UPSC CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Download: Exam on 13 Sept, Check Reporting Time & Instructions

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Download: Exam on 13 Sept, Check Reporting Time & Instructions

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UPSC CDS 2 2026 admit card download is now available on the official UPSC website. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the admit card for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 on 3rd September 2026. Candidates who applied for this exam can now complete their UPSC CDS 2 2026 admit card download from upsconline.nic.in. The written examination will be held on 13th September 2026 (Sunday) across the country.

This article covers everything candidates need for a smooth UPSC CDS 2 2026 admit card download — from the step-by-step download process to exam day rules, time table, vacancy details, and eligibility criteria.

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Download | Key Highlights

The Commission has notified this exam through Examination Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II, and it is being conducted to fill vacancies in the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai.

Important Points to Remember

• The e-Admit Card is issued only online; no physical copy will be sent by post or email.
• Candidates must complete their admit card download and print it, preserving it until the final result is declared.
• Mere issuance of the admit card does not confirm final eligibility — candidature remains provisional until document verification.

How to Complete UPSC CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Download (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps for the UPSC CDS 2 2026 admit card download:

1. Visit the official website upsconline.nic.in.
2. Look for the link related to the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 admit card.
3. Log in using your registered credentials (URN/Application Number and other details).
4. Your e-Admit Card will appear on the screen — check all details carefully.
5. Click download, then take a clear printout for exam day.

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Download | What to Do in Case of Discrepancy

If candidates find any mistake in their Name, Photograph, or QR Code on the admit card, they should immediately inform UPSC through the email ID provided in the official press note, so that corrections can be made before the exam.

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Download | Documents Required on Exam Day

Along with the printed admit card, candidates must carry:

• Printout of the e-Admit Card
• Original Photo ID proof (the same ID number mentioned on the admit card)
• Three recent passport-size photographs (one for each session/paper)
• Government-issued Photo ID Card and Gazette Notification copy (only for candidates who have legally changed their name)

CDS 2 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Since the exam is conducted in three separate sessions on the same day, candidates need to be aware of specific reporting and entry rules for each paper.

Reporting Time and Entry Closure

Candidates are advised to reach the exam venue at least 1 hour 15 minutes before the start of each session for face authentication, identity verification, and frisking. Entry will be closed 30 minutes before each session begins.

Items Not Allowed Inside the Exam Venue

Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying the following items into the examination hall:

• Mobile phones (even in switched-off mode)
• Smartwatches, digital watches, or AI-enabled glasses/devices
• Bags, books, notes, or any electronic gadgets
• Calculators, log tables, or any communication device

Only a normal wrist watch, pen/pencil, admit card, ID proof, and photographs are allowed inside the venue.

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Download | Exam Pattern and Time Table

The written exam will be conducted on 13th September 2026 in three sessions as per the official time table.

Marking Scheme

• All papers are objective type, containing four options per question.
• Negative marking applies: one-third (0.33) of the marks allotted to a question is deducted for every wrong answer.
• Marking more than one answer for a question is also treated as a wrong answer.
• No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Download | Vacancy Details

A total of 451 vacancies have been notified across four training academies:

CDS 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit

Educational Qualification

• IMA & OTA Chennai: Degree from a recognised university
• Indian Naval Academy: Engineering degree or B.Sc. with Physics
• Air Force Academy: Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level, or Engineering degree

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Download | Selection Process 

The selection process consists of:

1. Written Examination – Conducted by UPSC (objective type papers)
2. SSB Interview – Conducted by the respective Service Selection Board, including Intelligence and Personality Tests over multiple stages

Candidates who qualify the written exam will be shortlisted for the SSB interview based on their service preferences.

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Download |5 FAQs

Q1. How can I complete the UPSC CDS 2 2026 admit card download? A1. Visit upsconline.nic.in, log in with your URN/Application Number, and download your e-Admit Card. UPSC released it on 3rd September 2026.

Q2. When is the UPSC CDS 2 2026 exam scheduled? A2. The exam will be held on 13th September 2026 (Sunday) in three sessions covering English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.

Q3. Will UPSC send a physical copy of the CDS 2 admit card by post? A3. No, UPSC will not send any physical admit card by post or email. Candidates must complete the admit card download from the official website only.

Q4. What documents should candidates carry along with the admit card? A4. Candidates must carry the printed admit card, an original Photo ID proof matching the ID mentioned on the admit card, and three recent passport-size photographs.

Q5. What items are banned inside the CDS 2 2026 exam venue? A5. Mobile phones, smartwatches, AI-enabled devices, calculators, bags, books, and any electronic or communication devices are strictly banned inside the exam venue.