UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026 β Download Hall Ticket, Exam Date & Important Instructions
UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026 is the important examination document for candidates appearing in the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. The Union Public Service Commission has scheduled the written examination for 13 September 2026. The examination is being conducted for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officersβ Training Academy.
A total of 451 vacancies have been announced under CDS-II 2026. Candidates who submitted their applications should keep checking the UPSC examination portal for their e-Admit Card and should verify the name, photograph, examination centre and other details printed on the hall ticket.
The UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026 should be downloaded and printed well before examination day. Candidates should also carry the required photo identity document mentioned with their e-Admit Card and follow all examination-centre instructions.
1. AGE LIMIT (As on 01 July 2027)
The age requirement for CDS-II 2026 is different for each academy. Candidates must check the applicable course carefully because the permissible date-of-birth range is not identical for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA.
| Course | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Date of Birth Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19 Years | 24 Years | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2008 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 Years | 24 Years | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2008 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 Years | 24 Years | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 |
| OTA β Men | 19 Years | 25 Years | 02 July 2002 to 01 July 2008 |
| OTA β Women | 19 Years | 25 Years | 02 July 2002 to 01 July 2008 |
2. EDUCATION QUALIFICATION
For CDS-II 2026, graduation is the basic academic requirement for most courses, while the Naval and Air Force entries have additional subject or degree requirements. Candidates should select only those academies for which they satisfy the prescribed qualification.
| Course | Minimum Qualification | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | Degree from a recognised University or equivalent | Graduation required |
| INA | Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution | Engineering qualification |
| AFA | Degree from a recognised University with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering | Physics & Mathematics requirement applies to the relevant degree route |
| OTA β Men | Degree from a recognised University or equivalent | Graduation required |
| OTA β Women | Degree from a recognised University or equivalent | Graduation required |
1. IMPORTANT DATES
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Apply Online Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Fee | 09 June 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Date | Released / Available for download |
2. APPLICATION FEES
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS Male Candidates | βΉ200/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | Nil |
| All Female Candidates | Nil |
| Payment Mode | Online payment methods as permitted by UPSC |
1. SALARY (PAY LEVEL)
CDS is an officer-entry examination for the Indian Armed Forces. After successful completion of the applicable training and commissioning requirements, officers receive the prescribed defence pay and allowances according to rank, posting and applicable government rules.
Career growth generally brings higher responsibility and progression through ranks. Actual in-hand salary varies because allowances and deductions depend on posting, service conditions and other applicable rules.
2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Candidates should keep the documents and identification material required for the examination ready. The exact documents to be carried on examination day should be checked against the instructions printed on the e-Admit Card.
- UPSC CDS-II e-Admit Card 2026 β preferably a clear printed copy.
- Valid Photo Identity Card whose details/number are required as per the e-Admit Card instructions.
- Recent passport-size photographs if specifically required because of an issue with the photograph on the admit card.
- Other documents specifically mentioned by UPSC for the examination.
3. SELECTION PROCESS
4. IMPORTANT
π UPSC CDS-II Admit Card 2026: Exam Pattern & Preparation Guide
The CDS written examination is designed around the academy selected by the candidate. For IMA, INA and AFA, the written examination covers English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. For OTA, the written examination comprises English and General Knowledge.
For the final weeks before the examination, candidates should prioritise previous-year questions, timed mock tests and revision rather than repeatedly starting new topics. English grammar and vocabulary should be practised regularly, while General Knowledge needs focused revision of current affairs, history, geography, polity, science and defence-related awareness.
Expert 3β6 Month Preparation Strategy
- Month 1: Complete the basic concepts and understand the previous-year question trend.
- Months 2β3: Increase topic-wise practice and maintain a short current-affairs notebook.
- Months 4β5: Attempt full-length papers under strict time limits and analyse every mistake.
- Final Month: Focus on revision, mock tests, formulas, vocabulary and weak areas.
Recommended Books
- Objective General English β S. P. Bakshi for structured English practice.
- Lucentβs General Knowledge for compact static-GK revision.
- Previous-Year CDS Question Papers for understanding the actual level, repeated concepts and time pressure.
3. FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
The CDS-II 2026 written examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
The UPSC CDS-II 2026 admit card is available for candidates to check/download through the UPSC e-Admit Card system. Candidates should use the official UPSC portal for the latest download status.
UPSC has notified 451 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA and OTA courses for CDS-II 2026.
The fee is βΉ200/- for General/OBC/EWS male candidates. SC/ST candidates and all female candidates are exempted from the application fee.
IMA and OTA require a recognised graduation degree. INA requires an engineering degree, while AFA requires a degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Candidates should carry a clear printed e-Admit Card and the photo identity document specified in the admit-card instructions. If the photograph printed on the admit card has an issue, candidates should follow the additional photograph instructions issued by UPSC.
Candidates should use the official UPSC website and its e-Admit Card section for downloading the hall ticket and checking examination instructions.
β IMPORTANT NOTE
Candidates appearing in the UPSC CDS-II 2026 examination should download the admit card well before the examination date and carefully check their name, photograph, roll number, examination centre, reporting instructions and other details. Keep the required photo ID ready and follow the instructions printed on the e-Admit Card. Always verify the latest information from UPSC before travelling to the examination centre.
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For government job, examination, admit card and result updates, candidates can follow the available notification channels.
