, inadequate chest expansion, eyesight variations, or having tattoos on unapproved body parts.
• 3. Wrong service preference locked: Preferences cannot be changed after submission. Candidates are considered *only* for their chosen services.
• 4. Class 12 proof delayed: Appearing candidates fail to submit passing proof by the strict 10 June 2027 deadline.
• 5. OMR sheet mistakes: Incorrect roll number, wrong booklet series, or marking multiple answers on the OMR sheet leads to zero evaluation.
• 6. SSB interview failure: Clearing the written exam is only phase one; many fail the psychological and intelligence assessments at SSB.
• 7. CPSS failure (Air Force): If a candidate fails the Computerized Pilot Selection System, they are permanently ineligible for the Flying Branch.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

How to Apply Online

• 1. Visit https://upsconline.nic.in.
• 2. Complete Universal Registration to generate your URN.
• 3. Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF).
• 4. Upload your scanned photograph and signature as per portal formats.
• 5. Capture a live photograph via webcam while filling the CAF.
• 6. Fill the NDA & NA Examination-II, 2026 specific module.
• 7. Select your exam centre (centres are allocated on a first-apply-first-allot basis).
• 8. Carefully select your service preferences (numbered 1 to 4).
• 9. Pay the fee (if applicable).
• 10. Submit the application and save your Application Number.

Last date: 9 June 2026, 6:00 PM

Application Lock Warning The official notice strictly states: No correction, alteration or modification in any field is allowed after submission. No withdrawal is permitted.

3 Things to Verify Before Paying the Fee

• Your date of birth matches your 10th marksheet exactly.
• Your service preferences are in your actual desired order.
• Your fee exemption claim (if applicable) is backed by an official certificate.

*Fee (Rs. 100 for General/OBC/EWS males) once paid will not be refunded.*

NDA Salary 2026 and Officer Pay Level

While military service is driven by passion, the financial structure is highly organized:

• Stipend During Training: Cadets receive a fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100 during their training at service academies (like IMA).
• Pay After Commissioning: Upon successful commissioning, officers start at Pay Level 10 (Lieutenant), which scales from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500.
• Allowances: Officers also receive Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500 per month, Dearness Allowance (DA), and various field area, flying, or hardship allowances depending on their posting and branch.

*(Note: Selected candidates must deposit certain pocket allowances and incidental charges upon joining the academy as per official joining instructions. Officers also have structured promotional avenues up to the rank of General / Admiral / Air Chief Marshal based on service years and selection.)*

Selection Process & Exam Syllabus

The NDA selection process has three main filters:

• 1. Written Examination (UPSC): Mathematics (300 Marks) + General Ability Test (600 Marks). Total: 900 Marks.
• 2. SSB Interview: Intelligence, Personality Test, Group Tasks, Psychology Tests. Total: 900 Marks.
• 3. Medical Examination: Conducted by a Board of Service Medical Officers.

What to Watch Out For in the Exam:

• The General Ability Test (English 200 + GK 400) carries double the weight of Mathematics. Ignoring it is mathematically risky.
• There is negative marking. One-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every wrong answer.

Hidden Friction Points in This Recruitment

Avoid these technical and procedural traps:

• URN Profile Edits Do Not Fix Submitted Applications: UPSC allows one-time modification of the URN profile. However, changes apply *only* to applications submitted after the profile is updated. Already submitted applications remain unchanged.
• Live Photo + Scanned Photo: You must upload a scanned photo AND capture a live photo. Ensure the lighting is good, and the images match.
• Signature Format is Specific: You must sign three times (one below the other) on plain white paper using black ink only, then scan and upload it.
• Centre Selection is Capacity-Based: Popular centres freeze once their seat limit is reached. Applying late forces you to select less preferred, distant centres.

Important Dates

FAQs

Final Verdict and Next Steps

Submit your application early if: You fall exactly within the 1 January 2008 to 1 January 2011 age window, possess the right educational background for your target wing, and are medically prepared for defence standards. Applying early secures your preferred exam centre.

Pause and verify if: Your eyesight, weight, or general medical fitness is uncertain. Medical rejection happens very late in the process, often after candidates have spent months preparing for the written exam and SSB.

Review the official notification once, organize your 10th and 12th documents, and ensure your live photo and signature are captured exactly as instructed before locking the final form.