About UPSC CDS-I Answer Key 2026
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the answer key for the Combined Defence Service (CDS-I) Examination 2026 on April 16, 2026. This highly anticipated answer key is now available on the official UPSC website for candidates who appeared in the written examination conducted on April 12, 2026. The CDS-I examination was conducted for recruitment to 451 prestigious posts across various defence academies including Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Candidates can now download their answer key using their registration number from the official portal.
Vacancy Details
| Post | Vacancies | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | As per Defence Pay Commission |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | As per Defence Pay Commission |
| Air Force | 32 | As per Defence Pay Commission |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 275 | As per Defence Pay Commission |
| OTA Women | 18 | As per Defence Pay Commission |
Eligibility
Qualification
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): Graduation Degree in any stream from recognized University/Institution
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Graduation Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 Level or Bachelor of Engineering from recognized University
- Air Force: Engineering Degree in relevant trade from recognized University
- Officers Training Academy (OTA): Bachelor Degree in any stream from recognized University/Institution
- Min: 19 years (born after 01/January/2008)
- Max: 23 years (born before 02/January/2003)
- Age relaxation as per UPSC CDS-I recruitment rules
- Visit official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in
- Navigate to the ‘What’s New’ section on homepage
- Click on ‘UPSC CDS-I Answer Key 2026’ link
- Enter your Registration Number and other required details
- Download and save the answer key for future reference
- Compare your answers with official answer key
- Calculate expected marks based on marking scheme
Age Limit
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 30 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Available | 02 April 2026 |
| Answer Key Release Date | 16 April 2026 |
Selection Process
The UPSC CDS-I selection process involves multiple stages to ensure comprehensive evaluation of candidates. The selection methodology includes written examination as the first stage, followed by Services Selection Board (SSB) interview for qualified candidates. The process also involves skill tests relevant to the chosen service, thorough document verification to confirm eligibility criteria, and comprehensive medical examination to ensure fitness standards required for defence services.
Application Fee Structure
The application fee structure for UPSC CDS-I 2026 was category-based. General and Other Backward Class (OBC) candidates were required to pay Rs. 200 as examination fee. However, candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories, and female candidates were exempted from fee payment. The fee payment was accepted through various online modes including Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, and other approved payment methods.
How to Download Answer Key
Post-Answer Key Process
After downloading the answer key, candidates should carefully compare their responses with the official answers provided by UPSC. This comparison will help candidates estimate their performance in the written examination. The marking scheme typically involves positive marking for correct answers and negative marking for incorrect responses. Candidates who believe they have cleared the written examination cutoff should start preparing for the next stage of selection process.
Next Steps After Answer Key
Following the answer key release, UPSC will announce the written examination results within a few weeks. Successful candidates will be called for Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is conducted at various SSB centers across the country. The SSB interview is a comprehensive evaluation process lasting 4-5 days, testing candidates’ officer-like qualities, leadership potential, and suitability for commissioned ranks in Indian Armed Forces.
Important Links
| Link | Action |
|---|---|
| Download Answer Key | Click Here |
| Official Website | Visit Here |
| Original Notification | View Here |
The UPSC CDS-I Answer Key 2026 provides transparency in the examination process and helps candidates assess their performance. This examination opens doors to prestigious career opportunities in Indian Armed Forces through various training academies. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website for updates regarding result declaration and further selection process.
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