The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to conduct the Combined Defense Services (CDS) 2 Examination 2026 on September 13, 2026 (Sunday). The test will be conducted in offline pen and paper format at 84 centres across the country. This exam provides unique opportunities for defense aspirants. Through CDSE 2 2026 a total of 451 vacancies would be filled in prestigious defense academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). With the exam approaching, candidates who will appear in this test must be aware of the shift timings, reporting timing and important exam day guidelines to avoid inconvenience on the exam day.
Candidates must download their admit card and check the exam centre and other important guidelines mentioned on hall tickets.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Shift Timing 2026
As per the examination timetable released by the UPSC, the CDS 2 exam would be conducted in the offline mode. There would be a total of 3 shifts i.e morning, afternoon and evening. All those candidates who are set to appear must check the exam timing and center details before they appear for this exam exam. All the important instructions and guidelines can be checked from the CDS 2 2026 Admit Card. Below in the table we have shared exam shift timings along with the reporting time and duration of the exam.
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UPSC CDS 2 Exam Shift 2026
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Subjects
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Exam timing
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Reporting time
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Duration of Exam
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First Shift
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English
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9 AM to 11 AM
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8:30 AM
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2 hours (120 mins)
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Second Shift
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General Knowledge
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12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
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12:00 PM
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2 hours (120 mins)
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Third Shift
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Elementary Mathematics
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4 PM to 6 PM
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3:30 PM
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2 hours (120 mins)
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Note: Entry will be closed 30 min before the start of exam in each session. Candidates must remember this thing so that they do not face any difficulties on CDS 2 2026 exam day.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Day Guidelines 2026
Candidates who will appear for the CDS 2 Exam 2026 must follow all the important exam day guidelines and instructions issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates must reach the examination centre before the reporting time and they are required to carry documents to avoid last minute issues. Some of the important UPSC CDS 2 exam day guidelines are given below-
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Candidates must bring a printout of the UPSC CDS 2 E-Admit Card in each session . Entry will not be allowed without a valid hall ticket.
Candidates must carry along with them an original valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport or Driving Licence for verification.
Candidates are advised to reach the examination centre at least 1 hour and 15 minutes before the commencement of the exam to complete the face authentication, frisking and other formalities.
Candidates must follow the instructions given by the invigilators during the examination. Any misconduct or use of unfair means can lead to the cancellation of the candidature.
Candidates are required to read all the instructions given on the question paper and answer sheet so that they do not face any problem during the examination.
Candidates must mark their answers only with a black ballpoint pen. Answers marked with any other pen will not be evaluated.
Candidates must carefully check the details mentioned on their admit card including the examination centre, roll number and reporting time before leaving for the exam.
Candidates are advised not to bring any unnecessary belongings to the examination centre.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2026 List of Prohibited Items
Candidates are not allowed to carry certain items inside the UPSC CDS 2 examination hall. Electronic devices and other unauthorised materials can lead to the cancellation of the candidates. Some of the prohibited items that are generally prohibited include-
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Mobile Phones
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Smart Watches
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Bluetooth Devices
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Earphones or Headphones
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Calculators
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Tablets or Laptops
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Electronic Gadgets of Any Kind
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Books, Notes or Study Material
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Written Papers, Chits or Reference Material
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Cameras or Recording Devices
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Pen Drives or Other Storage Devices
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Any Communication Device
Candidates must read the instructions mentioned on the UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 and follow the directions given by the examination officials. Jagran Josh wishes all the aspirants the very best as they are set to appear for this prestigious examination.