UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2025: Admit Card, Timings & Guidelines

The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2 Exam 2025 is scheduled to be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for all aspirants, providing essential details about the CDS 2 Exam 2025 admit card download process, official exam timings, and a detailed list of crucial guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful exam day experience.

Your UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card is Out: Download Instructions & Details

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the e-admit card for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2025 examination on September 4, 2025. The admit card is a mandatory document for entry into the examination hall, and candidates will not be permitted to appear for the exam without a printed copy. It is important to note that the UPSC will not send hard copies of the admit card by postal mail. All registered candidates must download their hall ticket online from the official website.

The e-admit card contains crucial information that candidates should verify thoroughly. This includes the candidate’s name, roll number, application number, scanned photograph, signature, and the test centre address. Additionally, it details the date and time of the examination, reporting time, and specific exam day guidelines. It is strongly recommended that candidates read all the instructions on the admit card carefully and keep a printed copy safe until the entire recruitment process is concluded.

Step-by-Step Guide to Download Your UPSC CDS Hall Ticket

Candidates can download their UPSC CDS hall ticket by following these simple steps, which are designed to be completed efficiently on a desktop computer for best results :

1. Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the official UPSC website at https://upsc.gov.in or the online portal https://www.upsconline.nic.in.
2. Locate the Admit Card Link: On the homepage, click on the link titled ‘e-Admit Card Combined Defence Services II 2025’.
3. Read Instructions: A login page will open in a new tab. Read all the provided instructions carefully before proceeding.
4. Enter Your Credentials: Log in by entering either your Registration Number and Date of Birth, or your Roll Number and Date of Birth. In some cases, candidates can also log in using their Name, Father’s Name, and Date of Birth.
5. Download and Print: Click on ‘Submit’ to view your admit card. Download the PDF file and take a clear printout to carry to the examination centre.

Troubleshooting Common Admit Card Download Issues

Some candidates may encounter difficulties while attempting to download their admit card. Common issues include technical glitches, problems with the login credentials, or a forgotten registration number. To avoid last-minute panic, it is critical to perform the download check well in advance of the exam date. Simply being aware of the solutions is not enough; the real value lies in acting on them promptly.

If a candidate has forgotten their Registration Number, the UPSC’s online portal provides a recovery option. The details required for recovery typically include the candidate’s name, date of birth, father’s name, and registered email ID or mobile number. This feature is a crucial lifeline for aspirants, but it must be used as soon as the issue is identified. For technical issues such as repetitive downloading blocks or server problems, candidates should clear their browser’s cache and cookies, try using a different browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, or switch to a desktop computer with a Windows operating system instead of a mobile device. If these steps fail, the only recourse is to contact the UPSC’s facilitation centre for immediate assistance. The official helpline numbers and email ID are available on the UPSC website, and they are the definitive point of contact for resolving any discrepancies or technical problems on the hall ticket itself.

CDS 2 Exam Date 2025 & Timings: Full Schedule

The UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2025 will be held in three shifts on Sunday, September 14, 2025. The examination is conducted in offline mode, with each paper having a duration of 2 hours. The detailed schedule for the CDS Examination (II), 2025, is outlined in the table below, which is a key piece of information for all candidates to organize their exam day.

UPSC CDS 2 2025 Exam Timetable

A Critical Note on Exam Entry Times

While the exam timings are fixed, there is a notable point of divergence in the general guidance regarding gate closure times. Some sources indicate that entry into the examination venue will be closed 30 minutes before the commencement of each session , while other guidelines suggest the entry closes just 10 minutes before the exam begins. This is a high-stakes discrepancy that could have a profound impact on a candidate’s ability to take the exam. To mitigate any risk, candidates should not rely on general rules and must instead check the precise gate closing time mentioned on their specific admit card, as these instructions supersede any general guidelines. To eliminate all uncertainty, it is universally recommended to arrive at the examination centre at least one hour before the first session begins.

This proactive approach allows ample time for verification of documents, security checks, and finding the designated seating, ensuring a calm start to the day.

Essential UPSC CDS 2 Exam Day Guidelines

Following the rules and guidelines on exam day is as important as preparation itself. These rules are in place to ensure a fair and orderly examination process for all candidates. Adherence to them is non-negotiable and a fundamental part of the exam day discipline.

Your Exam Day Checklist: Do’s and Don’ts

Based on the official instructions, candidates must follow a strict code of conduct. The following list synthesizes the most crucial points from various sources into a clear, actionable checklist to review before the exam.

Do’s for the CDS 2 Exam 2025:

• Carry Essential Documents: It is mandatory to carry a printed hard copy of your UPSC CDS 2025 Admit Card. You must also bring a valid photo identity proof, such as an Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID, which should correspond with the ID number mentioned on the hall ticket.
• Bring a Black Ballpoint Pen: Candidates must use a good quality black ballpoint pen for marking responses on the OMR answer sheet.
• Arrive Early: Reach the exam venue well in advance of the reporting time to avoid any last-minute rush or complications.
• Fill Out the OMR Sheet Carefully: Pay close attention when filling in your Roll Number and Test Booklet Series Code. Any omissions or discrepancies can lead to the rejection of the answer sheet.

Don’ts for the CDS 2 Exam 2025:

• Do Not Bring Prohibited Items: Avoid carrying mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, pagers, electronic calculators, log tables, books, or any other unauthorized material into the examination hall. Valuables should also be left at home as their security cannot be assured.
• Do Not Engage in Unfair Practices: Copying, helping other candidates, or engaging in any form of cheating will result in severe penalties and can lead to immediate disqualification.
• Do Not Damage the OMR Sheet: Avoid folding, tearing, or placing any extraneous markings on the answer sheet. Ensure that you darken the circles completely and precisely, as the sheets are evaluated by a computerised mechanism.
• Do Not Provide Multiple Responses: Marking more than one answer for a single question will be considered an incorrect response, and the negative marking penalty will be applied, even if one of the options is correct.

Understanding the CDS 2 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The CDS 2 written examination is conducted offline and consists of objective-type questions. The exam pattern varies depending on the academy for which a candidate has applied.

• For IMA, INA, and AFA: The written exam comprises three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Each paper is worth 100 marks.
• For OTA: The written exam consists of two papers: English and General Knowledge. Each paper is worth 100 marks.

It is critical to understand the marking scheme to formulate an effective test-taking strategy. For every correct answer, 1 mark is awarded. However, a penalty is applied for every incorrect answer. One-third of the marks assigned to a question, which is

0.33, will be deducted for each wrong response. There is no negative marking for questions that are left unanswered. This system of negative marking underscores the importance of not making random guesses, especially in the General Knowledge paper, to prevent a loss of marks and increase the chances of clearing the sectional and overall cut-offs.

CDS 2 Exam 2025: A Final Countdown Checklist

The final days before an exam are crucial for consolidation and logistical planning. A comprehensive checklist can help aspirants manage their last-minute preparations and reduce stress. The following steps should be taken in the final days leading up to September 14.

• 2-3 Days Before the Exam: Download and print two copies of your admit card. Verify all details, including your name, test centre, and photo. Ensure you have a valid photo ID that matches the details on your admit card.
• 1 Day Before the Exam: Conduct a reconnaissance trip to your exam centre if possible, or at least use an online map service to confirm the location and travel time. Pack all mandatory items—admit card, photo ID, and a black ballpoint pen—in a transparent folder to avoid any security issues.
• On Exam Day: Wake up early, have a light but nutritious breakfast, and leave for the centre with ample time to spare, keeping potential traffic or transport issues in mind. This preparation ensures that you arrive composed and ready to perform your best.

The UPSC CDS 2 written examination is the first crucial step toward a distinguished career in the armed forces. By securing your admit card, understanding the official exam timings, and meticulously adhering to all the specified guidelines, you position yourself for success. While the written exam is a significant hurdle, it is important to remember that it is the gateway to the next stages of the selection process, namely the SSB interview and the medical examination.

Final efforts and attention to detail now will pay dividends on exam day. Remember to check all the details on your admit card and, if needed, cross-reference with the official UPSC website for any last-minute updates. Your dedication to preparation is the first step towards a distinguished career. Good luck, and may your efforts lead to success in the next stage of the selection process!