What Is the Application Fee for NDA? 2027 Exam Guide
KF
Team Kampus Filter
Student College Research Team
Updated: September 20263 min read
Quick Summary
Application Fee: ₹100 (General/OBC) | Exemption: Female/SC/ST/JCO/NCO/OR
The application fee for the NDA examination is approximately ₹100 for General and OBC category candidates. Female candidates, as well as SC/ST candidates and sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs, are fully exempt from this payment. Fees can typically be paid via online banking, credit/debit cards, or SBI cash challan.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination serves as the gateway for young aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces. Understanding the financial requirements for the application process is the first step for any candidate. For the upcoming 2027 admission cycles, the application fee remains highly accessible to ensure a merit-based selection process. General and OBC candidates are required to pay a nominal fee of approximately ₹100. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid as part of the Part II registration process on the official UPSC website.
It is essential to note that the government provides significant fee waivers to promote inclusivity. Specifically, female candidates, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempt from paying any application fees. Always ensure you have your category certificates ready during the registration process to claim these exemptions. Please cross-check the official UPSC notification for the specific academic session to confirm if any revisions have been made to these figures.
Key Points for Students
- ✓General/OBC Candidates: Approximately ₹100
- ✓Female Candidates: Exempt (₹0)
- ✓SC/ST Candidates: Exempt (₹0)
- ✓Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Exempt (₹0)
Candidates can complete the payment process through both online and offline channels. The official UPSC portal typically supports payments via Net Banking, Visa/Master/Rupay Credit or Debit cards, and UPI. Alternatively, for those preferring offline methods, the system allows for the generation of an SBI Bank Challan. This challan can be printed and paid in cash at any branch of the State Bank of India. It is critical to retain the transaction receipt or the stamped challan as proof of payment.
As per official UPSC guidelines, candidates are advised to verify their application status 24 to 48 hours after payment. If the status does not update, contact the official helpdesk listed on the UPSC website. Always rely on the official UPSC portal (upsconline.nic.in) for fee-related transactions to avoid fraudulent third-party portals. Before proceeding, ensure you have reviewed the latest information brochure to confirm the specific payment deadlines for the current exam cycle.
NDA Application Fee vs. Other Defence Exam Benchmarks
Compare tuition fees, program duration, packages, and ROI ratings
Quick Comparison
| College / Institution | Annual Fee (Approx) | Cutoff Benchmark | Real Avg Package | Top Recruiters | ROI Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDA (UPSC) | General/OBC | ₹100 | Female/SC/ST/JCO/NCO | Online/SBI Challan | Moderate |
| CDS (UPSC) | General/OBC | ₹200 | Female/SC/ST | Online/SBI Challan | Moderate |
| AFCAT (IAF) | General/OBC | ₹550 | None (Standard) | Online Only | Moderate |
Verified Fee Benchmarks: Figures reflect audited notifications and semester schedules.Source: Official Circulars & Mandatory Disclosures
Step-by-Step Practical Decision Framework
Actionable steps to evaluate institutions before applying
1Step 1
Verify Eligibility Criteria
Before paying, ensure you meet the age, physical, and educational requirements outlined in the official UPSC notification.
2Step 2
Registration & Fee Payment
Complete the Part I and Part II registration on the official UPSC website. Choose your preferred payment method (Online or SBI Challan).
3Step 3
Status Confirmation
Log in to the portal post-payment to verify that your application status is marked as 'Complete' and save your registration ID.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common student admission questions
Is the NDA application fee refundable?
No, the NDA application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances once the payment is successfully processed.
Can I pay the NDA fee in cash?
Yes, you can pay the fee in cash by generating an SBI Bank Challan through the UPSC portal and submitting it at any State Bank of India branch.
Are female candidates required to pay the NDA application fee?
No, female candidates are fully exempt from paying the application fee for the NDA examination.
Institutional Data & Fee Transparency Disclaimer
Fee structures, cutoff percentiles, and placement statistics published on Kampus Filter are compiled from official university prospectuses, NIRF statutory filings, UGC/AICTE public notifications, and institutional disclosures. All figures represent comparative historical benchmarks and are subject to periodic revisions by respective university governing bodies.
Prospective students and guardians are advised to verify current academic session fees, seat matrices, and admission deadlines directly with the official university admissions office prior to financial commitments. Kampus Filter is an independent higher education research directory and does not solicit donations or represent university administration.