Quick Answer: NDA 2 2026 notification has been officially released by UPSC for 394 vacancies in the National Defence Academy (Army, Navy, Air Force) and Naval Academy. Applications are open from May 20, 2026, and the last date to apply is June 9, 2026 at upsconline.gov.in. Eligible candidates are Class 12 pass or appearing males aged 16.5–19.5 years.
AI Search Summary — NDA 2 2026 Notification
- What: UPSC NDA 2 2026 official notification — 394 vacancies at National Defence Academy & Naval Academy
- Who: Male candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12, aged 16.5–19.5 years
- How: Apply online at upsconline.gov.in before June 9, 2026
- When: Application: May 20 – June 9, 2026 | Exam: September 13, 2026
- Why: Earliest entry route into Indian Army, Navy and Air Force as commissioned officer — join at 16.5 years
Introduction: NDA 2 2026 Notification Released — 406 Vacancies, Apply by June 9
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA 2 2026 notification along with CDS 2 2026, opening the gateway for young Indians to join the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. With 394 total vacancies across Army, Navy, and Air Force wings, NDA 2 2026 is a landmark opportunity for Class 12 students and those in their final year.
NDA is the most prestigious and earliest officer entry route in India — you can join at just 16.5 years of age and graduate as a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA 2 2026 exam is scheduled for September 13, 2026, and the application window closes on June 9, 2026.
In this complete guide by Defence Dreamers Academy, we cover everything about NDA 2 2026 — vacancy details, eligibility, exam pattern, selection process, salary, and how to apply. If becoming an Army, Navy, or Air Force officer is your dream, this notification is your starting point.
NDA 2 2026 — Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Examination (II) 2026 |
| Notification Released | May 20, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Application Start Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 9, 2026 |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Official Website | upsconline.gov.in / upsc.gov.in |
| Entry Type | Permanent Commission |
| For | Male and Female candidates |
NDA 2 2026 Vacancy Details
| Academy | Wing/Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Army | 208 |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Navy | 42 |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Air Force (Flying) | 92 |
| Naval Academy (NA) | 10+2 Cadet Entry | 30 |
| NDA/NA | Naval Academy (B.Tech) | 34 |
| Total | — | 394 |
Vacancy distribution as per official NDA 2 2026 notification. Check upsc.gov.in for the official PDF.
NDA 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Indian Citizen
- Subject of Bhutan or Nepal
- Tibetan refugee settled in India before January 1, 1962
Gender
NDA 2 2026 is open for both male and female candidates. Following the Supreme Court of India’s landmark ruling in August 2021, women are eligible to appear for the NDA entrance examination and join the National Defence Academy. The first cohorts of women cadets have already trained and graduated from NDA.
Age Limit for NDA 2 2026
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Date of Birth (Not Before) | January 1, 2008 |
| Date of Birth (Not After) | January 1, 2011 |
| Marital Status | Unmarried only |
Educational Qualification
| Wing | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | Class 12 pass (any stream) from a recognised board |
| Navy Wing & Air Force Wing | Class 12 pass with Physics and Mathematics |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet) | Class 12 pass with Physics and Mathematics |
✅ Appearing candidates eligible: Students currently in Class 12 (appearing in 2026 board exams) can also apply for NDA 2 2026.
NDA 2 2026 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| Total | — | 270 | 900 | 5 hours |
- Mode: Offline (OMR-based), conducted at centres across India
- Negative Marking: -0.83 for each wrong answer in Maths; -1.33 for GAT
- SSB Interview: 900 marks (equal to written exam)
- Total Selection Marks: 1800 (Written 900 + SSB 900)
NDA GAT Paper Syllabus — Topics
| Section | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | Grammar, Comprehension, Vocabulary | 200 |
| General Knowledge | Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events | 400 |
| Total GAT | — | 600 |
NDA 2 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | May 20, 2026 |
| Application Opens | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | June 9, 2026 |
| Admit Card Download | August 2026 (expected) |
| NDA 2 2026 Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Result (Written) | November 2026 (expected) |
| SSB Interviews | December 2026 – April 2027 |
| Medical Examination | After SSB recommendation |
| Final Merit List | June 2027 (expected) |
| Course Commencement at NDA | January 2028 (expected) |
NDA 2 2026 Selection Process
- NDA Written Exam — September 13, 2026 | 900 marks (Maths 300 + GAT 600)
- Shortlisting — UPSC releases merit list of written exam qualifiers
- SSB Interview — 5-day selection at Service Selection Boards (900 marks)
- Medical Examination — At designated Armed Forces hospitals
- Final Merit List — UPSC publishes final list based on written + SSB + medical
- Training at NDA Pune — 3-year joint training followed by 1-year service academy training
SSB Interview Breakdown (900 Marks)
| Day | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Screening — OIR Tests + PPDT |
| Day 2 | Psychology Tests — TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT |
| Day 3 | GTO Tasks I — GD, GPE, PGT, HGT |
| Day 4 | GTO Tasks II + Personal Interview |
| Day 5 | Lecturette + Final Conference + Result |
Prepare end-to-end for SSB with our guide: How to Ace the SSB Interview After Clearing NDA
NDA Officer Salary & Benefits 2026
| Rank (After Commissioning) | Basic Pay | Approx. Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant (Army) / Sub Lt (Navy) / Flying Officer (AF) | ₹56,100 | ₹75,000 – ₹1,00,000/month |
| Captain / Lt Commander / Flight Lt | ₹61,300 | ₹90,000 – ₹1,20,000/month |
| Major / Commander / Sqn Ldr | ₹69,400 | ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,45,000/month |
| Lt Colonel / Capt (Navy) / Wg Cdr | ₹1,21,200 | ₹1,75,000 – ₹2,15,000/month |
- Military Service Pay: ₹15,500/month
- Free accommodation in military stations
- Free medical for self and family (ECHS post-retirement)
- CSD canteen, LTC, children education allowance
- Pension after 20 years of service
- Group Insurance cover of ₹75 lakh
Life at NDA — National Defence Academy, Pune
NDA is located at Khadakwasla, Pune — a sprawling 7,000-acre campus that transforms young students into officers through 3 years of rigorous joint training. All three services train together before moving to their respective service academies.
| Phase | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| NDA Training (Joint) | 3 years (6 terms) | NDA Pune, Maharashtra |
| IMA Training (Army) | 1 year | IMA Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
| INA Training (Navy) | 1 year | INA Ezhimala, Kerala |
| AFA Training (Air Force) | 1.5 years | AFA Dundigal, Hyderabad |
How to Apply for NDA 2 2026 Online
- Visit upsconline.gov.in
- Click on “Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC”
- Select “NDA & NA Examination (II) 2026”
- Complete Part-I Registration: Name, DOB, email, mobile, ID proof details
- Complete Part-II: Photo (40–300 KB JPEG), Signature (20–300 KB JPEG), fee payment
- Pay application fee: ₹100 (General/OBC) | Nil (SC/ST/Sons of JCO/NCO/OR)
- Download and save the confirmation page
- Deadline: June 9, 2026 — do not miss it
NDA 2 2026 Preparation Strategy — 15 Weeks to Exam
| Phase | Weeks | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 1–4 | Class 11–12 Maths (Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Stats) + English grammar |
| Core GK Building | 5–8 | History, Geography, Indian Polity, Physics, Chemistry + Daily current affairs |
| Mock Tests & Analysis | 9–12 | Full NDA mock papers (timed), previous year papers 2020–2025, weak area revision |
| Final Sprint | 13–15 | Revision only, accuracy focus, newspaper reading for current affairs |
Key tip: NDA Maths is Class 11–12 level but time-bound and tricky. Practice at least 2 full maths papers per week from Week 5 onwards. GAT General Science (Physics, Chemistry) carries 400 marks — do not ignore it.
Join Defence Dreamers Academy’s NDA 2026 Coaching Batch — structured mock tests, expert faculty, and SSB preparation that has produced hundreds of NDA selections.
NDA 2 2026 vs NDA 1 2026 — Comparison
| Parameter | NDA 1 2026 | NDA 2 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification | December 2025 | May 20, 2026 ✅ |
| Application Last Date | Closed | June 9, 2026 |
| Exam Date | April 2026 (completed) | September 13, 2026 |
| Result | Declared ✅ | November 2026 (expected) |
| SSB Interviews | Ongoing | Dec 2026 onwards |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 | January 2028 |
Related Opportunities Open Right Now
- 📋 AFCAT 2 2026 — 379 IAF Vacancies, Apply by June 9
- 📋 CDS 2 2026 — 451 Vacancies, Apply by June 9
- 📋 NDA II 2026 — Complete Entry Guide
- 📋 How to Ace Your SSB Interview
- 📋 CDS vs NDA — Which is Better After 12th?
Frequently Asked Questions — NDA 2 2026
1. What is the last date to apply for NDA 2 2026?
The last date to apply for NDA 2 2026 is June 9, 2026 at upsconline.gov.in. Applications must be submitted by 6:00 PM on the closing date. No extensions are expected.
2. When is the NDA 2 2026 exam date?
NDA 2 2026 written examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026. The exam will be held at centres across India. Admit cards will be available approximately 3 weeks before the exam at upsc.gov.in.
3. How many vacancies are in NDA 2 2026?
NDA 2 2026 has 394 total vacancies — 208 for Army, 42 for Navy, 92 for Air Force (Flying), and additional vacancies for Naval Academy 10+2 Cadet Entry.
4. Can Class 12 appearing students apply for NDA 2 2026?
Yes. Students currently appearing in Class 12 board exams are eligible to apply for NDA 2 2026. They must submit their Class 12 mark sheet at the time of SSB interview if selected.
5. What is the age limit for NDA 2 2026?
Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age. For NDA 2 2026, the date of birth should be between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2011. The candidate must be unmarried.
6. What is the NDA application fee for 2026?
The NDA 2 2026 application fee is ₹100 for General and OBC candidates. SC/ST candidates and sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempt from paying the application fee.
7. What is the salary of an NDA-commissioned officer?
After commissioning, an NDA officer starts at Lieutenant/Sub-Lieutenant/Flying Officer rank with basic pay of ₹56,100/month + MSP ₹15,500 + allowances. Total gross salary is approximately ₹75,000–₹1,00,000/month plus free accommodation, medical, and other perks.
8. Can girls apply for NDA 2 2026?
Yes! Women can apply for NDA 2 2026. Following the Supreme Court of India’s landmark ruling in August 2021, women are fully eligible to appear for the NDA entrance examination and join the National Defence Academy. The first cohorts of women cadets have already undergone training and graduated from NDA. Women can also join through CDS OTA and AFCAT routes.
9. How many years is NDA training?
NDA training at Pune is 3 years (6 terms), after which cadets move to their respective service academies — IMA Dehradun (Army, 1 year), INA Ezhimala (Navy, 1 year), or AFA Dundigal (Air Force, ~1.5 years). Total training period before commissioning is approximately 4–4.5 years.
10. Is NDA only for PCM students?
For the Army wing, any Class 12 stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) is eligible. For the Navy and Air Force wings (including Naval Academy), candidates must have Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. If you want to join the Air Force or Navy through NDA, PCM is mandatory.
Key Takeaways — NDA 2 2026 Notification
- ✅ NDA 2 2026 officially notified by UPSC — 394 vacancies across Army, Navy, Air Force
- ✅ Application window: May 28 – June 9, 2026 at upsconline.gov.in
- ✅ Exam date: September 13, 2026 — 15+ weeks to prepare
- ✅ Eligibility: Male, Class 12 pass/appearing, age 16.5–19.5 years
- ✅ Physics & Maths mandatory for Navy and Air Force wings
- ✅ Selection: Written 900 marks + SSB 900 marks = 1800 total
- ✅ Salary on commissioning: ₹75,000–₹1,00,000/month + all perks
- ✅ NDA at Pune: 3 years joint training + 1–1.5 years service academy
Conclusion: Apply for NDA 2 2026 Before June 9
NDA 2 2026 is the most prestigious and earliest opportunity for young Indians to join the Armed Forces as commissioned officers. With 394 vacancies, the September 13, 2026 exam date, and an application deadline of June 9, 2026, every aspiring defence officer studying in Class 12 must apply immediately.
You have approximately 15 weeks from today to prepare for the September exam. That’s enough time to build a strong foundation in Maths and GAT — if you start now with a structured plan.
🎯 Join Defence Dreamers Academy’s NDA 2026 Batch — India’s most trusted NDA coaching with structured mock tests, expert faculty, and proven SSB preparation. Your NDA journey starts here.