Indore hosts NDA-NA and CDS exams today:5,493 candidates at 13 centres; face authentication made mandatory

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi, is conducting the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination-I 2026 and Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination-I 2026 on 12 April. These are among the commission’s major examinations. In Indore, the exams are being held at 13 sub-centres in two and three sessions, with a total of 5,493 candidates appearing. Ujjain-based candidate Kirti Meena, who appeared for the exam in Indore, said the paper was moderate this time, with more focus on formulas and concepts. She added that it was her first attempt, the paper went well, and she prepared through self-study without coaching. Ratlam student Hariom Singh Thakur said the paper was tough and somewhat specific, with questions different from expectations. He rated his performance as average. Another candidate, Sarthak Varmaiya, who appeared for the NDA exam in Indore, said the questions were between moderate and difficult. He described his paper as average and mentioned that this was his second attempt, and he had taken coaching in Indore. The examination timings will be as follows NDA-NA Exam CDS Exam Commissioner Dr Sudam Khade has been appointed as the examination coordinating officer, while Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Sapna M. Lovvanshi has been designated as the in-charge examination officer for overall supervision. UPSC has also appointed Special Duty Officer N.R. Rao, Medical Adviser Dr D.K. Seth, and Senior Divisional Stores Manager Ratlam Amir Yadav as inspection officers. Local inspection officers (LIOs) have also been deployed at all 13 centres. All basic facilities such as drinking water, electricity and security have been ensured at examination centres. Armed guards have been deployed at each centre, and metal detectors are mandatory for frisking. During the examination, items such as mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, digital watches, books, bags, lighters and matchsticks are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall. Face authentication of candidates is being conducted at all centres, and entry gates are closed 30 minutes before the commencement of the exam.