UPSC NDA, CDS 2026 notification released; know how to apply online at upsc.gov.in

New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the recruitment notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) and National Defence Academy (NDA) Examinations 2026. It has released the UPSC NDA notification 2026 for 394 posts. The UPSC CDS 2026 notification was released for 451 vacancies. 

Interested candidates who meet all the prerequisites set by the UPSC can apply online for UPSC CDS and NDA recruitment drive through the official website at upsc.gov.in. The online registration window for UPSC CDS and NDA (I) 2026 exams will be available till December 30, 2025. Candidates must pay the application fee of Rs 100 to complete the online registration process. The written exam for the UPSC NDA (I) and CDS (I) exams will be held on April 12, 2026.

Step 1: Go to the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in

Step 2: Scroll down and find the Apply Online section

Step 3: Search for the UPSC NDA and UPSC CDS registration page

Step 4: Fill in the UPSC NDA application form with all the details including academic and personal

Step 5: Pay the UPSC NDA, CDS application fee

Step 6: Scan and upload all the required documents including photograph and signature

Step 7: Submit the UPSC NDA, CDS registration form

Step 8: Download and keep the hard copy of the confirmation page for future need

Candidates must have passed Class 12 to register for UPSC NDA exam. The age limit is 16.5 to 19.5 years. For UPSC CDS exam, candidates must have passed graduation in any discipline from a recognised university. The age limit is 19 to 24 years.