How to Apply for NDA 2026: Step-by-Step Online Form Guide

Filling out the NDA form looks scary the first time, but it is actually easy if you follow the steps. The NDA application is done online on the official UPSC website. This guide shows you every step in simple words, plus the documents and photos you need to keep ready.

Where to apply

You apply on the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in (registration is done through the UPSC online portal). Do not use any other website to fill the real form. Other sites can only give information, not submit your application.

Before you start: keep these ready

Keep these things on your computer or phone before you begin:

• Your class 10 certificate (for date of birth)

• Your class 12 details (or marksheet if passed)

• A scanned photo and signature in the correct size

• A photo ID (like Aadhaar)

• A working email ID and mobile number

• A way to pay the fee online (UPI, net banking, or card)

Tip: Take a recent passport-size photo. Many students get rejected for blurry or old photos.

Step-by-step: how to fill the NDA form

Step 1 — One-Time Registration (OTR). First, create your One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal using your name, date of birth, email, and mobile number. You only need to do this once; you can reuse it for future UPSC exams.

Step 2 — Log in and open the NDA form. Log in with your OTR details. Find the NDA (NDA & NA) examination link and click "Apply".

Step 3 — Fill in your personal details. Enter your name, date of birth, and other details exactly as written on your class 10 certificate. A small spelling mistake can cause problems later.

Step 4 — Choose your wing preference. Select which wings you want — Army, Navy, Air Force, or Naval Academy — based on your subjects. (Arts and commerce students can choose the Army wing.)

Step 5 — Select your exam centre. Pick the exam city closest to you. Popular Punjab centres fill fast, so apply early to get your first choice.

Step 6 — Upload photo and signature. Upload your scanned photo and signature in the size the website asks for. Make sure they are clear.

Step 7 — Pay the application fee. Pay the fee online. The general/OBC fee is usually ₹100. Female candidates and SC/ST candidates are exempt (they pay nothing).

Step 8 — Submit and save. Check everything once more, submit the form, and save or print the final page. Note down your registration number.

That's it — your NDA application is done.

NDA 2 2026 important dates (for reference)

For the NDA 2 2026 cycle, the form opened on 20 May 2026 and the last date was in early-to-mid June 2026. The exam is on 13 September 2026. NDA is held twice a year, so if you miss one, the next chance comes in a few months. Always check the latest dates in the official notification — see our NDA 2026 Notification & Dates guide.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a nickname instead of your real name from the class 10 certificate.

• Uploading a blurry or old photo.

• Choosing a wing you are not eligible for (for example, Air Force without Physics/Maths).

• Waiting for the last day — the website gets slow and may crash.

• Forgetting to save the final submitted page.

After you submit the form: what next?

1. The admit card comes about a week before the exam — download and print it.

2. Written exam — two papers: Maths and the General Ability Test (GAT).

3. If you clear the written exam, you get called for the SSB interview (about 5 days of tests).

4. Then a medical test.

5. Finally, the merit list decides your selection.

To understand the full journey, read How to Join NDA After 12th.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How to apply for the NDA exam?
Create a One-Time Registration on the UPSC portal, log in, open the NDA form, fill in your details, choose your wing and centre, upload your photo and signature, pay the fee, and submit.

Q2. Where to fill the NDA form?
On the official UPSC website only (upsc.gov.in / UPSC online portal). Do not use unofficial websites to submit the form.

Q3. What is the NDA application fee?
It is usually ₹100 for general and OBC candidates. Female, SC, and ST candidates do not have to pay.

Q4. How to apply for NDA after 12th?
The process is the same. If you have passed or are appearing in class 12 and meet the age limit, you can fill out the online form for your eligible wing.

Q5. What documents are needed to apply for an NDA?
Your class 10 certificate (for date of birth), class 12 details, a scanned photo and signature, a photo ID, and an email and mobile number.

Q6. Can I apply for NDA while in class 12?
Yes. Students appearing in class 12 can apply, but you must show proof of passing before joining the academy.

Need help filling out the NDA form correctly? Veron Institute guides students through the full application, document, and SSB process. See our NDA coaching or contact us for one-on-one help.