UPSC CDS Answer Key 2025: The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exams I and II were conducted on 13th April 2025 and 14th September 2025, respectively. The official UPSC CDS Answer Key 2025 PDFs for CDS 1 and CDS 2 will be released on the website after the completion of the recruitment process. The UPSC CDS Answer Key 2025 PDFs will be published separately for set-wise English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics papers.

However, candidates who appeared for CDS I and CDS II can download the unofficial answer keys prepared by Physics Wallah. Through this, they can verify their responses, check correct answers, and estimate tentative scores. Find the link to the CDS 1 Answer Key PDFs (unofficial) and CDS 2 Answer Key PDFs here.

UPSC CDS Exam 2025 Highlights

The Union Public Service Commission conducted the CDS Exam 2025 in two phases. The first phase of CDS 1 on 13th April and CDS 2 on 14th September. The examination assessed candidates in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for recruitment into IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

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UPSC CDS 1 Answer Key 2025 (Unofficial)

The unofficial UPSC CDS Answer Key 2025 has been released by PW to allow candidates to estimate their scores by comparing their responses with the provided solutions. The CDS 1 answer key has solutions to English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics papers in a single PDF. Use this PDF to gauge your marks and check correct answers until the official key is released:

CDS 1 Answer Key 2025 PDF (Unofficial) – Download Link

UPSC CDS 2 Answer Key 2025 (Unofficial)

The unofficial UPSC CDS 2 Answer Key 2025 has been released by Physics Wallah for all exam sets. It provides correct responses for the English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics papers conducted on 14th September 2025. Candidates can use this answer key to cross-check their responses, calculate tentative scores, and analyze performance before the official release. The CDS 2 Answer Key 2025 PDF (unofficial) can be downloaded directly from the link given below.

CDS 2 Answer Key 2025 PDF (Unofficial) Download Link

UPSC CDS Answer Key Release Date 2025 (Expected)

UPSC CDS Answer key Release Date 2025 for CDS is yet to be announced. However, it is mostly released following the recruitment process. The CDS I and CDS II official answer keys will be released for different subjects and codes in PDF form. Through the answer key, candidates can cross-check their estimated scores. Check out the complete expected UPSC CDS Answer key Release Date 2025 schedule from here:

How to Download the CDS Answer Key 2025 PDFs?

Candidates can easily download the CDS answer key through the official UPSC website. The answer key is available in PDF format for different sets of subject-wise question papers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to download the CDS answer key for both CDS 1 and CDS 2 exams.

1. Visit the UPSC Official Website, upsc.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the ‘Examination’ Section, and then click on the ‘Answer Key’ tab.
3. Find the subject-wise CDS Answer Key download link and click on it.
4. Download the PDF and match your answers with the key.

Also Read: CDS Question Paper 2025

How to Calculate Your Score Using the CDS Answer Key?

Calculating your score using the CDS answer key is an essential step to estimate your performance before the official results are announced. To do this accurately, it is crucial to follow the marking scheme set by the exam authorities. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to calculate your score using the CDS answer key.

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Steps to Calculate Your Score

1. For every correct answer, you earn a +1 mark per question.
2. The CDS exam includes negative marking: 1/3rd of a mark is deducted for each incorrect response.
3. There is no negative marking for questions left unattempted.
4. Cross-check your answers with the ones provided in the CDS answer key.
5. Count the total number of correct answers and incorrect answers.
6. Calculate the marks for correct answers by multiplying the number of correct responses by the marks awarded for each.
7. Deduct the penalty for incorrect answers by multiplying the number of wrong responses by the negative marking value.

Subtract the total penalty from the total marks obtained for correct answers to get your final score.

UPSC CDS Marking Scheme

The CDS marking scheme will help candidates calculate the score based on the marks allotted to each question. Find the UPSC CDS Marking Scheme here:

Previous Year UPSC CDS Official Answer Key PDFs

The official CDS answer key is released by UPSC after the objections process is complete and the final evaluation is done. This answer key is considered the definitive guide for calculating your scores and is used in the official result declaration. Here, you can check out the previous year’s UPSC CDS Official Answer Key:

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