The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the Provisional Answer Key for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 on its official website, upsc.gov.in, under the "What's New" section. The CDS 2 2026 exam was held on 13 September 2026 across centres in India for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Candidates who appeared can check the provisional key on the official page and, if needed, submit a representation before the objection window closes.
Direct Link to Download CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 Here
CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 - Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Answer Key Status | Provisional Answer Key released on upsc.gov.in |
| Answer Key Release Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Papers Covered | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics |
| Objection Portal | Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) at upsconline.nic.in |
| Mode of Objection | Online only; email, post, or handwritten representations are not accepted |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
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CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 - Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 2026 Written Exam | 13 September 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | Available now on upsc.gov.in |
| Objection/Representation Window (QPRep) | 16 September 2026 - 20 September 2026 (up to 6 PM), as per UPSC's standard timeline |
How to Download the CDS 2 Answer Key 2026
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
- Go to the "What's New" section on the homepage, or the "Examinations" tab.
- Click the link titled "Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026 - Provisional Answer Key."
- Select the relevant paper - English, General Knowledge, or Elementary Mathematics.
- The provisional answer key PDF will open. Match it to your question booklet series (A/B/C/D).
- Download and save the PDF, or take a printout for future reference.
How to Raise Objections Against the CDS 2 Answer Key 2026
Candidates who wish to challenge a question or a marked answer in the provisional key must use UPSC's Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep). Objections sent by email, post, or in handwritten form are not accepted.
- Go to the QPRep portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- Select "Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026" and choose "Make Representation."
- Log in using your roll number, date of birth, and the captcha/random image shown.
- Select the paper, question number, and provisional answer you want to contest.
- Submit supporting justification where the portal allows it, and confirm submission before the window closes.
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, and the revised (final) key is what's used to prepare the result - not the provisional key.
CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 - Important Instruction
- Provisional Answer Key: Released on 16 September 2026 at upsc.gov.in.
- Papers: 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.