The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Answer Key for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026. Candidates who appeared for this prestigious examination can now download the answer keys for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Access the direct links below to verify your responses and estimate your scores.
Table of Contents
Overview Table
| ProJobAlert.com | |
| UPSC CDS II Exam 2026 Answer Key Advertisement No.: – | |
| Recruitment Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026 |
| Exam Date | To be Notified |
| Answer Key Release Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Answer Key Status | Released |
| Next Stage of Selection | SSB Interview |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Download Answer Key Now | |
Answer Key Release Date & Notification Details
The UPSC CDS II 2026 Answer Key has been released following the successful conduct of the written examination. Candidates are advised to download the keys promptly to cross-check their answers. The selection process for CDS II involves a written examination followed by an SSB Interview for qualified candidates.
- Answer Key Release Date: The official answer keys were released on 16 September 2026.
- Application Period: The application process for CDS II 2026 was conducted from 20 May 2026 to 11 June 2026.
- Total Vacancies: A total of 451 posts were announced across various academies including IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Direct Link to Check Answer Key
To facilitate easy access, direct links to download the UPSC CDS II 2026 Answer Keys for individual subjects are provided below. Candidates can click on the respective links to view and download the PDF files. Ensure you have a stable internet connection for a smooth download experience.
- Download Answer Key (English): Click Here
- Download Answer Key (General Knowledge): Click Here
- Download Answer Key (Elementary Mathematics): Click Here
Cut Off Marks / Merit List Information
The Cut Off Marks for the UPSC CDS II 2026 examination will be released by the Commission along with the final result or after the completion of all selection stages. Candidates should note that the cut-off varies based on the academy (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) and category. The Merit List will be prepared based on the combined performance in the written exam and the SSB Interview.
Next Stage of Selection Process
Candidates who successfully clear the written examination based on the official answer key and cut-off marks will be called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview. This is a comprehensive personality and intelligence assessment conducted over several days. It is crucial for candidates to prepare thoroughly for this stage, as it plays a significant role in the final selection for the Combined Defence Services.
- SSB Interview: Qualified candidates will undergo a rigorous 5-day SSB Interview process.
- Medical Examination: Post-SSB, candidates will undergo a detailed medical examination.
- Final Merit List: The final merit list will be prepared based on the performance in the written exam and SSB Interview, subject to medical fitness.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates are advised to carefully review the UPSC CDS II 2026 Answer Key and compare it with their marked responses. This will help in assessing their performance and preparing for the next stages. Any discrepancies or objections regarding the answer key should be raised within the stipulated timeframe as per UPSC guidelines.
- Verify Answers: Match your responses with the official answer key for accuracy.
- Estimate Score: Calculate your probable score to gauge your chances for the next stage.
- Objection Window: Stay informed about the official window for raising objections against the answer key.
- Official Website: Regularly visit the UPSC official website for all updates and announcements.
How to Download Answer Key PDF
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to easily download the UPSC CDS II 2026 Answer Key PDF from the official website. Ensure you have your exam details ready for any required login credentials, although for answer keys, direct PDF downloads are often available.
- Step 1: Visit the official website of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at upsc.gov.in.
- Step 2: Navigate to the “Examinations” or “What’s New” section on the homepage.
- Step 3: Look for the link titled “Answer Key: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026” or similar.
- Step 4: Click on the relevant subject link (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics) to open the PDF.
- Step 5: The Answer Key PDF will open in a new tab. You can then download and save it for future reference.
- Step 6: Compare your answers with the provided key to assess your performance.
Important Links
| Download Answer Key PDF | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Defence Jobs | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was the UPSC CDS II 2026 Answer Key released?
The UPSC CDS II 2026 Answer Key was released on 16 September 2026.
How can I download the CDS II Answer Key?
You can download the answer key from the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) by navigating to the “Examinations” or “What’s New” section and clicking on the relevant answer key link.
For which subjects are the answer keys available?
Answer keys are available for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics subjects of the CDS II 2026 examination.
What is the next stage after the written exam for CDS II?
Candidates who qualify the written exam will be called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview, followed by a medical examination.
Will UPSC release the cut-off marks along with the answer key?
No, the cut-off marks are typically released by UPSC along with the final result or after the completion of all selection stages, not with the answer key.
Can I raise objections against the UPSC CDS II Answer Key?
Yes, UPSC usually provides a specific window for candidates to raise objections against the provisional answer key. Keep an eye on the official website for such announcements.
What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC CDS II 2026?
A total of 451 vacancies were announced for the UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026 across various academies.