Summary
The link for the CDS 2 2026 admit card is now active on the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in, and candidates appearing for Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 on 13 September 2026 will be able to download their Admit Card using their Registration ID or Roll Number together along with their date of birth.
This blog provides a step-by-step account of how to download the CDS 2 2026 admit card, all the information you need to check on your hall ticket, the steps to take if the link won’t open and the documents you should carry with you on the day of exam.
1. CDS 2 2026 Admit Card: Key Details
| Particular | Detail |
| Exam | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notice Number | No. 11/2026-CDS-II |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Admit Card Mode | Online only, no hard copy by post |
| Login Credentials | Registration ID or Roll Number and Date of Birth |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
2. How to Download CDS 2 2026 Hall Ticket
Here is how you can get your CDS 2 2026 admit card direct link and download your hall ticket:
1. Visit the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in.
2. Open the Admit Card section of the Examination tab or visit the What is New section on the homepage.
3. Scroll to Click here for e-Admit Card for Combined Defense Services Examination (II) 2026 and click it.
4. Read the instructions on the page and move on.
5. Choose the mode of login as Registration ID or Roll Number and enter your date of birth and captcha.
6. Click on submit and your admit card will come on screen.
7. Download the PDF and get two printouts on clean white paper.
3. Points to check in your CDS 2 2026 hall ticket / admit card
Once you have successfully downloaded the CDS 2 2026 admit card carefully check it. UPSC will not change the exam center later but if there is any genuine error in the personal details, the same should be reported immediately to UPSC. Below are the important details that must be checked before the examination.
– Candidate name, Roll no. and registration ID
– Photograph and signature clearly visible
– Name and full address of the exam center
– Reporting time and gate closing time for each shift
– Date of Birth & Details of Category
– Instructions printed on back of Admit Card
In case of any mistake in detail or photograph not printed, contact UPSC immediately at 011-23385271 or 011-23381125 or write to upsc@nic.in.
4. If the Link to download Admit Card Does Not Open
Traffic on the website on the day of release of CDS 2 2026 admit card is very high and you might face issues in downloading your admit card. If the page does not load please try again after some time. Try using a desktop browser instead of mobile. Please clear your browser cache and try again. Have your registration details ready so you don’t scramble for them when the server is responsive.
Note: In case you have forgotten your registration ID, login with your roll number and date of birth. Both options are on the same page.
5. Exam Day Timings
| Paper | Timing |
| English | 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| General Knowledge | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Elementary Mathematics | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
OTA candidates have the privilege to attend only English and General Knowledge subjects . Other candidates will have to attend the full paper. The venue will be locked prior to the start time of your exam shift. It is advised to arrive at the center at least 15 minutes early – no late entry will be permitted under any circumstances.
6. Documents & Items Checklist
- Printout of the CDS 2 2026 e-Admit Card
- Valid government photo ID as mentioned in the admit card
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Black ballpoint pens, at least 2 working properly and smoothly.
- Clear water bottle & basic analog watch if permitted
Mobile phones, smartwatch, Bluetooth devices, calculators and any other electronic gadgets are banned inside the exam hall.
| Download the printable CDS 2 2026 exam day checklist PDF. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the CDS 2 2026 admit card link available?
- The admit card will be published only on the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in, under the Admit Cards link on Examinations tab.
- The candidate will not receive the admit card by post
What credentials are required for the CDS 2 2026 admit card download link?
- Candidates can log in with the help of the Registration ID or Roll Number with Date of Birth and the correct captcha
Can a candidate appear for the exam without a hard copy of admit card?
- Candidates will not be allowed inside the exam centre without a printed copy of the hall ticket.
- Also, they have to carry the valid photo ID proof mentioned in the admit card.
- Without a photo ID proof, a candidate cannot appear for the examination
What if there is an error on the hall ticket?
- In case a Candidate notices any error in the Admit card it is to be brought to the notice of the UPSC by calling them on 011-23385271 or 011-23381125 or emailing at upsc@nic.in.
- It is better not to wait till the exam day and try to sort out the issue
How many copies of the admit card should a candidate take?
- It is advisable to take at least two hard copies and keep one as a spare.
- The candidate may also have to present the admit card at later stages of the selection process; hence it is better to keep a soft copy of the admit card
Until when will the CDS 2 2026 admit card direct link be available?
- The admit card download link is available generally till the exam day.
- Candidates are advised to download it as early as possible rather than waiting till the last moment.