The Union Public Service Commission has officially started the online application process for UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2 and National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination 2 for the year 2026. Interested candidates can now submit their application forms through the official UPSC portal. The registration process began on May 20, 2026, and the last date to apply online is June 9, 2026. The written examination for both recruitment tests will be conducted on September 13, 2026.
The UPSC CDS and NDA examinations are among the most prestigious defence entrance examinations in India. Every year, thousands of aspirants apply to secure admission into premier defence academies and serve in the Indian Armed Forces.
Key Highlights
- UPSC CDS 2 and NDA 2 Notification 2026 released
- Online application process started from May 20, 2026
- Last date to apply online is June 9, 2026
- UPSC CDS 2 and NDA 2 Exam Date: September 13, 2026
- Application forms available at UPSC official website
- Recruitment includes Written Exam, SSB Interview, and Medical Test
- Candidates can join Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and OTA
- NDA 2 applications open for Class 12 appearing and passed candidates
More Info
The UPSC CDS Examination provides candidates with an opportunity to join top defence training academies across the country. Through this examination, selected candidates can receive training for Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission in the Indian Armed Forces.
The recruitment process includes three major stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
Candidates who qualify in all stages will be considered for final selection into defence academies including:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Similarly, the UPSC NDA 2 Examination allows candidates after Class 12 to begin their defence career journey at an early stage through the National Defence Academy.
Applicants are advised to complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process before filling out the online application form.
Step by Step Process
Candidates can follow the steps below to complete the UPSC CDS 2 and NDA 2 Application Form 2026:
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Open the CDS 2 2026 or NDA 2 2026 notification link.
- Complete the One Time Registration process if you are a new user.
- Login using your credentials.
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details carefully.
- Upload scanned documents including photograph, signature, and identity proof.
- Pay the application fee through online payment methods.
- Review all entered details carefully.
- Submit the application form successfully.
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must carefully verify the eligibility conditions before applying online.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
For CDS 2 Examination
- Graduation degree from a recognised university is required.
- Air Force Academy requires graduation with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level or Engineering degree.
- Indian Naval Academy requires Engineering qualification.
For NDA 2 Examination
- Candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 examination are eligible to apply.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings, Physics and Mathematics subjects are mandatory at Class 12 level.
Age Limit
The age criteria vary according to the academy and course selected by candidates. Applicants should check the official notification for complete details regarding age relaxation and eligibility.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the prescribed medical and physical fitness standards as mentioned in the official UPSC notification.
Why Defence Aspirants Prefer CDS and NDA
The CDS and NDA examinations are considered gateway opportunities for aspirants aiming to serve the nation through the Indian Armed Forces. These examinations provide direct entry into prestigious military academies with world-class training facilities.
Major reasons candidates prefer CDS and NDA include:
- Opportunity to serve the nation
- Prestigious defence career
- Attractive salary and allowances
- Leadership and adventure opportunities
- High social respect and job security
- Permanent and Short Service Commission opportunities
Every year, the number of applicants for CDS and NDA examinations continues to rise due to the excellent career prospects available in defence services.
What’s Next
After the application process closes on June 9, 2026, UPSC will release admit cards for eligible candidates before the examination. Candidates should regularly monitor the official website for updates related to:
- Admit Card Release
- Exam Centre Details
- Exam Day Instructions
- Result Announcement
- SSB Interview Schedule
Candidates are advised to keep all required documents ready while filling out the application form to avoid last-minute issues.
Quick Reference Summary
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS 2 and NDA 2 Exam 2026 |
| Application Start Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 9, 2026 |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS 2 and NDA 2 2026? |
| The last date to submit the online application form for UPSC CDS 2 and NDA 2 Examination 2026 is June 9, 2026. Candidates should complete registration before the deadline. |
| When will UPSC CDS 2 and NDA 2 Exam 2026 be conducted? |
| UPSC CDS 2 and NDA 2 Examination 2026 will be conducted on September 13, 2026, across various examination centres in India. |
| Where can candidates apply for CDS 2 and NDA 2 2026? |
| Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in after completing the One Time Registration process. |
| What is the selection process for CDS 2 recruitment? |
| The selection process includes a written examination, SSB Interview, and medical examination. Final selection is based on overall performance. |
| Can Class 12 students apply for NDA 2 2026? |
| Yes, candidates who are appearing in or have passed Class 12 examinations are eligible to apply for UPSC NDA 2 2026. |
| Is Engineering qualification required for CDS 2? |
| Engineering qualification is specifically required for some academies such as the Indian Naval Academy and certain Air Force Academy courses. |
| What documents are required while filling the application form? |
| Candidates need scanned copies of photograph, signature, identity proof, and educational documents while completing the online application form. |
| Why are CDS and NDA exams popular among defence aspirants? |
| CDS and NDA exams offer opportunities to join prestigious defence academies and build a respected career in the Indian Armed Forces. |
UPSC CDS 2 and NDA 2 Notification 2026 has brought a major opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Interested applicants should complete the registration process before June 9, 2026, and begin their preparation for the written examination scheduled on September 13, 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to read the official notification carefully before submitting the application form to ensure eligibility and avoid mistakes during registration, for more details CLICK HERE
