The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has started accepting applications for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) I and National Defence Academy/ Naval Academy (NDA/NA) I Exams 2026. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply on the official website, upsconline.nic.in, until December 30.

For 2026, UPSC has announced 394 vacancies for the NDA exam and 451 vacancies for the CDS exam. The NDA exam, which will select candidates for the 157th course of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (starting January 1), will be held on April 12.

CDS 2026: Eligibility criteria and fee details

Unmarried male and female candidates born between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2010, can apply. They must also meet the educational and physical fitness requirements for the respective wings.

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The CDS 2026 exam will also take place on April 12. For CDS, candidates need to pay a fee of Rs 200, except women and those belonging to SC and ST categories. The NDA application fee is Rs 100.

How to apply for UPSC NDA/NA & CDS exam 2026

  1. Visit upsconline.nic.in or upsc.gov.in
  2. Click on the ‘One Time Registration of examination’ link
  3. Enter your details such as name, date of birth, category, parents’ names, etc.
  4. Log in using your ID, OTP and verification code
  5. Check your details and fill out the application form
  6. Submit the form and pay the application fee
  7. Download the final application form from your dashboard for future use

Once the application process is over, eligible candidates will receive their e-Admit Card on the last working day of the week before the exam. The notification on the website carries full details on eligibility, medical standards and educational requirements.

The CDS exam includes a written test in English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, each carrying 100 marks. Each paper is two hours long. This is followed by a personality interview.

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For the NDA exam, the written part includes a 300-mark Mathematics paper and a 600-mark General Ability Test. The SSB interview carries 900 marks. Both exams will have negative marking for wrong answers.

UPSC has also instructed candidates to reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the exam begins, as late entry will not be allowed. E-admit cards will be uploaded on the UPSC website in the week before the exam.