UPSC NDA & NA, CDS (I) 2026 Exam Dates Released

Published: Monday, January 12, 2026, 9:30 [IST]

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the exam dates for NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 and CDS Examination (I) 2026.

UPSC NDA & NA, CDS (I) 2026 Exam Dates Released

As per the UPSC examination calendar, both NDA & NA (I) 2026 and CDS (I) 2026 will be conducted on 12 April 2026 across various examination centres in India. These national-level defence examinations are conducted to recruit eligible candidates into the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.

Candidates preparing for defence services should now focus on final revision and exam strategy, as the detailed exam schedule and paper timings have been announced.

UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Exam Date & Timings

The NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 will be conducted in two shifts on Sunday, 12 April 2026. The exam is conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode and consists of two objective-type papers.

NDA & NA (I) 2026 Exam Schedule

Mathematics Paper: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

General Ability Test (GAT): 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM

The total duration of each paper is 2 hours 30 minutes. Candidates must report to the examination centre well in advance, as entry will be closed before the commencement of each session.

NDA & NA (I) 2026 Exam Pattern

The NDA exam tests a candidate's mathematical aptitude, logical reasoning, English proficiency, and general awareness.

Paper-wise Details

Mathematics

Total Marks: 300
Number of Questions: 120
Topics include Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics, and Calculus

General Ability Test (GAT)

Total Marks: 600
English: 200 Marks
General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs): 400 Marks

The total written exam marks are 900. Candidates who qualify the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview, which carries 900 marks.

UPSC CDS (I) 2026 Exam Date & Timings

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) 2026 will also be held on 12 April 2026, the same day as NDA. However, the CDS exam will be conducted in three separate shifts.

CDS (I) 2026 Exam Schedule

English Paper: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

General Knowledge Paper: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Elementary Mathematics Paper: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Each paper is of 2 hours duration and is conducted in offline mode.

CDS (I) 2026 Exam Pattern

The CDS exam pattern varies depending on the academy applied for.

For IMA, INA & AFA

English - 100 Marks
General Knowledge - 100 Marks
Elementary Mathematics - 100 Marks
Total: 300 Marks

For OTA

English - 100 Marks
General Knowledge - 100 Marks
Total: 200 Marks

(Mathematics paper is not applicable for OTA candidates.)

All papers are objective-type, and negative marking applies for incorrect answers.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Candidates must carry a printed admit card and valid photo ID to the exam centre.
Electronic gadgets, calculators, smartwatches, and study material are strictly prohibited.
Reach the exam venue at least 60 minutes before reporting time.
Carefully follow the instructions mentioned on the UPSC admit card.

What Candidates Should Do Now

With the exam date confirmed, aspirants should:

Revise the syllabus topic-wise
Practice previous years' question papers
Take full-length mock tests to improve time management
Focus on accuracy to minimise negative marking

Conclusion

The release of the UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 and CDS (I) 2026 exam dates marks the beginning of the final preparation phase for thousands of defence aspirants. With both exams scheduled on 12 April 2026, candidates must now follow a disciplined revision plan and stay updated with official UPSC notifications to ensure success.