CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 - Download UPSC Provisional Response Sheet & Raise Objections
Union Public Service Commission (Website)
Location: IndiaExam Date: 2026-09-13
| Age Limit | As per the official CDS 2026 notification, age limits vary by academy, typically ranging from 19 to 25 years, with applicable relaxations for SC/ST/OBC candidates. |
Job Description
Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the provisional answer key for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II), 2026. This release follows the successful conduct of the written examination held on 13 September 2026 across various centers nationwide. Candidates who participated in the selection process for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy can now access the provisional response sheets to evaluate their performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Candidates should download the provisional answer key corresponding to their specific question booklet series (A, B, C, or D).
- Review the provided answers against their own marked responses to estimate their potential scores.
- Identify any discrepancies or errors in the provisional key that may require formal clarification.
- Utilize the official Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) to submit evidence-based challenges for any contested questions.
- Ensure all representations are submitted within the stipulated timeframe to be considered by the commission's subject matter experts.
- Monitor the official UPSC website for the subsequent release of the final answer key, which will be used for result compilation.
Why Apply
Accessing the provisional answer key is a critical step for candidates to gauge their standing before the final results are declared. It provides transparency in the evaluation process and allows for the correction of any potential errors through the formal objection mechanism.
Important Dates
- Written Exam Date: 13 September 2026
- Provisional Answer Key Release: 16 September 2026
- Objection Window Deadline: 20 September 2026 (6:00 PM)
Quick Facts
- Exam: CDS (II) 2026
- Conducting Body: UPSC
- Location: Nationwide
- Category: Defence Exams
Age Limit (Detail)
As per the official CDS 2026 notification, age limits vary by academy, typically ranging from 19 to 25 years, with applicable relaxations for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
Selection Process
The selection process for CDS involves a written examination followed by an Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The written exam consists of objective-type papers covering English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Candidates who qualify in the written stage are shortlisted for the SSB interview, which evaluates their psychological aptitude, group dynamics, and leadership qualities. Final merit lists are prepared based on the combined performance in both the written exam and the SSB interview.
Exam Pattern
The written examination comprises three papers: English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks). Each paper is of two hours duration. There is a negative marking scheme where one-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in each paper to be considered for the next stage.
Application Fee
Not applicable for the answer key objection process.
Vacancy Details
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
How to Apply
- Navigate to the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Locate the 'What's New' section on the homepage to find the CDS (II) 2026 answer key link.
- Select the link to view the provisional answer key PDF for the relevant paper.
- Download the document and match the answers with your specific question booklet series.
- To raise objections, visit the QPRep portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- Log in using your roll number and date of birth.
- Select the specific question and paper you wish to challenge.
- Provide the necessary justification and submit your representation before the deadline.
- Retain a copy of your submitted representation for future reference.
Detailed Notification Link
| Download Answer Key | View Notification |
