NDA 1 2026 Notification : Age Limit, Eligibility & Syllabus

The official UPSC portal has released NDA 1 2026 application forms, giving young defense aspirants a chance to pursue their dreams. Candidates can submit their applications from December 10, 2025, until 6:00 PM on December 30, 2025. The age requirements state that applicants’ birth dates must fall between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2010, which sets the eligible age range between 16.5 to 19.5 years.

The NDA application process can feel overwhelming, particularly with the competition’s intensity where written test cut-offs have reached 291 marks. The application fee structure requires General/OBC candidates to pay ₹100, while SC/ST candidates, female applicants, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs from Sainik/Military schools do not need to pay.

NDA 1 2026 Key Dates, Eligibility and Age Limit

The UPSC has officially released a detailed timeline for NDA 1 2026. Candidates should carefully note several important dates as we tuck into the specifics of eligibility and application process.

Important Dates and Registration Details

The UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 confirms that officials released the NDA 1 2026 notification on December 10, 2025. Candidates can submit their applications until December 30, 2025 (6:00 PM). This three-week window allows aspirants to complete their applications thoroughly. The written examination follows on April 12, 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

NDA 1 2026 welcomes both male and female candidates, provided they are unmarried. The eligibility extends to Indian citizens and includes subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before January 1962. People of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African nations can also apply.

NDA 1 2026: Age limit and Educational qualifications

Eligible candidates should be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010. This age requirement puts candidates between 16.5 to 19.5 years, with no age relaxation available for any category. Each wing has specific educational requirements:

Students appearing for their Class 12 examinations in 2026 can apply, but they must submit their passing certificates before joining the academy.

Official website and application link

Candidates must submit their applications through the official UPSC websites: upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in UPSC has announced 394 vacancies for the 2026 session across Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy wings.

Step-by-Step NDA 1 2026 Application Process

The NDA 1 2026 application demands close attention to UPSC’s well-laid-out online process. UPSC’s new system makes applications efficient by breaking them into clear stages. Each stage needs careful handling.

Step 1: Create your URN (Universal Registration Number)

Head to the official UPSC portal (upsconline.nic.in) and click on “New Registration/URN”. Your Universal Registration Number will work for all future UPSC applications. The registration needs:

• Name (exactly as per Class 10 certificate)
• Date of birth (cannot be changed later)
• Gender
• Father’s and mother’s name
• Contact information (email and mobile number)
• Photo ID details (Aadhaar recommended)

Step 2: Fill the Common Application Form (CAF)

After getting your URN, log in and pick “NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026” from active examinations. The CAF has your personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information. These details are the foundations of your application, so fill them carefully.

Step 3: Upload photo and live photo correctly

UPSC now needs both an uploaded photograph and a live-captured photo. Make sure you meet these requirements:

• White background
• 3/4th face coverage (face must cover 75% of area)
• JPG format (20KB-200KB)
• Clear, straight face arrangement with both earlobes visible
• Signature in black ink on white paper (JPG format, 20KB-100KB)

Step 4: Select preferences and exam center

List your service priorities in this order:

• Army Wing (NDA)
• Navy Wing (NDA)
• Air Force Wing (NDA)
• Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry)

Step 5: Pay the application fee

You can pay through debit/credit cards, UPI, and net banking.

Step 6: Final review and submission

Take a good look at everything – your personal information, uploaded documents, service priorities, and payment status. Remember, you cannot withdraw or change your application after submission. Save the confirmation page for your records.

Documents, Mistakes, and Tips for a Smooth Application

Proper documentation is significant for your NDA 1 2026 application. Small errors can lead to immediate rejection. Pay close attention to every detail.

List of required and recommended documents

Common mistakes that lead to rejection

Most applications fail because of mismatched personal details. Make sure your name, date of birth, and parent’s names match exactly with your 10th certificate. UPSC’s verification system flags blurry photos or wrong-sized documents immediately.

Best time to apply for preferred exam center

Exam centers operate on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis. You should apply within the first three days of registration to get your preferred location. A nearby center helps reduce stress on exam day.

NDA 1 2026 Exam Date and Pattern Overview

The NDA written examination consists of two papers. Students must take both papers in pen-and-paper mode on the same day:

Wrong answers will cost you 0.33% marks as negative marking.

SSB interview and medical examination process

Candidates who score between 35-40% marks in the written exam will receive an SSB interview call. This challenging 5-day personality assessment helps measure your Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). The assessment looks at four main areas: Intelligence, Social Adjustment, Social Effectiveness, and Dynamic Qualities.

The SSB process works like this:

• Day 1: Screening (OIR test and PPDT)
• Days 2-5: Psychological tests, GTO tasks, personal interview, and conference

Final merit list and joining letter

Your final selection depends on these scores:

• Written exam: 900 marks
• SSB interview: 900 marks
• Total: 1800 marks

Selection process table: from form to final call

NDA Preparation with Doon Defence Dreamers

Doon Defence Dreamers is known for its focused training, disciplined environment, and consistent results in defence examinations. Over the years, the institute has helped numerous aspirants successfully clear NDA, CDS, and other competitive defence exams, with many students securing recommended status in written exams and SSB selections. The academy’s success lies in its experienced faculty, exam-oriented study material, regular mock tests, and personalized mentorship that strengthens both academic concepts and officer-like qualities. With a strong track record of selections and growing trust among defence aspirants, Doon Defence Dreamers has emerged as a reliable name for serious NDA preparation in Dehradun.

Doon Defence Dreamers (DDD) stands as a distinguished military preparatory institute recognized as one of the best NDA Coaching in Dehradun and among the best CDS Coaching institutes in Dehradun. The academy delivers comprehensive, performance-focused preparation for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, RIMC, RMS examinations and SSB interviews, emphasizing complete candidate development.

• 710+ students cleared the NDA-II 2025 written examination, the highest single-session result in the institute’s history

• Highest written NDA result ever recorded by the academy, surpassing all previous years

• 24 final selections in NDA-I 2025 merit list, including ranks in Top-10, Top-100, and Top-400

• 35 SSB recommendations achieved in a single month, proving excellence in personality and interview training

• 6 candidates recommended in one day, a rare and remarkable achievement

• Successful selection of female cadets, highlighting inclusive NDA preparation for both boys and girls

• Consistent high success rate in NDA written + SSB preparation across multiple batches