Defence aspirants should be as aware as possible of the Defence Notification date, the date of application and Defence Exam Date. Not turning in an application on time will result in waiting months for another shot at the application.
Defence Exam Calendar 2026-27 has been presented with all the crucial dates of various defence exams like NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF, etc. It can assist students in making a plan for their syllabus/Revision/ Mock tests/ Physical preparation and Application in advance.
The calendar given below is the union of the officially announced calendar and the latest available UPSC schedule. The final date of examination may also change; candidates are advised to check the notification before applying. The dates mentioned in the annual calendar of the UPSC are tentative and liable to change, and the calendar is a planning document.
Using the examination calendar as a study roadmap can help to structure and make preparation easier for aspirants preparing with Chanakya’s Coaching Centre.
Defence Exam Calendar 2026-27 at a Glance
| Examination | Notification Date | Application Last Date | Exam Date |
| NDA & NA I 2026 | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 12 Apr 2026 |
| CDS I 2026 | 10 Dec 2025 | 30 Dec 2025 | 12 Apr 2026 |
| CAPF AC 2026 | 20 Feb 2026 | 12 Mar 2026 | 19 Jul 2026 |
| AFCAT 02/2026 | 20 May 2026 | 19 Jun 2026 | 8 Aug 2026 |
| NDA & NA II 2026 | 20 May 2026 | 11 Jun 2026 | 13 Sep 2026 |
| CDS II 2026 | 20 May 2026 | 11 Jun 2026 | 13 Sep 2026 |
| NDA & NA I 2027 | 2 Dec 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 | 11 Apr 2027 |
| CDS I 2027 | 2 Dec 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 | 11 Apr 2027 |
| CAPF AC 2027 | 17 Feb 2027 | 9 Mar 2027 | 4 Jul 2027 |
| NDA & NA II 2027 | 12 May 2027 | 1 Jun 2027 | 19 Sep 2027 |
| CDS II 2027 | 12 May 2027 | 1 Jun 2027 | 19 Sep 2027 |
The 2026 dates for NDA, CDS and CAPF are available through UPSC’s official examination information, while the 2027 NDA, CDS and CAPF dates are included in the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027.
Important: AFCAT follows a separate Indian Air Force schedule. AFCAT 02/2026 applications were open from 20 May to 19 June 2026 and the online examination is scheduled for 8 August 2026.
Defence Exam Eligibility at a Glance
Before preparing for an examination, candidates should check whether they meet its educational, age and other eligibility requirements.
NDA
NDA is primarily an entry route for eligible candidates at the Class 12 level. Candidates must satisfy the age, educational, nationality and other conditions specified in the relevant UPSC notification.
CDS
CDS is primarily intended for graduates. Eligibility differs according to the academy or entry for which a candidate applies.
AFCAT
AFCAT provides opportunities for eligible graduates to apply for branches of the Indian Air Force, subject to the specific educational, age and other requirements mentioned in the relevant notification.
CAPF AC
CAPF Assistant Commandant recruitment is conducted by UPSC for eligible graduates who meet the prescribed age, nationality, physical and other conditions.
Always read the latest official notification before applying, because eligibility conditions can vary between entries and examination cycles.
NDA Exam Calendar 2026-27
UPSC conducts the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) twice a year. It gives a chance to eligible candidates to undergo an officer training program in the armed forces.
NDA 1 2026
The NDA & NA (I) notification 2026 was issued on 10 December 2025. The written exam was conducted on 12 April 2026 and the last date of application was 30 December 2025.
NDA 2 2026
For NDA & NA (II), 2026, UPSC released the notification on 20 May 2026. The last date of application is 11 June 2026, and the date of examination is 13 September 2026.
NDA 1 2027
The UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 has been released with the notification of NDA & NA (I), 2027 on 2 December 2026. The deadline for the receipt of applications is 22 December 2026, and the exam will be conducted on 11 April 2027.
NDA 2 2027
NDA & NA (II), 2027 is scheduled for notification on 12 May 2027. The application form is due on 1st June 2027, and the examination is set for 19th September 2027.
Candidates wishing to appear in NDA should start their preparations well before the notification as they have to prepare themselves in such a way that they lay a strong foundation for their further academic studies, enhance their speed and accuracy, solve previous years’ papers, and prepare for the further selection process.
CDS Exam Calendar 2026-27
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is another major UPSC examination for eligible graduates seeking officer-entry opportunities in the armed forces.
CDS 1 2026
CDS (I), 2026 was notified on 10 December 2025, with applications closing on 30 December 2025. The examination was conducted on 12 April 2026.
CDS 2 2026
For CDS (II), 2026, the notification was released on 20 May 2026. The application deadline was 11 June 2026, and the examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
CDS 1 2027
The UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 schedules the CDS (I), 2027 notification for 2 December 2026. Applications are scheduled to close on 22 December 2026, and the examination is scheduled for 11 April 2027.
CDS 2 2027
CDS (II), 2027 is scheduled for notification on 12 May 2027. The application deadline is scheduled for 1 June 2027, while the examination is scheduled for 19 September 2027.
Because CDS is conducted twice a year, eligible graduates have two regular examination cycles to consider. However, eligibility and academy-specific requirements should be checked carefully before applying.
AFCAT Exam Calendar 2026-27
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by the Indian Air Force for eligible candidates seeking officer-entry opportunities in Flying and Ground Duty branches.
The IAF states that AFCAT is ordinarily conducted twice a year. Candidates registered in the June cycle generally appear for an examination in August, while the December cycle generally leads to an examination in February of the following year.
AFCAT 01 2026
AFCAT 01/2026 was conducted on 31 January 2026. The registration dates were revised to 17 November to 14 December 2025 by the Indian Air Force.
AFCAT 02 2026
For AFCAT 02/2026, applications were accepted from 20 May to 19 June 2026. The online examination is scheduled for 8 August 2026. The cycle is for courses commencing in July 2027.
What About AFCAT 2027?
At present, candidates should not treat an estimated AFCAT 2027 date as confirmed. The Indian Air Force’s regular schedule indicates two AFCAT cycles annually, but the exact 2027 dates should be taken from the official notification when released.
This is important for an updated calendar: confirmed dates should be presented as confirmed, while expected dates should be clearly labelled as tentative.
CAPF AC Exam Calendar 2026-27
The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination is conducted by UPSC for recruitment to the Assistant Commandant level in participating central armed police forces.
CAPF AC 2026
UPSC issued the CAPF AC 2026 notification on 20 February 2026. The last date for applications was 12 March 2026, and the examination commenced on 19 July 2026.
CAPF AC 2027
According to the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027, the CAPF AC 2027 notification is scheduled for 17 February 2027. The application deadline is scheduled for 9 March 2027, and the examination is scheduled for 4 July 2027.
CAPF preparation requires attention to both academic subjects and the later stages of the recruitment process. Candidates should therefore avoid leaving physical preparation and other selection requirements until after the written examination.
Which Defence Exam Should You Choose?
Not every defence examination is designed for the same candidate. Your educational qualification, age, career preference and eligibility should determine your target.
| Candidate Profile | Examination to Consider |
| Eligible Class 12 candidate targeting officer entry | NDA |
| Eligible graduate targeting officer entry | CDS |
| Eligible graduate interested in Indian Air Force officer entry | AFCAT |
| Eligible graduate targeting Assistant Commandant recruitment | CAPF AC |
This table is only a starting point. Candidates should always compare the latest official eligibility requirements before selecting an examination.
How to Use the Defence Exam Calendar for Preparation
A calendar becomes genuinely useful when you convert the dates into a study plan.
1. Choose Your Primary Target
Start by identifying your main examination. If you are eligible for more than one examination, determine which subjects overlap and where additional preparation will be required.
2. Work Backward From the Examination Date
Divide the available preparation period into manageable stages:
Foundation: Understand concepts and complete basic topics.
Syllabus Completion: Cover important subjects systematically.
Practice: Solve previous-year questions and topic-based tests.
Mock Tests: Attempt full-length papers under timed conditions.
Revision: Review formulas, facts, concepts and mistakes.
Final Preparation: Focus on accuracy, speed and confidence.
This approach is more effective than studying without a fixed target.
Track More Than Just the Exam Date
Aspirants should maintain a separate checklist for every target examination.
Keep track of:
- Notification date
- Application opening date
- Last date to apply
- Correction window, if announced
- Admit card
- Examination date
- Result
- Next selection stage
Submitting an application early can also reduce the stress associated with last-day technical issues or document problems.
Prepare Beyond the Written Examination
Defence recruitment does not necessarily end with the written test.
Depending on the entry, candidates may have to go through further stages such as interviews or selection-board assessments, medical evaluation and merit-based selection.
Therefore, preparation should also include:
- Communication skills
- General awareness
- Confidence
- Teamwork
- Decision-making
- Physical fitness
- Time management
For AFCAT officer entry, for example, the Indian Air Force’s selection process includes the relevant written stage followed by AFSB testing, medical examination and preparation of the All India Merit List.
How to Prepare for NDA, CDS, AFCAT & CAPF
Each examination has its own syllabus and selection structure, so preparation should be customized.
NDA Preparation
Build a strong foundation in Mathematics, English and General Ability-related subjects. Regular practice is particularly important for improving speed and accuracy.
CDS Preparation
Graduates should focus on the papers relevant to their chosen entry, along with English and General Knowledge preparation. Previous-year papers can help identify recurring areas and understand the examination standard.
AFCAT Preparation
AFCAT candidates should practice the subjects included in the current examination pattern and focus heavily on speed. The current AFCAT notification specifies General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test as components of the online examination.
CAPF Preparation
CAPF aspirants should combine subject preparation with regular practice in writing, current affairs, comprehension and other examination-specific areas. Physical preparation should also be incorporated into the overall routine.
Create a Monthly Preparation Roadmap
Instead of saying, “I have six months to prepare,” set measurable targets.
Months 1-2
Build fundamentals and cover basic concepts.
Months 3-4
Complete major syllabus areas and begin intensive previous-paper practice.
Month 5
Increase mock-test frequency and analyze mistakes.
Final Weeks
Focus on revision, accuracy, weak areas and examination strategy.
The exact timeline can be adjusted according to your current preparation level and the examination date.
How Chanakya’s Coaching Centre Can Support Defence Aspirants
A structured preparation plan can help students stay consistent instead of studying randomly until the examination approaches.
Chanakya’s Coaching Centre can support aspirants through a focused preparation environment where students can work on concepts, practice questions, assess their performance and identify areas that need improvement.
However, coaching should work alongside individual effort. Students should continue self-study, solve previous-year papers, revise regularly, attempt mock tests and monitor official notifications.
The objective should be to build consistent preparation rather than depend entirely on last-minute revision.
Why You Should Follow Official Notifications
Defence examination dates can change because of administrative or other circumstances. UPSC’s annual calendar provides a useful planning framework, but candidates should verify the final notification before applying.
For AFCAT, candidates should use the official Indian Air Force notification and examination information because AFCAT operates through the IAF’s own recruitment schedule.
A good habit is to check the relevant official website whenever an application window is about to open.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is NDA 2 2026?
NDA & NA II 2026 is scheduled for 13 September 2026. UPSC released the notification on 20 May 2026, with applications closing on 11 June 2026.
When will NDA 1 2027 be conducted?
According to the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027, NDA & NA I 2027 is scheduled for 11 April 2027. The notification is scheduled for 2 December 2026, with applications closing on 22 December 2026.
When will CDS 1 and CDS 2 2027 be conducted?
CDS I 2027 is scheduled for 11 April 2027, while CDS II 2027 is scheduled for 19 September 2027, according to the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027.
When is CAPF AC 2027?
The CAPF AC 2027 examination is scheduled for 4 July 2027. UPSC has scheduled the notification for 17 February 2027 and the application deadline for 9 March 2027.
When is AFCAT 2 2026?
AFCAT 02/2026 is scheduled for 8 August 2026. The application window was from 20 May to 19 June 2026.
Is AFCAT conducted twice a year?
Yes. The Indian Air Force states that AFCAT is ordinarily conducted twice a year, with the June registration cycle generally leading to an August examination and the December registration cycle generally leading to a February examination in the following year.
Can I prepare for more than one defence examination?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements. NDA, CDS, AFCAT and CAPF have some overlapping preparation areas, but their eligibility criteria, syllabus and selection processes differ. Build a common foundation and then customize your preparation for each target.
How early should I start preparing for defence examinations?
Starting several months before the examination gives you more time to complete the syllabus, solve previous papers, take mock tests and revise. Your ideal preparation period depends on your existing knowledge, target examination and available study time.
Final Takeaway
The Defence Exam Calendar 2026-27 is more than a list of examination dates. It can serve as a roadmap for deciding your target examination, planning your syllabus, scheduling mock tests, completing revision and preparing for subsequent selection stages.
NDA and CDS provide two UPSC examination cycles, CAPF follows its annual UPSC schedule, and AFCAT generally operates through two Indian Air Force cycles. The exact dates should always be checked against the latest official notification before applying.
If you are preparing for the upcoming defence examination cycle, start with your eligibility and target exam, mark the important dates on your calendar and work backward to create a realistic preparation plan.
With consistent study, regular practice, proper revision and focused guidance, aspirants can approach the 2026-27 defence examination cycle with greater confidence. Chanakya’s Coaching Centre can be part of that preparation journey for students seeking structured guidance and focused defence-exam preparation.
Bookmark this page and check the official UPSC or Indian Air Force notification before submitting your application, as dates may be revised.