Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will issue the Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 admit card online for candidates appearing in the national-level defence recruitment examination. CDS 2 is conducted for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy; the total number of vacancies is yet to be announced in the detailed notification.
Candidates must download the e-admit card from upsc.gov.in and carry a printed copy to the examination centre. Hall tickets will not be sent by post.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | To be announced |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date | June 9, 2026 |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Result Date | TBA |
The CDS 2 admit card is generally released shortly before the examination. Applicants should regularly check the official portal for the activation of the download link and any changes to the examination schedule.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- For the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
- For the Indian Naval Academy (INA), an engineering degree from a recognised university or institution is required.
- For the Air Force Academy (AFA), candidates must have a recognised degree with Physics and Mathematics at the Class 12 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
- Final-year degree students may apply, subject to producing proof of passing within the deadline specified by UPSC.
Age Limit
- The applicable age range varies by academy and course.
- Candidates for IMA and INA are generally required to be 19 to 24 years old.
- The usual age range is 20 to 24 years for AFA and 19 to 25 years for OTA.
- Marital-status conditions also differ by academy. Applicants must verify the exact date-of-birth range and eligibility provisions in the CDS 2 notification.
- Relaxation, where applicable, will be governed by official rules.
Fees
- The standard application fee is Rs 200.
- Female candidates and candidates belonging to the SC or ST categories are exempt from paying the fee.
- Fee payment must be completed through an approved online payment method during the application period.
- There is no separate fee for downloading the admit card.
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Candidates take objective papers prescribed for their chosen academy. OTA applicants appear for English and General Knowledge, while IMA, INA and AFA applicants also take Elementary Mathematics.
- SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for intelligence, psychological, group-task and personal-interview assessments conducted by the Services Selection Board.
- Medical Examination and Final Merit: Recommended candidates undergo a detailed medical examination. Final selection is based on merit, medical fitness, eligibility and the number of available vacancies.
How to Apply
Applications for CDS 2 must be submitted within the notified registration window. Candidates who have already applied can download their hall ticket by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Open the Admit Cards section available on the homepage or under the examination menu.
- Select the link for e-Admit Card for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
- Read the instructions carefully and proceed to the candidate login page.
- Log in using the registration ID or roll number and date of birth, as requested.
- Verify the candidate’s name, photograph, examination venue, reporting time and paper schedule.
- Download the PDF and print a clear copy for use on the examination day.
- Carry the admit card along with the original photo identity document whose details were provided in the application.
- If the photograph or any personal detail is unclear or incorrect, contact UPSC immediately rather than waiting until the exam date.
Candidates should reach the centre before the reporting deadline. Entry may be denied after the examination venue closes its gates, and electronic devices are not permitted inside the centre.
Important Links
FAQs
1. Where can I download the UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026?
Candidates can download it from upsc.gov.in using their registration ID or roll number and date of birth.
2. What should I carry to the CDS 2 examination centre?
Carry a printed admit card and the original valid photo ID mentioned in the online application. Follow any additional instructions printed on the hall ticket.
3. Will UPSC send the CDS 2 hall ticket by post?
No. The admit card is issued electronically and must be downloaded and printed by the candidate.
