CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 - Download UPSC Provisional Response Sheet & Raise Objections

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 (Provisional Response Sheet) for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. The exam was held on 13 September 2026 across multiple centres in India for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). This Answer Key 2026 is a critical tool for candidates to estimate their scores before the official results. It contains the Solution Key for all three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Candidates must download the PDF from the official UPSC website, match their question booklet series (A/B/C/D), and, if any discrepancies are found, submit representations through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) within the stipulated window. This guide gives you everything you need to access, analyse, and challenge the key.

Key Details Table – CDS 2 Answer Key 2026

Direct Download Links

Download CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 (Provisional PDF)

Objection Portal – QPRep (Online Representation)

How to Download the CDS 2 Answer Key 2026

1. Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
2. Go to the "What's New" section on the homepage, or the "Examinations" tab.
3. Click the link titled "Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 - Provisional Answer Key."
4. Select the relevant paper: English, General Knowledge, or Elementary Mathematics.
5. The provisional answer key PDF will open. Match it to your question booklet series (A/B/C/D).
6. Download and save the PDF or take a printout for future reference.

How to Calculate Scores Using the Answer Key

Knowing the marking scheme helps you estimate your raw score accurately. For the CDS 2 2026 exam, the marking pattern is as per UPSC standards:

• Each correct answer: +1 mark
• Each incorrect answer: –0.33 mark (negative marking of ⅓ mark per wrong answer)
• Unanswered questions: 0 marks

To calculate:

1. Count the number of correct answers (C) from the Answer Key matching your booklet series.
2. Count the number of incorrect answers (W).
3. Raw Score = (C × 1) – (W × 0.33)

This score is your estimated total before normalisation (if any) and will help you gauge your chances for the merit list.

Objection / Challenge Process – Raise Your Representations

Candidates who find any discrepancy in the Provisional Answer Key can raise an objection through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep). Email, post, or handwritten representations are not accepted.

Important Dates

• Objection Window Opens: 16 September 2026
• Objection Window Closes: 20 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM)

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Go to the QPRep portal at upsconline.nic.in.
2. Select "Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026" and choose "Make Representation."
3. Log in using your roll number, date of birth, and the captcha/random image shown.
4. Select the paper, question number, and provisional answer you want to contest.
5. Submit supporting justification where the portal allows it (e.g., reference to standard textbooks or official sources).
6. Confirm submission before the window closes. No fee is mentioned for submitting objections.

UPSC’s subject matter experts review all valid representations. If a question or answer is found defective, the key is revised for all candidates who attempted that question. The final (revised) answer key is used to prepare the result.

What’s Next After the Answer Key?

Once the objection window closes on 20 September 2026, UPSC will evaluate all representations and release the final answer key along with the result for the CDS 2 2026 written exam. Based on past trends, the result is expected within 6 to 8 weeks from the exam date, i.e., around late October to November 2026. Candidates who clear the written exam will be called for the SSB interview at one of the Service Selection Boards.

Important Instructions

• Provisional Answer Key: Released on 16 September 2026 at upsc.gov.in.
• Papers Covered: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
• Check Carefully: Match the key with your question booklet series (A/B/C/D).
• Raise Objections: Submit objections online through QPRep only; email/post is not accepted.
• Last Date: Objections can be submitted until 20 September 2026, 6:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I download the CDS 2 Answer Key 2026?
   The provisional answer key is available on the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
2. What is the objection window for CDS 2 Answer Key 2026?
   The objection window is from 16 September 2026 to 20 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM).
3. How do I raise an objection against the CDS 2 Answer Key?
   Use the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) at upsconline.nic.in. Email or postal objections are not accepted.
4. Is there any fee for challenging the answer key?
   As per the source, no fee is mentioned; representations are likely submitted free of cost.
5. What is the marking scheme for CDS 2 2026?
   Each correct answer gets +1 mark, each incorrect answer gets –0.33 mark (negative marking). Unanswered questions get 0 marks.
6. Can I see the answer key for my specific booklet series?
   Yes, the PDF includes answer keys for all series (A, B, C, D). You must match the series printed on your question booklet.
7. When will the final result of CDS 2 2026 be declared?
   The result is expected in late October to November 2026, about 6–8 weeks after the exam.
8. What happens if my objection is accepted?
   If UPSC’s experts find the question or answer defective, the key is revised for all candidates who attempted that question.