New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the schedule for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2026, as well as the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2026. Aspirants planning to appear are advised to check the detailed schedule on the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
NDA & NA Exam (I) 2026 Schedule
The NDA and NA Examination (I), 2026, will be conducted on April 12, 2026, in two shifts:
- Mathematics Paper: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (First Shift)
- General Ability Test (GAT): 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Second Shift)
The examination consists of two objective-type papers:
- Mathematics: 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks
- Total Marks: 900
- Medium: English and Hindi
- Vacancies: Around 390 posts in the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings will be filled through this exam.
CDS Exam (I) 2026 Schedule
The CDS Examination (I), 2026, will also be held on April 12, 2026, with the following timings:
- English Paper: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- General Knowledge Paper: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
- Elementary Mathematics Paper: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Exemptions: Candidates applying for Officers Training Academy (OTA) are exempted from the Mathematics paper.
- Vacancies: Approximately 450 posts across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) will be filled.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Admit cards will be released on the UPSC official website prior to the examination.
- Candidates must check reporting time, exam instructions, and paper timings carefully.
- Entry will not be allowed after gate closing time; candidates should arrive at least 30 minutes early.
- Both NDA and CDS exams follow negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Only objective-type questions are asked, and unanswered questions receive no marks.
Exam Highlights
Candidates clearing the written exams will be called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, which forms the next stage in the selection process.
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