UPSC Releases NDA, CDS 2 Admit Cards 2026; Exam on September 13
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the e-Admit Cards for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 and the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026, with candidates now able to download their hall tickets from the official website. The two examinations are scheduled to be held on September 13, 2026, at centres across the country.
The admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination venue. UPSC has made it clear that candidates must carry a printed copy of their e-Admit Card for verification at the allotted centre, and those who fail to produce it will not be allowed to sit for the examination.
Along with the admit card, candidates must also carry the photo identity card whose number is mentioned on the e-Admit Card. The same identity document will be required in each session for verification.
The Commission has advised candidates to arrive well before the reporting time, as entry-related checks will include face authentication, identity verification and frisking before they are permitted into the examination hall. Entry to the venue will close 30 minutes before the start of each session. For the forenoon session, the closing time is 9:30 AM, while for the afternoon session it is 1:30 PM. Candidates reaching after these cut-off times will not be allowed inside.
UPSC has also instructed aspirants to appear only at the examination venue allotted to them and printed on the e-Admit Card. Candidates will not be permitted to take the examination at any other centre.
How to download the UPSC NDA, CDS 2 admit card 2026
Candidates can download their hall tickets by visiting the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in and clicking on the UPSC NDA, CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 link available on the home page. A new page will open where login details have to be entered. After submitting the details, the hall ticket will appear on the screen. Candidates should download it, check the details carefully and keep a hard copy for future use.
Direct Link: Direct link to download UPSC NDA, CDS 2 Admit Card 2026
The Commission has advised candidates not to discard the e-Admit Card after the examination and to preserve it until the final results of the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 and Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 are declared.
The NDA and CDS examinations are among the key entry-level tests for aspirants seeking to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. The NDA examination provides entry into the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy, while the CDS examination is used for admission to various pre-commission training academies of the Armed Forces.
With the admit cards now available and the examination date approaching, candidates are being urged to complete all formalities in advance, including printing the hall ticket, checking the allotted centre and keeping the required identity document ready. UPSC has stressed compliance with entry procedures, including face authentication, identity verification and frisking, as part of the examination-day process.
