UPSC NDA CDS Exam 2026: Applications Open for UPSC NDA and CDS Exams, 845 Vacancies in the Armed Forces

UPSC NDA CDS Exam 2026: This is important news for young people waiting for officer-rank recruitment in the armed forces. The application process for the National Defence Academy (UPSC NDA) and Combined Defence Services (UPSC CDS) examinations has begun. A total of 845 positions will be filled in the armed forces through these examinations.

UPSC NDA CDS Exam 2026: Good news for young people dreaming of joining the armed forces as officers. UPSC has started the application process for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) examinations 2026 (UPSC NDA and CDS Exam 2026). This time, a total of 845 positions are available. So, if you want to join the defence services, this is the right time to apply.

The application process started on December 10, 2025. According to the notification issued by UPSC, a total of 394 positions will be filled through the NDA examination. These include the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Through the CDS examination, a total of 451 positions will be filled. These two examinations provide young people with the opportunity to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

UPSC NDA CDS Exam 2026 Application: How to Apply

• To apply, first visit upsconline.nic.in.
• On the homepage, click on the NDA or CDS 2026 application link.
• Register and fill in your basic information.
• Log in and complete the application form.
• Upload the required documents.
• Pay the prescribed application fee online.
• After submitting the form, take a printout of the confirmation page.
• Check the UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2026 Notification directly here.

Check the UPSC CDS Exam 2026 Notification here.

Who can apply for the UPSC NDA 1 Exam? To apply for the NDA exam, candidates must have passed the 12th grade from a recognized board. However, if you wish to join the Air Force or Navy, having Physics and Mathematics in 12th grade is mandatory. Candidates must be over 18 years of age.

For the UPSC CDS exam, candidates must possess a graduation degree. The age limit is set between 20 and 24 years. Candidates younger or older than this age range will not be able to apply.

Important Dates for UPSC NDA and CDS

Applications for both the NDA and CDS exams began on December 10, 2025. Candidates have until December 30, 2025, to fill out the application form. Since the application window is short, it is advisable not to wait until the last day. The UPSC NDA and CDS exams will be conducted in April 2026. The exam date and city information will be released on the admit card.