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UPSC CDS Answer Key 2026: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS (1) 2026 Answer Key for the Combined Defence Services Examination. Candidates who appeared in the exam can now download the subject-wise provisional answer key PDF for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.
The CDS (1) 2026 exam was conducted on 12 April 2026 across multiple centers in India.
📊 UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS-I) 2026 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Answer Key | Released (Provisional) |
| Subjects | English, General Knowledge, Mathematics |
| Mode | |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
📥 Answer Key Download Details
🔻 Download Subject-wise Answer Keys:
- 📘 Mathematics Answer Key – Download PDF
- 📗 General Knowledge Answer Key – Download PDF
- 📕 English Answer Key – Download PDF
📝 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 3 | Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | – | 300 | 6 Hours |
- Objective type questions
- Negative marking applicable for wrong answers
📊 Vacancy Details
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| OTA (Men) | 275 |
| OTA (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
📈 How to Calculate Score
- +1 mark for each correct answer
- Negative marking for wrong answers
- Use answer key to estimate expected score
Candidates should match their responses with the official answer key PDF to calculate scores.
⚠️ Objection Process
- UPSC allows representation through QPRep portal
- Time window: within 7 days from exam date
- Only online submissions accepted
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | 16 April 2026 |
| Result | Expected May 2026 |
🎓 Selection Process
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates qualifying written exam will be called for SSB Interview.
💼 Salary & Benefits
- Lieutenant Pay Level: ₹56,100+
- Military allowances
- Free medical facilities
- High job respect & career growth
🔗 Important Links
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
❓ FAQs: UPSC CDS Answer Key 2026
1. When was UPSC CDS (1) 2026 Answer Key released?
The UPSC CDS (1) 2026 Answer Key was released in April 2026 after the exam conducted on 12 April 2026.
2. How can I download the CDS 1 Answer Key 2026?
You can download the answer key PDF for English, General Knowledge and Mathematics from the official UPSC website or trusted sources.
3. Is there negative marking in UPSC CDS Exam?
Yes, UPSC CDS exam has negative marking for incorrect answers in objective type questions.
4. Can I raise objection against CDS Answer Key?
Yes, UPSC allows candidates to raise objections through the QPRep portal within 7 days after the exam.
5. When will UPSC CDS 1 Result 2026 be declared?
The CDS 1 result is expected to be declared in May 2026.
