The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the admit cards for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II), 2026. Aspiring candidates aiming for a career in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) can now access their credentials via the official portal.
With 451 vacancies on the line, the examination is a crucial step in the selection process, which includes a written test, SSB interview, medical examination, and final merit listing. The examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026, and will be conducted in an offline mode.
CDS 2 Exam Overview 2026
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Release Date | 3 September 2026 |
| CDS 2 Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
How to Download Your CDS 2 Admit Card 2026
To participate in the examination, candidates must present a printed hall ticket. Follow these steps to secure your copy:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the 'Examinations' section.
- Click on the 'e-Admit Card' option.
- Select the 'Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026' link.
- Follow the CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 Download Link (ACTIVE).
- Input your registration or roll number and required login credentials.
- Submit the information to generate your hall ticket.
- Download the PDF and print a clear, legible hard copy for exam day verification.
Verification and Exam Day Requirements
Upon downloading your hall ticket, immediately verify that all details are accurate. If you find discrepancies, contact the UPSC facilitation counter immediately. For further insights on the notification, you can check details on CDS 2 Exam Date guidelines.
Details to Verify in the Call Letter
- Candidate’s full name and roll number
- Registration number and date of birth
- Examination centre and reporting time
- Photograph and signature
- Paper details and specific examination instructions
Mandatory Documents for Entry
| Document |
|---|
| CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 |
| Valid Photo ID Proof (Original) |
| Photocopy of the Valid Photo ID Proof |
| Passport-size Photographs |
CDS 2 Exam Timings 2026
| Date | Time | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 13.09.2026 | 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM | English |
| 13.09.2026 | 12:30 PM - 02:30 PM | General Knowledge |
| 13.09.2026 | 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM | Elementary Mathematics |