UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2026: Check Examination Day Timings, Reporting Time and Important Details Here

The UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2026 will be conducted on September 13, 2026 (Sunday) across examination centres in India. Candidates appearing for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 should check the paper-wise CDS 2 exam timings, reporting time, entry closing time and important exam-day instructions before reaching the venue.

The CDS 2 written examination 2026 will be conducted in three sessions. The English paper will be held first, followed by General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. UPSC has also specified that candidates must enter the examination venue well in advance for face authentication, identity verification and frisking.

UPSC CDS 2 Exam Date 2026 and Timings

The CDS 2 exam date 2026 is September 13. According to the official examination timetable, the English paper will be conducted from 9 AM to 11 AM, General Knowledge from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and Elementary Mathematics from 4 PM to 6 PM.

The paper-wise CDS 2 exam schedule 2026 is given below for candidates to check before the examination day.

Candidates should carefully check which papers apply to their selected academy before planning their CDS 2 exam day 2026 schedule.

CDS 2 Reporting Time 2026

Candidates should reach their allotted CDS 2 exam centre 2026 preferably 1 hour and 15 minutes before the commencement of their respective session. This additional time is required for face authentication, identity verification and frisking.

The CDS 2 exam reporting time should not be confused with the final entry deadline. UPSC has clearly stated that entry to the examination venue will close 30 minutes before the scheduled start of each paper. No candidate will be allowed to enter after the entry closing time.

CDS 2 Entry Closing Time 2026

The CDS 2 examination entry time 2026 is particularly important because candidates arriving after the deadline will not be permitted to enter the examination venue.

Candidates should therefore plan their travel according to the CDS 2 reporting time 2026 and reach the venue early rather than arriving close to the entry deadline.

CDS 2 Exam Pattern 2026

The CDS 2 exam pattern 2026 includes different papers depending on the academy for which a candidate is appearing. Candidates applying for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) appear for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.

Candidates appearing for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) have to appear for English and General Knowledge only.

Each paper carries 100 marks and has a duration of two hours. Therefore, the total written examination is 300 marks for IMA, INA and AFA, while the OTA written examination is 200 marks.

The CDS 2 question papers are objective type. General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers are set in both Hindi and English.

CDS 2 Exam Day 2026: Documents Required

Candidates appearing for the UPSC CDS 2 exam on September 13 must carry the printed copy of their e-Admit Card to the allotted examination venue. They must also carry the original photo ID whose number is mentioned on the admit card.

UPSC has also advised candidates to carry three recent passport-size photographs, with one photograph intended for each examination session. These may be required in case of face-authentication issues, discrepancies or other unforeseen circumstances.

Candidates should check their name, photograph and QR code on the CDS 2 admit card 2026 before leaving for the examination.

CDS 2 Exam Day Guidelines 2026

Candidates should carry a black ballpoint pen because the OMR answer sheets and attendance list have to be filled using a black ballpoint pen.

Mobile phones, smartwatches, digital watches, AI-enabled glasses or devices, other IT gadgets, books, bags and valuables are prohibited inside the examination premises. Candidates should not carry such items because the examination venue will not provide arrangements for their safekeeping.

A normal or simple wristwatch is permitted inside the examination hall, but smartwatches and watches with communication-related features are strictly prohibited.

CDS 2 Exam 2026: Important Instructions for Candidates

Candidates must appear only at the CDS 2 exam centre 2026 mentioned on their e-Admit Card. UPSC will not allow candidates to appear at another examination venue.

Candidates should also avoid carrying any prohibited electronic or communication device, even in switched-off mode. UPSC has warned that possession or use of such devices can lead to disciplinary action, including cancellation of candidature.

With the CDS 2 examination 2026 only a short time away, candidates should focus on revision while keeping their admit card, ID proof, photographs and required stationery ready.

CDS 2 Exam 2026 FAQs