UPSC NDA, CDS 2026: The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the recruitment notification for the most prestigious government posts in the Defence category. Approx. 840 vacancies are announced in the official notification. The last date to apply for UPSC NDA, CDS 2026 is 30th December 2025.
The official recruitment notification was released on 10th December. Here, in this blog, we will cover everything about this prestigious exam – UPSC NDA Exam and UPSC CDS Exam.
Overview of UPSC NDA, CDS Exams
UPSC NDA / NA Exam – This exam is conducted for admission in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Naval Academy. There are 394 vacancies announced.
UPSC CDS Exam – This exam is conducted for admission in the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. There are 450 vacancies announced.
UPSC CDS Exam Key Highlights
| Particulars | Deatails |
| Name of the Exam | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS 1) 2026 |
| Conducted By | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exame Mode | Offline |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Application Form Last Date | December 30, 2025 |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS Exam
+ Indian Military Academy & Officers – Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University
+ Indian Naval Academy – Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized institution.
+ Air Force Academy – Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 12th/ a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
Application Fee for UPSC CDS Exam
The application fee for candidates from General/OBC category is Rs 200. Whereas, the candidates from SC/ST, Female candidates doesn’t require to give any application fee.
UPSC NDA Exam Highlights
The UPSC NDA exam is a national-level entry exam for the Indian Armed Forces, conducted twice a year. It consists of a 900-mark written test (Mathematics and General Ability Test) and a 900-mark SSB (Services Selection Board) interview for students who have passed their 12th grade, with specific subject requirements (PCM – Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics – is mandatory for the Air Force and Navy).
| Particulars | Deatils |
| Name of the Exam | National Defence Academy, Naval Academy Examination |
| Conducted By | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Application Form Last Date | December 30, 2025 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA Exam
Candidates should have passed the 12th examination or be appearing in 12th from any recognised board, with subjects – Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (for Air Force and Naval Wings) or any stream (for Army Wing).
Application Fee for UPSC NDA Exam
The application fee for candidates from the General/OBC category is Rs 100. Whereas, the candidates from SC/ST, Female candidates and sons of serving/ex-JCOs/NCOs/ORs do not need to give any application fee.
How to Apply: Students who are interested in Defence and aspire to work in the Indian Military, Navy and Air Force should apply for this upcoming exam.
Also Read: JEE Advanced 2026: IIT Roorkee Announces Exam Date
