The Union Public Service Commission has scheduled the NDA, NA and CDS Examination (I), 2026 for April 12. The examinations will be held across centres in India in offline mode. Candidates who applied for NDA and NA will appear for two papers on the same day, while CDS aspirants will appear for three papers in different shifts. The schedule, exam pattern, subjects and marking scheme have been outlined in the official notification. The recruitment is aimed at filling posts in the National Defence Academy, Naval Academy and through the Combined Defence Services. Admit cards will be released before the examination on the official UPSC website. Candidates are advised to check reporting time, paper timings and instructions carefully to avoid issues on the exam day.
UPSC NDA exam date and timings
The NDA and NA Examination (I), 2026 will be conducted on April 12 in two shifts. The Mathematics paper will be held from 10 am to 12.30 pm. The General Ability Test will take place from 2 pm to 4.30 pm.The CDS Examination (I), 2026 will also be held on April 12. The English paper will be conducted from 9 am to 11 am. The General Knowledge paper will be held from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm. The Elementary Mathematics paper will take place from 4 pm to 6 pm.Candidates must reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. Entry will not be allowed after the gate closing time.
Subjects and exam pattern
The NDA and NA written examination consists of two objective-type papers. The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks. The General Ability Test carries 600 marks. The total marks for the written stage are 900. Questions are set in English and Hindi.The CDS written examination consists of three objective-type papers. English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics carry 100 marks each. Candidates applying for OTA will not appear for the Mathematics paper. The written stage is followed by the Service Selection Board interview for qualified candidates.
Marking scheme for UPSC NDA
Both NDA and CDS examinations follow a negative marking system. Marks will be deducted for incorrect answers. The deduction is based on UPSC rules mentioned in the question paper. Candidates are advised to attempt questions carefully, as no marks are awarded for unanswered questions.
Vacancies
Through NDA and NA Examination (I), 2026, UPSC aims to fill around 390 posts across the Army, Navy and Air Force wings. The CDS Examination (I), 2026 is expected to fill around 450 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. The final number of vacancies may change based on service requirements.
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