The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the schedule for the highly anticipated National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination for 2026. Mark your calendars: the NDA 1 2026 exam will take place on April 12, 2026. The official notification, detailing all essential information, was released on 10 December 2025. Candidates can submit their applications from December 10 to December 30, 2025. Below, we have given the NDA 1 2026 Notification PDF Download Link.
Important Dates for NDA 1 2026
| Official Notification Date | December 10, 2025 |
| Application Form Availability | December 10 to December 30, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th December, 2025 |
| Examination Date | April 12, 2026 |
Application Process
The application process for NDA 2025 is streamlined and will be conducted online. Aspiring candidates are required to complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC website before filling out the application form. This is your chance to embark on an incredible journey, so ensure you take note of the application window!
Application Fee
The application fee for NDA 1 2026 is a nominal ₹100 for General and OBC candidates, making it accessible for many. Remarkably, female candidates, SC/ST candidates, and sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs will enjoy exemption from this fee, promoting inclusivity and encouraging diverse participation.
Eligibility
Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age on the first day of the month when the course is set to begin, ensuring young talent can take this vital step in their careers.
Educational Qualification: A pass in the 10+2 examination or its equivalent from a recognized board is essential to qualify for this prestigious exam.
Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible, which aligns with the ethos of the NDA.
Important Links:
| NDA Syllabus | NDA Eligibility Criteria |
| UPSC Calendar in PDF | Download Now |
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply |
| Notification PDF Download | Download Now |
| Previous Year Notification PDF (NDA 2 2025) | Download Now |
How to Apply for NDA 1 2026
To apply for NDA 1 2026, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official UPSC Website
- Go to the official Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) website: https://www.upsc.gov.in.
Step 2: Register on the UPSC Portal (One-Time Registration – OTR)
- Before applying for the exam, you need to complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
- If you are a first-time user, click on “New Registration” and fill in the necessary details such as your name, email, and contact information.
- After completing the registration, you will receive a login ID and password.
Step 3: Fill in the NDA 2 2025 Application Form
- Once logged in, click on the “Apply Online” link for the NDA 2 2025 exam.
- Fill in the application form with personal, educational, and other relevant details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other necessary documents as per the requirements.
Step 4: Choose Exam Centre
- Select your preferred exam centre from the list of available options.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
- The application fee is ₹100 for General and OBC candidates. Women, SC/ST candidates, and sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempt from the fee.
- You can pay the fee online through net banking, credit/debit cards, or through an e-challan at any branch of SBI.
Step 6: Submit the Application Form
- After filling in all the required details and paying the fee, review the form carefully to ensure that all the information is correct.
- Submit the application form.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to apply for NDA 1 2026, you need to follow these steps:
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC website.
- Fill out the NDA 1 2026 application form online between Dec 10, 2025, and Dec 30, 2025.
- Pay the application fee (₹100 for General/OBC, free for SC/ST/female candidates).
- Upload the required documents (photo, signature).
- Submit the form and keep a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.