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Anushka Singh

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  • Published: Apr 03 2026 04:28 PM
  • Last Updated: Apr 03 2026 05:09 PM

UPSC NDA & CDS 2026 hall tickets released! Easy step-by-step download from upsc.gov.in before April 12 exam. Find exam timings, centers across India


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The UPSC NDA & CDS 2026 admit cards were released on 2 April 2026. Candidates can download them directly from the official UPSC website. These hall tickets contain crucial details like exam center, shift timing, and guidelines that candidates must follow. Make sure your registration details are ready and print multiple copies for safety. Early downloads help avoid last-minute traffic or server issues and ensure you’re fully prepared for the exam.

How to Download NDA and CDS 2026 Admit Card in Minutes

Follow this simple process using your phone or laptop:

  • Visit upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in/eadmitcard/. Click the “Examinations” “Admit Cards” link.
  • Select NDA (I) 2026 or CDS (I) 2026. Click the Download button.
  • Enter your Registration ID/Roll Number + DOB, solve captcha, and submit.
  • Verify the PDF for your name, photo, and exam venue. Download and print on A4 paper.

UPSC NDA and CDS Exam Schedule and Guidelines

  • NDA: 16½–19½ yrs, Class 12 pass. Maths 10:00 AM–12:30 PM (300 marks), GAT 2:00–4:30 PM (600 marks)
  • CDS: Graduates 19–25 yrs. English 9:00–11:00 AM, GK 12:30–2:30 PM, Maths 4:00–6:00 PM (IMA/INA/AFA only)
  • Exam Centers: 75+ cities nationwide. Arrive 90 mins early with valid ID. Water allowed; snacks and phones prohibited.
  • Vacancies & Cutoffs: ~400 NDA, ~450 CDS. Expected cutoff ~350+
  • Important: Photo and ID must match exactly for entry

UPSC NDA & CDS Exam

NDA or CDS 2026:Key Differences

Aspect

NDA Journey

CDS Pathway

Entry Age

16½–19½, post Class 12

19–25, after graduation

Training Spot

NDA Pune, 3 years

IMA Dehradun, 1½ years

Question Level

School standard

Degree-level, vocabulary focus

Career Targets

Army/Navy/Air academies

IMA/OTA/INA/AFA routes

Last-Minute UPSC NDA and CDS Exam Prep Tips

Focus on NCERT Maths (11–12th), Lucent GK basics, and GAT mocks (150 questions, 150 minutes). Solve past papers online to get a feel for question patterns and time management. Revise key formulas, important dates, and current affairs highlights. Sleep well the night before, eat a light breakfast, and maintain a calm morning routine. Avoid last-minute cramming; instead, focus on accuracy and confidence. Keep a small bottle of water and necessary stationery ready to avoid stress on exam day.

What to Do After Downloading Your Admit Card

After printing the admit card, focus on final preparation. Successful candidates will see May 2026 exam results, followed by June SSB calls. NDA intake is Jan 2027, and CDS summer slots follow. Stay updated on official notifications from upsc.gov.in. Start planning for travel, document verification, and SSB preparation in advance. Keep track of cutoffs and merit lists to monitor your chances and next steps efficiently.

FAQ

 April 2, 2026. Valid through the exam day.

Use Registration ID + DOB to download the admit card.

Yes, April 12, 2026. NDA: Maths AM, GAT PM; CDS sequence varies slightly.

Rarely. Check the UPSC portal daily until April 11. Alerts are sent if changes occur.

Yes. Your printed photo must match your face; ID proof is secondary.

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