UPSC CDS NDA 2026, IIT Hyderabad Design Certificate, RCF Apprentices & India Post Gen-Z Offices

Dec 11, 2025

Published: Thursday, December 11, 2025

UPSC Opens Registration for CDS and NDA 2026 Examinations

The Union Public Service Commission has opened the application process for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) I and the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA/NA) I Exams 2026, according to the official notification released today. Interested and eligible candidates can submit applications on the official portal, upsconline.nic.in, until December 30.

Comprehensive Vacancy Details and Examination Schedule

UPSC has announced 394 vacancies for the NDA 2026 exam and 451 vacancies for the CDS 2026 exam. The NDA 2026 examination for admission to the 157th course of the Army, Navy and Air Force wings, along with the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing January 1, will be held on April 12. The UPSC CDS 2026 exam is also scheduled for April 12.

Eligibility Criteria and Age Requirements

For the NDA exam, only unmarried male and female candidates born between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2010, are eligible to apply. Applicants must fulfill required educational qualifications and meet the physical standards specified for the respective wings of the NDA and NA.

For CDS 2026, candidates except women, SC and ST applicants must pay an application fee of ₹200, while the NDA 2026 application fee is ₹100.

Examination Format and Marking Scheme

The UPSC CDS 2026 selection process consists of a written examination in English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, followed by an interview for the personality test. Each paper carries 100 marks, and candidates have 2 hours to complete each section. Both CDS and NDA exams include negative marking for all objective-type questions.

For the UPSC NDA 2026 exam, the written test includes a 300-mark Mathematics paper and a 600-mark General Ability Test, with the SSB interview carrying 900 marks.

Application Process and Admit Card Issuance

The straightforward application procedure requires visiting upsconline.nic.in or upsc.gov.in, clicking the 'One Time Registration of examination' link, and registering with details including name, date of birth, gender, category, and parents' names. After registration, candidates log in using their login ID, OTP, and verification code, verify submitted information, fill the application form, save and submit it, and pay fees.

Once the application procedure is completed, eligible candidates receive an e-Admit Card on the last working day of the preceding week of the examination date. According to UPSC guidelines, candidates must reach examination centres at least 30 minutes before exams begin, as late entry is not permitted.

IIT Hyderabad Launches International Design Certificate with POLI.design Milan

The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad has announced a new International Certificate Programme in Integrated Product-Service System (IPSS) Design, developed by its Department of Design in collaboration with POLI. design, Milan, according to the official announcement. The programme is supported in India by the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI).

Programme Structure and Curriculum Framework

The IPSS Design Certificate is a 54-hour online training programme scheduled to begin on January 15, 2026. It consists of 30 hours of live online modules and 24 hours of hands-on workshop sessions, jointly conducted by faculty members from POLI.design and IIT Hyderabad's Department of Design.

The curriculum alternates between experts from Italy and India, offering exposure to global design practices and collaborative project work. The structure helps participants develop competencies in product-service system thinking, sustainable design methods, strategic innovation, and the ability to address real-world business and design challenges.

International Collaboration and Institutional Partnerships

The programme has been developed as part of IIT Hyderabad's broader plan to expand international design education and enhance industry-linked innovation. The partnership has been shaped with support from IICCI's Project Minerva—The Italian Education and Training Hub.

IIT Hyderabad Director Prof BS Murty stated that collaboration with POLI.design and IICCI would strengthen knowledge exchange between India and Italy. He added that the initiative is expected to contribute to building skilled human resources aligned with India's growing product and service design landscape.

Global Design Excellence and Industry Alignment

POLI.design is part of the Politecnico di Milano Design System, ranked first in Italy, first in the European Union and sixth globally in the Arts and Design category in QS Rankings 2025. Established in 1999, the institution focuses on postgraduate education and develops cross-industry programmes using project-based learning and research-led methods.

POLI.design's former CEO and project faculty member Prof Cabirio Cautela said the institution aims to support India's upskilling and reskilling needs by sharing its strategic design expertise through this programme. Through this tri-partite collaboration, the programme positions itself to support professional readiness across sectors relying on integrated product and service offerings.

Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala Recruits 550 Act Apprentices

Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, a unit of Indian Railways, has announced the recruitment of 550 Act Apprentices across various technical trades, according to the official notification released on December 9. The application process will run online until January 7, 2026.

Comprehensive Trade Distribution and Vacancy Breakdown

The 550 positions are distributed among nine technical trades, offering aspirants choices based on their training. Trade-wise distribution includes Fitter (150 seats), Welder (G & E) (180 seats), Machinist (20), Painter (General) (30), Carpenter (30), Electrician (70), AC & Refrigeration Mechanic (30), Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) (20), and Electronic Mechanic (20).

Eligibility Requirements and Age Limits

Applicants must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks. Additionally, candidates must hold a National Trade Certificate (ITI) in the relevant trade issued by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT).

Age limits are 15-24 years, with relaxations for reserved categories: SC/ST (+5 years), OBC (+3 years), PWD (+10 years), and Ex-servicemen (up to service period + 3 years).

Application Process and Selection Methodology

Applications are submitted online via the official RCF website, rcf.indianrailways.gov.in. General, OBC, and EWS candidates must pay a non-refundable fee of ₹100, while SC, ST, PWD candidates and women are exempted. Candidates must upload documents including photograph, signature, 10th marksheet, ITI certificate, and caste certificate (if applicable).

Selection will be merit-based, calculated using candidate performance in both the 10th class and ITI marks. Merit lists will be prepared trade-wise and category-wise. Shortlisted candidates undergo document verification and medical examination before final enrollment.

Selected apprentices will undergo on-the-job training at RCF Kapurthala and receive a stipend in accordance with the Apprenticeship Act and Railway Board guidelines. While an apprenticeship provides valuable industry exposure, it does not guarantee permanent employment with Indian Railways.

India Post Launches Gen-Z Themed Post Offices Across Indian Campuses

India Post has unveiled vibrant Gen-Z themed post offices across campuses in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, following the successful launch of the first such office at IIT Delhi, according to the official announcement. These innovations blend modern design with trusted postal services, making postal counters more accessible, creative, and student-friendly.

CMS College Kottayam: Eco-Friendly Student-Led Design

The Gen-Z themed post office at CMS College, Kottayam stands out for its eco-friendly, student-led design. Created entirely with the philosophy "of the students, by the students, for the students," the space blends indoor and outdoor zones with picnic-style seating, a vertical garden, and refurbished tyre stools highlighting sustainability.

Students have designed murals and artwork celebrating India Post, Kottayam's literary heritage, and the college's nature-centric identity. The counter includes a MyStamp corner where students can print personalised stamps, along with a work-friendly ledge fitted with charging points. A reading nook with board games, soft lighting, and a small library doubles as a peaceful retreat, transforming the postal counter into a modern campus community hub.

Andhra University: Technology-Focused Modern Hub

The new Gen-Z post office at Andhra University focuses on technology, speed, and student convenience. It features digital kiosks for quick bookings, parcel tracking, and postal enquiries, reducing waiting times for busy students. A high-speed parcel counter supports rapid dispatch of parcels, project files, and competitive exam documents.

The lounge area includes charging ports, digital displays, and comfortable seating, creating a modern, student-friendly atmosphere. Interactive touchscreen panels explain postal schemes, logistics careers, and financial services, making the space educational. Planned student engagement activities include philately workshops, logistics seminars, and career sessions.

IIT Delhi Pioneered the Gen-Z Transformation

India Post's Gen-Z transformation first began at IIT Delhi, where a modern, redesigned post office introduced live queue displays, digital payment options, rapid booking counters, and student-friendly services. Its success inspired similar youth-focused extensions across India, including the latest openings in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

With these new centres, India Post is stepping confidently into the future, creating a youth-centric, technologically-advanced postal infrastructure aligned with student expectations and contemporary service delivery standards.