The UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 has been made available on 16 September 2026 after the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2026 was conducted on 13 September 2026. Candidates who appeared in the written examination can now check the answer key and compare the answers attempted during the exam.
The CDS II 2026 recruitment offers 451 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Candidates should use the answer key to review their performance while also preparing for the next stage of the selection process.
Latest Update
The UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 is out on 16 September 2026. The written examination was held on 13 September 2026, while the admit card was released on 03 September 2026.
Candidates who appeared for the CDS II examination can now check the relevant answer key for their examination papers. Comparing the released answers with the responses attempted in the examination can help candidates estimate their probable performance.
The answer key is not the final result. The UPSC CDS II Result 2026 will be released separately after the examination evaluation process.
Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS II 2026 |
| Update | Answer Key Out |
| Answer Key Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Written Examination and Further Selection Stages |
| Official Status | Answer Key Available |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Begin | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Apply Online | 11 June 2026 |
| Pay Exam Fee Last Date | 11 June 2026 |
| Correction Date | As per Schedule |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Available | 03 September 2026 |
| Answer Key Available | 16 September 2026 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹200 |
| OBC | ₹200 |
| EWS | ₹200 |
| SC | ₹0 |
| ST | ₹0 |
| Female | ₹0 |
The examination fee could be paid through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking or E-Challan using the prescribed payment method.
Age Limit
The CDS II 2026 age limit is calculated with reference to 01 July 2027.
| Age Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 20 Years |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years |
| Age Relaxation | As per applicable rules |
The actual age requirement can vary according to the academy/post. Candidates should check the applicable post-wise conditions before proceeding with the next stage.
Vacancy Details
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 has a total of 451 vacancies across four major training academies.
| Post / Academy | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 26 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 293 |
| Total | 451 |
The largest share of vacancies is available under the Officers Training Academy, while separate vacancies are provided for IMA, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy.
Eligibility Details
The educational qualification depends on the academy for which the candidate is applying.
| Academy / Post | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream |
| Indian Naval Academy | Bachelor Degree in Engineering |
| Air Force Academy | Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level |
Candidates should make sure their degree and subject combination matches the requirements applicable to their preferred academy.
UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026
The UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 is available from 16 September 2026. Candidates who appeared in the written examination can use the answer key to compare their attempted answers.
The answer key provides an early opportunity to review examination performance. Candidates can identify correct and incorrect responses and make a probable score calculation according to the applicable examination marking rules.
A probable score should only be treated as an estimate. The official result will be based on the examination evaluation process and will be announced separately by UPSC.
How to Check UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to check the answer key:
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Visit the UPSC examination website.
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Open the latest CDS II 2026 examination updates.
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Find the CDS II Answer Key 2026 link.
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Select the appropriate paper or examination set.
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Open or download the answer key.
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Compare the answers with the responses marked during the examination.
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Keep a copy of the answer key for future reference.
Candidates should select the correct paper while checking the answers because CDS candidates may have different papers depending on the academy and examination requirements.
How to Calculate Expected Marks
Candidates can use the answer key along with their recorded responses to estimate their marks.
First, count the questions for which the marked answer matches the answer provided in the key. Then apply the applicable marks and negative-marking rules of the relevant CDS paper.
The resulting figure is only a probable score, not an official scorecard. Candidates should wait for the official result for confirmation of their performance.
What to Check After Downloading the Answer Key
After opening the CDS II answer key, candidates should carefully verify:
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Examination paper
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Questions attempted
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Correct answers
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Incorrect answers
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Unattempted questions
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Applicable marking rules
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Any instructions associated with the answer key
Candidates who believe they have performed well should continue preparing for the next selection stage instead of waiting for the result.
What Happens After CDS II Answer Key?
The answer key is an important post-examination update, but it does not represent the final selection status.
After the written examination and evaluation process, UPSC will release the CDS II result. Candidates who qualify the required written stage may proceed to the subsequent selection process applicable to their academy.
Keeping educational certificates, identity documents and other required records ready can make the next stage easier.
Selection Process
The CDS II selection process involves the written examination followed by further selection stages for candidates who qualify.
The broad process includes:
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Written Examination
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Shortlisting
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SSB / Further Selection Stage
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Document Verification
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Medical Examination
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Final selection as per applicable rules
The exact requirements can differ according to the academy and course.
Documents to Keep Ready
Candidates who expect to qualify should organize their important documents in advance, including:
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CDS II application details
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Valid identity proof
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Graduation degree or qualifying documents
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10+2 documents where applicable
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Engineering degree documents for Naval Academy candidates
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Category certificate, where applicable
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Recent photographs
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Other documents required for the next selection stage
Candidates should carry or submit documents according to the requirements communicated for their particular stage.
Academy-Wise Vacancy Snapshot
The 451 CDS II vacancies cover four academy categories. IMA has 100 vacancies, the Indian Naval Academy has 26, the Air Force Academy has 32, and OTA has 293 vacancies.
This distribution means candidates should pay close attention to the academy-specific eligibility requirements. In particular, the Naval Academy requires an Engineering degree, while the Air Force Academy requires a degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
Important Points
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UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 is out.
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The answer key was made available on 16 September 2026.
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CDS II 2026 written examination was conducted on 13 September 2026.
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The admit card was available from 03 September 2026.
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There are 451 total vacancies.
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IMA has 100 vacancies.
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Indian Naval Academy has 26 vacancies.
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Air Force Academy has 32 vacancies.
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OTA has 293 vacancies.
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The age limit is calculated as on 01 July 2027.
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Candidates can use the answer key to estimate their probable marks.
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The answer key should not be considered the final result.
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Candidates expecting to qualify should continue preparing for the next selection stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was the UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 released?
The UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 was made available on 16 September 2026. Candidates who appeared in the examination can use it to compare their answers.
2. When was the UPSC CDS II 2026 examination conducted?
The CDS II 2026 written examination was conducted on 13 September 2026. The admit card was available from 03 September 2026.
3. How many vacancies are available in UPSC CDS II 2026?
There are 451 total vacancies in CDS II 2026. The vacancies are distributed among IMA, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and OTA.
4. How many vacancies are available in IMA?
The Indian Military Academy has 100 vacancies under CDS II 2026.
5. How many vacancies are available in OTA?
The Officers Training Academy has 293 vacancies in the CDS II 2026 examination.
6. What is the eligibility for IMA in CDS II 2026?
Candidates applying for IMA should have a Bachelor Degree in Any Stream. The applicable course and recruitment conditions should also be satisfied.
7. What is the eligibility for OTA?
For OTA, candidates should have a Bachelor Degree in Any Stream. Candidates should check the applicable academy-specific requirements before proceeding.
8. What qualification is required for the Indian Naval Academy?
Candidates applying for the Indian Naval Academy should have a Bachelor Degree in Engineering.
9. What qualification is required for the Air Force Academy?
Candidates should have a Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level for the Air Force Academy.
10. What is the age limit for CDS II 2026?
The stated age range is 20 to 24 years, with the age calculated as on 01 July 2027. Post-wise conditions should be checked for the final eligibility.
11. What is the CDS II application fee for General candidates?
The application fee for General, OBC and EWS candidates is ₹200. SC, ST and female candidates are exempt from the examination fee as specified.
12. How can I check the CDS II Answer Key 2026?
Candidates can open the UPSC examination updates and access the CDS II 2026 answer key. The relevant paper should be selected before comparing answers.
13. Can I calculate my expected marks using the CDS II answer key?
Yes. Candidates can compare their attempted answers with the released key and calculate a probable score using the applicable marking rules.
14. Is the CDS II Answer Key 2026 the final result?
No. The answer key only helps candidates review their examination performance. The official CDS II result will be released separately.
15. What is the total Air Force Academy vacancy in CDS II 2026?
The Air Force Academy has 32 vacancies in the CDS II 2026 recruitment.
16. How many vacancies are available in the Indian Naval Academy?
The Indian Naval Academy has 26 vacancies under CDS II 2026.
17. What should I do after checking the CDS II answer key?
Candidates should review their probable performance and continue preparing for the next selection stage if they expect to qualify. Important educational and identity documents should also be kept ready.
18. When will the CDS II Result 2026 be released?
The result will be released separately after completion of the examination evaluation process. Candidates should monitor the next official examination update for the result announcement.
Final Update
The UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 is out on 16 September 2026 following the written examination held on 13 September 2026. Candidates can now compare their answers and estimate their probable performance.
With 451 vacancies available across IMA, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and OTA, candidates should remain prepared for the next stage after the written examination. The answer key is only a performance-checking tool, while the official result will determine qualification for the subsequent selection process.