UPSC Recruitment 2026: Apply for CDS, NDA vacancies; last date Dec 30

CDS Vacancies 2026

CDS 2026: Eligibility & application fees

Only unmarried male and female candidates born between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 201,0 are eligible to apply for the examination. In addition, applicants must fulfil the required educational qualifications and meet the physical standards specified for the respective wings of the NDA and NA

The UPSC CDS 2026 exam is also scheduled for April 12. For CDS 2026, candidates — except women, SC and ST applicants — must pay an application fee of Rs 200, while the NDA 2026 application fee is Rs 100.

UPSC NDA/NA & CDS Exam II: Steps to apply

Step 1: Visit the official website — upsconline.nic.in or upsc,gov.in

Step 2: Click on the ‘One Time Registration of examination’ link

Step 3: Register by filling in your details such as name, date of birth, gender, category, parents’ names and more

Step 4: Once registered, log in using your login ID, OTP and verification code

Step 5: Verify the information submitted before and fill out the application form

Step 6: Once the application form is filled, save, submit and pay the fees

Step 7: Download the application form with the fee payment status for future reference from the dashboard

Once the application procedure is completed, the eligible candidates will be issued an e-Admit Card on the last working day of the preceding week of the date of examination. Details regarding eligibility, medical fitness, and educational qualifications are mentioned in detail in the notification available on the official website.

UPSC CDS 2026: Selection Process

The UPSC CDS 2026 selection process consists of a written examination in English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, followed by an interview for the personality test. Each paper carries 100 marks, and candidates will have 2 hours to complete each section.

For the UPSC NDA 2026 exam, the written test includes a 300‑mark Mathematics paper and a 600‑mark General Ability Test. The SSB interview will carry 900 marks. Both CDS and NDA exams will include negative marking for all objective‑type questions.

According to UPSC guidelines, candidates must reach their exam centres at least 30 minutes before the exam begins, as late entry will not be permitted. E‑admit cards will be issued on the last working day of the week preceding the exam and will be available on the UPSC website.