CDS 1 2026 Answer Key PDF of Maths, English and GK

The CDS 1 2026 exam is a major gateway for Defence Aspirants wishing to join IMA, INA, AFA and OTA begins their selection process. Once the exam finishes, all candidates look forward to downloading the CDS 1 2026 answer key PDF of Maths, English and GK, which they will be able to actively track and monitor their scores through the use of the answer key.

The Academy will provide you with a complete, structured breakdown of the CDS 1 2026 Answer Key (Exam Paper) and analyse it thoroughly, along with how much each section weighed towards your total score, as well as your predicted overall score, so that you can confidently begin SSB Preparation after your first CDS exam.

CDS 1 2026 Exam Highlights

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026
Exam Date	12 April 2026
Papers	English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics
Duration	2 Hours per paper
Negative Marking	1/3rd marks
OTA Candidates	English + GK only

The Official UPSC CDS answer key is made available to aspirants after all rounds of selection have taken place with the UPSC. However, during this time, aspirants should rely on the Institute-based answer keys for evaluating their scores.

CDS 1 2026 Answer Key – Importance

The CDS 1 2026 answer key allows a candidate to: 

• Evaluate the estimated marks from the written test. 

• Identify weak and strong sections of the written exam. 

• Compare the candidate’s estimated score with the expected cut-off marks. 

• Assist in determining when the candidate should begin SSB Preparation.

To avoid making any mistakes in the calculation of your score, you must refer to the correct CDS 1 answer key for your specific question set (A, B, C, D).

CDS 1 2026 Answer Key PDF – Subject Wise (All Sets)

CDS English Answer Key

SET A

SET B

SET C

SET D

Exam Level: Moderate Level

Focus areas included the Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Error Spotting and Para Jumbles, respectively.

CDS GK Answer Key

SET A

SET B

SET C

SET D

Exam Level: Moderate Level

The topics covered include: Current Affairs, Polity, History, Geography, Defence & Space.

CDS Maths Answer Key

SET A

SET B

SET C

SET D

Exam Level: Moderate Level

Topics covered include: Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Arithmetic, and Statistics. Due to negative marking, having high accuracy was essential to success.

CDS 1 2026 Marking Scheme & Score Calculator

Subject	Correct Answer	Wrong Answer
English	+0.83	−0.27
General Knowledge	+0.83	−0.27
Elementary Mathematics	+1.00	−0.33

Score Formula (IMA / INA / AFA)

• English: (Correct × 0.83) − (Wrong × 0.83 ÷ 3)

• GK: (Correct × 0.83) − (Wrong × 0.83 ÷ 3)

• Maths: (Correct × 1.00) − (Wrong × 1.00 ÷ 3)
  

For candidates entering into OTA, Maths was not included.

CDS 1 2026 Expected Cut-Off (Unofficial)

Academy	Expected Written Cut-Off
IMA	120–130
INA	120–130
AFA	135–145
OTA	85–95

The final level of difficulty and cutoffs would be based on the process of normalisation.

When Will CDS Answer Key Be Released Officially?

Many aspirants ask when will the CDS answer key be released by UPSC.
Several months after the release of the final results and SSB completion, UPSC publishes the UPSC CDS answer key. In the meantime, candidates are using unofficial CDS answer key until the final result.

What to Do After Checking CDS 1 2026 Answer Key?

After using the CDS 1 2026 answer key, aspirants should:

• Candidates should calculate their predicted scores

• Then compare their scores to the predicted cutoffs. 

• If they qualify for a focus SSB preparation, they should begin preparing for their SSB interviews. 

• All candidates should identify their weak topics and concentrate on improving them in future attempts.

Final Thoughts

Trishul Defence Academy aims to provide comprehensive solutions beyond just answer keys. Our experienced faculty assists students with exam preparation and informs them about how SSB evaluates candidates.

Trishul Defence Academy has you covered with answer keys, thorough analysis of the exam, and complete SSB Preparation. Thousands of defence aspirants have placed their trust in Trishul Defence Academy for disciplined guidance leading to results-oriented outcomes.

Contact Trishul Defence Academy, the best CDS Coaching in India, to start focused CDS and SSB preparation with experienced defence mentors.

FAQs

Q1. When will the CDS answer key be released by UPSC?

The UPSC Dept. provides the official UPSC CDS answer key after the full completion of the selection process.

Q2. Is CDS 1 2026 answer key available for all sets?

The CDS 1 2026 answer key for each of the four Sets A, B, C, and D, will be made available to all CDS exam takers.

Q3. Where can I find the CDS English answer key?

 You can check the CDS English answer key set-wise for accurate evaluation.

Q4. How important is the CDS maths answer key for the cut-off?

The CDS Maths Answer Key is important due to the high number of negative marks.

Q5. Does the CDS GK answer key include current affairs?

The CDS GK answer key consists of both current events and static general knowledge materials.

Q6. Can the CDS answer key confirm the final selection?

The CDS answer key will provide an approximation of your total written score, but the outcome on the CDS exam is based on your performance during the SSB stage.