• Updated on 5 Sept, 2026 by Paulami Chandra
What's new?
CDS Latest news and articles
The CDS Exam Centre 2026 is allotted from the list of examination cities selected by candidates during the application process, subject to availability and centre capacity. The CDS 2 Written Exam 2026 is scheduled for September 13, 2026, and the e-Admit Card was released on September 3, 2026, on the official UPSC website. The Commission released the CDS admit card 2026 around 10 days before the September session offline exam. The admit card will provide the candidate's allotted exam city and centre, along with other important examination details. For IMA, INA and AFA, the written test comprises English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, carrying 100 marks each, while candidates appearing for OTA take English and General Knowledge, carrying 100 marks each.
The CDS Exam Centre 2026 list is provided in the official Combined Defence Service notification 2026, and candidates have to choose their preferred examination cities while completing the application process. Most examination centres have a fixed candidate capacity, with Chennai, Kolkata, Nagpur and Dispur being exceptions to this capacity restriction. Since centre allotment depends on the availability of seats, candidates should select their preferences carefully. Once the application form has been submitted, candidates cannot change their selected examination centre preferences under any circumstances.
Table of Contents
CDS Exam Centre 2026: Highlights
CDS Exam centre selection is made from a list of more than 80 exam centres in India to ensure wide accessibility for the candidates. The examination is conducted in an offline mode at the preferred exam centres chosen by the candidates at the time of filling the application form for the CDS 2026 examination.
CDS Exam Centre 2026: Important Dates
The CDS 2 2026 recruitment cycle began with the release of the official notification on May 20, 2026, which was also the date on which the application process commenced. Candidates could submit their applications until June 9, 2026. The CDS 2 2026 written exam is scheduled for September 13, 2026, while the CDS 2 admit card 2026 was released on September 3, 2026, approximately 10 days before the scheduled exam.
CDS Exam Centre 2026: Exam Centre List
CDS Exam Location 2026 has been specified across a wide network of cities covering major centres such as Delhi, Gurugram, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Patna and Pune. These centres are strategically selected to provide ease of accessibility to the candidates from different states. The final allotted centres will be mentioned in the CDS Admit Card 2026.
Check: CDS Exam Pattern 2026
How to Select Exam Centre?
CDS City Allotment Process is governed by the rules specified by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates are required to be allotted the exam centres on a first-come, first-served basis, where those who apply earlier have a chance of getting their preferred exam centres. Once the capacity of a centre is filled, it becomes unavailable for selection. In such cases, candidates must then choose the exam city from the remaining UPSC CDS Exam Centres.
CDS Exam Centre 2026: Allotment Rules & Conditions
CDS Centre Allotment Rules have been specified by the UPSC, where allotment is strictly based on the order of application submission. Certain centres, such as Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata and Nagpur, do not have an upper limit on the number of candidates allowed for the centre. This means centres can accommodate more applicants compared to others, making them relatively easier to secure even during later stages of application submission.
CDS Exam Centre 2026: Change of Exam Centre
CDS Exam Centre 2026 is not subject to changes after the application form has been submitted by the candidates. There is no correction window available for modifying exam centre preferences. Therefore, candidates must select their centres carefully during the application process. The final allotted exam centre will be specified on the CDS Admit Card 2026.
CDS Exam Centre 2026: Admit Card
As per the latest update, the CDS 2 Written Examination 2026 is scheduled for September 13, 2026. The CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 was released on September 3, 2026. Candidates are advised to download it through the official UPSC website well before the last date to avoid technical issues.
CDS Admit Card 2026 contains important details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, allotted exam city & address, shift timing, and important instructions for the exam. Candidates must mandatorily carry a printed copy of the CDS Admit Card 2026 and a valid photo ID into the exam hall.
CDS Exam Centre 2026: Documents Required
UPSC CDS exam centres are allotted based on the preferences of the candidates. Candidates must carry certain mandatory documents to the centre for their entry into the examination hall:
- Printed Copy of the CDS Admit Card 2026
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Driving License)
- Black Point Pen (for marking answers on OMR)
- Two Recent Passport-sized photographs
CDS Exam Centre 2026: Guidelines for Exam Day
CDS Exam Day Guidelines must be strictly followed by the candidates to ensure a smooth examination process on the exam day. Test-takers must follow the guidelines mentioned below:
- Candidates are advised to reach the exam centre at least 60 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the CDS Admit Card 2026.
- Electronic devices such as smartphones, calculators, and smartwatches are strictly prohibited in the examination hall.
- Candidates must follow the seating arrangement and instructions provided by the invigilators at the examination centre.
- Aspirants appearing at the centre other than the one mentioned in their admit card will have their candidature cancelled.
CDS Exam Centre 2026 FAQs
How are CDS exam centres allotted?
CDS exam centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis. Candidates selecting their preferred centres early have a higher chance of securing them before capacity limits are reached by UPSC during the application process.
Can candidates change their UPSC CDS exam centre after submission?
No, UPSC does not allow changes in exam centres once the application form is submitted. Candidates must carefully select their preferences while applying to avoid inconvenience later during the examination process.
Which CDS Exam Cities in India have no limit on candidates?
Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, and Nagpur are exempted from the candidate ceiling. These centres can accommodate more applicants compared to others, making them relatively easier to secure even during later stages of application submission.
What happens if the preferred UPSC CDS Exam Centre is full?
If a preferred centre reaches its capacity, it becomes unavailable. Candidates must then choose from the remaining centres listed during the application. This is why early application submission is strongly recommended for better centre allocation chances.
When will the CDS admit card 2026 be released?
The UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2026 was released on September 3, 2026, ahead of the September 13, 2026 written examination. Candidates can download the e-Admit Card online through the UPSC website using their registration ID or roll number and date of birth. The hall ticket contains details such as the exam centre, reporting time, examination schedule, and candidate information.
Is it mandatory to carry ID proof to the UPSC CDS exam centre?
Yes, candidates must carry the e-Admit Card along with the original Photo ID proof whose details were provided during the application process. Accepted IDs include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID (EPIC), PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, or any other Photo ID issued by the Central or State Government.
Can UPSC change the allotted exam centre for the candidates?
Yes, UPSC reserves the right to change the allotted exam centre due to administrative or logistical reasons. Candidates will be informed about any such changes through the admit card.
How many centres can candidates choose from cds exam centres list?
Candidates can select multiple exam centres in order of preference during application. However, final allotment depends on availability and is not guaranteed for the top preferred choices.
Is there any regional restriction for the CDS exam centres in 2026?
No, candidates can choose any exam centre across India irrespective of their state of residence. Selection depends on availability and preferences filled during the application process.
What time should candidates reach the CDS exam location?
Candidates appearing for CDS 2 2026 should reach their allotted examination centre at least 1 hour 15 minutes before the commencement of their respective session to allow sufficient time for face authentication, identity verification and frisking. Entry to the venue will close 30 minutes before the exam begins, and candidates arriving after the gate-closing time will not be permitted to enter.
Are electronic devices allowed inside exam centres as per the CDS Exam Day Guidelines?
No, electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, and Bluetooth devices are strictly prohibited inside the exam centre. Possession of such items may lead to disqualification from the examination.
What should candidates do if there is an issue at the CDS exam centre?
In case of any issue, candidates should immediately report to the centre superintendent.
How many exam centres can candidates choose in the CDS 2026 application?
Candidates can select multiple exam centres in order of preference while filling out the CDS 2026 application form. However, the final allotment depends on availability, and candidates may be assigned a different centre if preferred choices are filled.
Is the same exam centre allotted for all CDS papers on the exam day?
Yes, candidates are allotted a single exam centre where all papers of the CDS examination are conducted on the same day. The complete schedule, including paper timings and centre details, is mentioned in the admit card for the examination.