UPSC CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 Released
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the provisional answer key for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026 on 16th September 2026. Candidates who appeared for the written examination across various centers nationwide can now access and download the provisional answer key for all three core subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The answer key helps candidates cross-verify their responses, calculate tentative scores, and evaluate their qualification prospects for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview round.
Overview & Notification Background
The UPSC CDS examination is conducted twice a year to recruit eligible officers for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Following the successful conduct of the written paper, the commission has made the set-wise answer keys available online. Candidates are advised to carefully check their question booklet series (Set A, Set B, Set C, Set D) against the published official solution keys. If any discrepancies or incorrect options are found, candidates can challenge the provisional key through the official objection window.
Key Summary Details
| Event / Detail | Official Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS 2) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Answer Key Release Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Objection Submission Start Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Objection Submission Deadline | 20 September 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
Subject-Wise Answer Key & Examination Structure
The written exam consists of three distinct objective papers for candidate entry into IMA, INA, and AFA, while candidates applying for OTA appear only for English and General Knowledge. Below is the detailed subject breakdown:
- English Paper: Evaluates candidate's comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary skills. Contains 120 objective questions worth 100 total marks.
- General Knowledge Paper: Tests knowledge on current affairs, history, geography, physics, chemistry, biology, and Indian polity. Contains 120 objective questions worth 100 total marks.
- Elementary Mathematics Paper: Focuses on arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and mensuration. Contains 100 objective questions worth 100 total marks.
Marking Scheme & How to Calculate Your Score
Candidates should strictly follow the marking scheme prescribed by UPSC to estimate their tentative marks accurately:
- English & General Knowledge: Each correct answer carries approximately +0.83 marks. Every incorrect answer results in a negative deduction of -0.27 marks (1/3rd penalty).
- Elementary Mathematics: Each correct answer carries +1.0 mark. Every incorrect response leads to a negative deduction of -0.33 marks.
- Unattempted or unanswered questions carry zero marks and no penalty is applied.
Formula for Score Calculation:
Total Calculated Score = (Number of Correct Responses x Marks per Correct Answer) - (Number of Incorrect Responses x Penalty Value)
Step-by-Step Guide to Download UPSC CDS 2 Answer Key 2026
- Visit the official portal of Union Public Service Commission at upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the 'Examination' tab or check the 'What's New' section on the homepage.
- Click on the link titled 'Answer Keys: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026'.
- Select the subject paper you wish to review (English, General Knowledge, or Elementary Mathematics).
- The official PDF containing set-wise answers (Set A, B, C, D) will open on your screen.
- Download and save the PDF file for cross-verification.
How to Submit Objections Against the Provisional Answer Key
If candidates identify any errors, faulty options, or ambiguous questions in the provisional key, UPSC provides an online representation mechanism via the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep). Follow these guidelines to raise objections:
- Visit the official online representations portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- Select the examination name: CDS II Examination 2026.
- Log in using your Roll Number, Date of Birth, and the required captcha verification.
- Select the paper set, question number, and specify the query/objection clearly.
- Attach supporting documentary proof or authentic references to validate your claim.
- Submit the representation online prior to the strict deadline of 20th September 2026.
Note: Representations submitted via postal mail, email, or any offline mode will not be considered by UPSC under any circumstances.