The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the examination dates for the National Defence Academy (NDA), Naval Academy (NA), and Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) for the year 2026. Aspiring candidates across India can mark their calendars for April 12, 2026, as the designated day for these crucial recruitment tests.
Exam Schedule and Detailed Timings
The examinations will be conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper mode across various centers in India. The schedule is packed, with candidates for different exams appearing in multiple shifts on the same day.
For the NDA and NA Examination (I), 2026, candidates will face two papers. The Mathematics paper is scheduled from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Following a break, the General Ability Test will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
The CDS Examination (I), 2026 will feature three papers in different time slots. The English paper kicks off the day from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The General Knowledge paper follows from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. The day concludes with the Elementary Mathematics paper from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Authorities have stressed the importance of punctuality. Candidates must report to their exam centre at least 30 minutes before the time mentioned on their admit card. Strictly no entry will be permitted after the gate closing time.
Exam Pattern, Subjects, and Marking Scheme
The official notification clearly outlines the structure and scoring for both sets of examinations. The NDA and NA written test comprises two objective-type papers. The Mathematics paper is worth 300 marks, while the General Ability Test carries 600 marks, making a total of 900 marks for the written stage. All questions are set in both English and Hindi languages.
For the CDS exam, there are three objective-type papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, each carrying 100 marks. An important exception is for candidates applying for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA), who are not required to appear for the Mathematics paper.
Both examinations adhere to a negative marking system. Marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer, as per the rules specified by UPSC in the question paper. Candidates are advised to attempt questions with caution, as no marks are given for questions left unanswered.
Vacancies and Next Steps for Candidates
This recruitment drive aims to fill a significant number of positions in the country's defence forces. Through the NDA and NA Examination (I), 2026, the UPSC seeks to fill approximately 390 posts across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.
The CDS Examination (I), 2026 is projected to fill around 450 vacancies in prestigious academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). It is noted that the final number of vacancies may be subject to change based on the requirements of the services.
Candidates who clear the written examination will be called for the subsequent Service Selection Board (SSB) interview process. The admit cards for the April 12 exams will be released on the official UPSC website in the period leading up to the test date. All applicants are strongly advised to carefully check their admit cards for the reporting time, paper timings, and all necessary instructions to ensure a smooth experience on the exam day.
