If you have a dream of serving the Armed Forces, the UPSC has some exciting news for you. With the much-awaited UPSC Notification 2026, the application process for the NDA and CDS examinations has begun. This is the golden opportunity that every young person who wishes to wear the uniform and have the privilege of defending the country has been waiting for.
The application deadline is December 30, so it is very important to complete the application in time.
UPSC Notification 2026: Total Vacancies in NDA and CDS?
This time, UPSC has opened the path for recruitment to a total of 845 posts. These include:
- 394 posts for NDA 2026
- 451 posts for CDS 2026
Through these posts, candidates can join prestigious branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy. The 157th Course under NDA and the 119th Course of INAC will commence in January.
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NDA 2026 Exam Date and Key Information
The NDA/NA I Examination will be conducted on April 12, 2026. Through this exam, candidates prove their capability in Mathematics, General Ability, and then the SSB Interview. The entire selection process assesses the candidate’s mental, physical, and leadership abilities.
Full Details of CDS 2026 Vacancies
The total of 451 posts available in CDS 2026 include various wings of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The maximum number of opportunities is available for the Army, while vacancies are also provided in both technical and non-technical fields for the Navy and Air Force. This examination will also be held on April 12, 2026.
UPSC CDS 2026 Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
UPSC has clarified that only unmarried male and female candidates can apply. The candidate’s date of birth must be of not earlier than July 2, 2007 and not later than July 1, 2010. In addition, educational qualifications and physical standards are mandatory as per the concerned wing.
UPSC NDA & CDS 2026: Application Fee and Process
While the Application fee for NDA is ₹100, the application fee for CDS is ₹200. The Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempted from the fee.
Application Process :Simple and Step-by-Step
The entire application process is online and can be completed in a few easy steps.
- First, visit the official portal nic.in.
- Fill in your basic information through One Time Registration.
- Log in and fill out the application form carefully.
- Check all the details and submit the fee.
- Finally, download and save the application form.
The e-Admit Card will be issued approximately one week before the examination, which candidates will be able to download from the website.
CDS and NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
The NDA exam includes two subjects:
- Mathematics (300 marks)
- General Ability Test (600 marks)
Whereas CDS includes three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics, each of 100 marks. Negative marking is applicable in both exams, and the final selection is determined only after the SSB Interview.
Important Rules for Exam Day
According to UPSC, it is mandatory for candidates to reach the examination center at least 30 minutes before the start time. Latecomers will not be allowed entry, regardless of the reason.
UPSC Notification 2026 is an Opportunity to Fulfill Youth Dreams
The UPSC Notification 2026 is not just a recruitment notice; it is the door to the dreams of those young people who want to do something great for the country. If you are one of them, don’t delay, apply on time and take the first strong step towards your goal.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information. For any changes, detailed eligibility, or official confirmation, please check the official UPSC website.
Pronita Devi, an M.A. in Political Science, has spent over a decade in electronic and digital media. She regularly contributes insightful articles on geopolitics and current affairs, bringing clarity and depth to complex global issues.