UPSC NDA / NA Documents Checklist

Complete document requirements for UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA/NA) 2026 – from online application and written exam to SSB interview, medicals and final joining in Army, Navy and Air Force wings.

Application → Written Exam → SSB → Medical → Merit List → Joining
10th & 12th marksheets, ID, category, domicile, NCC & sports certificates, risk bonds

UPSC NDA / NA Complete Document Requirements (2026 Cycle)

For NDA/NA 2026, the initial UPSC form mainly needs a scanned photograph, signature and one photo ID, while 10th and 12th certificates, category and other documents are checked later at SSB and joining stages.

Always go through the latest NDA notification and UPSC application instructions, as well as your SSB call letter, because they mention exactly which documents to upload online and which originals to carry.

1
Online Application & Registration

  • Scanned Photograph

    JPG/JPEG, about 20–300 KB, recent, white/light background
    MANDATORY
    Printed on NDA admit card and used for identity verification at written exam and SSB reporting.

  • Scanned Signature

    JPG/JPEG, around 20–100 KB, blue/black ink, not in capitals
    MANDATORY
    Used as specimen signature on application; must match sign used in future forms and SSB documentation.

  • Photo Identity Card (Upload + Details)

    Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN / Passport / DL / School Photo ID, usually in PDF (20–300 KB)
    MANDATORY
    ID type and number are stored by UPSC, printed on admit card and must be carried in original to the exam and SSB.

  • Class 10 & 12 Details (Certificates for Reference)

    10th/12th marksheet details entered; scans may be asked as supporting documents
    Used to fill exact name, parents’ names, date of birth and qualification details correctly in the online form.
2
NDA / NA Written Examination

  • NDA / NA Admit Card

    A4 print of e-admit card
    MANDATORY
    Shows exam centre, roll number and photograph; compulsory for entry to the written examination.

  • Original Photo ID

    Same ID whose details were given in application
    MANDATORY
    Used at the exam centre entry gate to verify identity against admit card and UPSC database.
3
SSB Interview – Reporting Day

  • SSB Call-Up Letter / Admit Card

    Printed copy of SSB call letter from respective Service HQ
    MANDATORY
    Required to enter the SSB centre; mentions reporting date, time and instructions about dress and documents.

  • Original Class 10 Marksheet & Certificate

    Original + 2–3 self-attested photocopies
    MANDATORY
    Main proof of date of birth and candidate’s name; all other documents must match these details.

  • Original Class 12 Marksheet & Certificate

    Original + photocopies; if result awaited, provisional or school certificate as per call letter
    MANDATORY
    Confirms academic eligibility (10+2 with required subjects) and percentage for NDA/NA entry.

  • Category / Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC)

    Original certificate in prescribed format + photocopies
    Required to claim travel allowance (TA) and reservation benefits where applicable; checked at SSB documentation.

  • Domicile Certificate (If Asked)

    State domicile certificate as per state format
    Sometimes required for certain benefits or record purposes, as mentioned in the SSB call letter.

  • NCC Certificates (If Applicable)

    Original NCC “C”/“B” certificate with photocopies
    Used to award additional weightage/benefits for NCC candidates as per current rules.

  • Sports / Achievement Certificates (Optional)

    Originals + photocopies of sports/state/national level achievements
    Strengthen your profile during SSB interview and help assess overall personality and leadership.

  • Valid Photo ID

    Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID / Passport / School ID, original + photocopies
    Used at SSB gate and documentation section to verify candidate identity against UPSC/Service HQ records.

  • Passport-size Photographs

    6–10 recent colour photographs as per call letter instructions
    Pasted on various SSB forms, PIQ, ID cards and record sheets during the 5-day selection process.
4
During SSB – Forms & Travel Allowance

  • PIQ (Personal Information Questionnaire) & Other Forms

    Filled at centre; may need reference from certificates
    Contain personal, academic and family details used by assessors during interview and conference.

  • Travel Allowance (TA) Form & Tickets (If Eligible)

    TA form provided by SSB + original train/bus tickets
    Used to reimburse travel cost for first-time SSB attendees from certain categories, as per rules mentioned in the call letter.
5
NDA / NA Medical Examination

  • Medical Call Letter

    Issued by Military Hospital after recommendation
    MANDATORY
    Specifies date, time and place for medical examination after SSB recommendation.

  • Original Photo ID & SSB Documents

    Same ID and relevant SSB papers
    MANDATORY
    Medical board confirms identity of the candidate being examined for NDA/NA entry.

  • Previous Medical Records (If Any)

    Eye-surgery reports, hospitalisation documents, prescriptions, etc.
    Help the medical board understand past surgeries/conditions and decide on medical fitness or temporary unfitness.
6
Joining NDA / Naval Academy

  • Joining Instructions & Offer Letter

    Issued by Training Academy/Service HQ
    MANDATORY
    Contains reporting date, kit list, required forms and undertaking formats for parents/guardians and cadets.

  • Fresh Character / Conduct Certificates

    From school/college or local authorities as specified
    Used by the academy to verify your background and conduct before training starts.

  • Risk Certificates / Bonds Signed by Parents/Guardian

    As per format in joining instructions
    Confirm that parents/guardian understand the nature of training and agree to associated risks and conditions.

UPSC NDA / NA Photo & Signature Specifications (2026)

Document Format File Size Key Rules
Photograph JPG/JPEG Usually 20–300 KB (check NDA notice) Recent photo with white background, face clearly visible; no sunglasses or cap; should resemble candidate at exam and SSB.
Signature JPG/JPEG Typically 20–100 KB Use blue/black ink on white paper; not in capital letters; signature must match on all future forms.
Photo ID (Upload) PDF/JPG Around 20–300 KB Details must be accurate; the same original ID must be carried to written exam and SSB as proof of identity.

UPSC NDA / NA Documents FAQ

Important document-related doubts for NDA/NA aspirants.

Do I need to upload 10th and 12th certificates with the NDA application form? ›
In most cases you only fill marks and passing details while applying online; original 10th and 12th certificates are checked later at SSB and before joining, so you must keep them ready.
Can I appear for NDA if my 12th result is awaited? ›
Yes, 12th-appearing candidates can write the exam, but they must produce proof of passing 12th as per dates given in the notification, otherwise they cannot join the academy even if selected.
How many photocopies of documents should I carry to SSB? ›
Most SSB centres ask for at least two self-attested photocopies of each important document; carrying three to four sets plus extra photographs is a safe practice.
What if there is a mismatch in my name or date of birth across certificates? ›
You should get the discrepancy corrected and carry the relevant Gazette notification or affidavit along with both old and corrected documents, otherwise you may face problems during SSB and joining.