UPSC NDA 2 Answer Key 2026: Mathematics and General Ability Test PDFs to be Released Soon

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to release the official answer keys for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA 2) 2026. Aspirants who appeared for the written test can access and download the answer key PDFs directly from the official website at upsc.gov.in.

The NDA 2 2026 written exam was successfully conducted on September 13, 2026, in offline (pen-and-paper) mode across various examination centers nationwide. The recruitment drive aims to fill approximately 394 vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy, as well as the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC).

Exam Structure Overview

The examination was held in two separate shifts on the same day:

1. Morning Session: Mathematics Paper

2. Afternoon Session: General Ability Test (GAT)

UPSC NDA 2 Marking Scheme 2026

To evaluate performance and calculate probable scores ahead of the official result declaration, candidates can refer to the official marking guidelines outlined below:

How to Calculate Your Estimated Score

Candidates can use their responses mapped against the official answer keys along with the following formulas to calculate their estimated scores:

• Mathematics Estimated Score:

  $$\text{Score} = (\text{Correct Answers} \times 2.5) - (\text{Incorrect Answers} \times 0.83)$$

• General Ability Test Estimated Score:

  $$\text{Score} = (\text{Correct Answers} \times 4) - (\text{Incorrect Answers} \times 1.33)$$

(Note: Scores calculated via provisional answer keys serve only as a preliminary estimate. Final evaluation and results are subject to verification and discretion by the UPSC.)

Steps to Download UPSC NDA 2 Answer Key 2026

Once the links are activated on the portal, candidates can follow these step-by-step instructions to download the PDFs:

1. Go to the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.

2. Navigate to the Examinations tab on the homepage and select Answer Keys.

3. Look for the link titled National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026.

4. Choose the respective paper (Mathematics or General Ability Test).

5. Download the PDF file and compare your OMR responses with the official keys.

    

Detailed Guide: Understanding the UPSC NDA 2 2026 Examination & Evaluation Process

To help you get a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of the upcoming answer keys, evaluation criteria, and the subsequent stages of the selection process, here is a detailed breakdown of the UPSC NDA 2 2026 exam.

1. Understanding the Exam Structure

The NDA 2 written examination is structured to test both quantitative analytical skills and comprehensive general awareness.

• Mathematics Paper:

  • Focuses heavily on algebra, matrices and determinants, trigonometry, analytical geometry, differential calculus, integral calculus, vector algebra, and statistics & probability.

  • It acts as a primary filter for evaluating analytical and problem-solving aptitude.

• General Ability Test (GAT):

  • Divided into two distinct sections: Part A (English)—testing vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension—and Part B (General Knowledge)—covering physics, chemistry, general science, social studies, geography, and current events.

2. Detailed Breakdown of the Marking Scheme & Score Calculation

Because incorrect answers attract negative marking (one-third of the total assigned mark for a question), calculating your score accurately requires careful segregation of correct, incorrect, and unattempted questions.

Example Calculation:

• If you attempt Mathematics:

  • Suppose you answer 70 questions correctly and 30 questions incorrectly (out of 120 total questions).

  • Correct marks = $70 \times 2.5 = 175$

  • Negative marks = $30 \times 0.83 = 24.9$

  • Estimated Mathematics Score = $175 - 24.9 = \mathbf{150.1 \text{ marks}}$

• If you attempt GAT:

  • Suppose you answer 100 questions correctly and 30 questions incorrectly (out of 150 total questions).

  • Correct marks = $100 \times 4 = 400$

  • Negative marks = $30 \times 1.33 = 39.9$

  • Estimated GAT Score = $400 - 39.9 = \mathbf{360.1 \text{ marks}}$

• Total Estimated Written Score: $150.1 + 360.1 = \mathbf{510.2 \text{ marks}}$ (out of a maximum possible 900 marks).

3. What Happens After the Answer Key is Released?

Once the provisional answer keys are made available on upsc.gov.in, candidates usually go through a multi-step timeline before final selection:

1. Objection Window (if applicable): UPSC occasionally allows candidates to raise discrepancies or challenge specific answers if they find factual or conceptual errors in the provisional keys.

2. Declaration of Written Results: Based on the official evaluation, UPSC releases a merit list of candidates who clear the sectional and overall cut-off marks for the written test.

3. SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview:

   • Candidates who clear the written examination qualify for the rigorous 5-day SSB interview process.

   • The SSB interview carries another 900 marks, split across Stage I (OIR and PPDT) and Stage II (Psychological tests, Group Testing Officer tasks, and personal interview).

4. Medical Examination & Final Merit: Qualified candidates undergo thorough medical examinations by a Special Board of Medical Officers before the final allotment is made based on combined written and SSB scores, subject to medical fitness and vacancy availability.