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The NDA CDS 2027 Notification for the first session will be released by UPSC on 2 December 2026. Both the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2027 and the Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2027 will be held on 11 April 2027, with applications open until 22 December 2026. These exams are the main routes for young Indians to become officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
This guide explains the NDA CDS 2027 Notification dates, eligibility, exam pattern, SSB interview and preparation tips for Kerala candidates.
NDA CDS 2027 Notification – Key Dates
| Event | NDA & NA (I) 2027 | CDS (I) 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification | 2 December 2026 | 2 December 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 22 December 2026 | 22 December 2026 |
| Exam date | 11 April 2027 | 11 April 2027 |
| Apply online | upsconline.gov.in | upsconline.gov.in |
Dates are as per the UPSC calendar and may change. Always follow the official notification on upsc.gov.in.
NDA Eligibility (General Pattern)
This part of our NDA CDS 2027 Notification guide explains the details step by step.
- Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years at the start of the course (exact date of birth range given in the notice)
- Education: Class 12 pass or appearing. Air Force and Navy wings at NDA, and the Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry), require Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Gender: Unmarried men and women are eligible.
- Physical standards: As prescribed for each service.
CDS Eligibility (General Pattern)
Keep these points about the NDA CDS 2027 Notification in mind before you take the next step.
| Academy | Education | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Graduation | 19–24 years |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | B.E./B.Tech | 19–24 years |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Graduation with Physics and Maths at 10+2, or B.E. | 19–24 years (20–24 for flying as per notice) |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | Graduation | 19–25 years |
Unmarried candidates apply for IMA, INA and AFA; OTA admits both men and women as per the notice.
Exam Pattern
Bookmark this NDA CDS 2027 Notification page, as we update it when official changes are announced.
NDA
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| General Ability Test (English + GK) | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| SSB interview | 900 | 5 days |
CDS
| Paper | IMA / INA / AFA | OTA |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | Not applicable |
Both exams have negative marking for wrong answers.
SSB Interview
Many readers ask us how to use this NDA CDS 2027 Notification information in real life, so the steps below are kept simple.
After clearing the written exam, candidates attend a five-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Stage I includes the Officer Intelligence Rating test and picture perception. Stage II has psychological tests, group tasks and a personal interview. Medical examination follows for recommended candidates.
Preparation Tips for Kerala Candidates
Share this NDA CDS 2027 Notification guide with friends and family who are planning their next career move.
- Start Mathematics early – NDA Mathematics is Class 11–12 level and carries 300 marks.
- English: Read an English newspaper daily and practise grammar and vocabulary.
- GK: Cover physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography, polity and current affairs.
- Fitness: Start running and basic exercises for the SSB and medical tests.
- Previous papers: Practise UPSC NDA and CDS papers from upsc.gov.in.
Kerala students can also consider the Sainik School, Kazhakootam, which prepares students for NDA from Class 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the NDA CDS 2027 Notification be released?
On 2 December 2026, as per the UPSC calendar.
When is the NDA (I) and CDS (I) 2027 exam?
Both on 11 April 2027.
Can women apply for NDA?
Yes. Unmarried women are eligible for NDA.
What is the last date to apply?
22 December 2026, as per the UPSC calendar.
Related: Indian Army Jobs | Indian Navy Jobs
Disclaimer: Kerala Job News is not affiliated with any government department, recruiting body or employer mentioned here. This article is compiled from the UPSC annual calendar for general information only. Details can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply or pay any fee. Kerala Job News never charges money for job information.
