According to police officials, the incident occurred at around 10 a.m. (some reports place it closer to 10:30 a.m.) at Gate No. 2 (North Gate) of Lok Bhavan, where Swami was posted on security duty. He used his service-issued rifle identified in one account as an AK-47 to shoot himself.

One detailed police statement indicated that the bullet entered through his mouth and exited through the posterior (parietal) region of the head. Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot. An empty cartridge was recovered near the body, and the rifle’s magazine still contained 30 rounds.

Swami, a native of Harsoli in Rajasthan’s Jaipur district and the son of Ramswaroop Swami, was posted with F Company of the 225 Battalion. He had been stationed in Mizoram for approximately one year.

Following the incident, his body was taken to Aizawl Civil Hospital, where a post-mortem examination was conducted. Police have registered an unnatural death case at Aizawl Police Station. An inquest was carried out, and a Forensic Science Laboratory team examined the scene.

The service rifle and Swami’s mobile phone have been seized as part of the investigation to determine the circumstances and possible motive. Officials stated that the motive was not immediately known. His body is expected to be transported to his native place in Jaipur district on Friday.

The investigation remains underway. Early reports contained variations in rank (some initially described him as a Sub-Inspector), but the consistent account from PTI and major national outlets identifies him as a constable of the 2023 batch.

The final selection is based on the performance in the written examination conducted on 12th April 2026, followed by the SSB Interviews conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) under the Ministry of Defence.

Important Highlights

• Total Candidates Recommended: 617
• Course Intake: NDA 157th Course and INAC 119th Course
• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• SSB Conducted By: Services Selection Board, Ministry of Defence
• Result Status: Final Merit List (Medical Results Not Considered)
• Official Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in

NDA 1 2026 Top 10 Male Toppers

NDA 1 2026 Top 10 Female Toppers

Note to Candidates

• The medical examination results have not been considered in this merit list.
• The candidature remains provisional, subject to verification of documents such as educational qualifications and date of birth.
• All queries regarding SSB interviews or joining formalities should be directed to the respective service headquarters:
  • Army: joinindianarmy.nic.in
  • Navy: joinindiannavy.gov.in
  • Air Force: careerindianairforce.cdac.in

Contact Information

For any assistance regarding the results, candidates can contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter at:

• Phone: 011-23385271 / 011-23381125 / 011-23098543
• Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Working Days)

What’s Next?

Candidates are advised to regularly check the respective websites for updates regarding joining instructions, course commencement, and medical clearance.

Congratulations to all the selected candidates for achieving this remarkable milestone in their journey to serve the nation!

The felicitation ceremony celebrated the determination, resilience and competitive spirit of the Army’s para-athletes, whose performances reflected their commitment to excellence despite physical challenges. General Dhiraj Seth commended the medal winners for their achievements and described them as embodiments of the indomitable spirit of a soldier, where adversity is met with resolve and every challenge becomes an opportunity to excel.

Subedar Solairaj D won the gold medal in the long jump, emerging as the top performer among the Indian Army contingent. His achievement highlighted the dedication and preparation required to compete successfully at the international level.

The Army athletes also secured two silver medals. Havildar Kapil Kumar won silver in the 400-metre freestyle swimming event, while Havildar Rakesh earned a silver medal in the discus throw.

The contingent added three bronze medals to its tally. Subedar Ajay Kumar secured bronze in the 400-metre event, Subedar Hokato Sema won bronze in seated shot put, and Havildar Pradeep claimed bronze in the discus throw.

The COAS also felicitated Mrs Simran, wife of Naik Gajender Singh, in recognition of her achievements in athletics, where she won two gold medals. Her recognition added another dimension to the ceremony, highlighting sporting excellence and achievement among members of the wider Army family.

Commending the athletes, General Dhiraj Seth praised their extraordinary resilience, determination and sporting excellence. He lauded their ability to overcome challenges and perform at the highest level, noting that their achievements reflected the indomitable Yoddha spirit of the Indian Army.

The ceremony underscored the Indian Army’s continued encouragement of sporting talent and its commitment to recognising personnel who bring laurels to the nation through their performances. The six-medal tally at the Asian Para Games stands as a testament to the perseverance and competitive spirit of the athletes.

The felicitation also reinforced the message of ‘Jai Se Vijay – Vijay Se Vijeta’, celebrating the journey from determination and perseverance to achievement. Through their performances, the para-athletes demonstrated that physical challenges need not limit sporting ambition and that discipline, courage and sustained effort can translate into success on the international stage.

The Indian Army’s recognition of these champions reflects its emphasis on fostering sporting excellence and celebrating individuals who exemplify courage, dedication and an unwavering commitment to achievement.

Havildar Shinde was awarded an Appreciation Letter by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh in recognition of his exceptional performance during the operation, which was undertaken under hazardous conditions to restore connectivity to local villages.

During the challenging clearance work, he demonstrated remarkable courage, technical proficiency and determination while operating in difficult and potentially dangerous conditions. His contribution played a key role in clearing the landslide-affected stretch and facilitating the restoration of road connectivity for residents of the area.

The operation highlighted the demanding nature of BRO’s work in the mountainous regions of Arunachal Pradesh, where landslides and difficult terrain can disrupt vital road links. Maintaining connectivity in such areas is essential for local communities and movement across remote locations.

The Director General Border Roads (DGBR) congratulated Havildar Shinde on receiving the recognition and appreciated his commitment to duty and spirit of selfless service. His performance was described as an inspiration to fellow BRO personnel, reflecting the organisation’s emphasis on dedication, courage and professional excellence.

Project Vartak, through its road construction and maintenance activities, contributes to the development and maintenance of critical infrastructure in the Northeast. Personnel deployed in the region frequently undertake challenging tasks in difficult geographical and weather conditions to maintain road connectivity.

Havildar Shinde’s recognition underscores the contribution of BRO personnel who work in demanding conditions to restore and maintain essential infrastructure. The appreciation also reflects the organisation’s motto, “Shrameṇa Sarvam Sādhyam”, highlighting the importance of hard work and dedication in fulfilling its responsibilities towards the nation.

The visit reaffirmed the Army’s emphasis on maintaining a high state of operational readiness in strategically important mountain areas. During the visit, the Army Commander reviewed the preparedness of troops deployed at forward locations and assessed their ability to remain operationally effective in the demanding terrain and conditions of the Himalayan region.

Lt Gen Mitra appreciated the troops for their exceptional professionalism, combat readiness and dedication to duty. He commended their commitment to maintaining operational standards while serving in challenging high-altitude conditions.

Emphasising the importance of sustained vigilance and preparedness, the Army Commander encouraged all ranks to maintain peak operational efficiency and remain ready to respond decisively to any challenge. He underscored the need for continued focus on operational excellence, discipline and readiness.

The visit highlighted Central Command’s continued focus on reviewing frontline preparedness and ensuring that troops remain vigilant and mission-ready. The Army’s commitment to operational excellence in the mountain sectors remains central to maintaining a high level of combat readiness.

The message of the visit was clear: steadfast resolve, unwavering readiness and sustained vigilance in the mountains are essential to remaining prepared for every operational challenge.

New Delhi: India and Canada held their inaugural Defence Dialogue virtually on November 3, 2026, marking a step towards strengthening bilateral defence and strategic engagement. The meeting provided a platform for both countries to exchange views on their respective defence policies, strategic outlooks and potential areas of cooperation.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Dr Amit Telang, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and Scott Millar, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Department of National Defence, Canada.

During the discussions, both sides reviewed opportunities to expand defence cooperation and identified several areas for deeper engagement. Defence industrial cooperation emerged as an important focus, with military-technical cooperation and defence research and development also identified as priority areas for further collaboration.

The inaugural dialogue enabled the two countries to discuss their respective approaches to defence and security matters while exploring practical avenues for advancing bilateral engagement. Both delegations exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments, reflecting their interest in maintaining regular communication on issues of mutual concern.

The discussions also focused on identifying specific deliverables that could help translate the broader commitment to stronger defence relations into tangible outcomes. Both sides considered proposals to advance the partnership in a comprehensive manner, with an emphasis on strengthening cooperation across identified priority areas.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment at the leadership level to expand defence and strategic engagement between India and Canada. This commitment was reflected in the Joint Statement issued on March 2, 2026, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The dialogue represents an institutional platform for continued engagement between the defence establishments of the two countries. By bringing together officials responsible for defence policy and international cooperation, the mechanism is expected to facilitate discussions on emerging opportunities, identify areas of mutual interest and support the development of practical cooperation initiatives.

Defence industrial cooperation is among the key areas identified for further engagement. The discussions also highlighted the potential for military-technical collaboration and joint work in research and development, which could contribute to strengthening the broader defence partnership.

Both countries agreed to remain in contact to take forward the discussions and proposals put forward during the inaugural meeting. The continued engagement is intended to support the expansion of bilateral defence cooperation and advance the shared objective of strengthening India–Canada strategic relations.

Speaking on the theme ‘Defence Reforms, Aatmanirbharta, Collaborations and Exports’, the Raksha Mantri described the four elements as interconnected pillars of India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047. He said reforms must create an enabling institutional environment, self-reliance must strengthen indigenous technological capabilities, international collaborations must facilitate access to advanced technologies and co-development, while exports must provide the scale and competitiveness necessary for a sustainable defence industrial ecosystem.

Rajnath Singh observed that reforms reflected the nation’s willingness to change, Aatmanirbharta its determination to create, collaborations its confidence to partner with the world and exports its readiness to compete globally. He stressed that these dimensions must advance together, as self-reliance without institutional reforms, international partnerships and access to global markets could restrict India’s technological horizons and industrial competitiveness.

Emphasising the strategic significance of indigenous capabilities, the Defence Minister said true self-reliance involved possessing the knowledge to design a defence platform, the technology to manufacture it, the intellectual property required to improve it and the capacity to maintain and sustain it independently. He cautioned against allowing critical defence requirements to remain vulnerable to external dependencies, particularly in areas essential to national security and operational readiness.

The Raksha Mantri also referred to the changing character of warfare, noting that recent conflicts across the world had demonstrated how military operations were increasingly extending beyond traditional domains of land, sea and air into space, cyberspace and the digital environment. The distinction between conventional and unconventional warfare was becoming increasingly blurred, requiring armed forces and defence industries to adapt to rapidly evolving technological and operational realities.

He pointed out that relatively inexpensive drones and autonomous systems were challenging sophisticated and costly military platforms. In this changing environment, the ability to innovate quickly, manufacture equipment at scale and replenish military capabilities had become as important as possessing advanced weapon systems. The changing nature of conflict, he said, made technological adaptability and industrial resilience essential components of military preparedness.

Highlighting the measures undertaken over the past decade to strengthen India’s domestic defence industrial base, Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of progressive policies, responsive institutional processes and an enabling environment for technological development. Among the initiatives highlighted were the establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors and the corporatisation of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board into seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings. These measures were aimed at improving autonomy, efficiency and competitiveness in defence manufacturing.

The Defence Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding private-sector participation in the development and production of advanced defence platforms and systems. He identified programmes such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, propulsion systems, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), artillery ammunition and shipbuilding as areas offering significant opportunities for private industry.

He said wider participation by private companies, micro, small and medium enterprises, start-ups and academic institutions would help expand indigenous development, increase manufacturing capacity and strengthen India’s position in the international defence market. Greater collaboration between the public and private sectors was also important for building a broader industrial ecosystem capable of supporting complex defence programmes.

Referring to 2025 as the Year of Reforms in the Ministry of Defence, Rajnath Singh said the initiative had focused on jointness, integration, emerging technologies, innovation and strengthening the domestic defence industrial ecosystem. Reforms across policies, institutional structures, technology development, acquisition procedures and ease of doing business were yielding positive results, he noted.

Highlighting the growth of the domestic defence industry, he stated that defence production had reached a record level of approximately Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the financial year 2025–26, while defence exports had increased to Rs 38,424 crore. Indian defence products were now reaching more than 80 countries, reflecting the growing contribution of defence public sector enterprises, private manufacturers, MSMEs and start-ups.

The Raksha Mantri described defence exports as an important indicator of the maturity and competitiveness of India’s domestic defence ecosystem. He said exports demonstrated the confidence of international partners in Indian technologies and manufacturing capabilities. The expansion had been supported by sustained policy liberalisation, simplification and standardisation, which had enabled Indian manufacturers, particularly MSMEs, to respond more effectively to international opportunities.

He called for broadening the scope of defence exports beyond the supply of equipment to include maintenance, repair, training, logistics and technology cooperation. According to him, every successful defence export should become the foundation of a long-term strategic partnership between India and the recipient country.

Reiterating the government’s targets, Rajnath Singh said India aimed to achieve defence production worth Rs 3 lakh crore and defence exports worth Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. He stressed that achieving these objectives would require the domestic defence industry to expand production capacity, maintain high quality standards and improve its competitiveness in global markets.

A significant part of the address focused on the relationship between operational requirements and defence research and development. The Defence Minister said the Defence Forces must remain important stakeholders in the R&D process, as their operational experience and understanding of battlefield conditions were essential for identifying research priorities and assessing the practical relevance of emerging technologies.

At the same time, he cautioned against restricting research entirely to immediate operational requirements. He observed that research driven too closely by the immediate perceptions of end-users could end up addressing only problems that were already recognised, leaving little room for exploring technologies and possibilities that had not yet been imagined.

Rajnath Singh called for a balance in which operational requirements inform research priorities while scientists and researchers retain the independence and intellectual freedom needed to pursue unconventional ideas. He emphasised that research institutions must have the space to question established assumptions, experiment with new approaches and develop technologies whose applications may not be immediately apparent.

He also stressed that innovation should not remain confined to laboratories and prototypes. Successful research outcomes must be translated into production and operational induction through sustained investment, institutional support and effective coordination among the Defence Forces, research organisations and industry. The objective, he said, should be to establish an ecosystem in which innovation is encouraged and promising technologies are converted into deployable military capabilities.

On international defence partnerships, the Raksha Mantri clarified that India’s pursuit of self-reliance did not represent a withdrawal from global engagement. Instead, he said, a technologically capable and self-reliant India would be better positioned to participate in international collaborations on equal terms.

He noted that traditional defence partnerships based on procurement, licensed manufacturing and transfer of technology had contributed to the development of India’s industrial capabilities. However, future cooperation needed to move towards more ambitious arrangements based on co-development, co-production and shared innovation.

Such partnerships, he said, should ensure meaningful Indian participation in design and development, access to critical technologies, appropriate sharing of intellectual property and opportunities for Indian companies to become part of global supply chains. He highlighted India’s large domestic market, expanding industrial base and pool of scientific and engineering talent as important advantages for international companies seeking partnerships with Indian industry.

Concluding his address, Rajnath Singh called for a collective commitment from the Defence Forces, civil servants, scientists, industry, academia and international partners to realise India’s defence ambitions. He said the country must move beyond procuring defence technologies towards creating them, expand from manufacturing primarily for domestic requirements to competing in global markets, and progress from participating in international defence partnerships to contributing meaningfully to the future of global defence technology.

He expressed confidence that the deliberations at the Delhi Defence Dialogue would generate valuable ideas and actionable recommendations to strengthen India’s defence preparedness, technological capabilities and strategic autonomy.

In his welcome remarks, MP-IDSA Director General Ambassador Sujan R Chinoy said the Delhi Defence Dialogue 2026 would provide a platform for exchanging perspectives on defence reforms, indigenous capabilities, international collaborations and defence exports. He also highlighted the two preparatory roundtables organised by the Institute on propulsion systems and defence exports, along with the inaugural ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum, which had further strengthened its international engagement.

CISC Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Additional Secretary Dipti Mohil Chawla, senior serving and retired officials, and foreign dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The two-day Delhi Defence Dialogue, organised by MP-IDSA on November 3 and 4, 2026, brought together policymakers, representatives of the Defence Forces, defence industry, academia, think tanks and strategic experts from India and abroad. The discussions were aimed at examining India’s evolving defence priorities, strengthening indigenous technological capabilities and identifying opportunities for international cooperation.

The dialogue also sought to facilitate greater engagement among the government, industry, original equipment manufacturers, MSMEs, start-ups and research institutions, with the objective of generating actionable policy recommendations for a self-reliant and technologically advanced Indian defence ecosystem.

During the two-day visit, the senior Army Medical Corps officer assessed the functioning of the medical establishments and reviewed the facilities available to provide healthcare support to military personnel. Particular attention was given to operational medical capabilities and the standards of combat medical training being imparted to personnel to ensure preparedness for demanding operational environments.

Lt Gen Muralidharan also reviewed the existing medical infrastructure and assessed the readiness of the establishments to meet their assigned responsibilities. The visit provided an opportunity to examine the functioning of field medical facilities and understand the preparedness of the medical teams in delivering timely and effective medical support.

At Bison Division Field Hospitals, the focus remained on operational medical preparedness and the role of field medical units in supporting formations. Such establishments form an important component of the Army’s medical support system, particularly in operational settings where medical personnel and facilities must remain prepared to respond to demanding requirements.

At Military Hospital Golconda, Lt Gen Muralidharan reviewed the medical infrastructure and overall functioning of the establishment. The assessment covered the availability and preparedness of facilities, alongside the professional capabilities of the personnel responsible for delivering medical services.

During the interaction with medical personnel and staff, the DGMS (Army) gained insights into their functioning, professional commitments and preparedness. He appreciated their professionalism, dedication and efforts towards maintaining high standards of medical support.

The visit also highlighted the importance of continuous evaluation of military healthcare establishments, particularly in relation to infrastructure, training and operational readiness. Combat medical training remains a critical aspect of military preparedness, enabling medical personnel to function effectively in challenging circumstances and provide support to troops when required.

The Indian Army’s medical support system plays an important role in sustaining operational effectiveness by ensuring that personnel have access to appropriate medical care. Field hospitals and military hospitals contribute to this framework through their respective responsibilities in providing medical support and maintaining healthcare readiness.

The two-day review underscored the importance of maintaining robust medical infrastructure, strengthening combat medical capabilities and ensuring that medical personnel remain professionally prepared to meet operational requirements. Lt Gen Muralidharan’s visit reaffirmed the emphasis on preparedness, professionalism and high standards across Army medical establishments.

Following the assumption of command, Maj Gen Anand addressed personnel of the Sub Area and urged all ranks to work collectively towards strengthening organisational effectiveness. He emphasised the importance of greater synergy, coordination and teamwork in achieving institutional objectives and enhancing the Army’s overall capabilities.

The General Officer called upon personnel to embrace innovation, adopt progressive approaches and continuously improve their professional competencies. He stressed that dedication, discipline and a commitment to excellence remained essential for meeting organisational requirements and adapting to evolving challenges.

Highlighting the importance of collective responsibility, Maj Gen Anand encouraged all ranks to contribute actively towards organisational growth and transformation. He underscored that effective teamwork, individual initiative and coordinated efforts were vital to building a cohesive and adaptable military organisation.

His address reflected the Indian Army’s continued emphasis on fostering a culture of innovation, professional development and operational effectiveness. The focus on synergy and excellence is aimed at strengthening institutional capabilities while preparing the organisation to respond to changing requirements.

The assumption of command by Maj Gen K. Anand marks the beginning of a new phase for the Bathinda Sub Area, with an emphasis on leadership, innovation and collective commitment to organisational progress.

The incident occurred on the evening of 21 July 2024 while INS Brahmaputra was undergoing a refit at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. A fire broke out on board. Ship’s crew, dockyard firefighters, and assistance from nearby vessels brought the blaze under control by the morning of 22 July. Large volumes of water used in firefighting, however, compromised the vessel’s stability. The 3,850-tonne frigate developed a severe port-side list and ultimately toppled onto its side alongside the berth.

Most personnel evacuated via the gangway; some jumped into the water and swam to safety. Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh, who was involved in the repair work, went missing. His body was recovered on 24 July after intensive diving operations. The Navy extended condolences to his family.

INS Brahmaputra is the lead ship of its indigenous class of guided-missile frigates. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, it was commissioned in April 2000. It measures approximately 125 metres in length and 16 metres in beam, with a complement of about 370 personnel, including 40 officers.

A board of inquiry headed by a Rear Admiral-rank officer investigated the incident. Then Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi also constituted a special task force under a rear admiral to review broader shipboard safety, security, and operating procedures across naval commands, establishments, and units. The task force’s recommendations were circulated and implemented to strengthen safeguards during repairs and maintenance.

Salvage operations to right the ship took several months; by late 2024 it had been returned to an upright position and moved to dry dock. Subsequent repairs have been completed, and the frigate is currently undergoing trials. Officials have stated that it has not yet been formally returned to operational service and is expected to become seaworthy sometime in 2027.

If convicted by the court-martial, the officers could face punishments ranging from reprimand and loss of seniority to imprisonment for up to two years. A Navy spokesperson has stated that establishing the cause, fixing responsibility, and putting safeguards in place are essential to prevent recurrence. The specific actions or omissions underlying the charges have not been publicly detailed; the court-martial is expected to examine the officers’ responsibility for the sequence of events that led to the fire, the vessel’s loss of stability, and the fatality.

The 2024 accident followed a similar incident involving INS Betwa, another frigate that capsized at the same Mumbai dockyard in 2016 after slipping from dock blocks. The Navy has emphasised the need for rigorous oversight during refits of complex warships, where water used in firefighting can rapidly alter stability if not carefully managed.