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UPSC Announces Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2 Exam 2026 Schedule: Key Dates and Instructions Revealed
NEW DELHI – The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the detailed schedule for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2 examination 2026. Aspiring candidates can now access the complete schedule and critical information regarding the examination on the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in.
The highly anticipated UPSC CDS 2 examination 2026 is slated to be conducted on September 13, 2026. To accommodate the significant number of candidates, the examination will be held in three distinct shifts throughout the day, ensuring a streamlined process for all participants.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2026: Shift Timings Unveiled
Candidates are advised to take note of the precise timings for each shift to plan their travel and preparation accordingly. The examination schedule is as follows:
| Shift | Timing |
|---|---|
| First shift | 9 am to 11 am |
| Second shift | 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm |
| Third shift | 4 pm to 6 pm |
How to Access the UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2026 Schedule
To view and download the official examination schedule, candidates should follow these straightforward steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- On the homepage, locate and click on the “UPSC CDS II Exam 2026 schedule” link.
- The comprehensive exam schedule will then be displayed on your screen.
- Carefully review the examination date and specific shift timings.
- It is highly recommended to download the schedule and retain a printed or digital copy for future reference.
A direct link to the schedule PDF is also available here.
UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026: Essential Information
Eligible candidates will be able to download their e-Admit Card approximately one week prior to the examination. Specifically, the admit cards will be issued on the last working day of the week preceding the examination date. These crucial documents will be available exclusively for download on the official UPSC website.
Important: Candidates must understand that admit cards will not be dispatched via postal services or email. It is solely the responsibility of the candidate to download their e-Admit Card from the Commission’s website. Failure to do so may result in being barred from the examination.
Crucial Instructions for UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2026 Candidates
The UPSC has also issued vital instructions that all candidates must adhere to during the examination:
- Pen Usage: Candidates are strictly mandated to use only a black ballpoint pen for all writing and marking on the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) answer sheets. The use of pencils and ink pens is expressly prohibited.
- OMR Sheet Details: Utmost care must be taken when filling in essential details on the OMR answer sheet, including the roll number and Test Booklet Series Code. Any errors or omissions in filling or encoding these details could lead to the rejection of the answer sheet and subsequent disqualification.
- Negative Marking: It is imperative for candidates to be aware of the negative marking scheme applicable to the objective-type question papers in the CDS 2 exam. Incorrect answers will result in a deduction of marks. Candidates are advised to attempt questions with caution and confidence.
Candidates are strongly urged to frequently check the official UPSC website for any further announcements, updates, or additional instructions pertaining to the e-Admit Card and the CDS 2 examination 2026.
