UPSC CDS I Admit Card 2026
The UPSC CDS I 2026 (Combined Defence Services Examination I) admit card (also called e-Admit Card or Hall Ticket) will be released along with NDA NA I in March 2026. The written exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026 (Sunday), and the admit card is typically released 15 days before the exam (most sources indicate late March to early April 2026, with common expectations around the first week of April or specifically 2 April 2026 based on past trends and coaching portals).
The candidates must know that UPSC does not send physical copies—download it exclusively online from the official website. Regularly check upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in (under “What’s New” or “e-Admit Cards”) for the live link, as it will be announced there.
Key Details for CDS I 2026 Admit Card
- Expected Release Date: In March 2026
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in (main portal) or upsconline.nic.in (for e-Admit Card download).
- Exam Details: Offline OMR-based, three papers in shifts:
- English: Usually 9:00 AM–11:00 AM
- General Knowledge: 12:30 PM–2:30 PM
- Elementary Mathematics: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM (Confirm exact timings on your admit card once released.)
- Vacancies: Around 451 (for IMA, INA, AFA, OTA).
What the Admit Card Contains
Your admit card will have the following details
- Candidate’s name, roll number, registration ID
- Date of birth, category
- Photograph and signature (as uploaded)
- Exam centre name, full address, and code
- Reporting time (arrive ~30–60 minutes early; gates close shortly before start)
- Shift timings and instructions (prohibited items: mobiles, smartwatches, calculators, etc.; carry black ballpoint pen only)
How to Download CDS 1 Admit Card 2026)
- Visit upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.
- Go to “What’s New” or “Examinations” > “e-Admit Cards”.
- Click the link: “e-Admit Card: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026”.
- Read and accept the instructions.
- Login via:
- By Registration ID: Enter Registration ID (from application) + Date of Birth + Captcha.
- By Roll Number: Enter Roll Number + Date of Birth + Captcha (if roll issued).
- Submit → Download the PDF admit card.
- Take multiple printouts (color preferred, but B&W usually ok). Keep safe.
Exam Day Essentials
- Printed e-Admit Card
- Original photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, etc.) matching details on admit card
- Black ballpoint pen
- No entry without admit card + ID
- Follow frisking rules; reach early
If Issues Arise
- These issues could occur suca as wrong name, photo, centre, etc. in this case email UPSC immediately at the helpline or contact details on the site (include registration ID, name, DOB). Do this early—don’t wait for exam day.
- Other way to fix : Use latest Chrome/Firefox, clear cache, stable internet. Try another device if needed.
- Forgotten Credentials: Refer to application confirmation email/SMS for registration ID.
This admit card is crucial for entry—no exceptions. The CDS path leads to SSB if you qualify written, so keep prepping English, GK, and Maths (Class 10–12 level, focus on speed & accuracy with negative marking).
FAQs
No, the admit card release date is not you can expect in Mid March 2026
The admit card is downloadable from the official website of UPSC
This is a very simple process to recover. Go to the UPSC website and click on forget password. A window will open now enter the details asked in the form and submit you will get your details on the email id
You have to carry your admit card and one government isssued ID such as Aadhar card, Pan Card, Voter ID or Passport. or any ID which has your clear photo released by recognized institution
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