UPSC has published the CDS (II) 2025 e-Admit Card in the official “What’s New” section with a Last Updated date of 04 September 2025, and the entry directs to the secure online portal for downloading. Various national media outlets also report the release of the admit card and reaffirm the exam date. The candidates need to download and take a print of the hall ticket from the official portal and check all details beforehand.
The CDS 2 2025 exam date is 14 September 2025 according to the official UPSC examination portal for CDS (II) 2025 that also mentions the notice date and application dates.
Quick summary: If you continue to notice an error while opening the portal, try again off-peak hours and make sure you’re typing the official domains only—upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in. The “What’s New” link e-Admit Card is the safest navigation route.
What Is CDS 2 and Why the Admit Card Matters
The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is administered by UPSC to fill the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) through recruitment. The admit card is your formal sanction to appear for the test: without it—and a valid photo ID—you will not be granted entry. It also assigns your centre, shift, and roll number. (Always cross-check details on the PDF as soon as download.)
Direct Download: Official Sites & Links
UPSC “What’s New” → e-Admit Card: CDS (II) 2025 (displays Click here → upsconline.nic.in). This is the clear, authoritative link to access the download page.
UPSC Examination Page: CDS (II) 2025. Helpful for official dates, notification numbers, and context.
Reliable news confirmations are also provided for easy reading, but always depend on UPSC domains for the true hall ticket.
Step-by-Step: How to Download the upsc cds 2 admit card 2025
Go to upsc.gov.in → What’s New → e-Admit Card: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025 → click “Click here” (redirects to upsconline.nic.in).
On the e-Admit Card page, read the instructions and check the undertaking.
Select By Registration ID or By Roll Number.
Enter your Registration ID / Roll Number, Date of Birth (as per format), and the captcha.
Log in to view your CDS 2 2025 e-Admit Card.
Download and print a minimum of two fresh copies. Save the PDF in a secure folder and mail it to yourself as a backup.
Pre-Download Checklist
Your Registration ID or Roll Number.
Proper DOB format.
A stable internet connection; desktop browser recommended.
A PDF reader to open/print.
Have a plain-white, recent passport photo ready if your face in the admit card is blurry (you might be instructed to carry additional photos).
Post-Download Verification
Look for these on your hall ticket, line by line:
Name, Father’s Name, Date of Birth
Roll Number and Application/Registration ID
Photograph and Signature visibility
Exam Date & Shift(s)
Exam Centre Name, Code, and Full Address
Reporting Time and Gate Closing Time
Paper(s) relevant to your course (IMA/INA/AFA require 3 papers; OTA has 2)
If something goes amiss, inform UPSC at the earliest with screenshots, application details, and ID proof.
CDS 2 2025 Exam Date, Pattern & Timings
The test is scheduled for 14 September 2025 (Sunday). CDS written exam is held in one sitting over shifts, and the format is still the traditional three for IMA/INA/AFA—English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (OTA: only English and GK). The official CDS (II) 2025 page assures the date and type of exam
Paper-Wise Breakdown
English — Objective; tests grammar, usage, vocabulary, comprehension.
General Knowledge — Comprehensive range: general awareness, current affairs, Indian polity and economy, history, geography, defence literacy, basic sciences.
Elementary Mathematics — Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, statistics.
(Check course requisites—OTA candidates do not appear for the Maths paper.)
Negative Marking & OMR Etiquette
CDS papers will generally have pen-and-paper OMR sheets. Use only black ball-point pen.
Negative marking for incorrect answers (usual UPSC convention for objective papers).
Cleanly fill bubbles; don’t make stray marks; adhere to OMR booklet instructions.
Do not fold or staple the OMR; surrender it only when asked.
Items to Bring along with the CDS 2 Admit Card
E-Admit Card printed (ideally two copies).
Same-name Original Photo ID: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN Card, Voter ID, or any government identity accepted by UPSC.
Two recent passport-sized photos (as a backup, particularly if admit card photo is poor).
Black ball-point pens (keep spares).
Translucent water bottle (if permitted by centre regulations).
If unsure, refer to the particular “Important Instructions” page that comes with your e-Admit Card.
Frequent Download Mistakes & Quick Solutions
Server Busy / Page Not Loading: Repeat at non-peak times (early morn/late evening).
Captcha Problems: Reload captcha; change to alternative browser.
Invalid Credentials: Verify Registration ID/Roll Number and DOB format; no spaces or spelling mistakes.
Blank PDF / Corrupted File: Clear browser cache; download again; try another device.
Pop-up Blockers: Enable pop-ups for upsconline.nic.in.
After the Exam: What Happens Next
Provisional answer keys (if and when released by UPSC) typically come after the exam season; check the UPSC “What’s New” webpage.
Result declared on upsc.gov.in; successful candidates go for SSB Interview and further medicals.
Make your registered mobile and email active for communication purposes; retain your original documents.
Important Dates Snapshot
Notification Published: 28 May 2025
Applications Closed: 20 June 2025 (12:00 PM)
Admit Card Posted in UPSC “What’s New”: 04 September 2025 (page Last Updated stamp)
CDS 2 2025 Exam: 14 September 2025 (Sunday)
Conclusion
The upsc cds 2 admit card 2025 has gone live through UPSC’s websites, and the countdown begins to 14 September 2025. Fetch your hall ticket through the “What’s New” → e-Admit Card link, take two printouts, and verify every detail—especially your name, photo, centre address, and reporting time.
Carry your photo ID, spare pens, and a clear mind. With the logistics sorted, you can then attend to what actually gets the job done: clarity, accuracy, and speed. Good luck—meet you on the other side of commissioning!
Read also: UKPSC Principal Result 2025