The wait is finally over! The UPSC NDA 1 2026 Final Merit List has been released on 5 November 2026. Thousands of defence aspirants who appeared for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026, were waiting for this important announcement. After successfully completing the written examination and Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, candidates can now check the final merit list published by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

As per the published result details, 617 candidates have been recommended for admission, including 551 male and 66 female candidates. For these successful candidates, this is the result of months of hard work, discipline, dedication and determination towards their dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces.

At Centurion Defence Academy, we congratulate all the recommended candidates who have successfully cleared this important milestone in their defence career journey.

If you appeared for NDA 1 2026, you can now download the official result PDF and check your roll number. Here is everything you need to know about the final merit list, toppers, selection process and what comes next.

NDA 1 2026 Final Merit List: Important Highlights

The UPSC NDA 1 2026 final result includes the candidates recommended for admission to the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy, subject to the applicable eligibility and admission conditions.

Here are the important details:

Download the official NDA 1 2026 Final Merit List PDF:

Click Here to Download UPSC NDA 1 2026 Result PDF

How to Download NDA 1 2026 Final Merit List?

Candidates can check their results directly through the official UPSC website. Follow these simple steps:

1. 1. Visit www.upsc.gov.in.

1. 1. Navigate to the Final Results section.

1. 1. Find NDA and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026.

1. 1. Click on the final merit list PDF.

1. 1. Download the result on your mobile or computer.

1. 1. Search for your roll number using the PDF search option.

Candidates should save a copy of the official result for future reference.

NDA 1 2026 Topper List – Male and Female Candidates

Every NDA result brings inspiring stories of young aspirants who work hard to achieve their dream of becoming officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

The NDA 1 2026 final merit list includes separate rankings for male and female candidates. Here are the reported top performers.

NDA 1 2026 Top 10 Male Candidates

NDA 1 2026 Top 10 Female Candidates

What Happens After the NDA 1 2026 Final Merit List?

Getting your name in the final merit list is a significant achievement, but candidates should understand that the admission process involves further formalities.

The recommended candidates must satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions, medical fitness standards and document verification requirements. The final admission and service allocation are governed by the applicable rules, vacancies and candidate preferences.

The selected candidates are being considered for the 157th NDA Course and 119th Indian Naval Academy Course, scheduled to commence on 1 January 2027.

For successful candidates, the next chapter is about preparing themselves for the disciplined lifestyle, physical challenges and responsibilities associated with military training.

Understanding the NDA Selection Process: Written Exam to SSB Interview

One of the biggest lessons from the NDA 1 2026 final result is that becoming an officer requires more than academic knowledge.

The NDA selection process evaluates candidates through different stages, each designed to assess their knowledge, personality, intelligence and suitability for a career in the Armed Forces.

1. NDA Written Examination

The first stage is the UPSC written examination, consisting of two papers:

• • Mathematics

• • General Ability Test (GAT)

Candidates need strong conceptual understanding, regular practice and effective time management to perform well.

2. SSB Interview

Candidates qualifying for the written examination proceed to the Services Selection Board interview.

The SSB interview evaluates a candidate’s personality and potential through different assessments, including:

• • Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Tests

• • Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)

• • Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

• • Word Association Test (WAT)

• • Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

• • Self Description Test (SDT)

• • Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

• • Personal Interview

The purpose is to assess Officer Like Qualities (OLQs), including leadership, communication, cooperation, responsibility, social adaptability and decision-making.

3. Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by the SSB must meet the prescribed medical standards for their respective services.

Medical assessment is an important part of the selection process, as candidates must be physically and medically fit for military training.

Why SSB Interview Preparation Is Important for NDA Aspirants

Many NDA aspirants spend months preparing for Mathematics and GAT but start thinking about SSB preparation only after clearing the written examination.

This is where many candidates miss an opportunity to prepare themselves properly.

The SSB interview is not a conventional interview where memorised answers can guarantee success. It is a comprehensive assessment of your personality, behaviour, communication and leadership potential.

For example, during a group discussion, assessors observe how you express your thoughts, listen to others and contribute to the discussion. During GTO activities, they assess teamwork, practical thinking, cooperation and the ability to handle challenging situations.

This is why SSB preparation should begin early, alongside written examination preparation.

At Centurion Defence Academy, we believe that NDA preparation should focus on developing future officers, not simply helping students clear an examination.

Prepare for NDA 2 2026 and NDA 2027 with Centurion Defence Academy

Couldn’t find your roll number in the NDA 1 2026 final merit list? Don’t lose confidence.

Every examination gives you an opportunity to understand your preparation level and identify areas where you need improvement. If your dream is to join the Indian Armed Forces, start working towards your next opportunity with a stronger preparation strategy.

Centurion Defence Academy provides structured guidance for students preparing for NDA, CDS, AFCAT and SSB interviews.

Our preparation approach focuses on:

• • Complete NDA written examination preparation.

• • Mathematics and GAT concept development.

• • Regular mock tests and performance analysis.

• • SSB interview preparation.

• • Psychology tests and practice sessions.

• • GTO tasks and group activities.

• • Personal interview guidance.

• • Personality development and OLQ improvement.

Whether you are studying in Class 10, Class 11, Class 12 or have completed your schooling, choosing the right preparation strategy at the right time can help you move closer to your defence career goal.

Why Choose Centurion Defence Academy?

At Centurion Defence Academy, the focus goes beyond classroom teaching. Our aim is to help aspirants develop the academic foundation, confidence, discipline and personality required for the defence selection process.

Our preparation programmes cover NDA, CDS, AFCAT and SSB interview training, with online and offline learning options.

Students can explore our programmes at our available centres in Lucknow, Dehradun and Delhi NCR.

Explore our courses:

• NDA Coaching at Centurion Defence Academy
• SSB Interview Coaching