UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 Released: Download Set-wise PDFs

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 at upsc.gov.in. Candidates who appeared in the Combined Defence Services (CDS 1) 2026 examination can now download the answer keys for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for all four sets - A, B, C, and D.

UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 Released at upsc.gov.in

The CDS 1 2026 exam was conducted on April 12, 2026 across various exam centres in India. With the answer key now available, candidates can calculate their probable scores before the official results are declared. The recruitment drive aims to fill 451 vacancies across prestigious defence academies.

UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026: Overview

UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026: Subjects and Sets Available

The answer key has been released for the following subjects and question paper sets:

Elementary Mathematics paper is applicable only for candidates who appeared for IMA, INA, and AFA posts. Candidates who applied for OTA only appeared in English and General Knowledge papers.

How to Download UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2026?

Follow these simple steps to download the official answer key PDF:

1. Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in

2. Go to the "Examinations" section on the homepage

3. Click on "Answer Keys"

4. Look for "CDS Examination (I) 2026 - Answer Key"

5. Click on the subject link - English, General Knowledge, or Elementary Mathematics

6. Select your question paper set (A, B, C, or D)

7. The answer key PDF will open in a new tab

8. Download and save the PDF for reference

UPSC CDS 1 2026: Vacancy Details

The CDS 1 2026 recruitment drive aims to fill 451 vacancies across the following defence academies:4

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
• Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai - Men
• Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai - Women

UPSC CDS 1 2026: Selection Process

Candidates who clear the written examination will be called for the next stages:

Stage 1 - Written Examination (Completed - April 12, 2026)

Objective type exam in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA/INA/AFA).

Stage 2 - SSB Interview

Candidates shortlisted on the basis of written exam marks are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which is a 5-day assessment process covering:

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test
• Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)
• Psychological tests
• Group tasks
• Personal interview

Stage 3 - Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a detailed medical examination to confirm fitness for defence service.

Stage 4 - Final Merit List

The final merit list is prepared on the basis of written exam marks and SSB interview performance combined.

What's Next After the CDS 1 Answer Key?

Use the answer key to calculate your probable score

Compare your score with previous year CDS cutoffs to estimate your chances of clearing the written exam

Keep checking upsc.gov.in for the official CDS 1 Result 2026 announcement

If you expect to qualify, start preparing for the SSB Interview - focus on your personality, communication, and situational judgment