The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently released the notifications for the National Defence Academy (NDA) II Examination 2026 and Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026 on its official website, i.e. www.upsc.gov.in or www.upsconline.nic.in. Candidates who want to be part of the Indian Armed Forces can submit their application form online. The online application for both NDA 2 and CDS 2 has started on May 20, 2026, and will end on June 9, 2026.
As per the official notification, UPSC has announced around 394 NDA 2 vacancies to fill with eligible candidates from class 12th passed with PCM. The age to apply for UPSC NDA 2 recruitment 2026 should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years. While the UPSC CDS 2 notification was released for a total of 451 posts, candidates must have a graduation degree to apply for the available vacancies. The age limit for the CDS 2 Vacancy 2026 should be between 19 and 24 years.
In this blog, the Matrix High School team provided you with the detailed UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Notification 2026, where both unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to submit the UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Application Form 2026 before the given deadline. Further in this article, you can check the detailed notification available separately for UPSC NDA 2 and UPSC CDS 2, eligibility, age limits, application process, and the selection process.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Notification Direct Link
The UPSC has recently released the Union Public Service Commission Notification 2026 for National Defence Academy Examination 2 and Combined Defence Services Examination 2 on May 20, 2026. The notification for NDA 2 and CDS 2 examinations is available separately on the UPSC official website. You can download it accordingly and check the eligibility whether you are eligible or not for the exam you want to apply for. Get the direct official notification links below.
UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026 – Get Notification PDF
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 – Get Notification PDF
UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 – Overview
Check the quick overview of UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026 and UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2026 in the table below.
| Exam Name | UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Examination 2026 |
| Authority of Exam | Union Public Service Commission |
| Recruitment Type | Direct Recruitment for Indian Armed Forces |
| Notification Released Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Both males and females can apply |
| Marital Status | Only Unmarried Applicants |
| Application Dates | May 20 to June 9, 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, and Medical Test |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in/ upsconling.nic.in |
UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Examinations 2026 Important Dates
Before applying for the UPSC Notification for NDA 2 and CDS 2, you should check out the important dates that keep you updated on the upcoming recruitment events.
| Event | Important Date |
| Notification Release Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Application Form Start on | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to apply application | June 9, 2026 |
| Correction Window | Expected in June 2026 |
| NDA 2 & CDS 2 Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Release of the admit card | Expected in September 2026 |
| Result date | Expected in October 2026 |
How to Apply UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Application Form 2026?
With all credentials and documents, you should follow the steps below to complete your registration and submit an application form for the recently released UPSC Notification for NDA 2 and CDS 2 Exams.
- Visit the official UPSC website, i.e. www.upsconline.nic.in.
- Navigate the link to “Apply for UPSC NDA 2 or UPSC CDS 2”.
- Now select “New Registration”.
- Complete your OTR process before filling out the form.
- To access the application form, log in using the registration number and password.
- Enter the basic details such as personal details and academic information with exam preference.
- Now upload all the required documents with a scanned photo and signature.
- Pay the respective application fee through online mode.
- Now submit the application form and wait for the confirmation page.
- Download the confirmation page for further use.
Required Documents for UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Apply Online 2026
The following are the documents you should provide at the time of filling out the application form.
- Class 10 Marksheet/ Certificate
- Class 12 Marksheet/ Certificate
- Passport Size Photograph
- Candidate’s Signature
- Graduation Certificate (for CDS)
- Category Certificate
- Aadhar Card/ Number
- Valid Mobile Number and Email ID.
UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Eligibility Requirements 2026
Educational Qualification
To apply for UPSC Recruitment 2026 for NDA 2 and CDS 2, every candidate should go through the complete eligibility details as mentioned below. These are crucial, and only with the detailed eligibility can you submit the application.
For UPSC NDA 2
- For Army Wing: Candidates must have passed class 12th from a recognised board.
- For Air Force and Navy Wings: Candidates must have passed their class 12th examination from a recognised board with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
NOTE: Candidates appearing in Class 12th are also eligible to apply.
For UPSC CDS 2
The educational qualification for UPSC CDS 2 will be as follows.
- For IMA & OTA: Candidates must have a graduation Degree from a recognised university.
- For INA: Candidates must have an engineering Degree from a recognised university.
- For AFA: Candidates must have a graduation/ engineering degree with physics and Mathematics
NOTE: final year candidates having the complete eligibility can also apply for the UPSC Application Form 2026.
Age Limit for UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Recruitment 2026
Age limit is extremely important for candidates who wish to apply for UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Examinations. Check out the details below to know the updates.
Age Limit for UPSC NDA 2:
Only unmarried male and female candidates who were born not earlier than January 1, 2008 and not later than January 1, 2011, can apply for UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Notification 2026.
Age Limit for UPSC CDS 2:
The age limit varies by academy as follows.
- For IMA: Only unmarried candidates between the ages of 19 and 24 years are eligible. (born between July 1, 2003 and July 1, 2008)
- For Indian Naval Academy: the age of unmarried male candidates should be between 19 and 24 years (born between July 1, 2003 and July 1, 2008).
- For Air Force Academy: Candidates’ age should be between 20 and 24 years as on July 1, 2027 (born between July 1, 2003 and July 1, 2007).
NOTE: Candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA, India, will get a relaxation in their upper age limit up to 26 years (born between July 1, 2001 and July 1, 2007).
- For Officer Training Academy (SSC Course for Men): 19 to 26 years. Unmarried male candidates born between July 1, 2002 and July 1, 2008.
- For Officers Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course): 19 to 25 years. Unmarried women candidates born between July 1, 2002 and July 1, 2008.
UPSC NDA 2 Vacancy 2026
The vacancies to be filled by UPSC for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 158th course and 120th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) are as follows. These are approximate and can be changed accordingly.
| Academy | Service | Vacancies | Total | |
| Male | Female | |||
| National Defence Academy | Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy | 37 | 05 | 42 | |
| Air Force | ||||
| Flying | 90 | 02 | 92 | |
| Ground Duties (Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 | |
| Ground Duties (Non Tech) | 8 | 02 | 10 | |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 21 | 03 | 24 | |
| Total | 370 | 24 | 394 | |
UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy 2026
| Course Name | Vacant Seat (approx.) |
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 163rd (DE) course | 100 (13 seats are reserved for NCC ‘C’ certificate (Army Wing)) |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | 26 (06 seats are reserved for NCC ‘C’ certificate (Naval Wing)) |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | 32 (03 seats are reserved for NCC ‘C’ certificate (Air Wing)) |
| Officers Training Academy, Chennai for Men | 275 |
| Officers Training Academy, Chennai for Women | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
UPSC NDA 2 & CDS 2 Application Fee 2026
To apply for the UPSC Recruitment for NDA II and CDS II examinations, candidates need to pay the application fee of Rs 200/-. Only the male candidates from the General and OBC categories will have to pay the fee. Other category candidates, along with female candidates, are exempt from these charges.
NDA Salary after Training:
The salary of candidates who are selected through NDA and become officers in the Indian Armed Forces is as follows.
| Rank | Salary |
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
CDS Salary Structure for 2026
The rank and service branch-wise monthly salary of candidates selected through CDS is as follows.
| Rank | Salary |
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100+ |
| Captain | ₹61,300+ |
| Major | ₹69,400+ |
Why Should You Choose Matrix High School Sikar for NDA Preparation?
Undoubtedly, Matrix Academy is well known for the best IIT-JEE and NEET coaching in Rajasthan, but Matrix High School is also known for providing the best education for students who are aiming for the National Defence examinations, such as NDA and other Indian Armed Forces examinations.
If you are asking why many students choose Matrix High School for NDA preparation, then the main reason is its academic environment, disciplined system, and strong reputation in Sikar’s coaching ecosystem. The following are the MHS salient features that make it different from others.
- Strong competitive atmosphere with serious aspirants.
- Experienced faculty and structured study plan.
- Regular tests, doubt sessions, and performance analysis.
- Hostel and campus facilities that create a study-focused environment.
- Good reputation in Rajasthan for competitive exam preparation.
- Foundation programs for class 11-12 students preparing early for national defence exams.
From the perspective of National Defence examinations, MHS Sikar Focus on-
- NDA Written Preparation,
- CDS Coaching
- SSB Interview training
- Physical Training & personality development.
At Matrix High School, we proudly say that we have a strong NDA selection record where a total of 82 Matrix students have cleared the NDA written examination and qualified for the SSB interview, making yet another milestone in our legacy of excellence.
Click here to see our NDA Selections
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2026 and UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 have been released on the official website of UPSC. If you are eligible and have the complete eligibility as prescribed in the UPSC NDA II & CDS II Notification 2026 can submit the application form before June 9, 2026. The application window to submit is now open from May 20, 2026.
Candidates are advised to carefully check all the details and read the official notification to verify their details, like educational qualification, age limits, application fee, and others. This is a golden opportunity for all candidates who are desperately looking to join the Indian Armed Forces. Then, NDA and CDS are the best options. These are not just examinations but a pathway to get an honourable career dedicated to serving the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, on May 20, 2026, UPSC officially released the NDA II & CDS II Notifications on its official website www.upsconline.nic.in.
Yes, if you have to set eligibility requirements separately for the NDA 2 Exam and the CDS 2 Exam.
UPSC has started the application for NDA 2 and CDS 2 exams from May 20, 2026.
The last date to submit the online application form for both UPSC NDA II and UPSC CDS II is June 9, 2026.
No, only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible for NDA 2. However, for CDS 2, married candidates aged 25 and above are eligible.
As per the official notification, UPSC has released 394 vacancies for NDA 2 across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy wings.
UPSC has released 451 CDS 2 vacancies for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA academies.
Yes, only unmarried female candidates are eligible to apply for the UPSC recruitment 2026 released on May 20, 2026.
The selection process includes a written exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination, and Final Merit List.
