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UPSC CDS (II) 2026 e-Admit Card Out — Exam on 13 September, Entry Closes 30 Minutes Early
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · Post Date: · Updated:
Short Information
UPSC has uploaded the e-Admit Cards for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026, to be held on Sunday 13 September 2026 across India. No paper admit card is issued for this examination — you must download and print it yourself. The rule that catches people out is the entry cut-off: the venue closes its gates 30 minutes before each session starts, and nobody is admitted after that.
Important Dates
| Press Note Issued | 03/09/2026 |
|---|---|
| Examination Date | 13/09/2026 (Sunday), all over India |
| Session 1 — English Paper | Begins 09:00 AM · entry closes 08:30 AM |
| Session 2 — General Knowledge Paper | Begins 12:30 PM · entry closes 12:00 PM |
| Session 3 — Elementary Mathematics Paper | Begins 04:00 PM · entry closes 03:30 PM |
| Reach the Venue By | 1 hour 15 minutes before the session, for face authentication and frisking |
Eligibility
- The e-Admit Card must be preserved until the final result of CDS (II) 2026 is declared.
- No paper admit card is issued. A candidate who does not produce the printout at the allotted venue is not allowed to take the examination.
- Carry the photo ID card whose number is printed on your e-Admit Card, for every session.
- Bring three recent passport-sized photographs — one for each session.
- If face authentication fails, or you cannot produce the original ID named on the admit card, you may be asked to fill an undertaking at the venue and affix your photograph to it.
- You may appear only at the venue printed on your e-Admit Card. No other centre is permitted.
- Entry closes 30 minutes before each session begins, and no candidate is admitted after that.
How to Apply
- Go to upsconline.nic.in and open the e-Admit Card section for CDS (II) 2026.
- Log in with your registration details and download the admit card.
- Print it — preferably more than one copy, since you need it at the venue and must keep it until the final result.
- Read the 'Important Instructions to the candidates' appended to the admit card. UPSC treats these as binding.
- Check your name, photograph, ID number, venue and session timings. If anything is wrong, email the Commission at once.
- Plan to reach the venue about 1 hour 15 minutes early — face authentication, identity verification and frisking all happen before entry closes.
Important Links
| Download e-Admit Card | Click Here |
|---|---|
| Official Press Note, 3 September 2026 (PDF) | Click Here |
| UPSC What's New | Click Here |
| Report a Discrepancy — e16section-upsc@gov.in | Available Soon |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the CDS (II) 2026 examination?
Sunday, 13 September 2026, held across India in three sessions — English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.
What time does entry close?
30 minutes before each session: 08:30 AM for the English paper, 12:00 PM for General Knowledge and 03:30 PM for Elementary Mathematics. No candidate is allowed in after the entry closes.
Will I receive a paper admit card by post?
No. The press note states that no paper admit card is issued for this examination. Download it from upsconline.nic.in and take a printout.
How many photographs should I carry?
Three recent passport-sized photographs — one for each session.
There is a mistake on my admit card. What do I do?
Email the Commission immediately at e16section-upsc@gov.in so a decision can be taken before the exam.
Disclaimer: This page is an independent summary prepared by RojgarAvsar. Figures and dates are transcribed from the department's public notice and may be revised by corrigendum. Confirm every detail on the official website before paying a fee or submitting your form.