The UPSC released the admit card for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II) 2026 scheduled to be held on 13 September 2026 and candidates have been revising their concepts thoroughly since then. With just a few days left for the D-day, chances of missing out on essentials are quite obvious. Hence, today, we share the CDS exam 2026 checklist that you must go through before leaving your home.
CDS Exam 2026 Checklist
By this time, you must have started finalizing everything and ensuring that nothing is left out. Recall those numerous mock tests, endless revisions, and constant butterflies in stomach. Relax as you have done enough already. Now, you don’t need a new book to revise but our CDS exam 2026 checklist. Hence, without any further delay, let us get started.
Dress code
Just like all exams, you first need to be sure about the dress code as part of the CDS exam 2026 checklist. Let us be clear that the UPSC does not have any strict dress code for the exam day, but you must keep these points in mind:
- Wear comfortable clothing, keeping in mind the weather of the day. Avoid anything that is too vibrant or skinny so that your entire focus remains on the OMR sheet, and not what you are wearing.
- You can wear sacred threads, piercings, or bracelets, however, don’t wear anything expensive like gold jewellery.
- Women candidates should keep their hair tied because it avoids unnecessary hassle during the exam time.
Please know that you do not have to worry a lot about the dress code for CDS exam 2026 checklist, because such stuff is not codified. Just ensure your comfort for the day.
Know your examination centre
Since you already have your admit card, please look at your CDS examination centre. You can easily search for the location on Google Maps, and even find the fastest mode of transport to it. If you’re confused, you may even visit the centre one day before the exam, however, this may not be needed usually.
Decide your mode of transport beforehand, and please choose the fastest one for this. Additionally, keep a buffer time of at least 40-45 minutes so that even if you cannot find an auto, or face traffic issues, you will be safe. Remember that the gates close 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the examination, so plan your travel accordingly.
Essentials to carry
Finally, before leaving for the exam centre, go through this CDS exam 2026 checklist and do not forget to carry these essential items with yourself to avoid any hassle:
- Two black ballpoint pens (you cannot mark answers using a blue ballpoint pen or a gel pen)
- A valid ID proof such as your AADHAR card, PAN card, et cetera
- Your printed CDS (II) 2026 admit card (coloured or black and white)
You may keep these in your bag right now, and relax because you are all set to do well before the examination.
CDS Exam 2026 Checklist: Extra Tips
While we have already shared the CDS exam 2026 checklist, here is a list of some extra tips that you may follow for more confidence and preparedness:
- Take a good sleep before the exam, and do not scroll through social media the night before, as increased screen time will affect your sleep, and sometimes, you may also feel FOMO by looking at others’ lives.
- Go through the instructions given in the admit card properly.
- Know the examination schedule for NDA and CDS here.
- Pack something light for yourself to eat during the break and stay hydrated.
- Carry some cash with yourself as well. If UPI fails, you can still make payments.
- Be very sure while marking answers on your OMR sheet because your marked answers cannot be undone.
