Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
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The application deadline for this vacancy (13 Sept 2026) has concluded. Explore active openings below.
Quick Summary
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 on 03 September 2026 for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 (Advt No. 11/2026-CDS-II). Candidates registered for 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA can download their hall tickets from upsconline.nic.in. The exam is scheduled for 13 September 2026 (Sunday).
Job Location
All India
Salary / Pay Scale
As per Rules
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Full Information
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially issued the UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 on 03 September 2026 for the upcoming Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 (Advt. No. 11/2026-CDS-II). Candidates who registered for the 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) can now download their e-Admit Card from the official portal at upsconline.nic.in. The written examination will be held offline in pen-and-paper mode on 13 September 2026 (Sunday) across various exam centres in India.
UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 [CDS II 2026] |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advertisement No. | 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) |
| Admit Card Release Date | 03 September 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper / OMR Based) |
| Official Portals | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates – UPSC CDS 2 2026
| Event / Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Window | 20 May to 11 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Released | 03 September 2026 |
| CDS 2 Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
Academy-Wise Vacancy Details – CDS 2 2026 (451 Posts)
| Academy / Institution | Vacancies | Educational Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | Degree of a recognized University or equivalent |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 32 | Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 | Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men - Non-Technical) | 276 | Degree of a recognized University or equivalent |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women - Non-Technical) | 11 | Degree of a recognized University or equivalent |
| Total Vacancies | 451 | — |
How to Download UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in or direct candidate portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- Under the What’s New / e-Admit Cards section, click on e-Admit Card: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
- Read the examination instructions carefully and proceed to download.
- Choose login by Registration ID (RID) or Roll Number along with your Date of Birth (DOB).
- Enter the displayed security captcha and click Submit.
- Your UPSC CDS 2 e-Admit Card will appear on the screen.
- Download and take a clear printout (preferably in colour or clear black & white) on A4 size paper.
Documents Required for Exam Day
- Clear printed copy of the UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026
- One valid Original Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport / PAN Card / Driving Licence) — Note: Photocopies are strictly not accepted!
- Two identical passport-size colour photographs (in case photo on admit card is blurred/unclear)
- Black or Blue ballpoint pen for OMR marking
Important Instructions for CDS 2 Exam Day
- Reporting Time: Arrive at the exam centre at least 30 to 45 minutes prior to the commencement of the exam. Entry closes 10 minutes before the scheduled start time of each session.
- Prohibited Items: Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, digital calculators, bluetooth devices, and storage media are strictly banned inside the exam premises.
- OMR Sheet Guidelines: Use only black/blue ballpoint pen to fill bubbles on the OMR answer sheet. Answers marked with pencils will not be evaluated.
- Negative Marking: CDS examination has penalty for wrong answers (1/3rd mark deduction for every incorrect response).
Direct Official Links – UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026
| Link Description | Direct URL |
|---|---|
| Download CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 | Click Here to Download Admit Card |
| UPSC Official Portal | Visit UPSC Official Website |
Eligibility Criteria
Selection Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 released?
Ans: Yes. UPSC released the CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 on 03 September 2026 on its official website.
Q: How can I download my CDS 2 2026 admit card?
Ans: You can download it from upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in using your Registration ID / Roll Number along with Date of Birth.
Q: What is the CDS 2 2026 exam date?
Ans: The CDS II 2026 written examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026 (Sunday).
Q: How many vacancies are there in CDS 2 2026?
Ans: UPSC has announced 451 vacancies across IMA (100), INA (32), AFA (32), and OTA (287).
Q: What documents should I carry along with the admit card?
Ans: Carry the printed admit card and one valid original photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, or Driving Licence). Photocopies are not accepted.
Q: What is the selection process for UPSC CDS 2 2026?
Ans: Selection involves three stages: Written Examination, SSB Interview, and Medical Examination.
Q: Can I use a calculator or mobile phone in the CDS 2 exam hall?
Ans: No. Electronic devices, including mobile phones, calculators, and smartwatches, are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
How to Download Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Admit Card 2026
- Scroll down to the "Some Useful Important Links" section.
- Click on the link "Download Admit Card".
- A new page will open, enter your Registration ID / Roll Number and Date of Birth.
- Click on the "Submit" or "Login" button.
- Your admit card will appear on the screen, take a print out or save it as PDF.