The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially initiated the application process for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2 and the National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination 2 for the year 2026. Notifications for both examinations have been published on the UPSC official website. Aspiring candidates who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces can now apply online.
Important Dates
According to the official schedule, the online application process begins on May 20, 2026, and will close on June 9, 2026. The written examinations for UPSC CDS 2 and UPSC NDA 2 are scheduled to be conducted on September 13, 2026.
About CDS and NDA Exams
The CDS examination is one of the most competitive defence recruitment exams in India. Successful candidates can secure admission into prestigious defence academies such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The recruitment process comprises a written examination, followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and a medical test. Candidates who clear all stages will be offered a commission in the Indian Armed Forces through Permanent Commission or Short Service Commission.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants are advised to carefully read the eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification. The criteria generally include educational qualifications, age limit, and physical fitness requirements. For CDS, graduates from recognised universities are eligible for most courses. However, certain academies like the Naval Academy and Air Force Academy require technical or engineering qualifications. For NDA 2, candidates who have appeared for or completed their Class 12 examination are eligible.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 and NDA 2 Exams 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to complete the registration process:
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in
- Select the link for the CDS 2 2026 or NDA 2 2026 notification on the homepage.
- New candidates must first complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process.
- Enter your login credentials.
- Fill in all personal, educational, and communication details carefully.
- Upload the required documents in the specified format, including photograph, signature, and identity proof.
- Pay the application fee through online modes of payment.
- Submit the application form.
Important Links
- CDS 2 Notification: Direct link available on UPSC website
- NDA 2 Notification: Direct link available on UPSC website
- CDS 2 Application Link: Direct link available on UPSC website
- NDA 2 Application Link: Direct link available on UPSC website
Why Defence Aspirants Prefer CDS and NDA
The number of candidates applying for CDS and NDA exams increases every year, driven by the aspiration to serve in one of the finest defence forces in the world. These exams provide a gateway to the country's prestigious military training academies. As the application process has commenced, it is highly recommended that applicants keep all relevant documents ready at the time of registration.
