• Source:JND

UPSC NDA II 2026 Registration: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially extended the final application submission window for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026, alongside the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. According to the emergency public notification published on the commission's main server boards, candidates who missed the initial cutoff are granted additional time. The updated deadline allows prospective defense aspirants to complete their profiles and settle application processing fees until June 11, 2026, strictly up to 6:00 PM.

This sudden extension applies evenly across both nationwide premier defense examinations, which initially kicked off their common registration process on May 20, 2026. The modification alters the submission tracking timelines but keeps the main examination layout completely intact. As per the pre-declared defense recruitment almanac, the physical pen-and-paper examinations for both NDA II and CDS II are scheduled to be conducted simultaneously across various designated national centers on September 13, 2026.

Also Read: UPSC NDA, CDS II 2026: Result-Awaiting Students Can Apply For Defence Entrance Exams; Commission Clarifies Eligibility Criteria

UPSC NDA II and CDS II Registration 2026: Steps To Apply

Eligible candidates looking to complete their final submissions before the server gates close must execute the following systematic operational steps:

Step 1: Go to the official central application engine of the commission at upsconline.nic.in or visit the main information portal at upsc.gov.in.

Step 2: Click on the active link labeled "One-Time Registration (OTR) for Examinations" to create a permanent candidate profile if you are a first-time applicant.

Step 3: Use your registered Email ID, Mobile Number, or OTR ID along with a secure password or OTP to log in to the candidate dashboard.

Step 4: Select the respective tab for either "NDA & NA Exam (II), 2026" or "CDS Exam (II), 2026" and accurately fill in your educational details, wing preferences, and communication addresses.

Step 5: Upload your scanned passport-sized photograph, formal signature specimen, and a valid government-issued photo identity card conforming to the prescribed dimensions.

Step 6: Remit the mandatory application fee of 100 INR (exempted for all female, SC, and ST candidates) using debit cards, credit cards, UPI, or net banking infrastructures.

Step 7: Preview your finalized layout data, submit the application form before the 6:00 PM cutoff on June 11, and print the confirmation page.

Direct Portal Links for UPSC Online Registration

Defense aspirants can seamlessly jump to the live application pages by clicking on the verified administrative addresses provided below:

Direct Link: Official UPSC Online Application 

 

Vacancies and Eligibility Structures for NDA II 2026

The current recruitment cycle aims to fill a total of 394 vacancies across the three core arms of the Indian Armed Forces. The internal seat matrix distributions and parameters are arranged below:


Vacancy Distribution Breakdown: The recruitment drive allocates 208 positions to the Army wing, 42 to the Navy, 120 to the Air Force, and 24 to the specialized Naval Academy course.

Academic Criteria Limits: Army wing applicants must have passed or be actively appearing in Class 12 from a recognized board. Air Force and Naval streams require mandatory Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) at the 10+2 level.

Age Bracket Boundaries: Only unmarried candidates born between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2011 (inclusive of both dates), are authorised to apply.

Vacancies and Eligibility Structures for CDS II 2026

UPSC is separately conducting the graduation-level Combined Defence Services track to fill 451 vacancies distributed systematically across the following service academies:

Academy Seat Distribution Matrix:  The vacancy layout provides 100 seats at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), 32 at the Air Force Academy (AFA), 26 at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), and 293 seats at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) for short service commissions.

Academic Qualifications: IMA and OTA wings require a bachelor’s degree in any mainstream discipline. INA entries require a valid engineering degree, whereas AFA tracks require a graduation degree backed by compulsory Physics and Mathematics at the intermediate level.

Age Bracket Boundaries: To establish eligibility, applicants must fit within the strict chronological window, meaning they must be born not earlier than July 1, 2003, and not later than July 1, 2008.


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