UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 Out, Direct Link to Download and Calculate Marks

UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 released. Download PDF, check answers, calculate marks, and raise objections online at upsc.gov.in.

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The UPSC has come out with the UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 for those aspirants who had appeared for the Combined Defence Services Exam. The exam took place on 12 April 2026, and the provisional answer keys are available at the official site, upsc.gov.in.
Aspirants can download the answer key PDF for all subjects and estimate their scores.

UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026: Key Highlights

It is important to mention that the UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 has already been released by the Union Public Service Commission, and it is sure to bring happiness to many candidates appearing for the exam. The CDS Exam was conducted on April 12, 2026, where many candidates participated in order to secure admission in one of the defense academies. By releasing the CDS 1 Provisional Answer Key, candidates have the opportunity to analyse their performance in the exam.

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 Examination 2026
Conducting Authority	UPSC
Exam Date	12 April 2026
Answer Key Release Date	16 April 2026
Mode of Exam	Offline (OMR-based)
Total Vacancies	451

Direct Link to Download the UPSC CDS Answer Key 2026

Candidates can download the CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 directly from the official UPSC portal by visiting the Answer Key section under the Examination tab.

Subject	Download Link
CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 for English	Download PDF
CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 for General Knowledge	Download PDF
CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 for Elementary Mathematics	Download PDF

How to Download UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026

Follow these steps to access the answer key:

Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in)
Click on the “Examination” tab
Select “Answer Key” from the dropdown
Find CDS 1 Answer Key 2026
Choose subject-wise PDF
Download and save for reference

How to Calculate Marks Using UPSC CDS Answer Key

Candidates can estimate their scores using the official marking scheme:

Correct Answer: +1 mark
Incorrect Answer: -0.33 mark

Score Calculation Formula:

Total Score = (Correct Answers × 1) – (Wrong Answers × 0.33)

Using this formula, aspirants can get a realistic estimate of their CDS 1 exam performance.

CDS Answer Key 2026 Objection Window

UPSC has also provided an opportunity for candidates to raise objections against the provisional answer key.

Start Date: 18 April 2026
Last Date: 22 April 2026
Mode: Online only
Fee: No fee

Candidates must submit objections through the official portal with proper justification and supporting documents.

Steps to Raise Objections

Visit the UPSC official website
Go to “Representations on Question Paper”
Login with credentials
Select CDS 1 Examination 2026
Enter question details and justification
Upload supporting documents
Submit the form

What After CDS 1 Answer Key 2026?

After reviewing objections, UPSC will release the final answer key followed by the CDS Result 2026. Candidates who qualify will proceed to the SSB Interview, the next stage in the selection process for defence services like: