The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to close the registration process for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2 and the National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination 2, 2026 today, June 9. Candidates who have not yet submitted their application forms can do so through the official UPSC website before the deadline.
Application Process Timeline
The commission initiated the application process on May 20, 2026. Aspiring candidates who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces are strongly advised to complete their registrations at the earliest to prevent any last-minute technical glitches or delays. According to the official schedule released by UPSC, both the CDS 2 and NDA 2 examinations for 2026 are scheduled to be conducted on September 13, 2026.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS 2 and NDA 2 2026
Candidates can follow the step-by-step procedure outlined below to successfully complete their application process:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the relevant application link for UPSC CDS 2 2026 or UPSC NDA 2 2026.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process if not already registered on the portal.
- Log in using the required credentials such as registration ID and password.
- Carefully fill in personal, educational, and communication details in the application form.
- Upload the required documents, including a recent photograph, signature, and valid identity proof.
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes, such as net banking, credit card, or debit card.
- Review all the details entered in the form thoroughly before submitting.
- After successful submission, download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Eligibility Criteria
It is essential for candidates to carefully check the eligibility requirements mentioned in the official notification before applying.
For the CDS 2 examination, applicants generally need a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. However, certain courses, especially those related to the Navy and Air Force, may require candidates to possess technical or engineering qualifications as specified in the notification.
For the NDA 2 examination, candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 examinations are eligible to apply, subject to other conditions stipulated by UPSC. Candidates must ensure they meet all criteria to avoid disqualification.
Important Links for the Examination
Below are the key links for the CDS 2 and NDA 2 2026 examinations:
- CDS 2 Notification: Direct link available on the UPSC website.
- NDA 2 Notification: Direct link available on the UPSC website.
- CDS 2 Application Link: Direct link available on the UPSC website.
- NDA 2 Application Link: Direct link available on the UPSC website.
Candidates are urged to act promptly and ensure their applications are submitted before the deadline today. For any further queries, refer to the official UPSC website.



