The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification and UPSC CDS 2 2026 Notification on its official website. Candidates who are preparing for defence exams now have a great opportunity to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers Training Academy through these prestigious exams. Along with the notification, the commission has also started the NDA 2 2026 Apply Online and CDS 2 2026 Apply Online process.
Every year, lakhs of students apply for the UPSC NDA CDS 2 2026 exams because these exams open the door to a respected career in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates who were waiting for the UPSC Defence Exams 2026 can now complete their registration process online. In this article, you will get complete details about the NDA 2 2026 Exam Date, CDS 2 2026 Exam Date, eligibility, vacancy, application process, age limit, selection process, syllabus, and official dates.
UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 2026 Official Dates
The UPSC has released the official schedule for both exams. Candidates should carefully check all important dates before filling out the form.
| Event | NDA 2 2026 Dates | CDS 2 2026 Dates |
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 | 20 May 2026 |
| NDA 2 2026 Last Date / CDS 2 2026 Last Date | 9 June 2026 | 9 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | June 2026 | June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | August 2026 | August 2026 |
| NDA 2 2026 Exam Date / CDS 2 2026 Exam Date | 13 September 2026 | 13 September 2026 |
| Result Date | October 2026 | October 2026 |
These dates are part of the latest UPSC NDA CDS Latest Update released by the commission.
NDA 2 and CDS 2 2026 Notification PDF Download
The UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification PDF and CDS 2 2026 Notification PDF are officially released on the UPSC website. Candidates can download these PDFs to check complete details like eligibility, vacancies, exam pattern, important dates, and application instructions in one place. It is very important to read the official notification carefully before applying online.
NDA 2 2026 Notification PDF Download
The official NDA 2 2026 Notification PDF has been released on the UPSC website. Candidates can download the complete notification to check eligibility, vacancies, exam pattern, and important instructions before applying.
CDS 2 2026 Notification PDF Download
The official CDS 2 2026 Notification PDF is also available on the UPSC website. Candidates are advised to read the full notification carefully before filling the application form.
UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification Details
The NDA NA 2 2026 Notification has been released for candidates who want to join the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. Students who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 can apply for this exam.
The UPSC NDA 2 Vacancy 2026 details include vacancies for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy wings. Candidates should carefully check the official notification before submitting the NDA 2 2026 Application Form.
NDA 2 2026 Eligibility
Candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- The candidate must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 from a recognised board.
- For Air Force and Navy wings, Physics and Mathematics are compulsory subjects.
- Both male and female unmarried candidates are eligible to apply.
- Candidates must meet physical and medical fitness standards as prescribed by UPSC.
NDA 2 2026 Age Limit
For NDA 2 2026, the age limit is generally:
- Candidates must be born between 02 January 2008 and 01 January 2011 (expected UPSC eligibility range for NDA II 2026 cycle).
- Minimum age: 16.5 years
- Maximum age: 19.5 years (approx.)
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Notification Details
The CDS 2 2026 Notification has been released for graduates who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. Through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, candidates can get admission into prestigious defence academies such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
The UPSC CDS 2 2026 Vacancy includes multiple posts across these academies. Eligible candidates can complete the CDS 2 2026 application process through the official UPSC website within the given dates.
CDS 2 2026 Eligibility
Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university is mandatory.
- For certain technical entries, an engineering degree may be required.
- Candidates applying for the Air Force Academy must have studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
- Final-year graduation students can also apply, provided they complete their degree within the required time frame.
CDS 2 2026 Age Limit
The age limit for CDS 2 2026 varies according to the academy:
- OTA (Officers Training Academy): 19 to 25 years (approx.)
- IMA (Indian Military Academy): 19 to 24 years (approx.)
- INA (Indian Naval Academy): 19 to 24 years (approx.)
- AFA (Air Force Academy): 20 to 24 years (approx.)
UPSC NDA CDS 2 2026 Vacancy Details
The Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the vacancy details for both UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification and UPSC CDS 2 2026 Notification. Candidates preparing for the UPSC Defence Recruitment 2026 can now check the exact number of seats available in different academies.
UPSC NDA 2 2026 Vacancy
According to the official notification, UPSC has announced a total of 394 vacancies for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II) 2026.
| Academy | Vacancies |
| Army Wing | 208 |
| Navy Wing | 42 |
| Air Force Wing | 120 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 24 |
| Total | 394 |
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Vacancy
The official CDS 2 2026 Notification has announced a total of 451 vacancies for various defence academies.
| Academy | Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA Men) | 276 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA Women) | 17 |
| Total | 451 |
These vacancy details are part of the latest UPSC NDA CDS Latest Update released by UPSC for the UPSC NDA CDS 2 2026 recruitment cycle.
How to Apply for NDA 2 2026
Candidates who want to appear in the UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification exam can complete the application process through the official UPSC website. The NDA 2 2026 Apply Online process is completely online, and applicants should fill out the form carefully to avoid mistakes. Candidates can follow these steps for How to Apply for NDA 2 2026:
- Visit the UPSC official website.
- Complete One-Time Registration.
- Fill out the NDA 2 2026 Registration form carefully.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and take a printout.
The UPSC NDA 2 2026 Apply Online Direct Link is active on the official website.
How to Apply for CDS 2 2026
Candidates interested in the UPSC CDS 2 2026 Notification can complete the application process through the official UPSC portal. The CDS 2 2026 Apply Online process is simple and fully online, but candidates must enter all details carefully before submitting the form. Candidates applying for CDS can follow these steps:
- Open the UPSC website.
- Complete the online registration process.
- Fill out the CDS 2 2026 Application Form.
- Upload a photograph and signature.
- Pay the examination fee.
- Submit the form before the last date.
Candidates should regularly check updates regarding the UPSC NDA CDS 2 2026 Online Form Date.
NDA 2 2026 Selection Process
The NDA 2 2026 Selection Process is conducted in different stages to select capable candidates for the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates who qualify in each stage move to the next round of the recruitment process.
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates who qualify in all stages will get admission to NDA academies.
CDS 2 2026 Selection Process
The CDS 2 2026 Selection Process is designed to select eligible and talented candidates for different defence academies. Candidates must clear all stages of the recruitment process to get final selection in the Indian Armed Forces.
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
UPSC NDA 2 2026 Syllabus
The UPSC NDA 2 2026 Syllabus is designed to test candidates in subjects like Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge. Candidates preparing for the UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification exam should follow the latest syllabus and exam pattern for better preparation.
- Mathematics
- General Ability Test (GAT)
- English
- General Knowledge
- Science
- Current Affairs
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Syllabus
The UPSC CDS 2 2026 Syllabus is designed to evaluate a candidate’s English language skills, general awareness, and basic mathematical ability. It varies slightly depending on the academy applied for under the UPSC CDS 2 2026 Notification.
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
Important Documents Required
Before filling out the NDA CDS 2026 Online Form, candidates should keep these documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- Passport Size Photo
- Signature
- Educational Certificates
Preparation Tips for UPSC Defence Exams 2026
Preparing for UPSC Defence Exams 2026, like NDA and CDS, requires a smart strategy, regular practice, and strong basics. With proper discipline and consistent effort, candidates can improve their chances of success in the UPSC NDA CDS 2 2026 examination.
- Daily current affairs
- Mathematics practice
- English grammar
- Mock tests
- Previous year question papers
Best Coaching for NDA & CDS 2026 Preparation
Many aspirants prefer joining coaching institutes for structured and disciplined preparation to improve their chances of success in NDA and CDS exams. A good coaching environment helps students stay focused, follow a proper study plan, and practice regularly with mock tests.
Among the various options available, Matrix Academy is one of the platforms that supports NDA and CDS aspirants with well-structured study material, regular test series, and guided mentorship. It helps students strengthen their basics, improve exam strategy, and build confidence for the written exam as well as SSB preparation.
Conclusion
The release of the UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 2026 Notification Out update has started the recruitment process for candidates dreaming of joining the Indian Armed Forces. Interested applicants should complete the NDA 2 2026 Apply Online and CDS 2 2026 Apply Online process before the last date. Candidates are advised to carefully check the eligibility criteria, official dates, syllabus, and selection process before submitting the application form.
The competition in UPSC NDA CDS Recruitment 2026 is expected to be high, so candidates should begin preparation as early as possible. Stay connected with official updates and complete your registration on time to avoid last-minute problems.
FAQs
The UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification and CDS 2 2026 Notification are official recruitment announcements by UPSC for admission into the National Defence Academy and Combined Defence Services for the 2026 cycle.
The NDA 2 2026 Exam Date and CDS 2 2026 Exam Date are scheduled for 13 September 2026 as per the official UPSC calendar.
Candidates can apply online through the UPSC official website by completing One Time Registration (OTR), filling the application form, uploading documents, and paying the fee before the last date.
The NDA 2 2026 Last Date and CDS 2 2026 Last Date for application submission are 9 June 2026.
Candidates must have passed Class 12. Physics and Mathematics are required for the Air Force and Navy wings. Only unmarried candidates can apply.
Candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognised university. Engineering is required for some technical posts, and specific criteria apply for different academies.
The UPSC NDA 2 2026 Vacancy is 394 total seats across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.
The UPSC CDS 2 2026 Vacancy is 451 total seats across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Both exams include:
Written Examination
SSB Interview
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
You can download the official PDF from the UPSC website:
https://upsc.gov.in
