Hey learners,
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) 2026 notifications, and the registration process is now open for eligible candidates across India. Interested aspirants can apply online through the official UPSC portals upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in until 30 December 2025.
Applications Open for NDA & CDS 2026
The UPSC started the online application process for the NDA and CDS 2026 recruitment from 10 December 2025, inviting candidates to fill out forms for a combined total of over 840 vacancies in the defence services. Read full details by clicking below vacancies:
- This recruitment offers opportunities to join prestigious institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 10 December 2025 |
| Online Application Begins | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date (Tentative) | 12 April 2026 (for CDS & NDA-I) |
Candidates are advised to complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Eligibility Criteria at a Glance
NDA 2026 Eligibility
- Education: 12th pass or appearing candidates (10+2) are eligible.
- Age: Between 16 ½ and 19 ½ years.
- Gender: Both male and female candidates can apply.
- Subject Requirement: Physics and Mathematics at 12th standard required for Air Force and Naval entries.
CDS 2026 Eligibility
- Education:
- IMA & OTA: Graduate degree in any discipline.
- INA: Engineering degree (B.Tech/B.E.) or equivalent.
- AFA: Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 or Engineering.
- Age Range:
- Typically 19 to 24/25 years (varies by academy).
How to Apply
- Visit upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the one-time registration.
- Fill in the required personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned documents and photographs.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit and download the confirmation page for record.
Selection Process
Both exams follow a two-stage selection process:
- Written Examination: Objective test (pen & paper).
- SSB Interview: Candidates shortlisted from the written exam are called for Services Selection Board evaluation.
Why NDA & CDS Are Highly Competitive
UPSC’s NDA and CDS exams remain among the most sought-after defence entry routes due to:
- Prestigious careers in the Indian Armed Forces.
- Structured training at top military institutions.
- Strong job security and benefits.
With lakhs of aspirants appearing every year, early and systematic preparation is essential for success.