The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) (I) 2026 examination is officially scheduled for Sunday, 12th April 2026. Candidates can now download their CDS Admit Card 2026 by logging in with their Registration ID or Roll Number via the official portals at www.upsc.gov.in or https://upsconline.nic.in. Please ensure you carry a printed copy of your hall ticket along with a valid photo identity proof to the exam center, as entry will not be permitted without these documents.
CDS Admit Card 2026 Out
The CDS 2026 Admit Card is a mandatory document that includes vital details such as your exam venue, reporting time, personal information, and registration number. The selection process for the CDS exam consists of a rigorous written test, followed by an SSB interview designed to assess intelligence and personality traits.
| CDS Admit Card 2026-Highlights | |
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Service Examination (CDS) (I) 2026 |
| Vacancy | 451 |
| Mode of Admit Card | Online |
| CDS Admit Card 2026 | 2nd April 2026 |
| CDS Exam Date 2026 | 12th April 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Language of Exam | Bilingual |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-choice questions |
| Official website | www.upsc.gov.in |
CDS Result 2026 Declared - Click Here to View
CDS 1 Exam Date and Timing 2026
The UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 covers three core subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. These papers are conducted in distinct morning, afternoon, and evening shifts.
| Paper | Exam Timing |
| English | 9 am to 11 am |
| General Knowledge | 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm |
| Elementary Mathematics | 4 pm to 6 pm |
CDS Admit Card 2026 Download Link
The official download link for the CDS 1 Admit Card 2026 is now live on www.upsc.gov.in and https://upsconline.nic.in. Candidates must download the PDF and carry a hard copy to the examination hall. Use the direct link below to access your admit card quickly.
Click Here to Download CDS Admit Card 2026 (Active Now)
Steps to Download CDS 1 Admit Card 2026
Follow the simple, step-by-step instructions provided below to download your CDS 2026 Admit Card from the Union Public Service Commission official website.
- Go to the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at www.upsc.gov.in.
- On the homepage of UPSC, click on the 'Admit Cards' link.
- Now, click on e-Admit Card, Download displayed in front of “Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026”.
- Candidates are predicted a new page.
- Now click ‘By Registration ID’ or ‘By Roll Number’.
- Enter the details required i.e. Registration Number/ Roll Number and Date of Birth, captcha, and click on ‘Submit’.
- The Combined Defence Service (CDS-1) Admit Card appears on the screen.
- Download and take a printout of the admit card to carry to the exam centre and for other future references.
NDA 1 Admit Card 2026 Released - Download Now
Details Mentioned on CDS Admit Card 2026
Upon downloading your CDS Admit Card, verify all personal details and exam instructions carefully to ensure accuracy and prevent issues on the day of the exam.
- Candidate’s Name
- Date of Birth
- Category
- Roll Number
- Gender
- Father’s Name
- Mother’s Name
- Photograph and Signature
- CDS 1 Exam Date 2026
- CDS 1 Exam Centre
Items Allowed to Carry to the CDS Exam Centre
To facilitate a seamless entry process, ensure you have all essential items and documents required at the designated test center.
- A clear printout of the CDS 1 Admit Card was downloaded from the official website, and it is important for candidates to carry it to the exam center.
- One photo ID proof issued by the government (Voter ID/Driving License/PAN Card/Aadhar Card/Passport).
- A recent passport-sized photograph (same as uploaded on the application form)
- Candidates bring a black ballpoint pen to fill out the attendance list and OMR sheet
CDS 1 Exam 2026- Things Not Allowed Inside Exam Centre
Below is the list of prohibited items that are strictly not allowed inside the UPSC examination center:
- Candidates are not allowed to use mobile phones, pagers, or any other electronic equipment or programmable device or storage media such as pen drives, smartwatches, cameras, or Bluetooth devices.
- Use of wristwatches is not allowed inside the examination hall
Complete CDS Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern Details
Download CDS Previous Year Question Papers (PDFs)
FAQs
Ans. The CDS 1 2026 exam is scheduled to take place on 12th April 2026.
Ans. The UPSC released the CDS Admit Card 2026 on 2nd April 2026.
Ans. You can download the CDS Admit Card 2026 directly via the link provided in this article or from the official UPSC portal at www.upsc.gov.in.
Ans. Candidates need their Registration ID or Roll Number to successfully download their admit card.
Ans. Yes, presenting the printed CDS 1 Admit Card is mandatory for entry into the examination hall; candidates without it will not be allowed to take the test.
Also Read:
- UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2026 Out: 451 Vacancies, Apply Online Now
- UPSC CDS 2 Answer Key 2022: Download Paper Solutions (GK, English & Maths)
- CDS 2 Application Form 2026: Registration Deadline Extended to 11 June
- CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification & Nationality Requirements
- UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern: Subject-wise PDF Guide
- UPSC CDS Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDF Download