Upcoming Defence Exams 2026 — Complete List of Army, Navy, Air Force & 12th Defence Exams in India

Defence Exams 2026 — Overview

Defence exams in India provide opportunities to join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Coast Guard, and various paramilitary forces as officers, technical personnel, or soldiers. If you are preparing for a career in the armed forces, knowing the complete list of defence exams, eligibility criteria, selection process, and upcoming defence exam dates is essential. Every year, organizations such as UPSC, the Indian Armed Forces, and the Ministry of Defence conduct multiple recruitment examinations for candidates with qualifications ranging from 10th pass to graduation and engineering degrees.

This guide covers all major defence exams in India scheduled for 2026, including NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF AC, Agniveer, TES, Coast Guard, and Territorial Army recruitment.

Upcoming Defence Exams 2026

The following table provides an overview of the major upcoming defence exams in 2026.

Candidates should regularly check official notifications as exam dates may be revised. Most defence recruitment notifications are released several months before the examination.

Complete Defence Exam List in India 2026

Defence exams can be broadly categorized into officer entry, soldier entry, technical entry, and paramilitary officer recruitment.

Officer Entry Defence Exams

• NDA
• CDS
• AFCAT
• CAPF Assistant Commandant
• Territorial Army Officer
• SSC Technical Entry
• JAG Entry

Soldier Entry Defence Exams

• Agniveer General Duty
• Agniveer Technical
• Agniveer Clerk
• Agniveer Tradesman
• Navy SSR
• Navy MR
• Coast Guard Navik

Technical Entry Defence Exams

• Army TES
• SSC Technical
• AFCAT Technical Branch
• Coast Guard Yantrik
• Navy Technical Entry

Army Exams 2026 – Complete Army Exam List

The Indian Army conducts various recruitment examinations for candidates with different educational qualifications. Students can join as officers through NDA, CDS, TES, and SSC Tech or as soldiers through the Agniveer recruitment scheme.

Indian Army Officer Entry Exams

NDA (National Defence Academy)

NDA is one of the most popular defence exams for 12th-pass candidates. Selected candidates undergo training at the National Defence Academy and later join the Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers.

CDS (Combined Defence Services)

CDS is conducted for graduates seeking officer-level positions in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy.

Technical Entry Scheme (TES)

TES allows PCM students with strong academic records to join the Indian Army as technical officers without appearing for a written examination.

SSC Technical Entry

Engineering graduates can apply through SSC Technical Entry for Short Service Commission positions in the Army.

Indian Army Soldier Entry Exams

The Agniveer recruitment program provides opportunities for candidates to join the Indian Army in various trades:

• Agniveer General Duty
• Agniveer Technical
• Agniveer Clerk
• Agniveer Tradesman

Selection generally includes:

• Online written test
• Physical fitness test
• Medical examination
• Document verification

NDA 2026 Exam

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted twice every year by UPSC.

NDA Eligibility

• Qualification: 12th Pass
• For Air Force and Navy: Physics and Mathematics in Class 12
• Age: As per UPSC notification
• Nationality: Indian

NDA Selection Process

• Written Examination
• SSB Interview
• Medical Examination
• Merit List

NDA Exam Pattern

NDA remains one of the best defence exams for 12th-pass students aiming to become officers.

CDS 2026 Exam

The Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted twice a year by UPSC for graduates.

CDS Academies

• Indian Military Academy (IMA)
• Officers Training Academy (OTA)
• Air Force Academy (AFA)
• Indian Naval Academy (INA)

CDS Eligibility

• Graduation from a recognized university
• Specific academic requirements for Air Force and Navy entries

NDA vs CDS

CDS is ideal for candidates who decide to pursue defence careers after completing graduation.

AFCAT 2026 Exam

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year.

AFCAT Branches

Flying Branch

Candidates are trained to become Air Force pilots.

Technical Branch

Engineering graduates can apply for technical positions.

Ground Duty Branch

Includes administration, logistics, accounts, and education roles.

AFCAT Eligibility

• Graduation from a recognized university
• Engineering degree for technical branches
• Additional eligibility requirements as notified

AFCAT Selection Process

• Online Examination
• AFSB Interview
• Medical Examination
• Final Merit List

CAPF AC 2026 Exam

The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant) Examination is conducted by UPSC.

Forces Covered

• BSF
• CRPF
• CISF
• ITBP
• SSB

Eligibility

• Graduation
• Physical standards as prescribed

Selection Process

• Written Examination
• Physical Standards Test
• Physical Efficiency Test
• Interview

CAPF AC is among the most prestigious uniformed services examinations after graduation.

Upcoming Defence Exams 2026 for 12th Pass

Many students search for defence exams immediately after completing Class 12. The following opportunities are available:

These exams provide direct entry into India's defence services at a young age.

Indian Defence Exams After Graduation

Graduates have several options for joining the armed forces.

Best Defence Exams After Graduation

• CDS
• AFCAT
• CAPF Assistant Commandant
• Territorial Army
• SSC Technical Entry
• JAG Entry

Graduation-level entries often offer officer ranks, leadership responsibilities, and better long-term career progression.

Defence Engineering Exams 2026

Engineering graduates can apply for various technical defence entries.

Army Technical Entries

• SSC Technical
• TES (Technical Entry Scheme)

Air Force Technical Entries

• AFCAT Technical Branch
• Aeronautical Engineering Branch

Navy Technical Entries

• Executive Technical Branch
• Engineering Branch

Technical entries are ideal for candidates seeking engineering careers in the defence sector.

Eligibility Criteria for Defence Exams

Eligibility varies depending on the examination and entry scheme.

Educational Qualification

Age Limit

Age requirements differ for each examination and recruitment cycle. Candidates should verify the latest notification before applying.

Physical Standards

Most defence examinations require:

• Good physical fitness
• Normal vision standards
• Medical fitness as prescribed

Medical Standards

Candidates must pass comprehensive medical examinations conducted by authorized military or government medical boards.

Defence Exam Preparation Strategy 2026

Build a Strong Maths Foundation

Mathematics plays a crucial role in NDA, CDS, and AFCAT examinations. Focus on:

• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Coordinate Geometry
• Calculus
• Statistics

Study Current Affairs Daily

Important areas include:

• Defence news
• International relations
• Science and technology
• History
• Geography
• Government schemes

Improve Physical Fitness

Aim for:

• Regular running
• Push-ups
• Pull-ups
• Endurance training

Physical fitness becomes extremely important during SSB, physical tests, and medical evaluations.

Prepare for SSB Interview

Develop:

• Communication skills
• Leadership qualities
• Decision-making ability
• Group discussion skills
• Psychological test performance

Strengthen English

English plays a major role in CDS and AFCAT examinations. Practice:

• Reading comprehension
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Sentence improvement
• Previous year questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)