The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS I Admit Card 2026 for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I). Candidates who have successfully applied can now download their e-admit card online from the official website.

The CDS I 2026 exam will be conducted on 12 April 2026 (Sunday) across India. The admit card is a mandatory document for entry into the examination hall, and no candidate will be allowed without it.

UPSC CDS I Admit Card 2026 – Overview

ParticularsDetails
OrganizationUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam NameCombined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026
Exam Date12 April 2026
Admit Card StatusReleased
Mode of ExamOffline
Official Websitehttps://upsc.gov.in

Important Dates

EventDate
Notification ReleaseDecember 2025
Last Date to Apply30 December 2025
Admit Card Release2 April 2026
CDS I Exam Date12 April 2026

Exam Schedule (Shift Timing)

The CDS I 2026 exam will be conducted in three sessions:

  • English Paper: 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • General Knowledge: 12:30 PM – 02:30 PM
  • Elementary Mathematics: 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM

Important Note:

  • Entry closes 30 minutes before each session
  • Late entry is strictly not allowed

How to Download UPSC CDS I Admit Card 2026

Follow these steps to download your admit card:

  1. Visit the official UPSC website
  2. Click on the “Admit Card” section
  3. Select “CDS I 2026 e-Admit Card” link
  4. Choose login method:
    • Registration ID OR
    • Roll Number
  5. Enter Date of Birth and Captcha
  6. Click Submit
  7. Download and print the admit card

Details Mentioned on Admit Card

Candidates must verify the following details:

  • Candidate Name
  • Roll Number
  • Exam Date & Time
  • Exam Centre Address
  • Photograph & Signature
  • Reporting Time

If any discrepancy is found, candidates must immediately contact UPSC authorities.

Required Documents at Exam Centre

Candidates must carry:

  • Printed e-Admit Card
  • Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport / Driving License)
  • Passport-size photographs (if photo unclear on admit card)

Without these documents, entry will not be permitted.

Important Exam Day Instructions

  • Reach the exam centre well before reporting time
  • Carry black ball point pen for OMR sheet
  • Only allowed items:
    • Admit Card
    • ID Proof
    • Pen/Pencil

Strictly Prohibited Items:

  • Mobile phones
  • Smart watches
  • Electronic gadgets
  • Bags, books, notes

Possession of banned items may lead to:

  • Cancellation of candidature
  • Disciplinary action or FIR

What to Do in Case of Error in Admit Card?

If you find any error in your admit card:

  • Immediately contact UPSC via email
  • Provide:
    • Registration Number
    • Roll Number
    • Issue details

Timely correction is important to avoid disqualification.

Selection Process

The CDS recruitment process includes:

  1. Written Examination
  2. SSB Interview
  3. Document Verification
  4. Medical Examination

Important Links

DescriptionLink
Download Admit CardLink 1 | Link 2
Official Press Note PDFClick Here
Official Websiteupsc.gov.in
JOIN WhatsApp JOIN
👉 NDA NA Admit Card 2026 Download

FAQs – CDS I Admit Card 2026

Q1. What is the exam date for UPSC CDS I 2026?

The exam will be conducted on 12 April 2026.

Q2. When was the CDS I Admit Card 2026 released?

It has been released in the first week of April 2026.

Q3. Is a hard copy of the admit card sent by post?

No, UPSC provides only online e-admit cards.

Q4. What login details are required to download admit card?

You need:
Registration ID / Roll Number
Date of Birth

Q5. Can I enter exam hall without admit card?

No, admit card is mandatory for entry.

UPSC CDS Admit Card 2026

Candidates appearing for UPSC CDS I 2026 must download their admit card as soon as possible and verify all details carefully. Follow all exam day instructions strictly to avoid disqualification.