CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 - Download UPSC Provisional Response Sheet & Raise Objections

Source-synced notice · Details shown below were extracted from the referenced publisher.

Last successful check: 4 Nov 2026. The information below comes from the named source; verify the authoritative notification before applying. A failed refresh never replaces previously saved details.

Update type	Answer Key
Recruiting authority	Authority — see source notice
Last successful check	4 Nov 2026
Last date	Not yet verified — check the notice
Reference sources	MySarkariNaukri ↗Publisher reference, not a government portal

Notice information

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 (Provisional Response Sheet) for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. The exam was held on 13 September 2026 across multiple centres in India for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). This Answer Key 2026 is a critical tool for candidates to estimate their scores before the official results. It contains the Solution Key for all three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Candidates must download the PDF from the official UPSC website, match their question booklet series (A/B/C/D), and, if any discrepancies are found, submit representations through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) within the stipulated window. This guide gives you everything you need to access, analyse, and challenge the key.

How to Download the CDS 2 Answer Key 2026

Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
Go to the "What's New" section on the homepage, or the "Examinations" tab.
Click the link titled "Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 - Provisional Answer Key."
Select the relevant paper: English, General Knowledge, or Elementary Mathematics.
The provisional answer key PDF will open. Match it to your question booklet series (A/B/C/D).
Download and save the PDF or take a printout for future reference.

How to Calculate Scores Using the Answer Key

Knowing the marking scheme helps you estimate your raw score accurately. For the CDS 2 2026 exam, the marking pattern is as per UPSC standards:
Each correct answer: +1 mark
Each incorrect answer: –0.33 mark (negative marking of ⅓ mark per wrong answer)
Unanswered questions: 0 marks
To calculate:
Count the number of correct answers (C) from the Answer Key matching your booklet series.
Count the number of incorrect answers (W).
Raw Score = (C × 1) – (W × 0.33)
This score is your estimated total before normalisation (if any) and will help you gauge your chances for the merit list.

Important Dates

Objection Window Opens: 16 September 2026
Objection Window Closes: 20 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM)

Important Instructions

Provisional Answer Key: Released on 16 September 2026 at upsc.gov.in.
Papers Covered: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
Check Carefully: Match the key with your question booklet series (A/B/C/D).
Raise Objections: Submit objections online through QPRep only; email/post is not accepted.
Last Date: Objections can be submitted until 20 September 2026, 6:00 PM.

Application and notification links supplied by the source

Official Websiteupsc.gov.in ↗Source-provided destination — verify before signing in or paying.

Resize photo for form Compress certificates

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Prepare your photo, signature and certificates here

Use AI Tapri to resize your application photo and signature to the required pixels and KB, compress certificate PDFs, and prepare uploads before opening the official application.

Resize signature Check exam form sizes Convert documents to PDF

Read the official notification for qualifications, age limits, category relaxations, fees and important dates. Keep your photo, signature, education certificates and relevant identity documents ready according to that notification.

AI Tapri is not a government website. Complete official sign-in, payments and applications on the recruiting authority’s portal.