UPSC CDS Answer Key 2026: Download Set-wise PDFs, Marking Scheme, Objections & How to Calculate Scores
UPSC released the CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 on April 16, 2026 — set-wise PDFs for A, B, C, D are available on the official website upsc.gov.in . If you sat for the CDS exam on April 12, 2026 , this answer key lets you calculate a provisional score for English, General Knowledge and Mathematics.
Quick Summary: What’s Out and Why It Matters
The UPSC CDS Answer Key 2026 is a provisional key listing correct options question-wise for every set. You should download the set that matches your question paper and use the CDS marking scheme 2026 to estimate your score. If you see a discrepancy, you can raise objections through the UPSC QPRep portal during the specified window.
UPSC CDS Answer Key 2026: Key Dates & Exam Sessions
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| CDS 1 Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release Date | April 16, 2026 |
| Objection Window Opens | April 18, 2026 |
| Objection Window Closes | April 22, 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Exam Sessions | 9:00–11:00 AM , 12:00–2:00 PM , 3:00–5:00 PM |
If you appeared in any of the three slots on April 12, check your set (A/B/C/D) carefully before calculating marks.
Where to Download the UPSC CDS Answer Key 2026
- Visit upsc.gov.in and look for the "Answer Key" section. The official PDF link is labelled "CDS 1 Answer Key 2026" .
- Open the PDF and identify your question paper set (A/B/C/D). The PDFs contain set-wise answers for English, GK and Mathematics.
- Download and save the PDF (or take screenshots) for offline reference and any objection evidence.
If the PDF does not open, clear your browser cache or try another browser. Disable pop-up blockers if the file opens in a new tab. The answer key is published in standard PDF format; file size may vary by set but the site provides PDF links directly.
Understanding the Answer Key PDF
Each CDS answer key PDF lists question numbers with the correct option next to them, arranged set-wise. That means Set A’s PDF shows the answers for Set A only; do not mix answers between sets. The PDF does not show exam paper content or solutions—only the chosen correct options.
How to match quickly: confirm your set code printed on the question paper and use the PDF search (Ctrl+F) to jump to question numbers. Keep a record of the question numbers you believe you answered differently — this helps if you plan to raise an objection on the UPSC QPRep portal.
CDS Marking Scheme 2026: Exact Scores & Negative Marking
| Subject | Marks per correct answer | Penalty per wrong answer (1/3rd) |
|---|---|---|
| English & General Knowledge | +0.83 | -0.27 |
| Mathematics | +1.00 | -0.33 |
Negative marking equals one-third of the marks assigned to each question. Use the following formula for each subject:
Total subject score = (Number of correct answers × Marks per correct) - (Number of wrong answers × Penalty per wrong)
Combine subject totals to get your provisional aggregate score.
Worked Examples: Calculate Your Score (Solved Examples)
Below are simple worked examples so you can plug in your own correct/wrong counts. These use only the official CDS marking scheme 2026 figures.
Example 1 — English/GK only
- Suppose you had 40 correct and 10 wrong in the English/GK paper.
- Correct marks = 40 × 0.83 = 33.20
- Penalty = 10 × 0.27 = 2.70
- Subject total = 33.20 − 2.70 = 30.50
Example 2 — Mathematics only
- Suppose you had 30 correct and 5 wrong in Mathematics.
- Correct marks = 30 × 1.00 = 30.00
- Penalty = 5 × 0.33 = 1.65
- Subject total = 30.00 − 1.65 = 28.35
Combined Total (English/GK + Maths) in these examples = 30.50 + 28.35 = 58.85
Sanity checks: do not count unattempted questions as wrong. Only subtract negative marks for answers you marked but believe are incorrect. Use the set-wise answers to tally correct/wrong counts precisely.
How to Raise an Objection via UPSC QPRep Portal
The objection window for the CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 is April 18 to April 22, 2026 (closes at 6:00 PM) . UPSC accepts objections only through the QPRep portal; email or physical petitions are not accepted.
What you should prepare before logging into QPRep:
- The exact question number and set (A/B/C/D).
- The answer you marked and the option UPSC shows as correct.
- A short justification for your objection — cite standard textbooks, official publications or a reliable online source where possible.
- Screenshots of the answer key and the question (if you have them).
Submit your objection within the window. Keep a copy or screenshot of the submission confirmation. The portal handles only online submissions; follow QPRep instructions for file formats and size limits.
Common Questions About Objections & What to Expect
Is there an objection fee?
There is
no official mention
of an objection fee for CDS 1 in the released notice. Check the UPSC QPRep portal at the time of submission for any update — the portal is the authoritative place for fee details or waivers.
How long will UPSC take to resolve objections?
UPSC has not provided a timeline for resolution in the answer key notification. After the objection window closes, you should monitor
upsc.gov.in
for updates. Accepted objections may lead to changes in the final answer key and could alter provisional scores.
Will accepted objections affect the final result?
Yes. If UPSC accepts any objection and modifies the official key, marks for that question will be adjusted for all candidates who attempted it. This can change the final qualifying list and cutoffs.
What the Answer Key Doesn’t Tell You (Coverage Gaps)
- The released key does not list a result declaration date or expected cutoff scores.
- UPSC did not specify any objection fee or give a timeline for resolving raised objections.
- There’s no information on SSB schedule , subsequent selection stages, or normalisation and tie-break rules in this release.
- Some reports omit direct clickable URLs to each set-wise PDF; always rely on upsc.gov.in and the QPRep portal for authoritative files.
- The PDF contains answers only; it does not include full solutions or step-by-step explanations for Maths questions.
If you need clarity on any procedural point, check the official website regularly and retain evidence of any objection you submit.
Practical Tips After Downloading the Key
- Confirm your paper set (A/B/C/D) before you start counting answers. A single-set mix-up will give the wrong result.
- Use the worked examples above with your own correct/wrong counts to get a provisional score.
- Save screenshots or download receipts after you submit an objection on the UPSC QPRep portal. These act as proof if you need follow-up.
- If your provisional score looks close to last-year cutoffs (monitor past trends separately), start preparing for SSB and document verification — don’t wait for the final result.
Quick Checklist: Action Items for Candidates
- Download the set-wise CDS 1 PDF immediately from upsc.gov.in and confirm your set.
- Count correct and wrong answers subject-wise and calculate scores using the CDS marking scheme 2026 table above.
- If needed, prepare clear evidence and submit objections on UPSC QPRep between April 18–22, 2026 before 6:00 PM.
- Keep all screenshots, PDFs and submission confirmations safely stored.
- Watch the official website for updates on the final key and result declaration.
FAQs
Q: How do I download the CDS 1 Answer Key 2026?
A: Go to
upsc.gov.in
, click on the Answer Key section, open the link titled
"CDS 1 Answer Key 2026"
, then download the set-wise PDF (A/B/C/D) that matches your question paper.
Q: How do I calculate my marks using the CDS answer key?
A: Use the formula: Total = (Correct × Marks per question) − (Wrong × Penalty). For English/GK use +0.83 and −0.27 per wrong; for Maths use +1.0 and −0.33 per wrong.
Q: Who can raise objections and where?
A: Any candidate who appeared in CDS 1 2026 can raise objections for discrepancies in their paper only via the
UPSC QPRep portal
during the objection window (April 18–22, 2026).
Q: Is there a fee to raise an objection?
A: The published answer key notice did not mention an objection fee. Check the QPRep portal at the time of filing — the portal lists any fee or waiver details if applicable.
Q: Will accepted objections change the final result?
A: If UPSC accepts an objection and revises the key, marks for that question will be adjusted for all candidates. This can affect final scores and cutoffs.
Q: Where can I find set-wise answers for Sets A, B, C, D?
A: Each set has its own PDF on
upsc.gov.in
under the Answer Key section. Download the PDF labelled with your set (A/B/C/D).
Q: When will the final CDS result be declared?
A: UPSC has not announced the result date alongside the answer key. Monitor
upsc.gov.in
for the official result notification.
Q: What if I don’t have proof of the question paper?
A: Keep your own question paper, admit card and any photos/screenshots you took on exam day. These help when preparing an objection, but UPSC processes objections based on question number, set and submitted justification.