CDS 1 2026 Answer Key All Sets A, B, C & D – Most Accurate Maths, English & GK Solutions PDF
The CDS 1 2026 Answer Key All Sets A, B, C & D is one of the most searched topics among defence aspirants right now. Thousands of candidates who appeared for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination conducted by UPSC are eagerly waiting to check their answers and estimate their scores.
If you appeared for the exam, you’re probably wondering:
Did I clear the written cut off?
What is my expected score?
Is the answer key reliable?
Where can I download the set-wise PDF?
Don’t worry — this detailed guide covers everything you need to know about the CDS 1 2026 Answer Key All Sets A, B, C & D including Maths, English, and GK solutions, expected cut off, score calculator, and official updates.
CDS 1 2026 Answer Key Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of the exam and answer key details:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CDS 1 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | UPSC |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Subjects | English, GK, Maths |
| Total Marks | 300 (IMA/INA/AFA), 200 (OTA) |
| Sets Available | A, B, C, D |
| Answer Key Type | Unofficial (New Careers Academy) |
| Official Answer Key | Released after final result |
| Negative Marking | Yes (1/3rd deduction) |
The unofficial CDS 1 2026 Answer Key All Sets A, B, C & D helps candidates calculate probable scores before UPSC releases the official key.
For official updates, you can always check the UPSC website:
https://upsc.gov.in
CDS 1 2026 Answer Key PDF – Set Wise Download
The answer key is released separately for each subject and each set. Make sure you match your question paper set carefully before calculating your marks.
Maths Answer Key – Set A, B, C, D
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CDS 1 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | UPSC |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Subjects | English, GK, Maths |
| Total Marks | 300 (IMA/INA/AFA), 200 (OTA) |
| Sets Available | A, B, C, D |
| Answer Key Type | Unofficial (New Careers Academy) |
| Official Answer Key | Released after final result |
| Negative Marking | Yes (1/3rd deduction) |
The Mathematics paper included Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics, and Arithmetic. The solutions are prepared based on memory-based questions collected from candidates.
English Answer Key – Set A, B, C, D
| Set | Status |
|---|---|
| Set A | Available |
| Set B | Available |
| Set C | Available |
| Set D | Available |
The English paper tested grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence correction. Each answer has been cross-verified by subject experts.
↓ Download English Answer Key PDF
↓ Download English Answer Key PDF
GK Answer Key – Set A, B, C, D
| Set | Status |
|---|---|
| Set A | Available |
| Set B | Available |
| Set C | Available |
| Set D | Available |
The GK section covered:
History
Polity
Geography
Defence
Current Affairs
Science
Each solution in the CDS 1 2026 Answer Key All Sets A, B, C & D has been prepared after expert discussion and double verification.
How to Calculate Score Using CDS 1 2026 Answer Key
Now comes the important part — calculating your score correctly.
Marking Scheme
| Subject | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer | Marks per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | +0.83 | -0.27 | 0.83 |
| GK | +0.83 | -0.27 | 0.83 |
| Maths | +1 | -0.33 | 1 |
Score Formula
Score = (Correct Answers × Marks per Question) – (Wrong Answers × Negative Marks)
Let’s say:
English: 70 correct, 20 wrong
Score = (70 × 0.83) – (20 × 0.27)
Repeat same process for GK and Maths.
This method gives you a very accurate estimated score using the CDS 1 2026 Answer Key All Sets A, B, C & D.
CDS 1 2026 Expected Cut Off (Written Exam)
Based on previous year trends and exam difficulty level, here is the expected written cut off:
| Academy | Expected Cut Off (Out of 300) |
|---|---|
| IMA | 120 – 130 |
| INA | 110 – 125 |
| AFA | 145 – 155 |
| OTA (Men) | 75 – 85 (Out of 200) |
| OTA (Women) | 75 – 85 (Out of 200) |
If your score using the CDS 1 2026 Answer Key All Sets A, B, C & D falls above these ranges, you likely qualify for SSB.
Why New Careers Academy Answer Key is Most Accurate
Accuracy matters. A small mistake can change your estimated rank.
Here’s why this answer key stands out:
Prepared by experienced CDS faculty
Cross-verified by subject experts
Based on memory-based real exam questions
Updated if corrections are required
Detailed explanation for doubtful questions
Experience and verification ensure reliability.
CDS 1 2026 Question Paper Analysis
Maths Difficulty Level
Moderate to slightly difficult. Algebra and Mensuration dominated the paper. Time management was key.
English Difficulty Level
Easy to moderate. Vocabulary and RC passages were manageable.
GK Difficulty Level
Moderate. Current affairs played a crucial role.
Overall exam difficulty: Moderate.
CDS 1 2026 Answer Key Set A vs B vs C vs D Difference
Many candidates get confused here.
Important fact:
Questions are the same in all sets.
Only the order changes.
Difficulty level remains equal.
So don’t worry — your performance isn’t affected by the set.
Official UPSC CDS Answer Key Release Date
UPSC releases the official answer key after the entire selection process is completed.
That means:
Written Exam
SSB Interview
Final Merit List
So unofficial keys help during waiting period.
How to Download CDS 1 2026 Answer Key PDF
Follow these steps:
Visit trusted coaching website.
Click on CDS 1 2026 Answer Key.
Select your set (A/B/C/D).
Download subject-wise PDF.
Cross-check answers carefully.
Always verify your set code before calculating score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will official CDS 1 2026 answer key release?
After final result declaration.
2. Is this answer key reliable?
Yes, prepared by experienced faculty and verified.
3. Is there negative marking in CDS?
Yes, 1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answer.
4. How many marks needed to clear CDS written?
It varies yearly, but 120+ for IMA is usually safe.
5. Does every set have different answers?
No, only order changes.
6. Can I challenge unofficial answer key?
No. Only official UPSC key can be challenged.
7. Is Maths compulsory?
Only for IMA, INA, AFA. Not for OTA.
8. Will answer key affect final rank?
It helps estimate written score only. Final rank includes SSB marks.
Final Words on CDS 1 2026 Answer Key
The CDS 1 2026 Answer Key All Sets A, B, C & D is your first step toward understanding your performance in the written exam. While unofficial, it provides a close estimate of your score and helps reduce anxiety during result waiting time.
Calculate your marks carefully, compare with expected cut off, and start preparing for SSB if you are near or above the safe zone.
Stay confident. Your uniform journey might just be beginning.
CDS 1 2026 Topic-Wise Weightage Analysis
Understanding the topic-wise weightage helps you evaluate your performance more accurately and plan better for CDS 2 2026. Based on our expert faculty’s analysis at NCA Academy, here is the topic distribution across all three papers.
Mathematics: Topic-Wise Question Distribution
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approx.) | Weightage (%) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number System & HCF/LCM | 8–10 | 8–10% | Easy to Moderate |
| Algebra (Equations, Polynomials) | 12–15 | 12–15% | Moderate |
| Trigonometry | 10–12 | 10–12% | Moderate to Hard |
| Geometry (Lines, Triangles, Circles) | 15–18 | 15–18% | Moderate |
| Mensuration | 8–10 | 8–10% | Easy to Moderate |
| Statistics & Probability | 8–10 | 8–10% | Easy |
| Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Ratio | 10–12 | 10–12% | Easy to Moderate |
| Time, Speed, Distance & Work | 8–10 | 8–10% | Moderate |
| Set Theory & Permutation | 5–8 | 5–8% | Moderate to Hard |
English: Topic-Wise Question Distribution
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approx.) | Weightage (%) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 15–20 | 15–20% | Moderate |
| Spotting Errors | 15–20 | 15–20% | Moderate |
| Sentence Improvement | 10–15 | 10–15% | Easy to Moderate |
| Synonyms & Antonyms | 10–15 | 10–15% | Moderate |
| Idioms & Phrases | 5–8 | 5–8% | Easy |
| One Word Substitution | 5–8 | 5–8% | Easy to Moderate |
| Fill in the Blanks | 8–10 | 8–10% | Moderate |
| Ordering of Sentences | 5–8 | 5–8% | Moderate to Hard |
General Knowledge: Topic-Wise Question Distribution
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approx.) | Weightage (%) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs (Last 12 months) | 20–25 | 16–20% | Easy to Moderate |
| Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern) | 15–20 | 12–16% | Moderate |
| Indian Polity & Constitution | 12–15 | 10–12% | Moderate |
| Geography (India & World) | 12–15 | 10–12% | Easy to Moderate |
| Economics | 8–10 | 6–8% | Moderate |
| General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 15–20 | 12–16% | Easy to Moderate |
| Defence & National Security | 5–8 | 4–6% | Easy |
| Awards, Sports, Books & Authors | 5–8 | 4–6% | Easy |
CDS 1 2026 Expected Good Attempts (Subject-Wise)
Based on our analysis of difficulty level and comparison with previous year papers, here are the recommended safe, moderate, and risky attempt ranges for CDS 1 2026:
| Paper | Total Questions | Safe Attempts | Moderate Attempts | Risky Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 60–65 with 85%+ accuracy | 70–75 with 80%+ accuracy | 80+ with 75%+ accuracy |
| English | 120 | 80–85 with 85%+ accuracy | 90–95 with 80%+ accuracy | 100+ with 75%+ accuracy |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 60–65 with 80%+ accuracy | 70–80 with 75%+ accuracy | 85+ with 70%+ accuracy |
Tip: In CDS, accuracy matters more than the number of attempts due to the 1/3 negative marking penalty. Always leave questions you are unsure about.
CDS 1 2026 vs Previous Year Cutoff Comparison
Comparing your expected score with previous year cutoff marks helps you estimate your chances. Here is the CDS written exam cutoff trend over the last 5 years:
| Exam | IMA Cutoff | INA Cutoff | AFA Cutoff | OTA (Men) Cutoff | OTA (Women) Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDS 1 2026 (Expected) | 105–112 | 105–112 | 110–118 | 85–92 | 85–92 |
| CDS 2 2025 | 108 | 108 | 113 | 88 | 88 |
| CDS 1 2025 | 106 | 106 | 111 | 87 | 87 |
| CDS 2 2024 | 104 | 104 | 110 | 86 | 86 |
| CDS 1 2024 | 102 | 102 | 108 | 84 | 84 |
| CDS 2 2023 | 100 | 100 | 106 | 82 | 82 |
For a detailed cutoff analysis with sectional qualifying marks, visit our CDS expected cutoff analysis page.
Score Predictor: Calculate Your Expected CDS 1 2026 Marks
Use the formula below to calculate your expected score after checking the answer key:
For Maths (100 questions × 1 mark each):
Score = (Correct Answers × 1) – (Wrong Answers × 0.33)
For English & GK (120 questions × 0.83 marks each):
Score = (Correct Answers × 0.83) – (Wrong Answers × 0.28)
Example Calculation
Suppose in Maths you attempted 75 questions, got 60 correct and 15 wrong:
- Marks for correct = 60 × 1 = 60
- Negative marks = 15 × 0.33 = 4.95
- Net Maths Score = 60 – 4.95 = 55.05
Suppose in English you attempted 90 questions, got 72 correct and 18 wrong:
- Marks for correct = 72 × 0.83 = 59.76
- Negative marks = 18 × 0.28 = 5.04
- Net English Score = 59.76 – 5.04 = 54.72
Add all three paper scores together for your total expected marks.
What to Do After Checking Your CDS 1 2026 Answer Key
If Your Score Is Above Expected Cutoff
- Start SSB Interview preparation immediately. The SSB carries equal marks to the written exam and is the deciding factor. Begin with our CDS SSB Interview preparation guide.
- Work on physical fitness. SSB includes outdoor group tasks. Read our CDS physical fitness and medical standards guide.
- Join SSB coaching. NCA Academy offers integrated CDS + SSB coaching with mock SSB sessions and personal interviews.
If Your Score Is Below Expected Cutoff
- Analyse your weak areas using the topic-wise weightage table above.
- Start preparing for CDS 2 2026 (expected September 13, 2026). Read our CDS 2 2026 notification guide.
- Get the right books. Check our best books for CDS 2026 list.
- Join structured coaching. NCA Academy’s online CDS coaching is designed to help aspirants improve scores systematically with weekly mock tests and personalised feedback. As India’s oldest defence coaching institute (since 1967), NCA Academy provides the best CDS coaching in Chandigarh and the best online CDS coaching across India.
If You Are Borderline
Wait for the official UPSC answer key and result. Start SSB preparation alongside — there is no harm in being prepared early. Many borderline candidates make it through with a strong SSB performance.
CDS 1 2026 Difficulty Comparison with Previous Years
| Paper | CDS 1 2026 | CDS 2 2025 | CDS 1 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Moderate | Moderate to Hard | Moderate |
| English | Easy to Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| General Knowledge | Moderate | Moderate | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Additional FAQs for CDS 1 2026 Answer Key
What is the CDS 1 2026 expected cutoff for IMA?
The expected cutoff for IMA through CDS 1 2026 is approximately 105–112 marks out of 300, based on previous year trends and this year’s paper difficulty level.
How many questions should I attempt in CDS to clear the cutoff?
For IMA/INA/AFA, attempting 65–70 questions in Maths and 85–90 questions in English and GK with 80%+ accuracy should be sufficient to clear the expected cutoff.
When will CDS 2 2026 exam be held?
CDS 2 2026 is expected on September 13, 2026. Read the complete details in our CDS 2 2026 notification guide.
What salary do CDS officers get?
CDS officers start at ₹56,100 basic pay plus allowances, with gross salary around ₹90,000–₹1,20,000 per month. Read our detailed CDS Salary 2026 guide.
Should I start SSB preparation before the CDS result?
Yes, absolutely. If your score is near or above the expected cutoff, begin SSB preparation immediately. The gap between result and SSB date is often short, and early preparation gives you a significant advantage.
Ready to crack CDS 2 2026? Join NCA Academy’s CDS coaching programme — India’s oldest and most trusted defence coaching institute with 59+ years of experience, offering the best CDS coaching in Chandigarh and comprehensive online CDS coaching for aspirants nationwide.
CDS 1 2026 Topic-Wise Weightage Analysis
Understanding the topic-wise weightage helps you evaluate your performance more accurately and plan better for CDS 2 2026. Based on our expert faculty’s analysis at NCA Academy, here is the topic distribution across all three papers.
Mathematics: Topic-Wise Question Distribution
| Topic | Questions (Approx.) | Weightage | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number System & HCF/LCM | 8–10 | 8–10% | Easy to Moderate |
| Algebra | 12–15 | 12–15% | Moderate |
| Trigonometry | 10–12 | 10–12% | Moderate to Hard |
| Geometry | 15–18 | 15–18% | Moderate |
| Mensuration | 8–10 | 8–10% | Easy to Moderate |
| Statistics & Probability | 8–10 | 8–10% | Easy |
| Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Ratio | 10–12 | 10–12% | Easy to Moderate |
| Time, Speed, Distance | 8–10 | 8–10% | Moderate |
English: Topic-Wise Question Distribution
| Topic | Questions (Approx.) | Weightage | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 15–20 | 15–20% | Moderate |
| Spotting Errors | 15–20 | 15–20% | Moderate |
| Sentence Improvement | 10–15 | 10–15% | Easy to Moderate |
| Synonyms & Antonyms | 10–15 | 10–15% | Moderate |
| Idioms & Phrases | 5–8 | 5–8% | Easy |
| One Word Substitution | 5–8 | 5–8% | Easy to Moderate |
| Fill in the Blanks | 8–10 | 8–10% | Moderate |
General Knowledge: Topic-Wise Question Distribution
| Topic | Questions (Approx.) | Weightage | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs (Last 12 months) | 20–25 | 16–20% | Easy to Moderate |
| Indian History | 15–20 | 12–16% | Moderate |
| Indian Polity & Constitution | 12–15 | 10–12% | Moderate |
| Geography (India & World) | 12–15 | 10–12% | Easy to Moderate |
| General Science | 15–20 | 12–16% | Easy to Moderate |
| Defence & National Security | 5–8 | 4–6% | Easy |
CDS 1 2026 Expected Good Attempts (Subject-Wise)
Based on our analysis of difficulty level, here are the recommended attempt ranges:
| Paper | Total Qs | Safe Attempts | Moderate Attempts | Risky Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 100 | 60–65 (85%+ accuracy) | 70–75 (80%+ accuracy) | 80+ (75%+ accuracy) |
| English | 120 | 80–85 (85%+ accuracy) | 90–95 (80%+ accuracy) | 100+ (75%+ accuracy) |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 60–65 (80%+ accuracy) | 70–80 (75%+ accuracy) | 85+ (70%+ accuracy) |
CDS Cutoff Trend: Previous 5 Years Comparison
| Exam | IMA Cutoff | AFA Cutoff | OTA Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDS 1 2026 (Expected) | 105–112 | 110–118 | 85–92 |
| CDS 2 2025 | 108 | 113 | 88 |
| CDS 1 2025 | 106 | 111 | 87 |
| CDS 2 2024 | 104 | 110 | 86 |
| CDS 1 2024 | 102 | 108 | 84 |
| CDS 2 2023 | 100 | 106 | 82 |
For detailed cutoff analysis, visit our CDS expected cutoff page.
CDS 1 2026 Difficulty Comparison
| Paper | CDS 1 2026 | CDS 2 2025 | CDS 1 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Moderate | Moderate to Hard | Moderate |
| English | Easy to Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| General Knowledge | Moderate | Moderate | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
What to Do After Checking Your CDS 1 2026 Answer Key
If Your Score Is Above Expected Cutoff
- Start SSB Interview preparation immediately. The SSB carries equal marks to the written exam. Begin with our CDS SSB Interview preparation guide.
- Work on physical fitness. Read our CDS physical fitness and medical standards guide.
- Join SSB coaching. NCA Academy offers integrated CDS + SSB coaching with mock SSBs.
If Your Score Is Below Expected Cutoff
- Analyse weak areas using the topic-wise weightage tables above.
- Prepare for CDS 2 2026 (September 13, 2026). See our CDS 2 2026 notification guide.
- Get the right books. Check our best books for CDS 2026 list.
- Join structured coaching. NCA Academy’s online CDS coaching helps aspirants improve scores systematically. As India’s oldest defence coaching (since 1967), we provide the best CDS coaching in Chandigarh and online.
Additional FAQs
What is the CDS 1 2026 expected cutoff for IMA?
The expected cutoff for IMA is approximately 105–112 marks out of 300, based on previous year trends and paper difficulty.
How many questions should I attempt in CDS to clear the cutoff?
For IMA/INA/AFA, attempting 65–70 in Maths and 85–90 in English and GK with 80%+ accuracy should be sufficient.
When will CDS 2 2026 exam be held?
CDS 2 2026 is expected on September 13, 2026. Read details in our CDS 2 2026 notification guide.
What salary do CDS officers get?
CDS officers start at Rs 56,100 basic pay plus allowances, with gross salary around Rs 90,000 to Rs 1,20,000 per month. See our CDS Salary 2026 guide.
Should I start SSB preparation before the CDS result?
Yes. If your score is near or above cutoff, begin SSB preparation immediately for a significant advantage.
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