The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to close the online application window for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2026 tomorrow. The deadline for aspiring candidates is December 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM. No applications will be accepted after this stipulated time.
Final Call for 394 Defence Vacancies
This recruitment drive, announced on December 10, 2025, aims to fill a total of 394 vacancies across the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Naval Academy. Successful candidates will ultimately be commissioned as Lieutenants. The written examination for both entries is scheduled for April 12, 2026.
Prospective applicants must act swiftly and ensure they meet the specified eligibility criteria before proceeding to the official websites—upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in—to submit their forms.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Fees
The eligibility norms differ for the NDA and CDS examinations. For the UPSC NDA 2026, only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. The age limit requires candidates to be born between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2010. The application fee is ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS category candidates. However, SC, ST, and female candidates, along with wards of JCOs, NCOs, and ORs, are exempt from paying the fee.
For the UPSC CDS 2026, eligibility concerning age and educational qualifications varies depending on the academy—Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). Candidates must meticulously review the official notification. The application fee here is ₹200 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates, with exemptions for SC, ST, and female candidates.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Candidates can follow these steps to ensure a successful application before the deadline:
- Visit the official UPSC portals: upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) or log in with existing credentials.
- Select the relevant examination link: 'NDA & NA (I) 2026' or 'CDS (I) 2026'.
- Fill in all required personal and educational details accurately.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and necessary ID proof as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee online, if applicable.
- Submit the final form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Selection Process for NDA and CDS
The selection process for both examinations follows a rigorous two-stage pattern. First, candidates must qualify in the written examination. Those who clear the written test will be shortlisted for the subsequent Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview. The final stage involves comprehensive document verification and a thorough medical examination to ascertain the candidate's fitness for service.
With the clock ticking down to the final hours, all eligible and interested candidates are urged to complete their UPSC NDA and CDS 2026 registration immediately to avoid last-minute technical glitches and ensure they don't miss this opportunity to serve the nation.
