Are you an aspirant for the UPSC NDA/CDS Exam 2026? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the schedule for the exam, which covers the National Defence Academy (NDA), Naval Academy (NA), and Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2026.
On April 12, 2026, these highly competitive defence exams will be held in the offline mode. Aspirants have to take the test across multiple centres in India.
UPSC NDA/CDS Exam 2026 Date and Schedule
The UPSC NDA, NA and CDS Examination (I), 2026 will include three tests:
- UPSC NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026 (Written) – 2 papers.
- UPSC CDS Examination (I), 2026 (Written) – 3 papers.
All be held on the same day – April 12, 2026. However, the exams will be conducted in different shifts. The specific schedule is available at the official website of the UPSC.
UPSC NDA & NA Exam Timings 2026
Candidates who appear for NDA and NA have to attempt two papers on the same day:
- Mathematics: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- General Ability Test (GAT): 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
UPSC CDS Exam Timings 2026
Aspirants who appear for CDS Examination (I), 2026 have to appear for 3 papers, in separate shifts:
- English: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- General Knowledge: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Elementary Mathematics: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
You have to report to the exam centre at least 30 minutes prior to the reporting time that is mentioned on the admit card. Once the gate closes, late entry will not be allowed.
UPSC NDA & CDS Exam Pattern 2026
For effective preparation, you must have a proper idea about the UPSC NDA/CDS exam pattern 2026.
UPSC NDA & NA Written Exam Pattern
In the NDA and NA written examination, there are two objective-type papers:
- Mathematics – 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 marks
For the written stage, the total marks allotted are 900. Questions can be attempted in English and Hindi languages.
UPSC CDS Written Exam Pattern
In the CDS written examination, there are three objective-type papers:
- English – 100 marks
- General Knowledge – 100 marks
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 marks
If you are applying for OTA (Officers’ Training Academy), you do not have to attempt the Elementary Mathematics paper. Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be eligible for the SSB interview.
UPSC NDA/CDS Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
Note that there is a negative marking system in both UPSC NDA exam 2026 and UPSC CDS exam 2026.
- Marks are deducted for incorrect answers
- The exact deduction is mentioned in the question paper instructions
- If you do not answer a question, no marks will be deducted or awarded to you
You should attempt questions with utmost care, to avoid losing marks unnecessarily.
UPSC NDA & CDS Vacancies 2026
Candidates who qualify in these competitive exams will fill vacancies in premier defence institutions across India.
NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026 Vacancies
Around 390–391 posts across Army, Navy, and Air Force.
CDS Examination (I), 2026 Vacancies
Around 450–451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Based on service requirements, there may be changes in the final vacancy count.
UPSC NDA/CDS Admit Card 2026
Before the examination is conducted, the UPSC NDA/CDS admit card 2026 will be released on the official UPSC website. As an aspirant, you must check:
- Paper timings
- Reporting time
- Exam-day instructions
You should verify each and every aspect with care, to avoid last-minute stress and issues.
Conclusion
If you are aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces, the UPSC NDA/CDS Exam 2026 can be a perfect entry point. The exams are scheduled for April 12, 2026. Your preparations should strictly align with the official exam pattern and instructions released by UPSC. Visit the official UPSC website from time to time, for the latest updates.
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