Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 e-Admit Card released — exam on 13 September 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the e-Admit Card for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. The examination is scheduled to be conducted across India on 13 September 2026 (Sunday).
Candidates admitted to the examination should download their e-Admit Card from the UPSC online portal, take a clear printout and carefully read all instructions printed with it. UPSC has clarified that no paper Admit Card will be issued. Candidates should also preserve the e-Admit Card until declaration of the final result.
If you are admitted for UPSC CDS II 2026, download and print your e-Admit Card now. The exam is on 13 September 2026. Carry the printed e-Admit Card, the original Photo ID mentioned on it, recent photographs and a Black Ball Point Pen. Reach the venue well before the gate-closing time because UPSC will not allow late entry.
📌 UPSC CDS II Admit Card 2026 — Overview
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Press Note Date | 03 September 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Admit Card Status | Released / Available Online |
| Admit Card Mode | e-Admit Card only — no paper Admit Card |
| Official Portal | upsconline.nic.in |
📌 Important Dates & Exam-Day Timeline
UPSC issued the CDS II 2026 press note and confirmed that the e-Admit Cards have been uploaded.
Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 will be conducted across India.
📌 Session-wise Entry Closing Time
UPSC has specified that entry into the examination venue will close 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of each session. Candidates reaching after the prescribed closure time will not be permitted to enter.
| Session | Paper | Entry Closes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Session | English | 08:30 AM |
| 2nd Session | General Knowledge | 12:00 PM |
| 3rd Session | Elementary Mathematics | 03:30 PM |
📌 What to Carry to the CDS II 2026 Exam Centre
📌 Three Passport-Size Photographs — Why UPSC Advises Them
UPSC has advised candidates appearing in CDS II 2026 to bring three recent passport-size photographs.
In case of a failure, discrepancy or error in face authentication, failure to produce the original identity proof mentioned on the e-Admit Card, or another unforeseen circumstance, a candidate may be required to complete an undertaking provided by the Venue Supervisor and affix a photograph to it.
📌 Reporting Time, Face Authentication & Frisking
Candidates are advised to reach the examination venue preferably one hour and fifteen minutes before commencement of the session. The extra reporting time is required for procedures such as:
- Face Authentication
- Identity Verification
- Security Checking / Frisking
- Other entry formalities prescribed at the venue
Do not plan your journey based only on the paper time. Traffic, venue searches and verification queues can cause delays, while the gate-closing rule is strict.
📌 Items Not Allowed Inside the Examination Venue
- Mobile phones
- Smart watches or digital watches
- AI-enabled glasses or devices
- Other IT / electronic gadgets
- Books
- Bags
- Valuables or costly items
- Any prohibited communication device or incriminating material
UPSC has warned that Venue Supervisors will not make arrangements for keeping banned or valuable items. Candidates bringing such items will have to make their own arrangements outside the venue, and the Commission will not be responsible for any loss.
📌 Are Normal Wrist Watches Allowed?
Yes. UPSC permits normal or simple wrist watches inside examination rooms/halls. However, smart watches and watches fitted with special accessories that could function as communication devices are strictly prohibited.
📌 How to Download UPSC CDS II Admit Card 2026
Visit upsconline.nic.in using the official link provided above.
Select the relevant e-Admit Card option for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
Complete the login/download process using the details requested on the UPSC portal.
Verify your name, photograph, QR Code, examination venue and other information printed on the e-Admit Card.
Take a clear printout and keep it safely because it must be produced at the allotted examination venue.
📌 Check Name, Photograph & QR Code Carefully
After downloading the e-Admit Card, candidates should make sure that important details, including their Name, Photograph and QR Code, are correct.
If there is any discrepancy in the e-Admit Card, it should be communicated to UPSC immediately.
e16section-upsc@gov.in
📌 Candidates Who Changed Their Name After Matriculation
Candidates who have legally changed their names after matriculation should carry the documents prescribed by UPSC for each examination session.
- e-Admit Card
- Government-issued Photo Identity Card
- and/or original Gazette Notification relating to the changed name
📌 Important UPSC Instructions Candidates Should Not Miss
- A candidate who fails to produce the e-Admit Card for checking at the allotted venue will not be allowed to take the examination.
- Carry the original Photo ID whose number is mentioned on your e-Admit Card.
- Read the “Important Instructions to the Candidates” supplied with the e-Admit Card.
- Preserve your e-Admit Card until the final result of CDS II 2026 is declared.
- Reach the venue preferably 75 minutes before the relevant session.
- Entry closes 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the session.
- You cannot appear at an examination venue different from the one printed on your e-Admit Card.
- Carry a Black Ball Point Pen for filling the OMR Answer Sheet and Attendance List.
- Do not carry mobile phones, smart watches, AI-enabled devices, bags or other prohibited items.
📌 UPSC CDS II Admit Card 2026 FAQs
1. Is the UPSC CDS II Admit Card 2026 released?
Yes. UPSC's press note dated 3 September 2026 states that the e-Admit Cards of admitted candidates have been uploaded.
2. When is the UPSC CDS II 2026 examination?
The examination will be conducted on 13 September 2026, Sunday.
3. Where can I download the CDS II Admit Card?
Candidates should use the UPSC online portal at upsconline.nic.in.
4. Will UPSC send a paper Admit Card?
No. UPSC has specifically stated that no paper Admit Card will be issued for this examination.
5. Which Photo ID should I carry?
Carry the original Photo ID card whose number is mentioned on your e-Admit Card.
6. How early should I reach the examination venue?
UPSC advises candidates to reach preferably one hour and fifteen minutes before commencement of the relevant session for verification, face authentication and frisking.
7. Can I enter after the gate-closing time?
No. UPSC states that no candidate will be allowed to enter the examination venue after entry has been closed.
8. How many passport-size photographs should I carry?
UPSC advises candidates to bring three recent passport-size photographs.
9. Which pen should I use in CDS II 2026?
Candidates should bring a Black Ball Point Pen for filling the OMR Answer Sheets and Attendance List.
10. Are smart watches allowed?
No. Smart watches and watches with communication-related accessories are prohibited. Normal or simple wrist watches are allowed.
📌 Other Important Posts
- 🔹 UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Interview Schedule 2026 — 200 Candidates
- 🔹 UPSC Combined Recruitment Test 2026 — 59 Posts Schedule
- 🔹 UPSC Recruitment 2026 — Research Officer, AEE & Other 34 Posts
- 🔹 UPSSSC Combined Lower Subordinate Main Exam Admit Card 2026
📌 Important Links
| Purpose | Action |
|---|---|
| UPSC CDS II 2026 e-Admit Card | Download e-Admit Card |
| Official CDS II 2026 Press Note | View Official PDF |
| Union Public Service Commission | Visit UPSC Website |