The application window for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (1) 2026 is closing today, December 30, 2025. Students who wish to join the defence forces must submit their online application by 6 PM today. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is conducting this exam to fill 394 vacancies.
This is the last chance for eligible candidates to apply for NDA 1 2026. The application process began on December 10, 2025. All aspiring candidates should complete their registration and fee payment on the official UPSC website before the deadline.
Important Dates for NDA 1 2026 Exam
Here are the key dates for the NDA 1 2026 application and exam:
| Application Start Date | December 10, 2025 |
| Application Last Date | December 30, 2025 (until 6 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | December 30, 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
Who Can Apply for NDA 1 2026?
The NDA exam is for young individuals who want to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. To apply for the NDA 1 2026 exam, candidates must meet specific age and education requirements:
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2 pattern) from a recognised board.
A total of 394 positions are open for this exam. These vacancies are for different wings of the defence services, offering a great opportunity for students finishing their intermediate studies.
Application Fee Details
The application fee for NDA 1 2026 is INR 100. This fee must be paid online. However, some groups of candidates do not need to pay the fee:
- Candidates from Scheduled Caste (SC) category
- Candidates from Scheduled Tribe (ST) category
- Women candidates
- Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates
These candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
How to Fill the NDA 1 2026 Application Form Online
The application process for NDA 1 2026 is completely online. There is no way to apply offline. Candidates must first create a One Time Registration ID (OTR) on the UPSC website before filling out the main application form. Follow these simple steps to apply:
- Visit the official website of UPSC.
- Look for and click on the 'NDA 1 Apply Online' link.
- If you haven't already, create your One Time Registration (OTR) ID. This is a one-time process for all UPSC exams.
- Log in using your OTR ID.
- Fill in all the required details in the application form carefully.
- Upload copies of your necessary documents, such as photographs and signatures, as per the instructions.
- Pay the application fee of INR 100 through online payment methods, if applicable to you.
- Review all the information you have entered to ensure it is correct.
- Finally, submit your online application form.
- It is a good idea to download and print a copy of your submitted form for your records.
What Happens Next?
After the application window closes, the UPSC will soon open a window for correcting details in the application form. If you made any mistakes while filling out the form, you will be able to edit them during this period. The exact dates for the correction window will be announced later. The NDA 1 2026 exam is scheduled for April 12, 2026. This exam is a key step for students aiming for a career in India's defence forces.
