Q1. When was the UPSC CDS II 2026 provisional answer key released?

The provisional answer key was released on 16 September 2026 for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.

Q2. What is the last date to challenge the UPSC CDS II answer key 2026?

The online objection window closes on 22 September 2026. Candidates should submit representations before the closing time mentioned in the official notice.

Q3. What is the fee per challenged question?

The fee is Rs. 100/- per question. It is non-refundable and must be paid online through the UPSC candidate portal.

Q4. How can I download the UPSC CDS II answer key 2026?

Visit upsc.gov.in, open the CDS II 2026 examination page, click the Provisional Answer Key link and download the subject-wise PDFs.

Union Public Service Commission UPSC Combined Defence Services CDS II Examination 2026 : Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window for 451 Post

Author: Sarkari Exam Pro Team|Last Updated at: September 16, 2026 3:45 PM (ताज़ा अपडेट)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the provisional answer key for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 against 451 Post across IMA, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and OTA. The written examination was held on 13 September 2026, and the provisional answer key was uploaded on 16 September 2026. Candidates can raise objections against any question from 16 September 2026 to 22 September 2026 by paying Rs. 100/- per challenged question. The application window remained open from 20 May 2026 to 11 June 2026, with a fee of Rs. 200/- for General/OBC and nil for SC/ST/all female candidates. Applicants must be born between 01 July 2003 and 01 July 2008. Download the answer key, check the official notice, and submit representations through the direct links available on SarkariExam.pro.

You May Also Check : Answer Key (अन्य संबंधित सरकारी एग्जाम)

UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 : Objection Window & Challenging Fee
Provisional Answer Key Released : 16 September 2026 Online Objection Start Date : 16 September 2026 Last Date to Challenge Answer Key : 22 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) Fee Per Challenged Question : Rs. 100/- (non-refundable) Mode of Objection : Online only through the UPSC candidate portal. Supporting Evidence : Candidates should upload valid book reference or documentary proof wherever applicable. Official Notice : Candidates must read the provisional answer key notice before filing objections.

UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026 : Objection Window & Challenging Fee

Provisional Answer Key Released : 16 September 2026
Online Objection Start Date : 16 September 2026
Last Date to Challenge Answer Key : 22 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM)
Fee Per Challenged Question : Rs. 100/- (non-refundable)
Mode of Objection : Online only through the UPSC candidate portal.
Supporting Evidence : Candidates should upload valid book reference or documentary proof wherever applicable.
Official Notice : Candidates must read the provisional answer key notice before filing objections.

Post Name / Academy	Total Post	Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications
Indian Military Academy IMA	100	Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university. Must meet UPSC CDS II medical and physical standards for IMA.
Air Force Academy AFA	32	Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university. Must have studied Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
Indian Naval Academy INA	26	Bachelor's degree in Engineering from a recognised university. Must meet naval medical and physical standards.
Officers Training Academy OTA	293	Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university. Must meet OTA medical and physical standards.

Post Name / Academy

Total Post

Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications

Indian Military Academy IMA

100

Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university.
Must meet UPSC CDS II medical and physical standards for IMA.

Air Force Academy AFA

Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university.
Must have studied Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.

Indian Naval Academy INA

Bachelor's degree in Engineering from a recognised university.
Must meet naval medical and physical standards.

Officers Training Academy OTA

293

Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university.
Must meet OTA medical and physical standards.

Selection Process & Examination Pattern
Stage 1 Written Exam : English (100 marks, 2 hours), General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hours) and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks, 2 hours). Total 300 marks; negative marking of one-third for wrong answers. Stage 2 SSB Interview : Intelligence and Personality Test of 300 marks conducted over 4 to 5 days. Stage 3 Medical & Document Verification Medical examination and verification of original certificates.

Selection Process & Examination Pattern

Stage 1 Written Exam : English (100 marks, 2 hours), General Knowledge (100 marks, 2 hours) and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks, 2 hours). Total 300 marks; negative marking of one-third for wrong answers.
Stage 2 SSB Interview : Intelligence and Personality Test of 300 marks conducted over 4 to 5 days.
Stage 3 Medical & Document Verification Medical examination and verification of original certificates.

Mandatory Documents Checklist
High School (Class 10th) marksheet and certificate for Date of Birth proof. Bachelor's degree marksheets, passing certificate and provisional certificate. Class 12th marksheet for Air Force Academy (Physics and Mathematics proof). Engineering degree certificate for Indian Naval Academy. Valid photo identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID or Passport. Caste / category certificate, if applicable, as per UPSC format. Recent passport-size photograph and scanned signature.

Mandatory Documents Checklist

High School (Class 10th) marksheet and certificate for Date of Birth proof.
Bachelor's degree marksheets, passing certificate and provisional certificate.
Class 12th marksheet for Air Force Academy (Physics and Mathematics proof).
Engineering degree certificate for Indian Naval Academy.
Valid photo identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID or Passport.
Caste / category certificate, if applicable, as per UPSC format.
Recent passport-size photograph and scanned signature.

How to Download UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026
Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in. Open the Examinations section and select Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. Click the Provisional Answer Key link. Download subject-wise PDFs for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. Match your responses and save the answer key for future reference. For objections, log in to the UPSC candidate portal before the closing date.

How to Download UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026

Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
Open the Examinations section and select Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
Click the Provisional Answer Key link.
Download subject-wise PDFs for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.
Match your responses and save the answer key for future reference.
For objections, log in to the UPSC candidate portal before the closing date.

How to Challenge UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026
Open the provisional answer key notice and read the representation guidelines carefully. Log in to the UPSC online candidate portal using your registration details. Select the question paper and mark the question(s) you want to challenge. Upload supporting evidence or book reference, if required. Pay Rs. 100/- per challenged question through the online payment gateway. Submit the objection and download the acknowledgment for future reference.

How to Challenge UPSC CDS II Answer Key 2026

Open the provisional answer key notice and read the representation guidelines carefully.
Log in to the UPSC online candidate portal using your registration details.
Select the question paper and mark the question(s) you want to challenge.
Upload supporting evidence or book reference, if required.
Pay Rs. 100/- per challenged question through the online payment gateway.
Submit the objection and download the acknowledgment for future reference.

Category-Wise Reservation Norms & Age Relaxation Matrix
Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non Creamy Layer): 3 Years relaxation in the upper age limit. Candidates must present a valid OBC-NCL certificate issued within the prescribed financial year by a competent revenue authority. Scheduled Castes (SC) & Scheduled Tribes (ST): 5 Years upper age relaxation along with complete exemption from application examination fees in accordance with Central / State Government reservation policies. Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10% reservation in direct recruitment vacancies for eligible candidates holding a valid EWS Income & Asset Certificate issued by an authorized Tehsildar or Sub-Divisional Officer. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10 Years age relaxation for UR/EWS, 13 Years for OBC, and 15 Years for SC/ST categories, including scribe facility provisions as per RPwD Act 2016. Ex-Servicemen (ESM): Deduction of actual military service rendered from the candidate's age plus an additional 3 years relaxation, subject to fulfilling minimum service norms.

Category-Wise Reservation Norms & Age Relaxation Matrix

Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non Creamy Layer): 3 Years relaxation in the upper age limit. Candidates must present a valid OBC-NCL certificate issued within the prescribed financial year by a competent revenue authority.
Scheduled Castes (SC) & Scheduled Tribes (ST): 5 Years upper age relaxation along with complete exemption from application examination fees in accordance with Central / State Government reservation policies.
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10% reservation in direct recruitment vacancies for eligible candidates holding a valid EWS Income & Asset Certificate issued by an authorized Tehsildar or Sub-Divisional Officer.
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10 Years age relaxation for UR/EWS, 13 Years for OBC, and 15 Years for SC/ST categories, including scribe facility provisions as per RPwD Act 2016.
Ex-Servicemen (ESM): Deduction of actual military service rendered from the candidate's age plus an additional 3 years relaxation, subject to fulfilling minimum service norms.

How to Fill Union Public Service Commission UPSC Online Application Form 2026
Visit the official recruitment web portal or click the direct Apply Online link available on SarkariExam.pro. Carefully review the official recruitment notification PDF to confirm post-wise eligibility, vacancies, and important deadlines. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) by providing an active mobile number, valid email address, and personal basic details to generate login credentials. Log in with your registration credentials and accurately enter personal details, father's/mother's name, communication address, and educational qualifications. Upload scanned copies of recent passport-size photograph, running signature, and mandatory eligibility certificates in the prescribed file formats and sizes. Thoroughly preview all entered information in the application form before final submission to eliminate errors or omissions. Pay the applicable examination application fee using secure online payment gateways (Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or QR code). Submit the final application form, download the generated PDF confirmation receipt, and keep printed copies safe for document verification and interview stages.

How to Fill Union Public Service Commission UPSC Online Application Form 2026

Visit the official recruitment web portal or click the direct Apply Online link available on SarkariExam.pro.
Carefully review the official recruitment notification PDF to confirm post-wise eligibility, vacancies, and important deadlines.
Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) by providing an active mobile number, valid email address, and personal basic details to generate login credentials.
Log in with your registration credentials and accurately enter personal details, father's/mother's name, communication address, and educational qualifications.
Upload scanned copies of recent passport-size photograph, running signature, and mandatory eligibility certificates in the prescribed file formats and sizes.
Thoroughly preview all entered information in the application form before final submission to eliminate errors or omissions.
Pay the applicable examination application fee using secure online payment gateways (Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or QR code).
Submit the final application form, download the generated PDF confirmation receipt, and keep printed copies safe for document verification and interview stages.

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Union Public Service Commission UPSC Combined Defence Services CDS II Examination 2026 : Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window for 451 Post

You May Also Check : Answer Key (अन्य संबंधित सरकारी एग्जाम)

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