CDS-1 2026 Answer Key – The CDS-1 2026 exam is an important opportunity for candidates who are aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces through IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. After the exam, candidates eagerly wait to evaluate their performance. We provide the most accurate CDS -1 2026 Answer Key for all subjects and sets to help you to estimate your score easily.
Overview Of CDS -1 2026 Answer Key
The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC, consists of three papers for IMA/INA/AFA and two papers for OTA. The answer key helps candidates in checking their responses and predict results before the official declaration in advance.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | CDS-1 2026 |
| Conducting Body | UPSC |
| Exam Date | 2026 |
| Papers | English, GK, Mathematics |
| Total Marks | 300 (IMA/INA/AFA) |
| OTA Papers | English and GK (200 Marks) |
| Sets Available | A, B, C, D |
CDS -1 2026 Answer Key PDF of All Subjects
At Shield Defence Academy, the best CDS coaching in India, our expert faculty has prepared a reliable and well-verified answer key for all subjects. You can check the answer key below –
English Answer Key
| Set | Download |
| Set A | Download |
| Set B | Download |
| Set C | Download |
| Set D | Download |
General Knowledge Answer Key
| Set | Download |
| Set A | Download |
| Set B | Download |
| Set C | Download |
| Set D | Download |
Mathematics Answer Key
| Set | Download |
| Set A | Download |
| Set B | Download |
| Set C | Download |
| Set D | Download |
Importance of CDS Answer Key
The CDS answer key plays a crucial role in post-exam analysis for defence aspirants . Shield Defence Academy, the top CDS coaching in Lucknow providing all CDS related updates. The major importance of CDS answer key are listed below –
- Firstly, it helps in estimating your score before results
- Secondly, it identifies correct and incorrect attempts
- Majorly, it helps in analyzing weak areas
- In addition, it reduces uncertainty and stress
- Lastly, it guides your preparation for the next stage
CDS -1 2026 Marking Scheme
To understand the marking scheme is essential for accurate score calculation –
| Paper | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer | Total Marks |
| English | +1 | -0.33 | 100 |
| GK | +1 | -0.33 | 100 |
| Mathematics | +1 | -0.33 | 100 |
Score Formula is Total Score = Correct Answers – (Wrong Answers × 0.33)
CDS -1 2026 Mathematics Paper Analysis
The Mathematics paper was moderate, focusing on concept clarity and time management is all a miracle for defence aspirants.
Topic-Wise Analysis By SDA
| Topic | Difficulty Level | Weightage |
| Arithmetic | Easy–Moderate | High |
| Algebra | Moderate | Medium |
| Trigonometry | Moderate | Medium |
| Geometry | Easy | High |
| Mensuration | Moderate | Medium |
CDS -1 2026 English Paper Analysis
The English paper was easy to moderate, focusing on basic grammar and comprehension. Regular reading and grammar practice helped candidates score well. Shield Defence Academy, the CDS coaching classes in Lucknow is here to update all latest information with our CDS aspirant 2026.
| Section | Focus Area |
| Grammar | Error spotting, sentence improvement |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms |
| Comprehension | Reading passages |
