CDS Answer Key 2026- The Union Public Service Commission releases the official CDS 2 English 2026 answer key for download online on the official website. Candidates can download the official CDS English answer key only from upsc.gov.in. The official answer key will be made available after the CDS exam is conducted. However, many coaching centres, such as Major Kalshi Classes and Cavalier, released unofficial versions of the CDS answer key on the same day as the exam.
This gives candidates the ability to calculate their tentative scores immediately after the exam. Candidates are able to check if they have passed the expected CDS cut-off with the help of the answer key. Candidates who have scored above the cutoff, as per the official results of the CDS exam, will be eligible to attempt the SSB interview. Candidates can use the English CDS 2 answer key 2026 to cross-check the answers they gave in the exam and accordingly calculate a tentative score.
To refer to the past UPSC CDS 2 English Answer Key 2026 for preparation, candidates can also download the past years' question papers and practice solving them for the upcoming exam. The download links for the UPSC CDS English answer key are available in the content below. Candidates who attempted the exam are advised to download the CDS 2 English Answer Key 2026 after it is released.
Candidates must check the CDS exam dates 2026 to keep track of all the events related to the exam. For more details, candidates can check the table given below.
Events | Dates |
CDS 2 2026 Exam | September 13, 2026 |
CDS 2 2026 Unofficial Answer Key | To be announced |
CDS 2 2026 Answer Key (Official) | To be announced |
Events | Dates |
CDS 1 2026 Exam | April 12, 2026 |
CDS 1 2026 Unofficial Answer Key | April 12, 2026 |
CDS 1 2026 Answer Key (Official) | April 16, 2026 |
Quick Links:
Candidates preparing for the CDS English exam 2026 are advised to download both the previous year's answer key as well as the past years' question papers. Past years' answer keys are very helpful during preparation, as using them allows candidates to evaluate their performance while solving past years' CDS question papers for practice. Candidates can view and download the previous year's official CDS answer keys for English (both official and unofficial) from the table below.
Paper | Download Links (All Sets available) |
English |
Paper | Download Links (All Sets available) |
English |
Subject | Coaching Institutes | |
MAJOR KALSHI Classes | Cavalier | |
English | ||
CDS English Answer Key links |
Quick Links:
Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC - upsc.gov.in
Step 2: Click on the “Examination” tab.
Step 3: Select answer keys from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Click on the CDS 2 English answer key 2026.
Step 5: Check and download the CDS 2 answer key 2026 PDF for future reference.
The CDS English question paper consists of 120 questions, each worth 0.83 marks. Candidates must attempt the CDS English paper within a 2-hour time frame. In the CDS English paper, 0.83 marks are allotted to each question while 0.27 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. For more details, candidates can check the table given below.
Answer | Marking scheme |
Correct answer | +0.83 |
Incorrect answer | -0.27 |
Unattempted | NIL |
Total Estimated Score = 5/6 x Number of correct answers -5/18 x Number of incorrect answers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The CDS selection process 2026 consists of a written exam, SSB interview and medical examination.
The CDS Full Form is Combined Defence Services exam.
Yes, Candidates can challenge the CDS 2 English answer key after the activation of objection window on the official website.
Candidates can download the CDS admit card 2026 through their registration number and date of birth.
The CDS paper holds 100 marks, with 0.83 marks allotted to every correct answer and a negative marking of 0.27 marks for every wrong answer.
Candidates can download the answer key either on the UPSC website, or using the direct link posted here.
On Question asked by student community
Hello Dear Student,
Born on January 11, 2008, you will turn 22 in 2030. You will have
0 CDS attempts left
for permanent commission academies (IMA/AFA/INA). However, you will have exactly
4 attempts
for the Officers Training Academy (OTA), which you can utilize across your final year of graduation and
Dear Student,
If you want to give the CDS 1 2027 exam, the age limit varies depending on the specific academy you are applying for. The minimum age is 19 years. For Officers' Training Academy, the age limit is 19 to 25 years.
Read more at : CDS Eligibility Criteria
Hello, to prepare for the CDS exam, focus on the exam pattern, syllabus, and regular practice of previous years' papers and mock tests. Make a study plan and revise important topics regularly.
For more information about the CDS exam, you can check this link: CDS Exam Pattern
Hello Dear Student,
Yes, if your date of birth is 18 October 2002, you are likely to be eligible for CDS OTA in 2027, as the age limit for OTA is generally 19 to 25 years. Candidates applying for OTA are usually required to be born within the prescribed date
Hi !!
As per the UPSC CDS eligibility criteria for IMA, you are eligible to apply for the CDS 2 exam.
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