India’s most prestigious defence entrance examination is just around the corner. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the NDA/NA-II 2026 Admit Card — the hall ticket for the written examination scheduled on 12 April 2026. Registered candidates can download their admit cards from the official UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in.
The NDA (National Defence Academy) examination is the gateway to a career in the Indian Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force for young men between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age. With 394 posts across the three defence services plus the Naval Academy, this is one of the most competitive and prestigious examinations conducted by UPSC. The admit card is your mandatory entry document for the exam — download, verify, and print it without delay.
UPSC NDA/NA-II Admit Card 2026 – Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II) 2025 |
| Services Covered | Army, Navy, Indian Airforce, Naval Academy |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Application Period | 10 – 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Released | 01 April 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Answer Key | To be Announced |
| Result Declaration | To be Announced |
| SSB Interview | After Written Result |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC NDA/NA-II 2025 – Complete Recruitment Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Released | 01 April 2026 |
| Written Examination | 12 April 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | To be Announced |
| Written Result Declared | To be Announced |
| SSB Interview | After Written Result |
| Medical Examination | After SSB Recommendation |
| Final Merit List & Joining | To be Announced |
UPSC NDA/NA-II 2025 – Application Fee (For Reference)
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC Candidates | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | Free (No Fee) |
UPSC NDA/NA-II 2025 – Age Limit
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 16.5 years to 19.5 years |
| Date of Birth Range | Born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (both dates inclusive) |
| Gender | Male candidates only (for NDA) | Female candidates eligible for Naval Academy (NA) — confirm from official notification |
UPSC NDA/NA-II 2025 – Service-Wise Vacancy Details (Total: 394 Posts)
| Service | Vacancies | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 208 Posts | Class 12th (10+2) from any recognized board — no specific subject requirement |
| Indian Air Force | 120 Posts | Class 12th with Physics and Mathematics as subjects from a recognized board |
| Navy | 42 Posts | Class 12th with Physics and Mathematics as subjects from a recognized board |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 24 Posts | Class 12th with Physics and Mathematics as subjects from a recognized board |
| Total | 394 Posts |
Physics & Maths are Required for Navy, Airforce & NA: Only the Army wing accepts candidates with Class 12th in any stream (Arts/Commerce/Science). For Navy, Indian Air Force, and Naval Academy, candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics at Class 12th level from a recognized board. Candidates who did not study PCM cannot apply for these three services.
How to Download UPSC NDA/NA-II Admit Card 2026 – Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to download your NDA/NA-II 2026 Hall Ticket:
- Open your browser and visit the official UPSC portal: upsc.gov.in (direct link in Important Links below).
- On the homepage, click on the “Admit Card“ section or look for the link titled “NDA/NA-II Admit Card 2026”.
- A login page will appear. Enter your Registration Number and Password or Date of Birth.
- Click Submit / Login.
- Your UPSC NDA/NA-II Admit Card 2026 will appear on screen.
- Carefully verify all details:
- Your name and father’s name
- Roll Number and Registration Number
- Examination Date (12 April 2026) and Session Timing
- Exam Centre Name and Complete Address
- Reporting Time
- Your Photograph and Signature
- Click Download and save the PDF.
- Take a clear printout — colour or black-and-white as specified. Keep at least two copies.
Error on Admit Card? If any information on your admit card is incorrect — name spelling, date of birth, exam centre, or photograph — contact UPSC through their official contact details on upsc.gov.in immediately. Do not wait until exam day — entry may be denied for mismatched information.
Details on the UPSC NDA/NA-II Admit Card 2026
- Candidate’s Full Name and Father’s Name
- Roll Number and Registration Number
- Examination Date (12 April 2026) and Session/Shift Time
- Examination Centre Name and Complete Address
- Reporting Time
- Candidate’s Photograph and Signature
- Important Exam Day Instructions
What to Carry to the UPSC NDA Exam Centre
- Printed Admit Card — colour or black-and-white as per instructions on the card
- Original Photo Identity Proof — Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence (original only — photocopies not accepted)
- Black or Blue Ballpoint Pen — NDA written exam is an objective (OMR-based) exam, but carry one for any rough work as permitted
Prohibited Items at NDA Exam: Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth earphones, calculators, books, notes, and all electronic devices are strictly not allowed. UPSC NDA exam venues enforce strict frisking — leave all devices behind.
UPSC NDA Selection Process – What Comes After the Written Exam?
- Written Examination (12 April 2026): Two objective-type papers — Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks). Total: 900 marks.
- Written Result Declared: UPSC declares the result and shortlists candidates who meet the cut-off for SSB.
- SSB Interview (Services Selection Board): A 5-day intensive selection procedure at Services Selection Boards across India, assessing intelligence, personality, and leadership. Successful SSB candidates are recommended.
- Medical Examination: Recommended candidates undergo a comprehensive medical examination to confirm fitness for defence service.
- Final Merit List: A final all-India merit list is prepared based on written exam + SSB marks. Qualified candidates are allocated to Army / Navy / Airforce / Naval Academy.
- Joining NDA/Naval Academy: Selected candidates join the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, Pune, or the Naval Academy at Ezhimala, Kerala for their training.
Important Instructions Before the UPSC NDA Exam 2026
- Arrive 30–45 Minutes Early: UPSC exam centres have strict entry protocols. Entry is not permitted after the gate closing time — arrive well in advance.
- Verify Exam Centre Location: Check your exam centre address on Google Maps today. If the centre is in a different city, arrange travel and accommodation now.
- Carry Original ID: An original government photo ID is mandatory alongside the admit card — no photocopies accepted.
- Last-Day Revision: Focus on Mathematics (all topics), Physics, Chemistry, Geography, History, and Current Affairs — the key areas of the General Ability Test paper.
- No Electronic Devices: Leave all gadgets outside the exam venue — even smartwatches and digital pens are not permitted inside.
UPSC NDA/NA-II Admit Card 2026 – Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Download UPSC NDA/NA-II Admit Card 2026 | Click Here – upsc.gov.in |
| Download Official NDA/NA-II Notification | Available on Official Portal |
| Official UPSC Website | upsc.gov.in |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – UPSC NDA/NA-II Admit Card 2026
Q1. When was the UPSC NDA/NA-II Admit Card 2026 released?UPSC officially released the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II) Admit Card 2026 on01 April 2026. Registered candidates can download their hall tickets by logging in at upsc.gov.in using their Registration Number and Password or Date of Birth.
Q2. When is the UPSC NDA/NA-II Written Examination 2026?The NDA/NA-II written examination is scheduled for12 April 2026. It is a single-day examination covering two papers — Mathematics (Paper I) and General Ability Test (Paper II). The exam is conducted across examination centres nationwide.
Q3. How many posts are available in UPSC NDA/NA-II 2025?The total vacancy is394 posts: Army — 208, Indian Air Force — 120, Navy — 42, and Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) — 24. Candidates must check their service-specific eligibility before appearing for the written exam.
Q4. What is the eligibility for different services in NDA/NA-II 2025?For theArmy: Class 12th in any stream from a recognized board. For theIndian Air Force, Navy, and Naval Academy: Class 12th withPhysics and Mathematicsas subjects from a recognized board. Candidates without Physics and Maths can only apply for the Army wing.
Q5. What is the age limit for UPSC NDA/NA-II 2025?The age range is16.5 to 19.5 years. Candidates must be born between02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010(both dates inclusive). This strict age requirement is a defining feature of NDA — candidates outside this range cannot apply regardless of other qualifications.
Q6. What is the selection process for NDA/NA-II 2026?The selection process has three stages: (1)Written Examination— two papers totalling 900 marks, (2)SSB Interview— a 5-day assessment at Services Selection Boards for written exam qualifiers, and (3)Medical Examination— comprehensive fitness assessment for SSB-recommended candidates. A final all-India merit list determines allocation to services.
Q7. What is the UPSC NDA written exam paper pattern?The UPSC NDA written examination consists of two papers:Paper I – Mathematics(300 marks, 2.5 hours) covering Class 11–12 level Maths topics, andPaper II – General Ability Test(600 marks, 2.5 hours) covering English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events, and Civics. Both are objective-type (MCQ) papers. There is negative marking — 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.