The UPSC NDA application is submitted through a two-part registration process at upsconline.nic.in. The application window typically remains open for approximately 21 days after the official notification date. Unlike some other UPSC exams, the NDA form is straightforward — but two decisions embedded in it (wing preference and exam centre choice) have downstream consequences that last until the SSB stage.
Part I Registration captures basic identity details: name exactly as in Class 10 certificate, date of birth, email address, and mobile number. A Registration ID is generated at this stage — save it immediately, as it is required for all subsequent logins and correspondence. Part II Registration completes the application: personal details, Class 12 educational details, wing preferences (Army/Navy/Air Force in priority order), examination centre city preferences (up to three cities), and upload of photograph and signature. Fee payment is also completed in Part II.
Wing Preference Strategy: Army, Navy, Air Force
Wing preference is not just a form field — it affects where you appear for SSB, the medical board you are sent to, and ultimately the career you pursue. For candidates meeting the Physics and Maths requirement: listing all three wings in descending preference (Air Force → Navy → Army or any order based on career preference) maximises your chances of selection in at least one wing. For candidates without Physics or Maths at Class 12: Army is the only valid preference — selecting Navy or Air Force will be rejected. Do not select Navy or Air Force speculatively hoping to sort it out later. Check wing-wise eligibility criteria here.
Application Fee and Who Is Exempt
The application fee is ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. Female candidates, SC, ST, and PwD candidates are fully exempt from the fee. Payment is accepted via SBI net banking, credit/debit card, or SBI bank challan (cash payment at SBI branch). Fee once paid is non-refundable. Exempted candidates must still complete the full Part II registration — the system records their exemption category and automatically waives the payment step.
Documents Required at SSB and Medical Stages
At the online application stage, only a digital photograph and signature are uploaded. Physical original documents are verified later — at the SSB stage and at the medical examination. Documents typically required include: Class 10 certificate (for date of birth proof), Class 12 marksheet and certificate (for stream eligibility verification), community/category certificate if applicable, and nationality certificate for non-Indian applicants. Candidates who are still in Class 12 at the time of application must submit results when available, before joining. See the full document verification stages in the selection process.
After Application Submission: What Happens Next
After the application window closes, UPSC conducts the written exam (Paper 1 Maths and Paper 2 GAT) on the announced exam date. Results are published on upsc.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates then separately register for SSB through the service-specific portals. SSB is scheduled typically 2–4 months after written results, depending on the wing. There is no further communication through upsconline.nic.in after the written result — candidates must actively monitor both the UPSC website and the respective service recruitment portals.