UPSC Calendar 2026: NDA, NA, CDS exam dates announced. Check full schedule here

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the NDA, NA amd CDS exam dates for 2026. As per the official notification, UPSC will organise the NDA, NA and CDS Examination (I), 2026 on April 12 across India in offline mode. NDA and NA candidates will appear for two papers on the same day, while CDS aspirants will take three papers in different shifts. UPSC has shared the exam schedule, subjects and marking scheme in its official notification.

This recruitment drive aims to select candidates for the National Defence Academy, Naval Academy and various wings under the Combined Defence Services. Aspirants are advised to check the reporting time, paper timings and exam-day instructions mentioned on the admit card to avoid last-minute trouble.

UPSC NDA Exam 2026 Date and Time

The NDA and NA Examination (I), 2026 will be held on April 12 in two shifts. The Mathematics paper is scheduled from 10 am to 12.30 pm. The General Ability Test will be conducted from 2 pm to 4.30 pm.

UPSC CDS Exam 2026 Date and Time

The CDS Examination (I), 2026 will also take place on April 12. The English paper will be held from 9 am to 11 am. The General Knowledge paper is scheduled from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm. The Elementary Mathematics paper will be conducted from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Candidates must reach their exam centres at least 30 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. Entry will not be allowed after the gate closing time.

UPSC NDA, NA, CDS Subject and Exam Pattern

The NDA and NA written exam includes two objective-type papers. The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks, while the General Ability Test carries 600 marks. The total marks for the written stage are 900. Questions are asked in both English and Hindi.

The CDS written exam consists of three objective-type papers — English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics — with 100 marks each. Candidates applying for Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) are not required to appear for the Mathematics paper. Those who clear the written exam will move on to the Service Selection Board interview.

UPSC NDA, CDS marking scheme

Both NDA and CDS exams follow a negative marking system. Marks are deducted for wrong answers as per UPSC rules mentioned in the question paper. No marks are awarded for unanswered questions, so candidates are advised to attempt questions carefully.

UPSC NDA, NA, CDS vacancies

Through the NDA and NA Examination (I), 2026, UPSC plans to fill around 390 posts across the Army, Navy and Air Force wings. The CDS Examination (I), 2026 is expected to fill about 450 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. The final vacancy numbers may change depending on service requirements.