Q1. When did UPSC release the CDS II 2026 provisional answer key?

The commission uploaded the provisional answer key on 16 September 2026. It came out four days after the written exam. You can download it from upsc.gov.in. Three separate PDFs cover English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.

Q2. What were the exam shift timings for UPSC CDS II 2026?

The written exam was held on 13 September 2026 in three sessions. English started at 9:00 AM and closed at 11:00 AM. General Knowledge ran from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Elementary Mathematics was conducted from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Reporting time at the centre is much earlier than the paper time.

Q3. Is there negative marking in the UPSC CDS II written exam?

Yes, one third of the marks given to a question are cut for every wrong answer. Multiple answers marked against one question attract the same penalty. Questions left blank carry no penalty at all. So guesswork needs to be careful.

Q4. Who is exempted from paying the CDS II application fee?

SC, ST, Female and PwBD candidates are fully exempted from the Rs 200 fee. General, OBC and EWS candidates paid the full amount. Payment was accepted through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI and e-Challan. Unpaid forms were rejected outright.

Q5. How do I raise an objection against the provisional answer key?

You can challenge the key only within the window notified by UPSC. Every challenged question needs a fee of Rs 100. That fee is refunded when the objection is accepted by the expert panel. Objections sent by post or email are not entertained.

Q6. What is the age limit and cutoff date for CDS II 2026?

The minimum age was 20 years and the maximum was 24 years. Age is calculated as on 01 July 2027. OBC candidates get 3 years of upper age relaxation. SC and ST candidates get 5 years, while PwBD candidates get up to 10 years. Exact academy wise limits are given in the notification.

Q7. Which academies recruited through the CDS II 2026 exam?

Four academies recruited through this exam. IMA Dehradun had 100 seats. The Indian Naval Academy had 26 seats. The Air Force Academy had 32 seats. OTA Chennai offered the largest share with 293 posts. The total came to 451 vacancies.

Q8. What qualifications are needed for the Air Force and Naval Academy entries?

Air Force Academy candidates need a graduate degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. Naval Academy candidates must hold an engineering degree in BE or B.Tech. IMA and OTA accept graduates from any stream. Final year students can apply with proof at the interview stage.

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Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 Released - Download English, GK and Elementary Mathematics PDF

UPSC released the CDS II 2026 provisional answer key on 16 September 2026 at upsc.gov.in. Three separate PDFs cover English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The written exam took place on 13 September 2026 in three sessions. English ran from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. General Knowledge followed at 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Elementary Mathematics closed the day from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The commission advertised 451 vacancies across four academies. IMA offers 100 seats. Indian Naval Academy has 26. Air Force Academy has 32. OTA Chennai carries 293 posts. Admit cards were released on 3 September 2026. General, OBC, and EWS candidates paid Rs 200. Women and SC, ST candidates paid nothing. Graduates aged 20 to 24 years could apply. Objections against the key need payment of a question-wise fee. Check the objection window dates on the official portal.

By Sarkari King Team

Updated: 16 September 2026 | 01:57 PM

⏱️ 8 min read

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UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2026 : Vacancy Details Total : 451 Post
Post Name / Academy	Total Post	Eligibility and Qualification Details
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun	100	Bachelor Degree in any stream from a recognized university. No subject restriction applies for this academy entry. Open for male candidates only as per academy admission rules. Marital status rules apply as stated in the official notification.
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala	26	Bachelor Degree in Engineering (BE or B.Tech) from a recognized institute. Engineering degree must be approved by AICTE or a recognized university. Men only. Candidates must meet naval medical and physical standards. Final year engineering students can apply with a provisional certificate.
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad	32	Bachelor Degree in any stream from a recognized university. Physics and Mathematics must be studied at the 10+2 level. Air Force medical and physical fitness standards are mandatory. Final year graduates may apply before the closing date.
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai	293	Bachelor Degree in any stream from a recognized university. This is the largest intake of the CDS II 2026 cycle. Both men and women candidates are eligible for OTA entries. No subject wise restriction applies for this academy.

UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 Released - Download English, GK and Elementary Mathematics PDF

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