The UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 and National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 are scheduled for 13 September 2026. UPSC’s official pages show that e-admit cards were uploaded on 3 September 2026.
Exam Snapshot
| Examination | Exam Date | Duration | Admit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDS II 2026 | 13 September 2026 | One Day | Uploaded 3 September 2026 |
| NDA/NA II 2026 | 13 September 2026 | One Day | UPSC-issued e-Admit Card |
What Candidates Should Check Tonight
- Download and save the e-admit card before leaving for the centre.
- Verify name, photograph, roll number and examination centre.
- Check the reporting time printed on the admit card.
- Carry the documents and items permitted by UPSC instructions.
- Plan travel in advance because the examination is on a fixed date.
Why the Admit Card Matters
The admit card is not simply an entry document. It is the candidate’s final reference for centre details and examination instructions. Avoid relying on screenshots or unofficial social-media messages when an instruction on the admit card differs.
Official UPSC Pages
CDS II 2026 – UPSC
NDA/NA II 2026 – UPSC
CDS II and NDA II 2026: Understand the Two Examinations
CDS II and NDA/NA II are separate UPSC examinations conducted on the same date in this cycle. The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is designed for graduates seeking entry to specified officer-training academies, while the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA/NA) examination is an entry route for eligible candidates at the school-leaving stage, subject to the exact eligibility rules in the notification. Candidates should therefore avoid assuming that the admit-card instructions, paper structure or eligibility criteria of one examination automatically apply to the other.
Admit Card vs. Other Candidate Documents
The e-admit card should be treated as the controlling examination-day document issued by UPSC. The candidate should read all printed instructions carefully, including reporting requirements and restrictions on items carried into the venue. A screenshot or forwarded social-media message does not replace the official e-admit card.
Last-Minute Preparation Checklist
- Recheck the examination centre address and route before departure.
- Keep the e-admit card accessible and carry only the documents permitted by UPSC.
- Verify that the roll number and personal details are legible.
- Avoid changing your preparation strategy immediately before the examination.
- Allow sufficient time for travel and security checks.
Static GK Connection for Defence Exams
For revision, candidates can connect CDS/NDA preparation with static facts about the Indian Armed Forces, constitutional institutions, defence training establishments, important military exercises and the broad role of UPSC in recruitment. This creates a stronger link between current updates and permanent exam knowledge.
After the Examination
Keep the e-admit card and other examination records until the complete recruitment cycle has finished. Results and subsequent instructions are communicated through UPSC notices. Candidates should use the official examination page for later updates rather than treating an old admit-card article as a complete recruitment guide.
For regular recruitment updates, see the Job Notification section.
