UPSC CDS I Answer key Release date what to do when released

UPSC CDS I Answer key Release date what to do when released

The CDS I exam is taking place on 12 April Sunday. The UPSC will release the answer key for the exam next week on April 18 and will remain open till 22 April for five days it has released the corrigendum regarding this.

Official Provisional Answer Key

• Release Date: 18 April 2026 (UPSC will upload the provisional answer keys for English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics on the official website).
• Objection Window: From 18 April 2026 to 22 April 2026 (till 6:00 PM).
• Candidates can submit representations/challenges against both the question paper and the provisional answer keys through the official UPSC online portal only (upsconline.nic.in → Examinations → Representations on Question Paper & Provisional Answer Keys).
• No objections will be accepted via email, post, or any other mode.
• Final answer keys are released much later (usually after the result declaration).

How to Download Official Answer Key (once released):

The official answer key is out in PDF Format you can download from the UPSC official website and check the questions you have attempted if anything goes wrong you can challenge it

1. Visit upsc.gov.in
2. Go to Examinations → Answer Keys
3. Select CDS and download the PDF for your paper (set-wise where applicable).

Currently (as of 11 April 2026), the official answer key is not yet released.

Unofficial Answer Keys (by Coaching Institutes)

Though some institutes releases the unofficial answer key before UPSC releases the answer key. It is better to wait for the Official answer key which is releasing on April 18.

• English Answer Key
• GK Answer Key
• Maths Answer Key (for IMA/INA/AFA candidates)

How to Calculate Your Score Using Answer Key

• Marking Scheme:
  • Correct answer: +1 mark (English & GK), +1 mark (Maths)
  • Wrong answer: -0.33 marks (1/3rd negative marking)
  • Unattempted: 0
• Maximum Marks:
  • IMA/INA/AFA: English 100 + GK 100 + Maths 100 = 300
  • OTA: English 100 + GK 100 = 200

Important Tip: Unofficial keys may have minor differences. Wait for the official provisional key (16 April) for more accuracy before final score calculation.

Next Steps After Answer Key

• Calculate your expected score.
• Check expected cut-off trends (usually shared by coaching institutes along with the key).
• Prepare for SSB Interview if you expect to clear the written exam.

Post-Written Exam Actions for CDS Candidates (First Choice: Army IMA/OTA)

Mandatory Registration for SSB Interview Call-up

• Who: Candidates qualified in CDS written exam AND selected Army (IMA/OTA) as first preference.
• Action: Register on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in to receive SSB interview call-up information.
• Already Registered?: Do NOT re-register.

Address Updates

• Notify Directly: Army HQ / Naval HQ / Air HQ (as applicable) for any address changes.

Contact Information for Queries

FAQs

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