UPSC CDS II and NDA II 2026 Registration Begins at upsc.gov.in

Published: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 14:06 [IST]

The Union Public Service Commission has officially started the registration process for the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS II) 2026 and National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA II) 2026.

UPSC CDS II and NDA II 2026 Registration Begins

The commission has also released the official notifications for both examinations on its website. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces can now apply online through:

UPSC Official Website - upsc.gov.in

These examinations are among the most prestigious defence recruitment tests conducted in India for entry into the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

UPSC CDS II and NDA II 2026 Application Dates

According to the schedule released by Union Public Service Commission:

Application Start Date: May 20, 2026
Last Date to Apply: June 9, 2026

Candidates are advised to complete the application process before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

UPSC CDS II and NDA II Exam Date 2026

The written examinations for both CDS II and NDA II 2026 will be conducted on:

September 13, 2026

The exams will take place at designated centres across India.

About UPSC CDS II Examination

The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is conducted for admission into:

Indian Military Academy
Indian Naval Academy
Air Force Academy
Officers Training Academy

Graduates selected through CDS receive officer training for careers in the Indian Armed Forces.

About NDA II Examination

The NDA examination provides admission to the:

National Defence Academy
Naval Academy

Candidates qualifying the examination can join:

Indian Army
Indian Navy
Indian Air Force

NDA is one of the most sought-after defence entry routes for students after Class 12.

Eligibility Criteria

CDS II 2026

Graduation degree from a recognized university
Engineering degree for specific technical entries
Age criteria vary according to academy

NDA II 2026

Candidates must have passed or appeared in Class 12
Physics and Mathematics required for Air Force and Naval wings

Applicants should carefully review the official notification before applying.

Selection Process

The recruitment process includes:

Written Examination
Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
Medical Examination
Final Merit List

Candidates qualifying all stages will be selected for defence training academies.

How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS II and NDA II 2026

Candidates can follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official website - UPSC Portal

2. Open the CDS II or NDA II notification link

3. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if required

4. Fill in personal and educational details

5. Upload photograph and signature

6. Pay the application fee online

7. Submit the form and download confirmation page

Candidates should verify all details carefully before final submission.

Important Advice for Aspirants

Candidates preparing for CDS and NDA examinations should:

Begin revision early
Practice previous year question papers
Improve general knowledge and current affairs preparation
Focus on mathematics and reasoning sections
Prepare for SSB interview rounds

Early preparation improves performance in highly competitive defence examinations.

Conclusion

The Union Public Service Commission has started the UPSC CDS II and NDA II 2026 application process on May 20, 2026. Interested candidates can apply online till June 9, 2026, through the official UPSC website.

The written examinations are scheduled for September 13, 2026, and successful candidates will get an opportunity to join prestigious defence academies and serve in the Indian Armed Forces.