UPSC CDS 1 2026 Answer Key PDF: English, GK, Maths (All Sets)
Use our subject-specific UPSC CDS 1 2026 answer key for English, GK & Maths (Sets A/B/C/D) to calculate your score and check the detailed paper analysis for all sets.
Key Highlights:
UPSC CDS 1 2026 Exam Date: April 12, 2026.
Availability: Unofficial set-wise keys for English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics are available.
Official Answer Key: Will be released on the official UPSC website soon.
GK Marking scheme: 120 questions, 100 marks. +0.83 mark for correct, -0.33 mark for incorrect (approx.).
English Marking scheme: 120 questions, 100 marks.
Maths Marking scheme: 100 questions, 100 marks
The Union Public Service Commission conducted the UPSC CDS 1 2026 Exam on 12 April 2026. Official Answer Keys will be released by UPSC 2-3 weeks after the result declaration.
Candidates can use the UPSC CDS 1 Set-wise Answer Key created by PadhAI experts in order to evaluate their performance as they wait for the official update.
The CDS 1 2026 Exam is one of the most important exams for entry into the Indian Armed Forces as officers.
You can download the Unofficial Set-wise CDS 1 2026 Answer Key for Maths, English and General Knowledge (GK) papers from the links below:
Steps to download the Official UPSC CDS 1 Exam Answer Key
The official CDS 1 answer key 2026 will be released by UPSC 2-3 weeks after result. Here are the steps to download it:
Go to the Official UPSC Site: upsc.gov.in.
Click on the Examination tab on the homepage.
Select “Answer Keys” from the dropdown menu.
Find the Combined Defence Service link.
Click the link to download the PDF for English, Maths and GAT papers.
Save the PDF and check your answers according to set (A, B, C, or D).
How to Use the CDS 1 Answer Key
Identify your question paper set
Check your answers from the answer key going question-wise
Calculate your score according to the marking scheme of CDS
After calculating your estimated score, check the expected cut-off for this year and start preparing for the SSB interview round.
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In order to understand the difficulty level and expected cut-off, candidates can go through this subject-wise CDS 1 2026 Exam analysis.
CDS 1 2026: English Exam Analysis
Difficulty level- Easy to Moderate
Feedback- Similar to previous year papers
Topics covered- Comprehension, synonyms/antonyms, error detection, fill in the blanks
Good Attempt- 70-80 questions attempted
No. of Questions- 120
CDS 1 2026: Maths Exam Analysis
Difficulty level- Moderate to difficult
Feedback- Lengthy paper with many calculations
Topics covered- Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics
Good Attempt- 45-55 questions attempted
No. of Questions- 100
CDS 1 2026: GK Exam Analysis
Difficulty level- Moderate
Feedback- High weightage of current affairs
Topics covered- Current affairs, history, geography, polity, science
Good Attempt- 60-70 questions attempted
No. of Questions- 120
UPSC CDS 1 Exam has positive and negative marking as well which differs subject-wise. The marking scheme is provided below:
Feature | Elementary Mathematics | English & General Knowledge |
Positive Marking | +1 mark per correct answer | +0.833 marks per correct answer |
Negative Marking | -0.33 marks per wrong answer | -0.277 marks per wrong answer |
Question Type | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-Based) | Offline (OMR-Based) |
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Frequently asked question (FAQs)
Where can I find the CDS Exam Answer Key for Sets A, B, C, and D?
How do I calculate my score for each subject of CDS exam?
What was the difficulty level of the CDS 1 2026 exams?
Can I challenge the official UPSC CDS 1 answer key?
When will the UPSC CDS final result be declared?
Those who are able to qualify in UPSC CDS 1 Exam, must start preparing for their next selection stage: SSB Interview. Key preparation strategies are practicing mock interviews, staying updated on current events and focusing on physical fitness as well.
Don't lose confidence if your CDS 1 Exam score estimate is lower than expected, prepare well for future attempts by analysing the mistakes made in this cycle as well as past year trends like UPSC CDS 2025 result. All the best!
Gajendra Singh Godara is an IIT Bombay graduate and a UPSC aspirant with 4 attempts, including multiple Prelims and Mains appearances. He specializes in Polity, Modern History, International Relations, and Economy. At PadhAI, Gajendra leverages his firsthand exam experience to simplify complex concepts, creating high-efficiency study materials that help aspirants save time and stay focused.
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