The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA 1 2026 Final Merit List on 5 November 2026. Candidates who appeared for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 can now check their final selection status through the official merit list available on the UPSC website.
A total of 617 candidates have qualified for admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) after the written examination and Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews.
This is an important update for all NDA 1 2026 aspirants who have been waiting for the final result. Candidates can now check their names and roll numbers in the official merit list and prepare for the next stage of the admission process.
In this article, The Lakshya Academy provides complete information about the NDA 1 2026 final result, merit list PDF, toppers, selection process and important instructions for selected candidates.
| DOWNLOAD PDF | NDA 1 2026 MERIT LIST PDF |
NDA 1 2026 Final Result: Important Highlights
The UPSC NDA and NA 1 2026 examination has reached its final selection stage. Here are the important details:
Examination Name: NDA and NA Examination (I), 2026
Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Written Examination Date: 12 April 2026
Written Examination Result: 8 May 2026
Final Merit List Release Date: 5 November 2026
Total Selected Candidates: 617
Selection Process: Written Examination followed by SSB Interview
NDA Course: 157th Course
Naval Academy Course: 119th Indian Naval Academy Course
Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in
NDA 1 2026 Final Merit List PDF: Download Here
Candidates can download the NDA 1 2026 Final Merit List directly from the official UPSC website.
The merit list contains the roll numbers and names of candidates who have qualified based on their written examination and SSB interview performance.
Official NDA 1 2026 Final Result PDF:
https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/FR-NDANA-I-2026-Engl-05112026.pdf
Candidates should download the PDF and carefully check their roll numbers.
How to Check NDA 1 2026 Final Merit List?
Candidates can follow these simple steps to check their final selection status:
Visit the official UPSC website at www.upsc.gov.in.
Open the What’s New or Examination Results section.
Find the link titled National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 – Final Result.
Click on the final result link.
The merit list PDF will appear on your screen.
Press Ctrl + F on your computer or use the search option on your mobile.
Enter your roll number or name to check your result.
Download and save the merit list for future reference.
NDA 1 2026 Merit List: 617 Candidates Selected
According to the official UPSC announcement, a total of 617 candidates have qualified for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy.
The merit list includes:
551 male candidates
66 female candidates
The merit list has been prepared based on the combined performance of candidates in the written examination and the SSB interview.
NDA 1 2026 Toppers List
The NDA 1 2026 final merit list has also brought recognition to candidates who secured the top positions.
Top Male Candidates:
Ishaan Pachauri
Aarsh Kukreja
Kaustav Baunthiyal
Ish Phogat
Mithlesh Yadav
Top Female Candidates:
Shreya N Gowda
Avika Sharma
Rajshree Rai
Pankaj Kumari
Vanshika Choudhary
Congratulations to all the successful candidates who have achieved this important milestone in their journey towards becoming officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
What Happens After the NDA 1 2026 Final Merit List?
Candidates must understand that the declaration of the final merit list is not the only requirement for admission to the National Defence Academy.
There are some important formalities that candidates must complete.
1. Document Verification
The candidature of selected candidates is provisional. Candidates must submit the required certificates supporting their date of birth, educational qualifications and other eligibility details wherever these have not already been submitted.
2. Medical Examination
UPSC has clarified that the results of the medical examination have not been taken into account while preparing the final merit list.
Therefore, candidates must follow the instructions of the respective authorities regarding medical fitness and admission formalities.
3. Final Admission
Admission will be subject to the fulfilment of eligibility conditions, document verification, medical fitness and the applicable merit and vacancy requirements.
The NDA 157th Course and INA 119th Course are scheduled to commence from 1 January 2027.
When Will NDA 1 2026 Marks and Cut-Off Be Released?
Many candidates are also waiting for their individual marks and the official NDA 1 2026 cut-off marks.
According to the UPSC announcement, candidates’ marks will be made available on the official UPSC website after 15 days from the declaration of the final result.
Candidates should regularly visit the official UPSC website for updates regarding marks and cut-off information.
What Should NDA Aspirants Do If They Are Not Selected?
Not getting your name in the final merit list does not mean that your journey towards joining the Indian Armed Forces has ended.
Candidates who could not make it to the final merit list should identify the areas where they need improvement.
If you could not clear the written examination, focus on improving your Mathematics and General Ability Test preparation.
If you cleared the written examination but could not make it through the SSB interview, analyse your performance in the psychological tests, GTO tasks and personal interview.
Remember, SSB preparation is not about memorising answers or displaying artificial Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). It is about developing the right personality, confidence, communication skills, decision-making ability and leadership qualities.
Prepare for Your Next NDA Attempt with The Lakshya Academy
The journey of becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces requires consistent preparation, the right guidance and a disciplined approach.
At The Lakshya Academy, we provide structured preparation for NDA, CDS, AFCAT and SSB interviews with a focus on academic excellence and personality development.
Our preparation approach focuses on:
Complete NDA written examination preparation.
Mathematics and General Ability Test guidance.
SSB psychological test preparation.
GTO task preparation and group discussions.
Personal interview preparation.
Development of Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
Whether you are preparing for NDA 2 2026 or NDA 1 2027, starting your preparation with the right strategy can make a significant difference.
We train your mind, you take the decision.
For admission and course-related queries, contact The Lakshya Academy.
Website: www.lakshyaacademy.co.in
Contact: 7827363838
Conclusion
The declaration of the NDA 1 2026 Final Merit List is an important milestone for all defence aspirants. With 617 candidates qualifying for admission to the NDA and Naval Academy, the result marks the completion of a challenging selection journey involving the written examination and SSB interview.
Congratulations to all the successful candidates. For those who could not make it this time, remember that consistency, self-improvement and the right preparation strategy can help you achieve your goal in the upcoming examinations.
Stay focused, stay disciplined and keep working towards your dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces.
The Lakshya Academy – Your Lakshya, Our Mission.
