UPSC NDA (II) & CDS (II) Notification 2026 Out Apply Online .

 

Are you dreaming of donning the uniform and serving the nation as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces?

Your golden opportunity is here! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the

recruitment notifications for the National Defence Academy (NDA - II) and Combined Defence Services

(CDS - II) 2026 exams.

With a total of 845 vacancies up for grabs across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, this is one of the most

prestigious defense entry windows of the year. Below is the complete, structured content outline optimize for

your blog to capture maximum search traffic and deliver clean insights to job aspirants.

📆 Key Dates You Cannot Miss

The application window is brief, so make sure your readers are advised to register well before the deadline to avoid last-minute server traffic congestion.

🔢Vacancy Breakdown 2026

A total of 845 officer-cadre posts are being filled through these twin tier-1 entry exams across different wings:

• UPSC NDA (II) 2026: 394 Posts (Includes Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy)
• UPSC CDS (II) 2026: 451 Posts (Includes IMA, INA, AFA, and Officers Training Academy) 

🎓Eligibility Criteria: Age & Qualification.

UPSC enforces strict eligibility standards regarding a candidate's educational background and marital status.

1. UPSC NDA (II) Eligibility: 

•  For Army Wing: Class 12th Pass (10+2 pattern) from any recognized educational board.
• For Air Force & Navy Wing: Class 12th Pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects.
• Note: Class 12th appearing students are also fully eligible to apply.
• Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible.

             2.UPSC CDS (II) Eligibility:   

• IMA & Officers' Training Academy (OTA): Degree from a recognized university in any stream.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

📈Selection Process: How It Works

Getting into the armed forces requires clearing a rigorous multi-stage testing layout designed to evaluate both

mental agility and physical standards:

Stage 1: Written Examination

Conducted offline by UPSC. For NDA, it tests Mathematics and General Ability. For CDS, it tests English,

General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (depending on the chosen track).

Stage 2: SSB Interview

Candidates who clear the written cutoff are called for a rigorous 5-day Service Selection Board (SSB)

interview evaluating psychological fitness, intelligence, and leadership potential.

Stage 3: Medical Examination

An intensive physical checkup by specialized Military Medical Boards to ensure the candidate meets

structural fitness guidelines for commissioning.

📝How to Apply Online

1.  Go to the official UPSC registration website: upsconline.nic.in.
2. Complete your One-Time Registration (OTR) profile if opening for the first time.
3. Fill out Part-I of the application form with correct biographical and academic details.
4. Pay the application processing fee (₹100 for General/OBC; SC/ST/Women are exempted).
5. Upload premium scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and valid government ID proof.
6. Select your preferred exam center in Part-II and click submit.