Where the competition stands
The 2026 Army cadetship competition closed on 8 March 2026. The next campaign date was unannounced in the official information checked on 18 October. Use the 2026 booklet to understand the most recently published process, then recheck the next booklet before relying on an entry condition or assessment detail.
The Army booklet covers Line, Equitation, Engineer and Ordnance routes. Their educational conditions are not interchangeable. Specialist streams require their own qualification checks, and Equitation includes an additional practical assessment. Choose the stream before building your application checklist.
Prepare for each stage
The 2026 process begins with online psychometric assessment. Applicants progressing from it attend an assessment phase that includes supervised testing, fitness and group assessment, alongside a realistic job preview. A personality questionnaire precedes the competency interview. Meeting requirements at one stage does not remove the conditions at later stages.
Use reasoning practice to develop methods you can apply to unfamiliar items. For the group stage, practise listening, identifying constraints and helping a team reach a supported decision. For interview, assemble truthful examples across the published competency areas rather than preparing a single speech about wanting to join.
Keep mental and physical preparation connected
A productive week can include explanation-led reasoning practice, one interview evidence review, document preparation and fitness work suited to your present ability. The official booklet includes a suggested programme but says it assumes an existing level of fitness. It recommends a qualified instructor and medical advice if you are unsure.
Track completed tasks, unanswered questions and what you need to improve. A checklist or a PSP practice score cannot certify that you will pass. The useful outcome is clearer preparation: fewer avoidable mistakes, better evidence and fewer missing practical details.
Questions about this stage
Can I apply for 2027 now?
No 2027 opening date was confirmed in the checked sources. Use the current competitions page to see when the application becomes available.
Does the free diagnostic cover every selection stage?
No. It samples reasoning practice. Group assessment, interview, physical standards, medical conditions and other route requirements remain separate.
Sources and current instructions
These guides explain the preparation process. Check your current competition booklet and invitation before relying on a requirement or date.
- 2026 Army cadetship terms, including Annex D
- Official current recruitment opportunities
- Officially linked Mindmill familiarisation practice
Official decisions, eligibility, medical clearance and assessment results belong to the recruiting organisation. A PSP practice score is not an official pass mark or selection prediction.