UPSC NDA, NA & CDS I 2026 Notification Released: Apply for 451 Defence Vacancies Before 30 December 2025
UPSC NDA, NA & CDS I 2026 Notification Released: Apply for 451 Defence Vacancies Before 30 December 2025
UPSC NDA, NA & CDS I 2026 Notification Released: Apply for 451 Defence Vacancies Before 30 December 2025 : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA/NA Examination (I) 2026 and CDS I 2026 notifications, offering a golden opportunity for young aspirants to build a prestigious career in the Indian Defence Forces.
As per the notification, a total of 451 vacancies will be filled through UPSC CDS I 2026, while NDA/NA I 2026 will recruit candidates for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
UPSC Defence Exams 2026: Overview
Exam Name
Conducting Body
Session
NDA / NA Examination
UPSC
I – 2026
CDS Examination
UPSC
I – 2026
Important Dates (Last Date Highlight)
Event
Date
Notification Release
December 2025
Last Date to Apply
30 December 2025
NDA/NA Exam Date
12 April 2026
CDS I Exam
2025–26 Cycle
⚠️ Candidates must complete online applications before the deadline.
Total Vacancies Details
Exam
Total Vacancies
CDS I 2026
451 Posts
NDA / NA I 2026
As per academy-wise intake
Academies & Posts Covered
Exam
Academies / Services
NDA / NA
Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force
CDS
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
Selected candidates will join training courses scheduled for January–April 2027.
Educational Qualification
Academy
Required Qualification
NDA (Army Wing)
12th Pass (Any Stream)
NDA (Navy & Air Force)
12th with Physics & Mathematics
IMA / OTA
Graduation from a recognized university
INA
Engineering Degree
AFA
Engineering / Graduation with Physics & Maths
Age Limit Criteria
Academy
Date of Birth Range
NDA / NA
Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008
IMA / INA / AFA
Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2008
OTA
As per UPSC CDS rules
Application Fee
Category
Fee
General / OBC
₹200
SC / ST
₹0 (Exempted)
All Women Candidates
₹0 (Exempted)
How to Apply Online
Step
Description
Step 1
Visit official website: upsc.gov.in
Step 2
Register using One Time Registration (OTR)
Step 3
Fill online application form
Step 4
Upload documents
Step 5
Pay application fee
Step 6
Submit and take printout
Selection Process
Stage
Details
Written Examination
Objective-based test
SSB Interview
Intelligence & Personality Test
Medical Test
Physical & medical standards
Final selection will be based on merit + medical fitness.
Why This Is a Golden Opportunity
Prestigious officer-level defence jobs
National-level examination
Attractive salary, allowances & respect
Opportunity to serve the nation 🇮🇳
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA/NA & CDS I 2026 recruitment offers an excellent chance for young aspirants to join India’s elite defence academies. With the last date set as 30 December 2025, candidates should not delay their application process.
Early preparation and timely registration are the keys to success in these highly competitive exams.
Keywords
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