How to Apply for NDA 2026: Complete Form Filling Guide
Applying for the NDA 2026 examination is the first and most crucial step in your journey to join the Indian Armed Forces. Every year, thousands of aspirants lose their chance not because they are unprepared, but due to avoidable mistakes while filling the NDA application form—incorrect document size, wrong date of birth, unclear photographs, or last-minute submission issues.
This guide explains the entire NDA 2026 online application process step by step, exactly as prescribed by UPSC, in a clear and simple manner—just like guidance from an experienced mentor.
NDA 1 2026 Important Dates (As per UPSC Notification)
Before starting the application, candidates must be aware that UPSC follows strict deadlines. Once the application window closes, no requests are entertained.
NDA 1 2026 Schedule
- Notification Release: 10 December 2025
- Online Application Start: 10 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025
- NDA 1 2026 Exam Date: 12 April 2026
NDA 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before proceeding with the form, ensure that you meet all eligibility conditions prescribed by UPSC.
Age Limit
- Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Date of Birth must fall between 1 July 2007 and 1 July 2010
Educational Qualification
- Army Wing: Class 12 passed or appearing (any stream)
- Air Force & Navy: Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics
Nationality
Applicants must be:
- Indian citizens, or
- Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- Tibetan refugees who migrated before 1 January 1962
Marital Status
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible
Physical Standards Required for NDA 2026
UPSC and the Armed Forces follow strict medical and physical standards.
Minimum Height
- Army: 157 cm
- Air Force: 162.5 cm
- Height relaxation up to 5 cm for candidates from Gorkha, Garhwal, Kumaon, and North-Eastern regions
Documents Required Before Filling NDA Form
Keep the following documents ready to avoid technical errors:
Photograph
- Format: JPG
- Size: 20–300 KB
- Background: White
- Recent and clearly visible
Signature
- Format: JPG
- Size: 20–100 KB
- Blue or black ink (not capital letters)
Photo Identity Proof
- Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID / Passport / Driving License
- Format: PDF (20–300 KB)
Educational Certificates
- Class 10 certificate (DOB proof)
- Class 12 certificate (if applicable)
Caste Certificate
- Required for reserved category candidates
Step-by-Step Process to Fill NDA 1 2026 Online Form
UPSC follows a two-stage application system:
- One Time Registration (OTR)
- NDA Application Form (Part I & Part II)
Step 1: Visit the Official UPSC Website (https://upsconline.nic.in/)
Go to:
- upsconline.nic.in
- Click on Examination
- Select Active Examinations
- Choose NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026
Step 2: Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
OTR is required only once and will be used for all future UPSC examinations.
Details required:
- Candidate’s name (as per Class 10 certificate)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Father’s and Mother’s name
- Address details
- Email ID and mobile number
After submission, you will receive a Universal Registration Number (URN).
Step 3: Fill NDA Application – Part I
Log in using your URN and select:
National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026
Fill in:
- Personal details
- Educational qualification
- Preference for Army, Navy, Air Force
- Examination centre choice
Tip: Choose the nearest exam centre early, as centres fill quickly.
Step 4: Part II – Upload Documents & Fee Payment
Upload:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Photo ID proof
Ensure all images are clear and readable before proceeding.
Step 5: Pay NDA Application Fee
Fee Structure
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹100
- SC/ST/Female/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Fee Exempted
Payment Modes
- Debit/Credit Card
- UPI
- Net Banking
- SBI Bank Challan (offline)
Step 6: Final Submission
- Review all entered details carefully
- Accept the declaration
- Submit the application
- Download and print the confirmation page
Medical & Vision Standards for NDA
Many candidates clear the written exam but fail the medical stage. Pay attention to:
Vision Standards
- Ideal vision: 6/6
- Correctable vision allowed within limits
- No colour or night blindness (especially for Air Force & Navy)
General Medical Conditions
Candidates must be free from:
- Flat feet
- Hernia
- Knock knees
- Varicose veins
- Severe allergies
- Skeletal deformities
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling NDA Form
- Uploading unclear photographs
- Entering incorrect DOB
- Mismatch between ID proof and application details
- Waiting till the last date
- Ignoring OTR accuracy
- Selecting a distant exam centre
Why Choose Ground Zero Defence Academy for NDA 2026?
Correct form filling is just the beginning. To clear NDA written exam, SSB interview, and medical stage, expert guidance is essential.
Ground Zero Defence Academy, Dehradun offers:
- Structured NDA written preparation
- Physical fitness & SSB training
- Experienced ex-defence faculty
- Personal mentoring & regular assessments
- Proven results in NDA selections
With disciplined preparation and the right guidance, your dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces can become a reality.