Indore Hosts Over 5,000 Aspirants for UPSC Defence Recruitment Exams
In a significant display of ambition and dedication, Indore witnessed over 5,000 candidates appearing for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA-NA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) (I) 2026 examinations. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), these highly competitive tests were held across 13 centres in the city, marking a crucial step for aspirants seeking entry into India's defence services.
Examination Details and Candidate Turnout
The examinations took place in multiple sessions, with the NDA-NA test split into two parts: from 10 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Meanwhile, the CDS examination was conducted in three sessions spanning from 9 am to 6 pm. According to official data, a total of 5,493 aspirants had registered for these exams in Indore, reflecting the intense interest in defence careers among the youth of the region.
Mixed Reactions on Difficulty Levels
Candidates reported varied experiences regarding the difficulty of the papers. Kirti Upadhyay, a first-time aspirant from Ujjain, described the exam as moderate, emphasizing a strong focus on formulas and conceptual understanding. She relied entirely on self-study and felt it was sufficient for the test.
In contrast, Hariom Singh Thakur from Ratlam found the paper tougher and more specific than anticipated, noting that several questions deviated from expected trends. Sarthak Dubey from Indore, who was attempting the exam for the second time, rated it between moderate and difficult. Despite receiving coaching support, he assessed his performance as average, highlighting the challenging nature of these recruitment tests.
Strict Supervision and Security Measures
The examination process was conducted under rigorous supervision to ensure integrity and fairness. Divisional commissioner Sudam Khade served as the coordinating officer, while deputy commissioner (revenue) Sapna M Lovanshi was the officer in charge. UPSC officials, including N R Rao, Dr D K Seth, and Ameer Yadav, were deployed for monitoring purposes, along with local inspection officers at all centres.
Authorities implemented comprehensive security arrangements, including armed guards, frisking using metal detectors, and face authentication protocols. Entry gates were closed 30 minutes before each session, and candidates were strictly prohibited from carrying electronic devices or any prohibited materials into the examination halls. Additionally, basic amenities such as drinking water and electricity were ensured at each centre to facilitate a smooth testing environment.
These defence exams are among the most competitive in the country, attracting thousands of aspirants annually. The successful conduct in Indore underscores the city's role as a key hub for such national-level recruitment drives, with candidates eagerly awaiting results to advance their careers in the armed forces.
