UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026: Download PDF, Marking Scheme & Objection Process

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) successfully conducted the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 Examination 2026 on 12th April 2026. With 451 vacancies on offer across various academies, candidates are eager to assess their performance. The commission released the official answer keys on 16th April 2026, allowing applicants to verify their responses and estimate their final scores.

UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026: Highlights

Attribute	Value
Organisation Name	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name	Combined Defence Service (CDS) 1 Examination 2026
Vacancy	451
Exam Date	12th April 2026
Answer Key Date	16th April 2026
Objection Date	18th to 22nd April 2026
Marking Scheme	Correct: 1 mark Incorrect: 0.33 mark
Official website	www.upsc.gov.in

How to Download CDS 1 Answer Key 2026

1. Visit the official website of UPSC at www.upsc.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the “Examination” section located in the main header menu.
3. Select “Answer Key” from the drop-down list.
4. Locate the link labeled “CDS 1 Answer Key 2026” and click to proceed.
5. Download the relevant subject-wise PDFs provided.
6. Compare the official keys against your own responses to calculate your results.

CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 Download Links

Subjects	Answer Key
English	Download PDF
General Knowledge	Download PDF
Elementary Mathematics	Download PDF

How to Calculate Marks with CDS 1 Answer Key 2026

1. Download the PDFs for all subjects.
2. Match each of your marked responses against the official key.
3. Tally your correct and incorrect answers for every subject separately.
4. Use the formula: English/GK = (Correct × 0.83) – (Incorrect × 0.27); Elementary Mathematics = (Correct × 1) – (Incorrect × 0.33).
5. Sum these scores to estimate your final total.

Important Rules for Scoring

• 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.

How to Raise Objections Against UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026

If you find any discrepancy in the provisional answer key, you can challenge it through the official online representation portal. Note that no fees are required for this process.

1. Visit https://www.upsc.gov.in and select the “Examination” tab.
2. Choose “Representations on the Question Paper” from the menu.
3. Log in using your registered credentials.
4. Select "CDS 1 Examination 2026" and input the required details (date, subject, series, and question number).
5. Enter your objection in the 1500-character description box.
6. Upload supporting documentation in PDF format (maximum size 2 MB).
7. Review your submission and confirm by clicking submit.

What Happens Next?

Once the objection window closes on 22nd April 2026, the commission will review all submissions. Candidates should keep a close watch on the official website for the final result announcement and subsequent instructions regarding service selection board (SSB) interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When was CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 released?

UPSC officially released the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 answer key on 16th April 2026.

Can I raise objections against UPSC CDS 1 provisional answer key 2026?

Yes, candidates can submit objections via the commission’s online representation portal between 18th April and 22nd April 2026.

Will UPSC charge any objection fee for CDS 1 Answer Key 2026?

No, the UPSC does not charge any application or processing fee for challenging the provisional answer key.

What details are mentioned in UPSC CDS 1 answer key 2026 PDF?

The official answer key PDF provides comprehensive details, including the exam name, subject, paper series, total questions, maximum marks, and the correct answer key for each question in a structured table format.