CDS Exam Guide 2026
CDS 2026 notification updates and complete exam guide. Check exam dates, vacancies, eligibility criteria, selection process, syllabus, and application details.
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📊 UPSC CDS Exam Answer Key Highlights
| Exam Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (pen and paper-based) |
| Duration of Exam | 2 hours (OTA) 6 hours (IMA, INA, AFA) |
| Number of Papers | 3 (English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics) |
| Total Marks | 300 (OTA) 600 (IMA, INA, AFA) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd of the marks allotted for a question |
| Who Can Apply? | CDS Eligibility Criteria |
| Exam Date 2026 | 13th September 2026 |
| UPSC CDS Answer Key 2026 Release Date | To be announced |
📊 CDS Marking Scheme
| Subject | Number of Questions | Total marks | Marks for Every Correct Answer | Marks for Every Incorrect Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 | 0.83 | -0.27 |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 0.83 | -0.27 |
| Elementary Mathematics (For IMA, AFA, INA) | 100 | 100 | 1 | -0.33 |
📊 CDS Cut Off 2026 (Expected)
| Academy | Cut Off |
|---|---|
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) | 120-130 |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) | 105-120 |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | 145-150 |
| OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) men | 73-85 |
| OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) women | 74-85 |
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.When will the CDS Answer key 2 2026 will be released?
The answer key will be released on the official website soon.
Q2.How to download the CDS answer key 2026?
You can easily download the CDS answer key by clicking on the direct link given in the article or by visiting the official website of UPSC.
Q3.Is there any negative marking in the CDS exam.
Yes, 1/3 rd marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Q4.What happens if a candidate is unsure about the CDS response key?
If candidates have any doubts about the answers, there is no way to challenge the CDS answer key.
Q5.In the CDS exam, what is the Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)?
It is the amount of time given to candidates to make representations on the CDS exam questions.
Q6.Is it possible to contest the unofficial CDS response key?
No, there is no way to contest the unofficial CDS response key.
Q7.How do I figure out what my CDS score is?
Candidates can compute their scores based on the number of correct and incorrect answers by comparing their exam responses to the CDS answer key.
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