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.
๐ UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
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| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS-I) 2026 |
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| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
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| Answer Key | Released (Provisional) |
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| Subjects | English, General Knowledge, Mathematics |
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| Mode | PDF |
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| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
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๐ฅ Answer Key Download Details
๐ป Download Subject-wise Answer Keys:
๐ Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
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| Paper 1 | English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 3 | Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | โ | 300 | 6 Hours |
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- Objective type questions
- Negative marking applicable for wrong answers
๐ Vacancy Details
| Academy | Vacancies |
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| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| OTA (Men) | 275 |
| OTA (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 451 |
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๐ 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.
โ ๏ธ Objection Process
- UPSC allows representation through QPRep portal
- Time window: within 7 days from exam date
- Only online submissions accepted
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Important Dates
| Event | Date |
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| 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 |
๐ Selection Process
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates qualifying written exam will be called for SSB Interview.
๐ผ Salary & Benefits
- Lieutenant Pay Level: โน56,100+
- Military allowances
- Free medical facilities
- High job respect & career growth
๐ Important Links