Joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) is a dream for thousands of defence aspirants. While the path is rigorous, one of the biggest advantages is the financial support provided by the Government of India.
If you are looking for the latest NDA 3-year training fees for the 2026 batch or the NDA Foundation Course after 10th, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the costs, allowances, and stipends.
Official NDA 3-Year Training Fees: Who Pays?
The most important thing to know is that the cost of training at NDA is fully borne by the Government of India. This includes your high-quality education, accommodation (hostel), boarding (meals), medical treatment, and use of world-class sports facilities.
However, parents are required to pay a certain amount for personal expenses and initial kits.
Initial Joining Expenses (First Term)
When a cadet joins the Academy, they must deposit an initial amount to cover personal clothing, equipment, and insurance. For 2026, this is approximately:
| Expense Component | Estimated Amount (INR) |
| Pocket Allowance (for 5 months) | ₹15,000 |
| Clothing and Equipment | ₹21,831 |
| Army Group Insurance (AGIF) | ₹7,200 |
| Incidental Expenditure | ₹7,138 |
| Initial Clothing (at joining) | ₹8,681 |
| Total Initial Deposit | ₹55,560 – ₹60,000 |
Monthly Pocket Money and Allowances
During the three years at Khadakwasla, cadets do not receive a full salary. Instead, they receive a monthly pocket allowance.
- Pocket Money: Cadets are typically given ₹3,000 per month (increased from ₹1,500) to meet personal requirements like stationery, snacks, or energy drinks during camps.
- Financial Assistance: If a cadet’s parent/guardian earns less than ₹21,000 per month, the government may provide financial aid of ₹1,000 per month to cover these pocket expenses.
The Big Reward: NDA Stipend and Salary 2026
While you don’t get a salary during the first three years of NDA, you start earning a stipend once you move to your respective finishing academies (IMA, INA, or AFA) for the 4th year of training.
- Fixed Stipend: ₹56,100 per month (Pay Level 10).
- Total Income Post-Commission: Once you are commissioned as a Lieutenant (or equivalent), your starting salary, including DA, MSP (₹15,500), and other allowances, ranges between ₹90,000 and ₹1,10,000 per month.
Key Keywords and Quick Facts for 2026 Aspirants
- NDA Foundation Course Fees: Many private academies charge between ₹3.5 Lakh to ₹4 Lakh per year for 11th/12th schooling plus NDA coaching.
- Training Period: 3 Years at NDA (Pune) + 1 Year at IMA/INA/AFA.
- Insurance Cover: A one-time non-refundable premium of ₹6,400 provides a ₹15 Lakh cover for 3 years at NDA.
- Cost of Relegation: If a cadet is relegated (kept back a term), an additional premium of approximately ₹1,355 per term is charged.
Summary of Fees vs. Benefits
| Feature | Cost to Cadet/Parent | Government Contribution |
| Tuition and Training | FREE | Fully Funded |
| Hostel & Messing | FREE | Fully Funded |
| Medical | FREE | Fully Funded |
| Uniforms | Initial Deposit (~₹22k) | Maintenance Provided |
| Monthly Stipend | Only in the 4th Year | ₹56,100/month |
The fees for NDA are essentially an investment in your personal kit and insurance, while the state-of-the-art military training is a gift from the nation to its future officers.