UPSC NDA II & CDS II 2026 Form Apply: The Union Public Service Commission has officially started the application process for the NDA II, NA II, and CDS II Examination 2026. Candidates who are planning to join the Indian Armed Forces can now submit their applications through the official UPSC portal. Along with the notification, the commission has also shared complete details regarding vacancies, eligibility, and examination dates.
Important Dates
The online registration process started on 20 May 2026 and will remain open until 9 June 2026. The written examination for both recruitment exams is scheduled to take place on 13 September 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 June 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
NDA II & NA II 2026 Vacancy Details
Through the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA/NA-II) 2026, UPSC will recruit candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA along with the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC).
This year, a total of 394 vacancies have been announced under NDA and NA-II recruitment. Both male and female candidates who meet the required educational qualifications can apply for these prestigious defence courses.
The NDA examination is one of the most respected entrance exams in India for students aiming to begin a career in the defence sector immediately after completing school-level education.
What is the NDA Examination?
The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination is conducted by UPSC to select eligible candidates for training in different wings of the armed forces. The exam is conducted in offline mode using OMR sheets.
The written examination consists of two objective-type papers:
- Mathematics
- General Ability Test (GAT)
Candidates who qualify in the written examination are later called for the SSB Interview, followed by medical examinations and final merit selection.
Training through NDA provides candidates with an opportunity to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
CDS II 2026 Recruitment: Total Vacancies
UPSC has also released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS-II) 2026 notification. Under this recruitment drive, a total of 451 officer-level posts will be filled across various defence academies.
The academy-wise vacancy distribution is as follows:
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Men | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) Women | 18 |
The CDS examination is considered one of the most competitive defence recruitment exams in the country. Graduates from different educational backgrounds apply every year to secure positions in India’s premier military institutions.
Application Fee
| General, OBC | ₹ 200/- |
| SC / ST | ₹ 0/- |
Why CDS is Popular Among Defence Aspirants
The Combined Defence Services Examination offers candidates a direct pathway to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Successful candidates receive professional military training at renowned academies such as:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
After completing training, selected candidates are commissioned as officers in their respective defence services.
Step-by-Step Process to Fill the Online Application Form
Candidates can complete their registration process online by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to the official UPSC website and open the application section for NDA II or CDS II 2026.
Step 2: Complete New Registration
Click on the “New Registration” option and enter the required basic details to create login credentials.
Step 3: Login to the Portal
Use the generated registration ID and password to access the application form.
Step 4: Fill Personal & Academic Details
Enter all necessary information carefully, including educational qualifications, personal details, and exam preferences.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload passport-size photographs, signatures, and other required documents in the prescribed format.
Step 6: Pay Application Fee
Complete the fee payment process using online payment methods such as debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
Step 7: Submit & Save Confirmation
After verifying all entered details, submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Links
| Apply Now | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Download |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs – UPSC NDA II & CDS II 2026
20 May 2026
9 June 2026
The written examination will be held on 13 September 2026.
UPSC has announced 451 vacancies for CDS II 2026.
394 vacancies