Last Updated: 17 September 2026
Is UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 released?
Yes. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Provisional Answer Key for Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
The CDS II 2026 written examination was conducted on 13 September 2026, and UPSC uploaded the provisional answer keys on 16 September 2026.
The official answer keys are available separately for:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
Candidates can use the official answer key to compare their answers and calculate their probable written-exam score.
What is UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
The UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 is a national-level defence recruitment examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for admission to various courses of the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy.
The CDS II 2026 notification was released on 20 May 2026.
The examination was conducted on 13 September 2026.
UPSC CDS II 2026 – Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission |
| Examination | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS II 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Notification Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 June 2026 |
| Admit Card | 03 September 2026 |
| Written Exam | 13 September 2026 |
| Answer Key | Released |
| Answer Key Release Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Answer Key Subjects | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC’s official examination page confirms the notification date, examination date, admit card date, question papers and provisional answer key uploads.
When was the UPSC CDS II 2026 Answer Key released?
The UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 was released on 16 September 2026.
UPSC has uploaded the provisional answer keys subject-wise on its official website.
Candidates can check the answer key for:
| Paper | Answer Key Status |
|---|---|
| English | Released |
| General Knowledge | Released |
| Elementary Mathematics | Released |
The official UPSC examination page lists all three provisional answer key PDFs with the upload date of 16 September 2026.
How to download UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026?
Candidates can download the official CDS II Answer Key by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Go to the Examination section.
- Open the Answer Keys section.
- Find Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
- Select the required subject.
- Open the PDF.
- Download and save the answer key.
- Match the answers with your responses from the examination.
The UPSC CDS II 2026 examination page also provides direct subject-wise links for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics answer keys.
Which subjects are included in the CDS II Answer Key 2026?
The provisional answer key has been released for all three written-examination papers:
1. English
The English paper answer key allows candidates to compare their responses with the official answers released by UPSC.
2. General Knowledge
Candidates can use the General Knowledge answer key to check their responses and calculate their probable marks.
3. Elementary Mathematics
The Elementary Mathematics answer key is also available on the UPSC examination page.
How to calculate marks using the UPSC CDS II Answer Key?
Candidates can calculate their probable written-exam score by comparing their marked answers with the official answer key.
The CDS examination follows an objective-type marking system.
For an approximate calculation:
Probable Score = Marks for Correct Answers – Negative Marks for Incorrect Answers
Candidates should use the marking scheme applicable to their paper while calculating their score.
Do not treat the calculated score as the final result. The final result and cut-off will be determined and published by UPSC.
What was the UPSC CDS II Exam Date 2026?
The UPSC CDS II 2026 examination was conducted on 13 September 2026.
UPSC’s official examination page lists 13 September 2026 as the date of commencement of the examination.
How many vacancies were announced in UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies were announced under UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026.
The vacancies are distributed among different defence academies and courses covered by the Combined Defence Services Examination.
The final number of candidates recommended for admission is subject to the selection process, medical fitness, merit and availability of vacancies.
What are the CDS II 2026 courses?
The CDS II examination is conducted for admission to the following defence training institutions:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
The eligibility and degree requirements vary according to the academy/course.
What is the educational qualification for UPSC CDS II 2026?
The educational qualification depends on the academy for which the candidate has applied.
Indian Military Academy and Officers’ Training Academy
Candidates generally require a recognised university degree or equivalent qualification.
Indian Naval Academy
Candidates require an engineering degree from a recognised university/institution.
Air Force Academy
Candidates require a degree from a recognised university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Candidates should refer to the original UPSC CDS II 2026 notification for the complete qualification conditions and applicable requirements.
What is the CDS II 2026 selection process?
The selection process generally consists of:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview/Personality Test
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates must qualify at the relevant stage to proceed further in the selection process.
What is the CDS II 2026 exam pattern?
The written examination pattern depends on the academy/course.
For IMA, INA and AFA, the written examination consists of:
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 |
| Total | 300 |
For OTA:
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
The written papers are objective type.
Is there negative marking in the CDS II Exam?
Yes. Negative marking is applicable in the CDS objective-type examination.
A portion of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for an incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for questions left unanswered.
Candidates should therefore use the official UPSC marking scheme when calculating their probable score.
What should candidates do after checking the CDS II Answer Key?
After downloading the answer key, candidates should:
- Compare all answers carefully.
- Calculate the probable written score.
- Keep the answer key PDF for reference.
- Wait for the official written result.
- Check the official UPSC website for further updates.
- Prepare for the next stage if they qualify.
Candidates should not treat an estimated score as the final result.
When will UPSC CDS II Result 2026 be released?
The CDS II 2026 written result has not been announced on the official UPSC CDS II examination page at the time of this update.
Candidates should check the official UPSC website for the written result after the examination process.
When will UPSC CDS II Cut Off 2026 be released?
The official CDS II 2026 cut-off has not been released with the provisional answer key.
UPSC publishes cut-off information separately after the relevant examination and selection process.
Candidates should not rely on an expected cut-off as an official cut-off.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Released | 03 September 2026 |
| Written Examination | 13 September 2026 |
| Question Papers Uploaded | 14 September 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | 16 September 2026 |
| Written Result | To Be Announced |
| Final Result | To Be Announced |
UPSC’s official CDS II examination page confirms the notification, admit card, question paper and provisional answer key dates. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 – FAQs
Is UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 released?
Yes. UPSC released the provisional CDS II 2026 answer key on 16 September 2026.
When was the CDS II 2026 exam conducted?
The written examination was conducted on 13 September 2026.
Which subjects are covered in the CDS II Answer Key?
The official answer key is available for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.
Where can I download the CDS II Answer Key?
Candidates can download the subject-wise answer keys from the official UPSC website.
How many vacancies were announced for CDS II 2026?
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 was announced for 451 vacancies.
Can I calculate my probable score using the answer key?
Yes. Candidates can compare their responses with the official answer key and calculate an estimated score using the applicable marking scheme.
Is the answer key the final result?
No. The answer key is used to check answers and estimate marks. The official UPSC result is separate.
Has UPSC released the CDS II 2026 cut-off?
No official CDS II 2026 cut-off has been released with the provisional answer key.
Important Links – UPSC CDS II 2026
| Particulars | Important Link |
|---|---|
| CDS II Answer Key 2026 | Click Here to Download Answer Key |
| CDS II Examination Page | Click Here to Visit CDS II Official Page |
| UPSC Answer Keys | Click Here to Visit UPSC Answer Keys |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here to Visit UPSC Official Website |
Latest Government Jobs
| Latest Job Update | Read Full Details |
|---|---|
| UIIC AO Recruitment 2026 – Administrative Officer Posts | Read More |
| MP Police Constable Recruitment 2026 – 7,500 Posts | Read More |
| RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026 – 560 Posts | Read More |
| SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 – 2,536 Posts | Read More |
| UPSSSC Computer Operator Recruitment 2026 – 12 Posts | Read More |