How to Fill NDA 2026 Application: Know Step by Step Procedure

How to Fill NDA 2026 Application: Know Step by Step Procedure, every year, thousands of young aspirants with the dream of serving the nation apply for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA exam is one of the most prestigious defence entrance tests in India. To secure a chance to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force, candidates must first complete the NDA application process correctly and within the stipulated dates. The application for NDA 1 2026 opened on 10th December 2025 and will close on 30th December 2025, so it’s crucial to understand each step carefully for a seamless experience.

How to Fill NDA 2026 Application

Article on	How to Fill NDA 2026 Application: Know Step by Step Procedure
Exam Name	NDA & NA Examination 2026
Application Mode	Online
Registration Required	One-Time Registration (OTR)
Application Fee	₹100 (General/OBC males)
Eligible Candidates	Unmarried 12th pass/appearing

Check Eligibility Before You Begin

Before starting the application process, make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria:

• You must satisfy the age requirements set by UPSC (e.g., age between approximately 16½ and 19½ years for NDA 1 2026).
• Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
• You must have completed (or be appearing in) 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.

Visit the Official UPSC Portal

The entire NDA application is completed online. There is no offline form or postal submission. 

• Go to upsconline.nic.in, the official portal for UPSC applications.

Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)

The OTR is mandatory for all UPSC exams, including NDA. You’ll do this only once in your lifetime for UPSC exams, and a Universal Registration Number (URN) will be generated.

How to Complete OTR:

• Enter your full name as per your 10th certificate.
• Add date of birth, gender, email ID, and mobile number.
• Input contact addresses and other personal details.
• Submit and generate your URN, which will be used for logging into the application portal.

Part I: Start the NDA Application Form

Once OTR is completed and you have logged in:

What to Fill in Part I:

• Select “NDA & NA (I) Examination 2026” from the active exams list.
• Provide personal details (full name, address, etc.).
• Enter educational qualifications (details from your 12th or equivalent).
• Choose your service preferences like Army, Navy, and/or Air Force.
• Pick preferred exam centers (location choices listed on the portal).

Part II: Upload Essential Documents

After submitting Part I successfully, you will move to Part II.

Documents & Upload Guidelines:

• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo with a white background in the correct format.
• Signature: Clear signature in black or blue ink, scanned properly.
• Photo ID Proof: This could be Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, etc., in PDF or image format as per UPSC instructions.

Payment of Application Fee

Once all details and uploads are complete:

• Pay the application fee online if applicable. General and OBC male candidates usually pay around ₹100.
• Fees can be paid through credit/debit cards, net banking, UPI, etc.
• Certain categories, like SC/ST, female candidates, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs, are typically exempted from paying the fee.

Final Review & Submission

Before final submission:

• Scroll through your entire application to double-check every section.
• Confirm that all information is accurate and consistent (especially names and dates).
• Accept the declaration to confirm that what you’ve filled is true.

Save & Print Your Application

After submitting:

• Download and save a copy of the filled NDA 2026 application form.
• Print a hard copy for your records.
• Note down your URN and application number for future correspondence.

Key Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Always fill names and dates exactly as per your certificates.
• Upload a clear and properly sized photograph and signature.
• Choose realistic exam centers based on your location.
• Avoid last-minute submissions sometimes the UPSC portal faces high traffic.
• Keep all supporting documents handy before starting the form.

What Happens After Submission?

Once your application is successfully submitted:

• Wait for the admit card release usually a few weeks before the exam.
• Start your exam preparation with full focus. 
• Keep a check on UPSC notices in case of any corrections window announced post-submission.

Frequently Asked Questions