UPSC CDS Examination II 2026 Exam Date, Timings, Schedule

UPSC CDS Examination II 2026 will be conducted on September 13, 2026. The Union Public Service Commission has released the detailed timetable for candidates appearing in the written examination.

The UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026 will be held in a single day. Candidates will appear for different papers depending on the academy and course they have applied for.

UPSC CDS Examination II 2026: Key Highlights

The table below covers the important details of the UPSC CDS 2 2026 examination, including the exam date, conducting authority and application status.

UPSC has officially listed September 13, 2026, as the commencement date for CDS Examination II 2026. The application process for the examination has already closed.

UPSC CDS Examination II 2026 Exam Date and Timings

The UPSC CDS II 2026 written examination will be conducted on September 13. The Commission has specified separate timings for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics papers.

The detailed UPSC CDS 2 exam schedule is given below:

Candidates should carefully check their individual exam requirements and reporting instructions before appearing for the examination. The official UPSC timetable confirms all three papers will be conducted on September 13.

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Exam Pattern

The written examination consists of different papers based on the academy for which a candidate is appearing.

For candidates applying to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy, the written examination includes:

• English
• General Knowledge
• Elementary Mathematics

For Officers' Training Academy candidates, the written examination comprises:

• English
• General Knowledge

The CDS examination is followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview for candidates who qualify the written examination.

UPSC CDS II 2026 Important Dates

Candidates can check the major dates related to the examination below.

The UPSC website currently lists the notification date, application deadline and examination date for CDS II 2026. The result date has not yet been listed on the examination page.

UPSC CDS Examination II 2026 Admit Card

The UPSC CDS II admit card is an important document for candidates appearing in the written examination. Candidates should download it from the official UPSC website once it is made available.

The admit card generally contains details such as:

• Candidate's name and roll number
• Examination centre
• Exam date
• Reporting time
• Paper details
• Important instructions

Candidates should verify all details mentioned on the admit card and follow the instructions issued by UPSC.

UPSC CDS II 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates appearing for the CDS II examination should reach the examination centre within the reporting time mentioned in their e-Admit Card.

Important points include:

• Carry the UPSC e-Admit Card to the examination centre.
• Carry a valid photo identity card as required.
• Check the examination centre address in advance.
• Follow all instructions mentioned in the admit card.
• Reach the centre well before the scheduled examination time.

UPSC CDS Examination II 2026 FAQs