CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Release Date: Download Link & Exam Day Rules

CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Release Date: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is preparing to issue the hall ticket for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026. Aspirants tracking the CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Release Date can expect their e-Admit Cards to go live on the official portal (upsc.gov.in) during the last week of August 2026 or the first week of September 2026.

The written exam will take place on September 13, 2026 (Sunday) across designated centers nationwide. The exam grants entry to 451 officer-level vacancies in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Release Date Updates

UPSC typically releases hall tickets 10 to 14 days prior to the examination date. Following historical trends and recent commission notices for Examination Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II, the e-Admit Card will be made available for online download around August 28 to September 3, 2026.

Candidates must download their call letter online from the official website. No physical admit card will be sent via post or courier.

• Expected Release Window : Last Week of August – First Week of September 2026
• Official Download Portal: upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in
• Exam Date: September 13, 2026

UPSC CDS II 2026 Admit Card Important Dates

Mark these key milestones on your calendar to ensure you don't miss any critical deadlines:

• Expected CDS 2 2026 Admit Card Release Date: Last Week of August / First Week of September 2026

• UPSC CDS 2 2026 Written Exam: September 13, 2026

• Declaration of Written Result: October 2026 (Tentative)

UPSC CDS II 2026 Admit Card Download Link

The UPSC CDS II 2026 Admit Card is awaited. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 for September 13, 2026 (Sunday). The official examination notice states that eligible candidates will receive the e-Admit Card before the examination

UPSC CDS II 2026 Admit Card Download Link (Active Soon)

How to Download UPSC CDS 2 2026 e-Admit Card

Follow these steps to access and print your hall ticket once the link becomes active:

1. Visit Official Website: Open upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.

2. Locate Link: On the homepage, click on "e-Admit Cards for Various Examinations of UPSC".

3. Select Exam: Click on the link for "Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026".

4. Choose Option: Select whether you want to log in using your Registration ID (RID) or Roll Number.

5. Enter Details: Input your RID/Roll Number, Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY), and the Captcha code.

6. Submit & Print: Verify the details on your admit card, download the PDF, and take at least two clear printouts.

Important Documents to Carry to the CDS 2 Exam Center

On September 13, 2026, candidates must bring the following items to the examination venue:

• Printed e-Admit Card: Clear hard copy of the UPSC CDS 2 hall ticket.

• Valid Photo ID Proof: Original Government ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License) matching the ID number listed on the admit card.

• Passport-Size Photographs: Two identical recent photographs (required if your photo on the admit card is unclear or missing).

• Black Ballpoint Pen: For marking answers on the OMR sheet.

Verification Checklist for CDS 2 Call Letter

As soon as you download your hall ticket, double-check these key details:

• Full Name and Roll Number

• Registration ID and Father's Name

• Examination Center Address and Sub-code

• Subject Time Slots (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics)

• Photograph and Signature Clarity

If you find any errors or face difficulty downloading your hall ticket, contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter immediately at 011-23385271 or 011-23381125.

CDS 2 2026 Exam Day Instructions

• Carry the e-Admit Card: Bring a printed copy of the UPSC CDS II 2026 e-Admit Card to the examination centre.
• Carry a valid photo ID: Candidates should carry the same valid photo identity document mentioned in the examination instructions/admit card.
• Reach early: Report to the examination venue well before the scheduled reporting/entry time to avoid last-minute issues.
• Check the examination centre: Verify the venue address on the e-Admit Card in advance and plan your travel accordingly.
• Follow OMR instructions: Use the prescribed black ballpoint pen for filling the OMR answer sheet and attendance-related entries, as instructed by UPSC.
• No electronic devices: Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, calculators, communication devices and other prohibited electronic gadgets should not be taken into the examination hall.
• Do not carry prohibited items: Candidates should follow the list of items permitted and prohibited by UPSC and the instructions printed on the e-Admit Card.
• Follow invigilator instructions: Do not open the question paper or begin answering until instructed by the examination staff.
• Check details carefully: Before leaving the centre, ensure that all required entries on the OMR sheet and attendance sheet have been completed correctly.
• Face authentication: UPSC has introduced face authentication at examination venues for candidates appearing in its examinations, so candidates should follow the authentication instructions provided by the Commission

CDS 2 2026 Exam Date

The UPSC CDS 2 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted on September 13, 2026 (Sunday). The Union Public Service Commission has officially confirmed the date in its examination notification and timetable