Examinations like NDA 2 2026 and CDS 2 2026 provide an excellent chance for aspirants looking forward to a coveted Defence Sarkari Job in Indian Armed Forces. These tests are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). NDA is conducted to recruit officers for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, while CDS recruits officers for the same posts as well. The NDA exam is meant for class 12 students, while CDS is for graduates wanting to become officers. Here’s a detailed guide to all such aspects of these examinations.
NDA 2 2026 Notification
National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination is held twice every year through which you are eligible for joining Army Wing, Naval Wing, Air Force Wing of the National Defence Academy or 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of Indian Naval Academy located at Khadakwasla.
After successful completion of the course in the said wings/academies, the cadets get trained further at respective wings of National Defence Academy.
Important Dates for NDA 2 2026
As you all are aware that the UPSC authorities have already released an official notification with a schedule for the upcoming NDA 2 2026.
Notification Release Date: 20 May 2026
Online Application Starting Date is 20 May 2026
Last Date to Applied date is 11 June 2026, Extended
Admit Card Release: Before the examination
NDA 2 Written Examination: 13 September 2026
NDA 2 2026 Eligibility
Nationality
The candidate needs to satisfy the requirements regarding nationality set by the UPSC which include Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal, or persons of Indian origin from designated countries.
Marital Status
The unmarried male and female candidates only qualify for the scheme.
Age Limit
Candidates should be born:
Not earlier than 2 January 2008
Not later than 1 January 2011
This corresponds to an age of approximately 16.5 to 19.5 years at the commencement of the course.
Education Qualification
Army Wing
Candidates should have passed or should be appearing in class 12th examinations from any recognized examination board.
Air Force and Naval Wings
Age limit for this opportunity is minimum 17 years to maximum 20 years. In this educational requirement, applicants have finished or will be given final examination in Class 12 having Physics and Math as mandatory subjects. This will be equivalent to the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy.
NDA 2 Exam Pattern
The NDA written examination comprises two objective papers worth 900 marks.
The NDA 2 2026 written exam comprises two objective types papers namely Maths (300 marks), GAT (600 marks), each of the duration 2 hours and it carries 900marks. In case of the MCQ type question one third of marks for a question mark awarded for those questions, would be deducted for each wrong answer.
The General Ability Test exam comprises:
English: 200 Marks
General Knowledge: 400 Marks
Topics covered under the GK test:
Physics
Chemistry
General Science
History
Geography
Social Studies
Current Events
Negative Marking
One-third of the total marks awarded to the question are subtracted for every wrong answer.
Selection Procedure of NDA
The selection process is divided into four steps:
Written Exam
Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
Medical Exam
Merit List
The five-day long SSB Interview holds 900 marks and tests the candidate’s abilities in leadership, communication, psychology, group work, decision making, and officer-like qualities.
Those who qualify the SSB must also have medical fitness as per the required standards.
Physical Standards
Some of the important physical standards are:
Minimum Height for Army is 157 cm (relaxation allowed in certain areas)
Minimum Height for Air Force is 162.5 cm
The weight must be proportional to the height and age
At least 5 cm of Chest Expansion
Especially high standards of Vision for Air Force candidates, with 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (without glasses)
Only those candidates who are medically fit will be selected in the final merit list.
CDS 2 2026 Notification
If a graduate dreams of becoming an officer in the Armed Forces, the CDS Exam is the one for him/ her. Those who qualify through the CDS exam will be sent for training to IMA, INA, AFA or OTA for higher training.
Important Dates for CDS 2 2026
Notification Announcement is 20 May 2026
Online Registration Begins 20 May 2026
Last Date for Registration is 11 June 2026 Extended
Admit Card Availability is Prior to written test
CDS 2 2026 Written Test considers 13 September 2026
CDS 2 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility differs according to the chosen academy.
Indian Military Academy
Unmarried male graduates
Age: 19-24 years
Indian Naval Academy
Unmarried male graduates having the desired qualification
Age: 19-22 years
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Applicants have to be unmarried men either having:
Bachelor’s degree along with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or
Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Age considers 20-24 years
Officers Training Academy (Men)
Married or unmarried male graduates
Age: 19-25 years
Officers Training Academy (Women)
The eligible candidates include:
Unmarried women
Widowed without remarrying
Divorced without remarrying and having valid divorce decree
Age: 19-25 years
OTA is the main way by which women graduates can get a Short Service Commission in the Indian Army.
CDS 2 Exam Pattern
The three papers that the candidates sit for the IMA, INA, and Air Force Academy are:
English: 100 Marks
General Knowledge: 100 Marks
Elementary Mathematics: 100 Marks
Total marks: 300
The two papers that candidates sitting only for OTA sit for are:
English: 100 Marks
General Knowledge: 100 Marks
Total marks: 200
All 2 papers are of duration 2 hrs. English paper assesses grammar, vocabulary, comprehension. The general knowledge Paper includes current affairs, history, geography, science.
Selection Process
NDA 2 2026
The NDA Selection Process is as follows:
Written Test
SSB Interview (900 Marks) – Tests leadership qualities, communication skills, psychology and officership.
Medical Test
Finally, the merit list on the basis of written test and SSB interview results.
CDS 2 2026
The CDS selection process is as follows:
Written Test
SSB Interview - 300 marks for IMA, INA and AFA, while 200 marks for OTA.
Medical Test
Merit List finally on the basis of written test and SSB marks.
Training Academies
IMA - Dehradun
INA – Ezhimala
Air Force Academy - Dundigal
OTA – Chennai
Application Process
The applicants can apply online using the UPSC website through the following procedure:
They need to fill the One-Time Registration (OTR).
Submit the online application form.
Submit the necessary photographs and other documents.
Choose the desired academy and exam centre.
The payment for the application fee (if any).
Save the details and submit the application.
Get the confirmation page of the application process.
Conclusion
The NDA 2 2026 exam and the CDS 2 2026 exam serve as wonderful means to help candidates achieve their dreams of making a highly respected career in the Indian Armed Forces. With handsome pay and perks provided by the government, along with prospects of leadership and the pride of serving the country, Defence Sarkari Jobs continue to be one of the most popular career choices in India. With the knowledge of the eligibility requirements, official dates, exam format, selection procedure, and regular study, candidates can make one more step towards fulfilling their dream of joining the ranks of the Indian Army/Navy/Air Force.
