The UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 has been released in provisional form for candidates who appeared in the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. UPSC conducted the written examination on 13 September 2026 for 451 vacancies. The provisional keys are available for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics papers.
Candidates can use the key to compare their answers and get an idea of their probable marks before the written result. For easy government job, admit card, result, and answer-key updates, airGurukul also provides useful exam information in simple language.
UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026: Important Dates
Check the important dates for CDS II 2026, including the application period, examination date, provisional answer key release, and other important events related to the recruitment.
| Event | Date |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 June 2026, 06:00 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 11 June 2026, 06:00 PM |
| Admit Card | As Per Schedule |
| CDS II Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | 16 September 2026 |
| Result | As Per Schedule |
The UPSC CDS II examination was conducted on 13 September 2026, and the Commission released the provisional answer key on 16 September 2026.
UPSC CDS II Vacancy Details 2026
Candidates can check the academy-wise vacancy and educational qualification for the Combined Defence Services Examination II, including IMA, INA, Air Force Academy, and OTA posts.
| Academy | Total Posts | Eligibility |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Bachelor's Degree in Any Stream |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | Engineering Degree |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering Degree |
| Officers' Training Academy (OTA) | 293 | Bachelor's Degree in Any Stream |
| Total | 451 | — |
The recruitment covers 451 posts across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Candidates should refer to the official notification for complete eligibility requirements.
UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026: Paper Details
The provisional key is available for all three written papers. Candidates should download the key for the paper they appeared for and match answers with their question booklet.
| Paper | Subject | Status |
| Paper I | English | Released |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | Released |
| Paper III | Elementary Mathematics | Released |
UPSC has listed the provisional answer key for the three CDS II written papers. Candidates should use the key corresponding to their examination paper.
How to Download UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026
Follow these simple steps to find and download the official CDS II provisional answer key from the UPSC website and save the PDF for checking your responses.
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Open the Examination section.
- Go to the Answer Keys section or check the What's New area.
- Find Provisional Answer Key: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
- Select the required paper: English, General Knowledge, or Elementary Mathematics.
- Open the answer-key PDF.
- Download and save the file for future reference.
- Match the answers with your question paper and calculate your probable score.
The official UPSC website currently lists the CDS II 2026 provisional answer key among its latest updates.
How to Calculate Your Expected CDS II Score
Candidates can compare their marked answers with the provisional key to estimate their performance. Use the official CDS marking rules while calculating the expected score.
After downloading the key, candidates should:
- Match each answer with the correct question.
- Count the number of correct answers.
- Count incorrect answers separately.
- Apply the prescribed negative-marking rules.
- Calculate the estimated score for each paper.
The estimated marks are only for reference. The final result will be based on the official evaluation process.
UPSC CDS II Answer Key Objection
Candidates who find an issue with a provisional answer can use the UPSC online representation facility within the prescribed period and submit supporting details as required.
The answer key released by UPSC is provisional, so candidates should check the official instructions if they want to challenge any question or answer. Representations are handled through the UPSC's designated online process.
Candidates should not send objections through unofficial channels. Always follow the instructions and deadline mentioned by UPSC.
UPSC CDS II Result 2026
The written result will be announced separately by UPSC. Candidates can use the provisional key to estimate their performance while waiting for the official result announcement.
The CDS II Result 2026 will be released by UPSC as per its examination schedule. Candidates should regularly check the official website for the written result, cut-off, and further selection updates.
Some Useful Important Links
| Important Resource | Click & Download Links |
| Download Answer Key | Click Here |
| Download Exam Schedule | Click Here |
| Download Date Extended Notice | Click Here |
| Download Full Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Join the airGurukul Channel | Telegram | WhatsApp |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 released?
Yes. UPSC has released the provisional CDS II 2026 answer key for candidates who appeared in the written examination.
When was the CDS II 2026 exam conducted?
The Combined Defence Services Examination II 2026 was conducted on 13 September 2026.
Which papers are covered in the CDS II answer key?
The provisional key covers English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics papers.
How can I download the CDS II answer key?
Visit the UPSC website, open the Answer Keys section, select CDS II 2026, and download the required paper PDF.
