All Upcoming Defence Exams and Applications

Upcoming Defence Exams and Applications
Here is the most accurate, up-to-date informational guide on the upcoming defence exams in India for 2027 cycles.

As of being a best defence exams guide ,we have focused on the prestigious officer-level upcoming defence exams entries (UPSC/IAF) and the largest-scale Agniveer soldier entries under the Agnipath scheme. All dates are directly from official UPSC notifications, IAF portals, and Indian Army/Navy websites, cross-verified across multiple reliable sources.

Enquire Now

Quick Comparison Table (2027 Upcoming Defence Exams)

ParameterNDA & NACDSAFCATCAPF (Assistant Commandants)
Conducted ByUPSCUPSCIndian Air ForceUPSC
Eligibility (Education)10+2 Pass / AppearingGraduation (any stream / Engineering for INA)Graduation (60% marks; PCM at 10+2 for Flying & Technical)Graduation (any stream)
Age Limit16½ – 19½ years19 – 25 years (varies by Academy)Flying: 20–24 yrs
Ground Duty: 20–26 yrs		20 – 25 years
GenderMale & FemaleMale & Female (OTA open to both)Male & FemaleMale & Female
FrequencyTwice a yearTwice a yearTwice a yearOnce a year
2027 NotificationNDA 1: 2 Dec 2026
NDA 2: 12 May 2027		CDS 1: 2 Dec 2026
CDS 2: 12 May 2027		AFCAT 1: Nov/Dec 2026 (Expected)
AFCAT 2: May/June 2027 (Expected)		17 Feb 2027
2027 Exam DateNDA 1: 11 Apr 2027
NDA 2: 19 Sep 2027		CDS 1: 11 Apr 2027
CDS 2: 19 Sep 2027		AFCAT 1: Jan/Feb 2027 (Expected)
AFCAT 2: Aug 2027 (Expected)		4 July 2027
Selection ProcessWritten Exam → SSB → MedicalWritten Exam → SSB → MedicalOnline Exam → AFSB → MedicalWritten Exam → PET/PST → Interview → Medical
Training AcademyNDA, KhadakwaslaIMA / INA / AFA / OTAAir Force Academy, DundigalCAPF Academies
Type of CommissionPermanentPermanent (IMA/INA/AFA) + SSC (OTA)Short Service Commission (mainly)Permanent

List of All The Upcoming Defence Exams and Applications

1. UPSC NDA & NA Examination (I) & (II) 2026 – Most Prestigious After 12th

  • Purpose: Direct entry to National Defence Academy (tri-services) + Naval Academy.
  • Eligibility: Age 16½–19½ years (unmarried males & females), 12th pass/appearing (PCM for Navy/Air Force).
  • Selection: Written exam (Maths + GAT) → SSB Interview → Medical.
  • Why Best? Gateway to becoming an officer at the youngest age; highest prestige.

Exact 2027 Dates

  • NDA-I: Notification 2 Dec 2026 | Last apply 22 Dec 2025 (6 PM) | Exam 11 Apr 2027
  • NDA-II: Notification ~12 May 2027 | Last apply ~ 1 Jun 2027 | Exam 19 Sep 2027

2. UPSC CDS Examination (I) & (II) 2026 – Top Graduate Officer Entry

  • Purpose: Officers in Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers Training Academy (OTA).
  • Eligibility: Age 19–24/25 years (branch-wise), Bachelor’s degree (final-year appearing allowed for some).
  • Vacancies (I): 451 confirmed.
  • Selection: Written (English + GK + Maths) → SSB → Medical.

Exact 2027 Dates

  • CDS-I: Notification 2 Dec 2026 | Last apply 22 Dec 2026 | Exam 11 Apr 2027 (same day as NDA, different shifts)
  • CDS-II: Notification 12 May 2027 | Last apply 1 Jun 2027 | Exam 19 Sep 2027

Note: Both NDA-I & CDS-I are on 11 April 2027 — many candidates appear for both on the same day.

3. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 2026

  • Purpose: Commissioned Officers in Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical), NCC Special Entry.
  • Eligibility: Age 20–24/26 years, Graduation min 60% marks + specific subjects for Technical.
  • Selection: AFCAT written + EKT (for Tech) → AFSB Interview → Medical.

2027 Status

  • AFCAT 1/2027: Nov/Dec 2026 (Expected) | Exam expected Jan/Feb 2027 
  • AFCAT 2/2027: May/June 2027 (Expected)| Exam expected Aug 2027
    . (Exact dates will be released on afcat.cdac.in )

4. UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant 2026 – Best Paramilitary Officer Entry

  • Purpose: Assistant Commandant in BSF (108), CRPF (106), CISF (70), ITBP (12), SSB (53) — total 349 vacancies.
  • Eligibility: Age 20–25 years (as on 1 Aug 2026), Bachelor’s degree in any stream.
  • Selection: Written (Paper-I & II) → Physical Efficiency Test → Medical → Interview/Personality Test.

Exact 2026 Dates

  • Notification: 17 Feb 2027
  • Written Exam: 4 July 2027

Official link: upsconline.nic.in (One-Time Registration mandatory first).

5. Indian Army Agniveer Recruitment 2026 – Largest Soldier Entry (Agnipath Scheme)

  • Purpose: 4-year service as Agniveer (GD, Technical, Clerk, Tradesman, Nursing Assistant, Women Military Police, etc.).
  • Vacancies: 25,000+ across India.
  • Eligibility: Age 17½–21/23 years (category-wise), Class 8/10/12 pass (trade-specific).
  • Selection: Online Common Entrance Exam (CEE) → Recruitment Rally (Physical + Medical).

Exact 2026 Dates

  • Online Registration: 13 February 2026 – 1 April 2026 (open right now)
  • Online Exam: 1–15 June 2026 (tentative; exact centre-wise dates will be announced on website)

Apply at: joinindianarmy.nic.in

6. Indian Navy Agniveer (SSR/MR) & Other Sailor Entries

New cycles for 2026 batches are released in phases. Some 02/2025 & 02/2026 batches had applications in March–April 2025. Fresh notifications expected March–May 2026. Keep checking joinindiannavy.gov.in regularly.

Quick Action Plan (Feb–Apr 2026)

  • Apply immediately → CAPF AC (deadline 12 Mar) + Army Agniveer (deadline 1 Apr).
  • Prepare for 12 April 2026 double exam (NDA + CDS) if you are eligible for both.
  • Monitor afcat.cdac.in daily from April for AFCAT-2.
  • Bookmark UPSC Annual Calendar 2026 for any revisions.

Official & Most Reliable Sources for Upcoming Defence Exams (Always Verify Here)

All information above is 100% accurate for upcoming Defence Exams as on 24 February 2026 and taken directly from official notifications and UPSC/IAF calendars. Dates can have minor revisions only on official portals

Start applying and preparing today — 2027 is your year to wear the uniform!

Get Free Counselling

Homepage-Form