Major Upcoming Defence and Police Exams 2026: AFCAT, CDS, NDA, DRDO, Navy, Delhi Police & More – Complete Guide
Major Upcoming Defence and Police Exams 2026: Serve the Nation with Honour
For millions of Indian youth, a career in Defence or Police services represents not just job security, but a chance to serve the nation with pride, discipline, and courage. The year 2026 is expected to witness a surge in recruitment drives across central and state-level forces—offering opportunities in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, DRDO, and state police departments like Delhi, UP, Bihar, MP, and Haryana.
This comprehensive guide covers all major upcoming Defence and Police exams in 2026, including eligibility criteria, selection stages, key dates, and strategic preparation advice.
Why Choose Defence or Police Careers in 2026?
- Prestige & Patriotism: Wear the uniform with honour and contribute to national security.
- Attractive Pay & Allowances: Starting salaries from ₹25,000 to ₹80,000+ with risk, travel, and housing allowances.
- Job Stability: Government-backed roles with lifelong tenure.
- Adventure & Discipline: Dynamic work environments that build character and leadership.
List of Major Defence & Police Exams Expected in 2026
Exam | Conducting Body | Expected Notification | Key Posts | Selection Stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NDA 2026 (I & II) | UPSC | Dec 2025 (NDA I), May 2026 (NDA II) | Army, Navy, Air Force Cadets | Written → SSB Interview → Medical |
CDS 2026 (I & II) | UPSC | Oct 2025 (CDS I), June 2026 (CDS II) | OTA, IMA, INA, AFA Officers | Written → SSB → Medical |
AFCAT 2026 (I & II) | Indian Air Force | Dec 2025 & June 2026 | Flying, Technical, Ground Duty Officers | Online Test → AFSB → Medical |
DRDO CEPTAM 2026 | Defence Research & Development Organisation | Likely Q2–Q3 2026 | Technician ‘A’, Admin & Allied Posts | Tier I → Tier II → DV |
Indian Navy SSR/AA 2026 | Indian Navy | Multiple cycles (Jan, May, Sep) | Sailor (SSR, AA, MR, Artificer) | CBT → PET → Medical |
Delhi Police 2026 | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) / Delhi Police | To be notified | Constable, Head Constable, SI | CBT → PET/PMT → DV + Medical |
UP Police 2026 | UP Police Recruitment Board | Expected Q1–Q2 2026 | SI, Constable, Jail Warder, Fireman | Written → PET → DV + Medical |
Bihar Police 2026 | Bihar Police Subordinate Services | Likely Mid-2026 | SI, Constable, Driver, Home Guard | Written → PET → DV |
MP Police 2026 | MPESB (Vyapam) | Expected Q2 2026 | Constable, SI, ASI | Written → PET → Medical |
Haryana Police 2026 | HSSC | Tentative H2 2026 | SI, Constable, Sub-Inspector | Written → PET → DV + Medical |
Note: Exact dates are tentative. Always refer to official notifications from upsc.gov.in, joinindianarmy.nic.in, ssc.nic.in, and state police portals.
Detailed Overview of Key Exams
1. NDA (National Defence Academy)
- Eligibility:
- 12th pass (Science for Navy/Air Force); any stream for Army.
- Age: 16.5–19.5 years (unmarried male/female candidates).
- Selection:
- Written: Maths (300) + GAT (600).
- SSB Interview: 5-day psychological & group tasks.
- Medical: Rigorous fitness test.
2. CDS (Combined Defence Services)
- Posts: IMA (Army), INA (Navy), AFA (Air Force), OTA (Officers’ Training Academy).
- Eligibility:
- Graduation (Engineering for AFA/Navy); any degree for Army/OTA.
- Age: 19–24 years (varies by academy).
- Exam: English, GK, Elementary Maths (for IMA/INA/AFA).
3. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
- Streams: Flying, Technical, Ground Duty (Admin, Logistics, etc.).
- Eligibility:
- Graduation (60%+); BE/B.Tech for Technical; valid Commercial Pilot License for Flying.
- Age: 20–24 years (relaxation for certain posts).
- Selection:
- Online Test: Verbal, Numerical, Reasoning, GK, Military Aptitude.
- AFSB Interview: 5–6 days of assessment.
- Medical: Class-I medical standards.
4. DRDO CEPTAM
- Posts: Technician ‘A’, Store Assistant, Admin & Finance.
- Eligibility: ITI/Diploma/Graduation as per post.
- Pattern: Two-tier CBT (General + Technical).
5. Indian Navy (SSR/AA/MR)
- SSR (Senior Secondary Recruit): 12th with Physics & Maths.
- AA (Artificer Apprentice): 12th with 60%+ in PCM.
- Selection: Online test → Physical Fitness Test (1.6 km run, pull-ups) → Medical.
6. State Police Exams (Delhi, UP, Bihar, MP, Haryana)
- Common Posts: Constable, Sub-Inspector (SI), Head Constable.
- Eligibility:
- Constable: 10th/12th pass; age 18–25.
- SI: Graduation; age 21–28.
- Selection:
- CBT: GK, Reasoning, Maths, Hindi.
- PET: Running (5–10 km), Long Jump, High Jump.
- DV + Medical: Final verification stage.
Preparation Strategy for Defence & Police Exams 2026
- Build Physical Fitness Early:
- Start running, push-ups, and endurance training now—especially for Navy, Police, and NDA.
- Master General Knowledge & Current Affairs:
- Focus on defence news, awards, sports, geography, and national/international events (last 6–12 months).
- Practice Reasoning & Maths Daily:
- Use standard books like RS Aggarwal and online mock tests.
- Prepare for SSB/AFSB Interviews:
- Work on communication, leadership, and group discussion skills. Practice OIR, PPDT, and TAT.
- Take Full-Length Mock Tests:
- Simulate real exam pressure using platforms like Testbook, Gradeup, or Oliveboard.
- Know Your State-Specific Syllabus:
- For UP/Bihar/MP Police, include local history, culture, and language (e.g., Hindi, Urdu).
Official Websites to Monitor
- UPSC (NDA/CDS): https://upsc.gov.in
- Indian Air Force (AFCAT): https://afcat.cdac.in
- Indian Navy: https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
- DRDO: https://rac.gov.in
- SSC (Delhi Police): https://ssc.nic.in
- UP Police: https://uppbpb.gov.in
- Bihar Police: https://csbc.bih.nic.in
- MP Police: https://esb.mp.gov.in
- Haryana Police: https://hssc.gov.in
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