The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened applications for its Combined Defence Services (CDS) and National Defence Academy (NDA) Examinations 2026. Interested candidates must apply online at upsconline.nic.in by December 30 . This recruitment drive offers 451 vacancies for the CDS exam and 394 vacancies for the NDA exam.
Application Details
Candidates seeking to join the Indian Armed Forces through these examinations must complete their applications before the deadline. The official UPSC website provides the necessary application portal and detailed instructions.
| Exam | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UPSC NDA 2026 | 394 |
| UPSC CDS 2026 | 451 |
Application fees vary by exam and category. Candidates for UPSC CDS 2026 must pay Rs 200. This fee is waived for female, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. The UPSC NDA 2026 exam requires a Rs 100 fee from all applicable candidates.
Examination Schedule
Both the UPSC NDA 2026 and UPSC CDS 2026 written examinations are scheduled for April 12 . The NDA exam selects candidates for the 157th course of the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Additionally, the 119th course of the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) is set to commence from January 1 .
Selection Process Overview
The selection process for both CDS and NDA examinations includes a rigorous written test. Successful candidates then proceed to an interview or a Service Selection Board (SSB) test for personality assessment.
Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam
The UPSC CDS 2026 written examination consists of three distinct papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Each paper is allotted 100 marks. Candidates receive 2 hours to complete each section of the exam. Following the written examination, qualified candidates undergo an interview for a personality test.
National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam
The UPSC NDA 2026 written test includes two main components. The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks. The General Ability Test accounts for 600 marks. The subsequent SSB test or interview process is conducted for a total of 900 marks.
A crucial detail for both UPSC CDS and NDA exams is the application of negative marking. Incorrect answers to objective-type questions will result in a deduction of marks.
Important Guidelines for Exam Day
Candidates must adhere to specific instructions on the examination day. All applicants are advised to reach their designated exam centers at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Latecomers will not be granted permission to enter the examination hall.
E-admit cards will be issued to eligible candidates. These cards will be made available on the UPSC website on the last working day of the week preceding the exam date. Candidates must download and carry their e-admit cards to the examination center.