The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the provisional answer key for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 on 16 September 2026. The written exam was held on 13 September 2026. Candidates can download the subject-wise answer keys for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics from the official UPSC website and check their responses.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Written Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Question Papers Released | 14 September 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | 16 September 2026 |
| Written Result | To be announced |
How to Download UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026
The answer key is available as PDF files for each paper. Follow these steps to download it from the official website:
- Visit the official UPSC website at https://upsc.gov.in/.
- Open the Examinations section.
- Find Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
- Click the Provisional Answer Key link.
- Open the PDF for English, General Knowledge or Elementary Mathematics.
- Download and save the file, and take a printout if needed.
Papers Covered
UPSC has released separate provisional answer keys for these papers:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
Candidates for IMA, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy appeared in all three papers. OTA candidates appeared in English and General Knowledge only.
How to Check Your Score
Compare your marked answers with the official key. Award marks only for correct answers. For a wrong answer, UPSC deducts one-third of the marks assigned to that question. Unattempted questions carry no marks.
Objections
UPSC has not announced an online objection window for the CDS II 2026 provisional answer key. Candidates should keep checking the official website for any notice on representations or the final answer key.
Expected Result
The written result date has not been announced yet. UPSC will publish the result on its official website. Candidates who qualify the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Provisional Answer Key | Click Here |
| CDS II 2026 Exam Page | Click Here |
| English Question Paper | Click Here |
| General Knowledge Question Paper | Click Here |
| Elementary Mathematics Question Paper | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
Keep visiting the UPSC website for the written result and further SSB updates, and prepare with the official key in the meantime.
