How to Apply for NDA 2 2026 Exam Before the Last Date: Step-by-Step

If you intend to appear for NDA 2 2026, the clock is ticking. The UPSC application window opened on 20 May 2026 and closes on 9 June 2026. Miss it and you wait months for the next cycle. This step-by-step guide walks you through applying correctly — and dodging the errors that get forms rejected.

Key dates and facts at a glance

• Notification released: 20 May 2026
• Application window: 20 May – 9 June 2026 (last date)
• Exam date: 13 September 2026
• Application fee: ₹100 for General/OBC; SC/ST candidates and female candidates are exempt
• Portal: the official UPSC online application website

Before you start: check eligibility

Don't fill the form until you're sure you qualify. You must be 16.5–19.5 years old, unmarried, and have passed/be appearing in Class 12 (with PCM for the Air Force and Naval wings). For the full breakdown, read our detailed guide on NDA eligibility — age, attempts, height and criteria.

Step-by-step application process

1. Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR): UPSC uses a single OTR profile across its exams. If you haven't registered before, create your OTR with accurate personal, contact and academic details. Existing candidates simply log in.
2. Open the NDA & NA (II) 2026 application: From your dashboard, select the active NDA 2 2026 notification and begin the form.
3. Fill the form carefully: Enter your details exactly as per your Class 10 certificate — name, date of birth, parentage. Choose your service preferences (Army/Navy/Air Force/Naval Academy) thoughtfully.
4. Select your exam centre: Pick early — popular centres fill up and lock on a first-come basis.
5. Upload documents: A scanned photograph, signature and (as required) photo ID in the exact dimensions and formats UPSC specifies.
6. Pay the fee: ₹100 (General/OBC) via net banking, card or UPI; SC/ST and female candidates are exempt.
7. Submit and save: Review every field, submit, and download/print the final confirmation for your records.

Documents and details to keep ready

• Class 10 certificate (for name & date of birth)
• Class 12 details / roll number (passed or appearing)
• A valid photo ID and recent passport photo & signature scans
• Active email and mobile number (kept accessible for updates)

Common mistakes that cost an attempt

• Waiting until the last day — portals slow down under load; a payment glitch on 9 June could end your chances.
• Mismatched name/DOB versus your certificates — a frequent cause of rejection.
• Wrong photo/signature specs — re-scan to the exact size and format.
• Ignoring eligibility — applying when over/under age or without PCM for AF/Navy.
• Not saving the confirmation page — keep a printout and the registration ID.

Applied? Now prepare with intent

Submitting the form is step one; the exam on 13 September is the real test. Put your remaining months to work with our chapter-wise NDA study material, sharpen the written paper using our Maths & GK improvement guide, and stay updated with daily current affairs. For a structured final push, explore our upcoming NDA courses.

Always confirm exact dates, fees and specifications on the official UPSC notification before applying — this guide is for orientation, not a substitute for the notice.