Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the NDA Answer Key 2026 for the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers. Candidates who appeared for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination can download the subject-wise PDFs and compare their responses. The total number of vacancies is to be confirmed from the detailed NDA 2026 notification, as the answer-key update does not specify the post count.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Cadets |
| Total Vacancies | TBA in detailed notification |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
The answer key contains the correct options for questions asked in the Mathematics and GAT papers. Candidates should match the key with the correct question-paper series before estimating their marks.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | December 10, 2025 |
| Last Date | December 30, 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Result Date | TBA |
Candidates should note that the answer-key publication date and any related notice will be displayed on the UPSC website. If UPSC provides a separate representation or objection facility, the applicable deadline and procedure will be mentioned in the official notice.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- For the Army Wing of the NDA, candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
- For the Air Force and Naval Wings of the NDA, candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Candidates seeking admission to the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy must also have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at the Class 12 level.
- Candidates appearing in the qualifying examination must submit proof of passing within the deadline prescribed by UPSC.
Age Limit
- Applicants are generally required to be between approximately 16.5 and 19.5 years.
- Only candidates born within the date range specified in the NDA 2026 notification are eligible.
- Unmarried male and female candidates may apply, subject to the prescribed conditions.
- The date of birth recorded in the matriculation or secondary school certificate is normally accepted for verification.
Fees
- The standard application fee is generally Rs 100.
- Female candidates and SC/ST candidates are exempt from payment.
- Eligible sons of serving or former Junior Commissioned Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks may also receive exemption under UPSC rules.
- Applicants must follow the fee amount and payment instructions stated in the final notification.
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Candidates take Mathematics and GAT papers in objective format. Performance is evaluated after applying the prescribed marking and negative-marking rules.
- SSB Interview: Candidates who clear the written cut-off are called for the Services Selection Board process, including intelligence, psychological, group and officer potential assessments.
- Medical Examination and Final Merit: Recommended candidates undergo medical tests. Final selection depends on merit, medical fitness, eligibility verification, preferences and available vacancies.
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in and open the examinations or active examinations section.
- Select the relevant NDA and NA Examination 2026 notice and read the eligibility, age, examination-centre and document requirements carefully.
- Complete the online registration through the application portal using a valid email address, mobile number and personal details. The application window for the April examination has already closed.
- Enter educational information, examination preferences and communication details, and upload the required photograph, signature and identity document in the specified format.
- Pay the application fee, where applicable, and submit the form before the deadline. Save the confirmation page and application number for future reference.
- To obtain the answer key, return to the UPSC website, open the Answer Keys section and select NDA 2026.
- Download the separate Mathematics and GAT PDF files, verify the question-paper series and save a copy. Candidates should use the official marking scheme while calculating an estimated score.
Important Links
FAQs
1. Is the UPSC NDA Answer Key 2026 available separately for Mathematics and GAT?
Yes. Candidates can download separate answer-key PDFs for the Mathematics and General Ability Test papers from the UPSC website.
2. What is the minimum qualification for the NDA examination?
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12. Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are compulsory for the Air Force, Naval and Naval Academy entries.
3. Does the NDA answer key confirm a candidate’s selection?
No. The answer key only helps candidates review responses and estimate marks. Qualification depends on the official result, cut-off, SSB interview, medical fitness and final merit list.
