The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the admit cards for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination II, 2025, and the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II, 2025. These exams are scheduled for September 14, 2025. Candidates who have registered for these exams can now download their admit cards from the official UPSC website, upsconline.nic.in. This article provides all the details you need to know about downloading the admit card, exam schedule, and important guidelines in simple English.
UPSC NDA and CDS 2 Exam 2025: Key Details
The UPSC NDA and CDS exams are conducted to select candidates for prestigious roles in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The NDA exam is for candidates aiming to join the National Defence Academy or Naval Academy, while the CDS exam is for those aspiring to join the Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, or Officers’ Training Academy.
- Exam Date: September 14, 2025 (Sunday)
- Admit Card Release Date: September 4, 2025
- Official Website: upsconline.nic.in
- Exam Mode: Offline (OMR-based)
NDA 2 Exam Schedule
The NDA exam will take place in two shifts:
- Mathematics: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM (300 marks)
- General Ability Test (GAT): 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM (600 marks)
- Entry Closing Time: 9:50 AM for Mathematics, 1:50 PM for GAT
CDS 2 Exam Schedule
The CDS exam will be conducted in three shifts:
- English: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- General Knowledge: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Elementary Mathematics: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Closing Time: 30 minutes before each session
Candidates who clear the written exams will be eligible for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, which tests personality, intelligence, and fitness for a career in the armed forces.
How to Download UPSC NDA and CDS 2 Admit Card 2025
Follow these simple steps to download your admit card:
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsconline.nic.in.
- On the homepage, look for the “What’s New” section.
- Click on the link for “E-Admit Card: National Defence Academy Examination (II) 2025” or “Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2025.”
- A new login page will open. Read the instructions carefully and check the “I Agree” box.
- Choose to log in using either your Registration ID or Roll Number.
- Enter your Date of Birth and the captcha code.
- Click the “Submit” button.
- Your admit card will appear on the screen.
- Download and print at least two copies of the admit card for exam day.
Direct Download Link: NDA 2 and CDS 2 Admit Card 2025
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Carry the Admit Card: The admit card is mandatory for entry to the exam center. Without it, you will not be allowed to take the exam.
- Valid Photo ID: Bring an original photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, or PAN Card) along with the admit card.
- Clear Photograph: If the photograph on your admit card is not clear, bring two passport-size photographs and a photo ID for each session, along with an undertaking.
- Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, or any electronic devices are not allowed in the exam hall.
- Punctuality: Arrive at the exam center well before the entry closing time. Latecomers will not be allowed to enter.
- Stationery: Bring a black ballpoint pen for marking answers on the OMR sheet.
- Check Details: Verify all details on the admit card, such as your name, roll number, exam center, and exam date. If there are any errors, contact UPSC immediately.
What to Do If You Face Issues
If you face problems downloading the admit card or notice any errors, contact UPSC right away:
- For Technical Issues: Email system-upsc@gov.in
- For Applicant Data Issues: Email usnda-upsc@nic.in (for NDA) or e16section-upsc@gov.in (for CDS)
- Facilitation Counter: Visit UPSC’s Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi – 110069, or call 011-23385271, 011-23381125, or 011-23098543 (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on working days).
Exam Day Guidelines
- Visit your exam center a day before to avoid last-minute confusion.
- Carry only permitted items like the admit card, photo ID, and black ballpoint pen.
- Follow all instructions given by the exam invigilators.
- Keep your admit card safe until the final results are declared.
Why the Admit Card Is Important
The admit card contains crucial details such as:
- Candidate’s name, roll number, and date of birth
- Scanned photograph and signature
- Exam center address and timings
- Exam day instructions
It serves as proof of your eligibility to appear for the exam and is checked at the exam center for verification.
Tips for NDA and CDS Exam Preparation
- Revise the Syllabus: Focus on Mathematics, General Ability Test (GAT), English, and General Knowledge, based on Class 10, 11, and 12 standards.
- Practice Past Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern.
- Time Management: Practice answering questions within the given time to improve speed and accuracy.
- Stay Updated: Follow trusted educational websites for exam updates and tips.
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA and CDS 2 admit cards for 2025 are now available for download. Candidates should download their hall tickets as soon as possible to avoid technical issues due to heavy website traffic. Make sure to check all details on the admit card and follow the exam day guidelines to ensure a smooth experience. For the latest updates, keep checking the official UPSC website.