UPSC NDA, CDS 2026 Registration Process Begins

Synopsis:  UPSC opens registrations for CDS II and NDA II 2026 examinations. Eligible candidates can apply online until June 9, with exams scheduled for September 13 for recruitment into India’s premier defence academies.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has started the registration process for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II and National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy Examination II for 2026. Interested candidates can apply online through the official UPSC portal until June 9, 2026, while the examinations are scheduled to be conducted on September 13, 2026.

The recruitment drive offers aspiring candidates an opportunity to join prestigious defence institutions and serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Through the CDS examination, candidates can seek admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Meanwhile, the NDA and Naval Academy examinations provide entry into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.

According to the official notification, candidates applying for NDA must have completed or be appearing for Class 12 examinations. Applicants seeking admission to the Air Force and Naval wings are required to have studied Physics and Mathematics at the higher secondary level. For CDS, eligibility varies according to the academy and generally requires a graduate degree from a recognised university. Candidates are also required to fulfil specific age and medical fitness criteria prescribed by UPSC.

Also read: IAF to Use GATE Scores for Technical Branch Hiring

The application process has been made fully online through the UPSC One-Time Registration (OTR) system. Candidates are required to register on the portal, fill in personal and educational details, upload scanned documents, and pay the prescribed examination fee before final submission. Authorities have advised applicants to complete the process early to avoid last-minute technical issues on the portal.

The selection process for both examinations includes a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical examination. Successful candidates receive training at premier military academies before commissioning into the armed forces. The examinations continue to attract thousands of aspirants every year due to the prestige, career growth, salary structure, and opportunities associated with defence services.

UPSC has also highlighted that candidates should carefully review the official notification regarding eligibility, vacancy details, examination pattern, and service conditions before submitting their applications. The Commission expects significant participation this year as defence sector careers remain one of the most sought-after options among young aspirants across India.