CDS 2 admit card 2026 download
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the e-Admit Card for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. Candidates preparing to appear for the written test on September 13, 2026, can now download their hall tickets from the official portal.
UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 Download : Step-by-Step Download Guide
As per Commission guidelines, physical admit cards will not be dispatched via postal service or courier. Candidates must obtain their e-Admit Cards online and carry a printed hard copy to the allotted examination center.
Below is an exhaustive, step-by-step guide on how to download the UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card, verify essential details, retrieve forgotten credentials, and follow exam-day protocols.
CDS 2 admit card 2026 download - Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official examination portal of UPSC at upsconline.nic.in or navigate through upsc.gov.in.
Step 2: Access the Admit Card Portal
Look under the “What’s New” ticker on the homepage, or
Click on “e-Admit Cards for Various Examinations of UPSC”.
Step 3: Select CDS (II) 2026
Locate the row for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 and select the “Click Here” link under the e-Admit Card download column.
Step 4: Read Examination Instructions
Review the instructions on the screen regarding allowed materials, prohibited items, and exam timings. Scroll to the bottom and click “Yes” to confirm that you have read and agreed to the guidelines.
Step 5: Choose Login Mode
Select one of the two identification methods:
By Registration ID (RID), or
By Roll Number
Step 6: Enter Required Credentials
Enter your 11-digit Registration ID or Roll Number.
Select your Date of Birth (
DD/MM/YYYY).Enter the displayed security Captcha code.
Click “Submit”.
Step 7: Download and Print
Your CDS 2 e-Admit Card will appear on the screen. Save the PDF file to your device and take at least two clear printouts on clean A4 paper.
How to Retrieve a Forgotten Registration ID (RID)
If you cannot find your Registration ID, use the automated retrieval process provided on the UPSC portal:
On the login page, click on the “Forgot RID?” link.
Enter your:
Full Name (as entered in the application form)
Father’s Name
Mother’s Name
Date of Birth
Captcha Code
Click “Submit”. Your Registration ID will be retrieved and sent to your registered email address and mobile number.
Key Details to Verify on Your Admit Card
Immediately upon downloading, double-check that the following information is clear and free of errors:
Personal Details: Full Name, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, and Gender.
Examination Identifiers: Roll Number and Application/Registration ID.
Exam Center Information: Allotted test venue name, full address, and center code.
Timetable & Shift Timings: Check reporting times and paper schedules for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
Photographs & Signatures: Both must be sharp, legible, and uncorrupted.
CDS 2 Written Exam Schedule & Timings
| Subject | Shift Timing | Duration | Applicable Academies |
| English | 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 2 Hours | IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM | 2 Hours | IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA |
| Elementary Mathematics | 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM | 2 Hours | IMA, INA, and AFA only (Not for OTA) |
Mandatory Documents to Carry to the Examination Center
ntry into the examination hall is granted only upon physical presentation of the following:
Printed e-Admit Card: Clear hard copy with visible details and photograph.
Original Photo Identity Proof: The valid photo ID whose number was entered in the online application form (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License).
Passport-Sized Photographs: Two recent passport-size color photographs (required if your photo on the printed admit card is blurred, dark, or missing).
Writing Material: Black ballpoint pens only (mandatory for darkening bubbles on the OMR sheet).
Prohibited Items: Smartwatches, mobile phones, calculators, fitness bands, Bluetooth devices, and loose paper sheets are strictly banned inside the examination premises.
Reporting Discrepancies & UPSC Helpline
In case of any discrepancy in your name, photograph, or center details, contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter immediately:
Telephone Helpline:
011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Facilitation Counter Address: UPSC Facilitation Counter, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi – 110069
Official Help Email:
upscsoap@nic.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for CDS 2 admit card 2026 download
Q1: Will UPSC send a physical copy of the CDS 2 Admit Card?
No. The hall ticket is issued solely in electronic format (e-Admit Card) via the Commission’s official web portal.
Q2: Can I carry a soft copy of the admit card on my phone?
No. Electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the center. You must carry a physical printout.
Q3: Is Elementary Mathematics mandatory for OTA candidates?
No. Candidates applying for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) only appear for the English and General Knowledge papers (Shift 1 and Shift 2).
Q4: What if there is a mistake in my name or date of birth on the admit card?
Contact the UPSC Facilitation Desk immediately with your registration details before the exam day to receive formal guidance and rectification.
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