The UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026 is now available for candidates appearing in the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. The Union Public Service Commission has made the admit card available on 03 September 2026, while the written examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
Candidates who successfully submitted the CDS-II application form can now download their hall ticket and check the examination centre, reporting time and other instructions. The CDS-II recruitment offers 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
With the examination date approaching, candidates should download the admit card without waiting until the final day and carefully verify all information printed on it.
UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026 Latest Update
The UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026 has been released on 03 September 2026. Candidates appearing for the written examination can now access their admit card through the official UPSC examination portal.
The UPSC CDS-II written examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026. The admit card contains important information regarding the examination centre, timing and candidate instructions.
Candidates should download and print the admit card before the examination and carry the required documents to the examination venue.
UPSC CDS-II Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS-II 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Admit Card Date | 03 September 2026 – Available Now |
| Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Result | Will Be Updated Here Soon |
| Selection Process | Written Examination, SSB Interview |
UPSC CDS-II Important Dates 2026
Candidates should keep the complete examination timeline available for reference.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Apply Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Apply Last Date | 11 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 11 June 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card | 03 September 2026 – Available Now |
| Result Date | Will Be Updated Here Soon |
The admit card has been released only a short time before the examination, so candidates should download it promptly and check their centre details.
How to Download UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026
Candidates can download the UPSC CDS-II Hall Ticket 2026 online through the UPSC examination portal.
Follow these steps:
-
Visit the official UPSC website.
-
Open the Admit Card or examination section.
-
Find the link for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
-
Open the CDS-II admit card download link.
-
Enter the required login details.
-
Submit the information.
-
Your admit card will appear on the screen.
-
Check your name, roll number, examination date and centre details.
-
Download the admit card.
-
Take a clear printout for the examination day.
Candidates should check the admit card carefully and contact UPSC through the prescribed channel if they find any serious discrepancy.
Details Mentioned on UPSC CDS-II Admit Card
The admit card is an important examination document. Candidates should verify details such as:
-
Candidate name
-
Roll number
-
Registration number
-
Examination name
-
Examination date
-
Examination centre
-
Reporting time
-
Examination session
-
Candidate photograph
-
Candidate signature
-
Important instructions
Candidates should follow the instructions printed on the admit card and the examination guidelines issued by UPSC.
UPSC CDS-II Exam Date 2026
The UPSC CDS-II 2026 written examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
Candidates should reach the examination centre according to the reporting instructions mentioned on their admit card. Since the centre address and timing are candidate-specific, applicants should rely on their individual admit card for the final examination-day details.
The written test is the first major stage of the CDS-II selection process. Candidates who qualify according to the prescribed standards will be considered for the subsequent SSB stage.
UPSC CDS-II Vacancy 2026
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced under the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
| Academy | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 |
| Total | 451 |
The vacancy distribution is based on the details provided for the CDS-II 2026 recruitment.
UPSC CDS-II Eligibility 2026
The educational qualification depends on the academy for which a candidate is applying.
Indian Military Academy – IMA
Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university or equivalent institution.
Officers Training Academy – OTA
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.
Indian Naval Academy – INA
Candidates applying for the Naval Academy should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
Air Force Academy
Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream. They should also have studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
Candidates should check the detailed UPSC notification for academy-specific qualification requirements and other conditions before applying.
UPSC CDS-II Age Limit 2026
The age requirement for CDS-II is governed by the academy and course-specific conditions prescribed by UPSC.
According to the supplied recruitment details, candidates born not earlier than 01 July 2003 and not later than 01 July 2008 are eligible, subject to the applicable academy-specific conditions.
Age relaxation and other age-related provisions will apply according to the UPSC CDS Examination 2026 rules.
Candidates should verify their date of birth and academy-specific age requirements from the detailed notification.
UPSC CDS-II Application Fee 2026
The application fee for the recruitment is:
-
General / OBC: ₹200/-
-
SC / ST / All Female Candidates: ₹0/-
The payment process included available online payment methods such as:
-
Debit Card
-
Credit Card
-
Internet Banking
-
IMPS
-
Cash Card
-
Mobile Wallet
Candidates should retain their application and payment records for future reference.
UPSC CDS-II Selection Process 2026
The CDS-II selection process consists of multiple stages.
Stage 1 – Written Examination
Candidates first appear for the UPSC CDS-II written examination. The examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
The subjects and paper structure depend on the academy/course selected by the candidate.
Stage 2 – SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview according to the applicable selection criteria.
The SSB process assesses candidates on various officer-like qualities, leadership attributes, communication ability, decision-making and suitability for a career in the defence services.
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical and other conditions applicable to their selected academy and course.
Documents to Carry for UPSC CDS-II Exam
Candidates should carefully check the admit card instructions regarding documents permitted at the examination centre.
Generally, candidates should keep ready:
-
Printed UPSC CDS-II Admit Card
-
Valid photo identity proof
-
Required examination stationery, wherever permitted
-
Other documents specifically mentioned in the admit card
Candidates should avoid carrying prohibited items to the examination venue.
UPSC CDS-II Exam Day Instructions
The examination day requires careful planning because late arrival can create problems.
Candidates should:
-
Download the admit card before the exam date.
-
Check the examination centre address in advance.
-
Plan the travel route beforehand.
-
Reach the venue within the reporting time.
-
Carry the required identity proof.
-
Follow the instructions given by UPSC.
-
Avoid prohibited electronic devices and other restricted items.
-
Carefully read the instructions on the admit card.
Candidates should rely on their individual admit card for the final centre and reporting information.
What After UPSC CDS-II Written Exam?
After the written examination, UPSC will announce the result for candidates who participated in the CDS-II examination.
Candidates qualifying for the next stage may be required to participate in the SSB Interview. The subsequent selection process also involves meeting the prescribed eligibility, medical and other service-related conditions.
Candidates should therefore keep their educational certificates and other relevant documents ready after the written examination.
UPSC CDS-II Result 2026
The UPSC CDS-II Result 2026 has not been announced yet in the information provided.
The result date will be updated once UPSC publishes the relevant result notice. Candidates should keep their roll number and registration information safe so they can check the result when it becomes available.
Important Points for UPSC CDS-II Candidates
Candidates appearing in the examination should remember these key points:
-
Admit Card Released: 03 September 2026
-
Exam Date: 13 September 2026
-
Total Vacancies: 451
-
Download and print the admit card before travelling to the examination centre.
-
Verify the centre address and reporting time.
-
Carry the required identity proof.
-
Follow all examination instructions.
-
Keep the admit card safely stored after the examination as it may be required for later stages.
Candidates are advised to confirm the latest information from the official UPSC website.
UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026 FAQs
When was the UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026 released?
- The UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026 was released on 03 September 2026.
When is the UPSC CDS-II exam?
- The UPSC CDS-II written examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
How many vacancies are available in UPSC CDS-II 2026?
- There are 451 vacancies across IMA, Air Force Academy, INA and OTA.
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS-II 2026?
- The online application deadline was 11 June 2026.
What is the UPSC CDS-II application fee?
- General and OBC candidates were required to pay ₹200, while SC, ST and all female candidates were exempted from the fee.
What is the age limit for UPSC CDS-II 2026?
- According to the supplied details, eligible candidates should be born between 01 July 2003 and 01 July 2008, subject to academy-specific conditions.
What is the selection process for UPSC CDS-II?
- The selection process includes the Written Examination followed by the SSB Interview, along with other applicable requirements.
When will the UPSC CDS-II result be released?
The result date has not been announced yet and will be updated once the relevant UPSC result notice is issued.
Final Words
The UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026 is now available from 03 September 2026, and candidates should download their hall ticket before appearing in the 13 September 2026 written examination.
With 451 vacancies available across IMA, Air Force Academy, INA and OTA, CDS-II is an important opportunity for defence-service aspirants. Candidates should verify the examination centre, reporting time and instructions printed on the admit card and reach the venue with the required documents.
After the written examination, qualified candidates will move towards the SSB stage according to the prescribed selection process. Candidates should continue checking official UPSC updates for the result and subsequent recruitment stages.