CDS Answer Key 2026 Out, Download CDS 1 Response Sheet @upsc.gov.in

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has conducted the UPSC Combined Defence Service (CDS) 1 Examination on 12th April 2026 in offline mode for candidates to get admission in the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Candidates who appeared for the 3-subject exam can now download the set-wise answer keys from the official website https://www.upsc.gov.in.

CDS Answer Key 2026 Out

UPSC has uploaded the CDS 1 answer key in PDF format for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics subjects. From this answer key, candidates can check the correct answers for all the questions asked in the OMR- based exam. After cross-checking with the officially provided answers, candidates can calculate their tentative marks in the CDS exam by using the marking scheme prescribed by the UPSC.

UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 Download Link

The link to download the official answer key has been activated by the Union Public Service Commission on the official portal www.upsc.gov.in. The answer key will help candidates to review their marked responses in the exam. Candidates who attended the exam can now use this link to download the answer key by clicking on the link below.

Steps to Download CDS 1 Answer Key 2026

After downloading the CDS 1 answer key from the official website, candidates can compare their attempted answers and get an idea about their probable score before the official result is declared. To download the answer key, candidates must follow the steps discussed below:

1. Open the official website of UPSC www.upsc.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, go to the “Examination” section, which is located at the top.
3. From the drop-down menu of the Examination section, select the “Answer Key” option.
4. Then, search for a link titled “CDS 1 Answer Key” and select it.
5. Now select the subject-wise answer keys and download them in PDF format.
6. Now, compare these answers with your responses and calculate your marks.

UPSC CDS 1 Marking Scheme 2026

The marking scheme of the Combined Defence Services Examination is as per UPSC guidelines. In this exam, the marking scheme for the English and General Knowledge subjects is different from that of Elementary Mathematics. Candidates can check the subject-wise marking scheme from the table below:

Note:

• There will be a 1/3rd negative marking for every wrong answer.
• If the candidate had marked more than 1 answer, it would be treated as incorrect.
• There will be no negative marking for unanswered questions.

CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 Raise Objection

Candidates who appeared for the Combined Defence Service 1 Examination can raise objections against the provisional answer key and the question paper through the official representation portal. The Commission will open an objection window for a period of 5 days from 18th April 2026 at 6 pm to 22nd April 2026. To submit the objection, candidates need to use the Representations on the Question Paper and Provisional Answer Key section available on the official website. Once the objection link is activated, we will update the direct link here.

How to Raise Objections Against UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026?

Candidates can raise challenges for any incorrect answer and disputed questions only through the online mode. UPSC will not accept representations sent via email, post, or any offline mode. The Commission will not charge any objection fee. To raise objections, candidates can follow the steps given below:

1. Visit the official UPSC online portal, www.upsc.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, select the Examination section.
3.  From the drop-down menu, select the Representations on the Question Paper.
4. Now, log in using your registered credentials and select CDS 1 Examination 2026 from the exam list.
5. Then fill in the details of the exam date, subject, paper series, and question number.
6. Now enter the reason for your objection clearly in the representation box, up to 1500 characters.
7. To support your claim, you can upload a PDF document of a maximum size of 2 MB.
8. Now, click on Save Draft, and after reviewing, submit the objection.

How to Calculate Marks with CDS 1 Answer Key 2026?

After downloading the Combined Defence Service 1 Exam answer key, candidates can calculate their probable marks. This will provide clarity on their performance in the written exam. Candidates need to remember that the marks calculation will vary with the subjects. To calculate marks, aspirants need to follow the steps as mentioned below:

• At first, download the answer key for all subjects in PDF format.
• Then match your responses to the question paper with the official answer key.
• Count the number of correct answers separately for each subject.
• Then count the number of incorrect answers in every subject.
• After calculating marks by using the formula, add up all subject marks to get your total estimated score.
• Apply the following marking formula:

(a) English and General Knowledge subject: Score = (Number of Correct answers*0.83)-(Number of Incorrect answers*0.27)
(b) Elementry Mathematics subject: Score = (Number of Correct answers*1)-(Number of Incorrect answers*0.33)