New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially started the registration process for the NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) 2026 examinations. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces can now submit their applications online for a total of 840 vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The application window has opened on the UPSC’s official website, and candidates have been advised to complete the process well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
👉 Total Vacancies
UPSC will fill 840 posts through the two prestigious defence examinations:
- NDA 2026: Recruitment for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings
- CDS 2026: Recruitment for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) & Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
👉 Important Dates
- Application Start Date: Ongoing
- Last Date to Apply: (As per UPSC notification — add when official)
- Correction Window: Will open after application deadline
- Written Exam Date: Declared in UPSC Exam Calendar 2026
Candidates must complete all stages—registration, fee payment, form submission—within the notified timeline.
👉 Eligibility Criteria
NDA 2026
- Age: Candidates must meet the age limit specified in the official notice
- Education: Class 12 passed or appearing (with Physics & Maths for Air Force/Navy)
- Marital Status: Unmarried
CDS 2026
- IMA & INA: Graduation degree in relevant fields
- AFA: Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Engineering degree
- OTA: Graduation in any discipline
👉 Selection Process
The selection involves:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates who qualify will undergo intensive training at their respective academies before joining the armed forces.
👉 How to Apply (Direct Steps)
- Visit the official website: upsc.gov.in
- Click on NDA & CDS 2026 Application link
- Complete Part-I Registration
- Fill in personal & academic details
- Upload documents in required format
- Pay the examination fee
- Submit the application and download confirmation
A direct link to register is available on the UPSC website.
👉 Exam Highlights
- NDA & CDS are among India’s most competitive defence exams
- Candidates from across the country participate every year
- Selected candidates are offered prestigious officer roles in the Indian Armed Forces
The launch of the application process for 2026 provides aspirants with ample time to prepare strategically for the written exam and SSB interviews.
Disclaimer
The details mentioned are based on the latest UPSC announcements. Candidates must verify exact dates and guidelines directly from the official UPSC notification.
