UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 – Out
Download Official PDF & Raise Objection
Post Date: 16 September 2026 | 10:00 AM
Short Information:
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS II Answer Key 2026 on 16 September 2026. The Combined Defence Services (II) Examination was conducted on 13 September 2026 in three shifts across the country. Candidates who appeared for the exam can now download the official provisional answer key PDF from the official website and calculate their estimated scores. The objection window will remain open from 16 to 20 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM).
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026
Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II
Important Dates
| CDS II 2026 Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | 16 September 2026 |
| Objection Window Opens | 16 September 2026 |
| Objection Window Closes | 20 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
Vacancy Details
| Academy | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 32 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 287 |
| Total | 451 |
Note: Admission to these academies is subject to clearing the written exam, SSB Interview, and Medical Examination.
How to Download UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026
Follow these simple steps to download your answer key:
Visit the official website: upsc.gov.in
Go to the "What's New" section or Examinations tab.
Click on the link "Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 – Provisional Answer Key".
The answer key PDF will open on your screen.
Download and save the PDF for future reference.
Match your responses with the official key to calculate your probable score.
💡 Expert Tip: Download the answer key immediately. Don't wait for the last minute as the portal may slow down due to heavy traffic.
How to Raise Objections Against CDS II Answer Key 2026
If you find any incorrect answers in the provisional answer key, you can challenge them through the official QPRep portal:
Visit the official portal: upsconline.nic.in
Go to the Examinations section and select QPRep (Question Paper Representation Portal).
Enter your Roll Number and Date of Birth.
Select the question you want to challenge.
Upload valid supporting documents or references for your claim.
Submit your representation before 20 September 2026 (6:00 PM).
Important Instructions:
Only online objections will be accepted through QPRep.
No representations via email, post, or hand delivery will be entertained.
The final answer key will be prepared after reviewing all valid objections.
No correspondence will be entertained after submission.
CDS II 2026 Marking Scheme
| Paper | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer |
|---|---|---|
| English | +1 Mark | -0.33 Mark |
| General Knowledge (GK) | +1 Mark | -0.33 Mark |
| Elementary Mathematics | +1 Mark | -0.33 Mark |
Score Calculation Formula:
Expected Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 1) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 0.33)
Note: A minimum of 20% marks in each subject is required to qualify.
CDS II 2026 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | English | 120 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 3 | Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 340 | 300 | 6 Hours |
Exam Shifts:
Shift 1: English – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Shift 2: General Knowledge – 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Shift 3: Elementary Mathematics – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Expected Cut-Off
Based on previous year trends and paper analysis, the expected written cut-off for CDS II 2026 is:
| Academy | Expected Cut-Off (Out of 300) |
|---|---|
| IMA | 115–125 |
| INA | 100–110 |
| AFA | 125–135 |
| OTA (Men) | 85–95 |
| OTA (Women) | 95–105 |
Note: This is an unofficial estimate. The official cut-off will be released by UPSC along with the final result.
Documents Required for Objection
Roll Number
Date of Birth
Supporting Document / Proof for the challenged question
Valid ID Proof (if required)
Important Instructions
Answer Key Released: 16 September 2026
Objection Window: 16 September to 20 September 2026 (6:00 PM)
Only online objections will be entertained through QPRep.
Final Answer Key will be released after reviewing all valid objections.
Result will be prepared based on the final answer key only.
Keep your login credentials safe for future reference.
Check the official website regularly for updates on the final answer key and result.
Important Links
| Download Answer Key | upsc.gov.in |
| Raise Objection (QPRep) | upsconline.nic.in |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Exam Pattern/Syllabus | Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was the UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 released?
The answer key was released on 16 September 2026.
2. How many vacancies are available for CDS II 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies are available across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
3. What was the CDS II 2026 exam date?
The exam was conducted on 13 September 2026 in three shifts.
4. How can I download the CDS II answer key?
Visit upsc.gov.in and click on the "Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 – Provisional Answer Key" link.
5. What is the last date to raise objections against the CDS II Answer Key 2026?
The last date to submit objections is 20 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM).
6. Is there negative marking in the CDS II exam?
Yes, 0.33 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
7. What is the marking scheme for CDS II exam?
+1 mark for correct answers and -0.33 marks for incorrect answers.
8. Where can I check the CDS II final answer key?
The final answer key will be released on the official website upsc.gov.in after the objection review process.
9. What documents are required to raise objections?
You need to upload valid supporting documents or references for each challenged question.
10. When will the CDS II result be declared?
The result will be announced after the final answer key is released. Check the official website for updates.
11. What is the minimum qualifying marks for CDS II?
A minimum of 20% marks in each subject is required to qualify.
12. How can I calculate my expected score?
Use the formula: (Correct Answers × 1) – (Incorrect Answers × 0.33).