NDA 1 2026 Registration LIVE: Eligibility, Vacancy Breakup, Exam Schedule & Apply Link
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has just opened up online applications for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) examinations for 2026. With more than 840 vacancies available across various defence academies, this is an incredible chance for those aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces.
| Exam | Vacancies | Registration Dates | Exam Date |
| NDA I 2026 | 394 | Dec 10 - Dec 30, 2025 | April 12, 2026 |
| CDS I 2026 | 451 | Dec 10 - Dec 30, 2025 | April 12, 2026 |
Total Vacancies stand at 845!
NDA 2026 Vacancy Breakdown
The NDA I 2026 is offering a total of 394 positions, which are spread out as follows: Army has 208 spots, the Navy Executive Branch has 42, the Air Force Flying branch has 92, while the Air Force Ground Duties Technical and Non-Technical branches have 18 and 10 positions, respectively. Lastly, the Naval Academy has 24 openings.
CDS 2026 Vacancy Details
For those interested in the CDS I 2026, there are 451 openings available across the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit:
- NDA :- Candidates must be born between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2010 (ages 16.5 to 19.5 years).
- CDS :- Candidates should be between 19 to 25 years old (this varies by academy).
Educational Qualification:
- NDA Army Wing :- Must have completed 12th grade.
- NDA Air Force/Navy :- Requires 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- CDS :- A graduate degree from a recognized university is necessary.
Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates can apply.
Application Fee:
- NDA :- ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates; no fee for SC, ST, female candidates, and wards of JCO, NCO, and OR.
- CDS :- ₹200 (exempt for SC/ST and female candidates).
How to Apply:
1. Head over to the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in
2. Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).
3. Fill out the application form with your personal details.
4. Upload your photograph, signature, and necessary documents.
5. Pay the application fee online.
6. Submit your application and download the confirmation page.
Let's talk about the Selection Process for the UPSC NDA and CDS exams.
It goes like this :- first, there's the Written Examination, then the SSB Interview, and finally, the Medical Examination.
The written exam covers English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (specifically for NDA).
Important Links to Keep Handy:
- Official Notification :- Check out the UPSC Official Website
- Apply Online :- Head over to the UPSC Online Portal
- Detailed Information :- Visit the UPSC NDA/CDS Section
Key Dates You Should Mark on Your Calendar:
- Notification Release :- December 10, 2025
- Last Date to Apply :- December 30, 2025
- Written Exam :- April 12, 2026
- Admit Card :- Available three weeks before the exam
Tips for Aspiring Candidates:
- Apply early to steer clear of any last-minute tech hiccups.
- Have all your documents ready before you dive into the application.
- Make sure to double-check the eligibility criteria before hitting that apply button.
- Don’t forget to save the confirmation page for your records.
- Start your preparation as soon as you submit your application.
In Conclusion:
The UPSC NDA and CDS 2026 exams offer a fantastic chance for young individuals to serve our nation through the Armed Forces. With clear eligibility guidelines and a straightforward selection process, candidates should gear up and submit their applications before the deadline. This exam paves the way for prestigious military careers filled with leadership opportunities, adventure, and a chance to contribute to national service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can students who are currently in 12th grade apply for the NDA ?
Absolutely! Students who are in their 12th class can apply for the NDA 2026.
Q2: Is there negative marking in the exam ?
Yes, there is negative marking. For every incorrect answer, one-third of a mark will be deducted.
Q3: Are female candidates eligible to apply ?
Yes, both unmarried male and female candidates can apply for the NDA and CDS exams.
Q4: How many attempts can a candidate make ?
There’s no limit on the number of attempts as long as you stay within the maximum age limit.
Q5: When will the admit cards be available ?
Admit cards are usually released about three weeks before the exam date.
Disclaimer
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. All information has been gathered from official UPSC sources and notifications. Candidates should verify all details on the official UPSC website (https://upsc.gov.in) before applying. The author and publisher are not liable for any changes, errors, or omissions in the information provided. Always check the official notification for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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