The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 for candidates appearing in the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. The e-Admit Card is now available online, and registered candidates can download their hall ticket by visiting the official UPSC examination portal.
The CDS 2 written examination is scheduled to be conducted on 13 September 2026. Candidates who successfully submitted their applications should download their admit card as soon as possible and carefully check all the details printed on it, including their name, roll number, examination centre, reporting time and other instructions.
The examination is being conducted for admission to different defence academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). A total of 451 vacancies are available under CDS II 2026.
UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026: Latest Update
The UPSC CDS II 2026 recruitment process began with the official notification released on 20 May 2026. The application window remained open until 11 June 2026, while the written examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026. UPSC has now made the e-Admit Card available for eligible candidates.
Candidates should remember that carrying a valid admit card to the examination centre is essential. Along with the hall ticket, candidates should also carry the required original photo identity proof and follow all instructions mentioned on the admit card.
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Examination | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Recruitment Cycle | CDS II 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 June 2026 |
| Admit Card | Released |
| Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Examination Mode | Offline/Written Examination |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Online Exam Portal | upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy 2026
The CDS II 2026 examination offers opportunities across four major defence academies. The distribution of vacancies is given below:
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | 293 |
| Total | 451 |
The vacancies are subject to the conditions mentioned in the official UPSC notification. Candidates should therefore check the original notification for the latest vacancy and eligibility provisions before relying on any recruitment-related information.
UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 Download Link
Candidates can download the CDS 2 2026 admit card through the official UPSC online examination portal. The commission’s website provides access to examination-related information, while the online portal is used for downloading the e-Admit Card.
Before downloading the hall ticket, keep your registration details ready. After the admit card opens, check every detail carefully and take a clear printout for the examination day.
Official UPSC Website: upsc.gov.in
UPSC Online Portal: upsconline.nic.in
How to Download UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026
Downloading the CDS II admit card is a straightforward process. Candidates can follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website or the UPSC online examination portal.
- Open the section related to e-Admit Cards for UPSC examinations.
- Find the link for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
- Select the appropriate login option available on the portal.
- Enter your registration number or roll number along with the required date of birth details.
- Enter the security code or captcha shown on the screen.
- Submit the information.
- Your CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 will appear on the screen.
- Download the PDF and check all the information carefully.
- Take a printout and keep it safely for the examination.
Candidates should avoid waiting until the last day to download their hall ticket. Keeping a digital copy as well as a printed copy can also be useful in case the original printout is misplaced.
Also Read:-
- India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 23,757 Posts, Eligibility, Last Date & Merit List
- SSC Junior Engineer JE 2026 Syllabus: Paper 1 & Paper 2 Subject-Wise Syllabus
- JKSSB Class 4 MTS Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 2,863 Posts, Eligibility, Fee & Last Date
- SSC Junior Engineer Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 1,748 Posts, Eligibility, Fee, Exam Date
Details Mentioned on the CDS 2 Admit Card
After downloading the admit card, candidates should check whether the following information is correct:
- Candidate’s name
- Roll number
- Registration number
- Photograph
- Signature
- Examination name
- Examination date
- Examination centre
- Centre address
- Reporting time
- Paper details
- Important examination instructions
If there is any major discrepancy in the information printed on the admit card, candidates should contact the concerned UPSC authorities without unnecessary delay.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Date 2026
The UPSC CDS II 2026 written examination will be held on 13 September 2026. UPSC has listed the examination as a one-day examination in its official examination notification archive.
Candidates should reach the examination centre well before the reporting time mentioned on their admit card. The centre address and other instructions printed on the e-Admit Card should be followed carefully because examination-day procedures can vary according to the centre.
UPSC CDS 2 Eligibility 2026
The eligibility requirements differ according to the academy and course. Generally, candidates applying for IMA and OTA need a recognised bachelor’s degree, while candidates applying for the Indian Naval Academy need an engineering degree.
For the Air Force Academy, candidates need a bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering qualification, subject to the conditions prescribed by UPSC.
Age requirements also vary depending on the academy and course. Candidates should always refer to the official notification for the exact age calculation date, educational qualifications and other eligibility conditions.
UPSC CDS 2 Selection Process 2026
The selection process for CDS generally involves multiple stages. Candidates first appear for the written examination conducted by UPSC. Those who qualify are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) process.
The SSB stage evaluates candidates through different tests and interviews designed to assess their suitability for a career in the armed forces. Candidates who clear the required stages are subsequently required to complete document verification and medical examination procedures.
The final selection depends on merit, eligibility, medical fitness and the availability of vacancies, as applicable to the respective academy and course.
What Should Candidates Carry on Exam Day?
Candidates should carefully read the instructions given on the e-Admit Card before leaving for the examination centre. A printed copy of the admit card and a valid photo identity document should be kept ready.
It is also advisable to reach the centre early rather than arriving close to the reporting deadline. Candidates should not carry prohibited items into the examination hall and should follow the instructions issued by UPSC and the examination centre staff.
Important Instructions for CDS 2 Candidates
The admit card is more than just an entry pass. It contains important information about the examination centre and the rules candidates need to follow.
Candidates should check their centre location in advance and plan their journey accordingly. If the examination centre is in another area or city, travelling to the location beforehand can help avoid unnecessary problems on exam day.
It is also important to keep the admit card in good condition. Do not make unnecessary marks or alterations on the printed document.
UPSC CDS 2 2026 Important Dates
The major dates associated with the CDS II 2026 examination are:
- Notification Released: 20 May 2026
- Application Started: 20 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 11 June 2026
- Admit Card: Released
- Written Examination: 13 September 2026
The official UPSC examination archive confirms the notification date, application deadline and examination date for CDS II 2026.
| Download Admit Card | Click Here | |
| Download Exam Schedule | Click Here | |
| Apply Online | Click Here | |
| UPSC OTR Registration | Click Here | |
| Official Website | Click Here | |
UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026: FAQ
When was the UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 released?
The UPSC CDS II 2026 e-Admit Card has been released for candidates appearing in the written examination.
What is the CDS 2 Exam Date 2026?
The UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
How many vacancies are available in UPSC CDS 2 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced across IMA, INA, AFA and OTA.
Where can I download the CDS 2 Admit Card?
Candidates can download the e-Admit Card through the official UPSC examination portal and access examination information through the UPSC website.
What details are required to download the admit card?
Candidates should keep their registration or roll number and date of birth details ready while downloading the e-Admit Card.
What happens after the CDS written examination?
Candidates who qualify for the written examination are considered for the subsequent SSB process, followed by the applicable medical, document verification and final selection procedures.
Final Word
The release of the UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 is an important step for candidates preparing to appear in the Combined Defence Services Examination. With the written examination scheduled for 13 September, candidates should download their hall ticket, verify the examination centre and reporting instructions, and complete their final revision without waiting until the last moment.
For any change in the examination schedule, instructions, vacancies or selection process, candidates should rely on the latest information published by UPSC. The commission’s official website remains the primary source for examination-related updates.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes. Candidates should verify the latest examination instructions, eligibility requirements, dates and other official information from the Union Public Service Commission before taking any action.
