UPSC NDA 1 2027 Notification: Apply Online for 400+ Defence Cadet Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the schedule for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA I, 2027) for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 159th Course, and for the 121st Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). Through this premier 12th-standard defence examination, over 400 vacancies will be filled for both male and female candidates. Online applications will be accepted from 2nd December 2026 to 22nd December 2026 (6:00 PM) on upsconline.nic.in, with the nationwide written examination scheduled for 11th April 2027.
📌 UPSC NDA 1 2027 Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2027 |
| Institutions | National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla, Pune) & Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala) |
| Commissioned Rank & Pay | Lieutenant / Sub Lieutenant / Flying Officer (Level-10: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 + MSP ₹15,500) |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 400+ Posts (Including vacancies for Female Candidates) |
| Application Mode | Online (via UPSC OTR Portal) |
| Job Location | All India (Armed Forces Formations & Operational Commands) |
📅 Important Dates
- Official Notification Release: 2 December 2026
- Online Application Start Date: 2 December 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 22 December 2026 (6:00 PM)
- Application Correction Window: 23 December to 29 December 2026
- Admit Card Release Date: March 2027
- NDA 1 2027 Written Examination Date: 11 April 2027 (Sunday)
- SSB Interview Schedule: September – November 2027
- Course Commencement: January 2028
💰 Application Fee
Payment can be remitted online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or cash deposit via SBI challan:
- General and OBC (Male) Candidates: ₹100/- (Non-refundable)
- Female Candidates (All Categories): Completely Exempted (NIL)
- SC / ST Candidates & Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Completely Exempted (NIL)
🎯 Age Limit (as on cutoff date)
Age requirements are strictly defined for the NDA 1 2027 examination:
- Candidates must be born between 02 July 2008 and 01 July 2011 (both dates inclusive).
- Age Window: 16.5 to 19.5 Years.
- Marital Status: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. Marriage during the training period is strictly prohibited.
🎓 Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: Passed Class 12 (10+2 pattern) of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University in any stream (Arts, Science, Commerce).
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA: Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) under the 10+2 pattern from a recognized State Board or University.
- Appearing Candidates: Students currently studying in Class 12 are also eligible to apply provisionally.
📊 Vacancy Details
- Total Vacancies: Approx. 400+ Posts
- Tentative Wing Allocation:
- National Defence Academy (Army): 208 Posts (including 10 for female candidates)
- National Defence Academy (Navy): 42 Posts (including 12 for female candidates)
- National Defence Academy (Air Force): Flying – 92 (including 2 female), Ground Duty Tech – 18 (2 female), Ground Duty Non-Tech – 10 (2 female)
- Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme): 30 Posts (including 9 for female candidates)
🧪 Selection Process
- Stage 1 (Written Examination): Two objective papers conducted on a single day by UPSC carrying 900 marks total (Mathematics: 300 Marks, General Ability Test: 600 Marks).
- Stage 2 (SSB Interview): Comprehensive 5-day assessment carrying 900 marks at Services Selection Boards evaluating Officer Like Qualities (OLQ).
- Stage 3: Special Medical Fitness Examination at designated Command and Military Hospitals.
- Stage 4: Final All-India Merit List compiled on combined marks of the Written Exam (900M) and SSB Interview (900M).
📚 Exam Pattern
The written examination consists of 2 objective papers with negative marking of 1/3rd marks for wrong answers:
| Paper | Subjects | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics (Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Calculus, Vector, Statistics) | 01 | 2.5 Hours | 300 Marks |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (Part A: English – 200M | Part B: General Knowledge – 400M) | 02 | 2.5 Hours | 600 Marks |
| Total Written Examination | 5 Hours | 900 Marks | ||
| SSB Interview / Personality Test | 5 Days | 900 Marks | ||
🖥️ How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete your One-Time Registration (OTR) profile if applying for the first time.
- Log in using your registered email, mobile number, and OTR password.
- Click on the active application link for National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2027.
- Fill in personal details, Class 12 school board particulars, and service preference priority (Army, Navy, Air Force).
- Upload clear digital copies of passport photo and signature as per prescribed technical dimensions.
- Pay the ₹100 examination fee online (exempted for Female and SC/ST candidates).
- Submit your completed application form before 22nd December 2026 (6:00 PM) and print the registration acknowledgment.
🔗 Important Links
👉 https://upsconline.nic.in” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Apply Online on UPSC OTR Portal
👉 https://www.upsc.gov.in” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Download Official Notification PDF
👉 https://www.upsc.gov.in” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>UPSC Official Website
📈 Why Apply?
- Premier Defence Commission After 12th: Direct entry into tri-services military officer cadres straight after intermediate school education.
- World-Class Academy Training: Full 3-year military leadership and academic education at NDA Khadakwasla followed by 1 year at service academies, with a recognized degree awarded by JNU.
- High Status & Allowances: Permanent Commission as Lieutenant / Sub Lieutenant / Flying Officer with basic pay of ₹56,100, MSP of ₹15,500, medical benefits, and official accommodation.
❓ FAQs
Q. What is the application window for UPSC NDA 1 2027?
Online applications open on 2nd December 2026 and close on 22nd December 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Q. Can female candidates apply for NDA 1 2027?
Yes, unmarried female candidates are fully eligible to apply for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA with fee exemption.
Q. When will the NDA 1 2027 written exam take place?
The examination will be conducted nationwide on Sunday, 11th April 2027.
🏁 Conclusion
The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2027 Examination is the nation’s premier military cadet recruitment for intermediate students aiming to serve as commissioned officers. Candidates should prepare their documents and submit their applications on https://upsconline.nic.in” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>upsconline.nic.in during the December application window.
