NDA 2 2026 Official Question Paper & Answer Key PDF: Download Maths and GAT Solutions
NDA 2 2026 Question Papers, along with Answer Keys and detailed solutions, are available here in PDF format. NDA 1 2026 was conducted on April 12, 2026, while NDA 2 2026 was conducted on September 13, 2026. Candidates can download the available Maths and GAT papers and check the answer keys and detailed solutions for both exam sessions.
NDA 2 2026 Question Paper and Answer Key PDF (Sep 13, 2026)
| Question Paper PDF | Answer Key PDF | Detailed Solution |
|---|---|---|
NDA 2 2026 Maths Question Paper and Answer Key PDF (Sep 13, 2026) |
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| NDA 2 2026 GAT Question Paper and Answer Key PDF (Sep 13, 2026) |
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Both NDA 1 and NDA 2 follow the same written examination structure. Mathematics is conducted in the morning session from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, while the General Ability Test is conducted from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Candidates can use the NDA 1 and NDA 2 2026 papers to compare the question level, topic coverage, calculation requirements, and the type of questions asked across both examination sessions.
Also Check: Last 10 Year NDA Question Paper with Answer Key and Detailed Solutions
NDA 1 2026 Question Paper and Answer Key PDF (April 12, 2026)
| Question Paper PDF | Answer Key PDF | Detailed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| NDA 1 2026 Maths Question Paper and Answer Key PDF (Apr 12, 2026) |
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| NDA 1 2026 GAT Question Paper and Answer Key PDF (Apr 12, 2026) |
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NDA 2026 Exam Pattern for NDA 1 and NDA 2
The written examination pattern is common to both NDA 1 and NDA 2 2026. The examination contains 270 objective-type questions for 900 marks. Mathematics carries 300 marks through 120 questions, while GAT contains 150 questions for 600 marks. Each paper is conducted for 2 hours and 30 minutes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for an incorrect response, making accuracy particularly important while attempting the paper.
| Paper | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marks per Wrong Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2 Hours 30 Minutes | 2.5 | Approximately 0.83 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 2 Hours 30 Minutes | 4 | Approximately 1.33 |
| Total | 270 | 900 | 5 Hours | - | |
The GAT paper is further divided into English and General Knowledge. English contains 50 questions for 200 marks, while the General Knowledge portion contains 100 questions for 400 marks. The GK portion covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events. Mathematics and Part B of GAT are set bilingually in Hindi and English.
NDA 1 2026 Question Paper Analysis
The NDA 1 2026 question papers are useful for comparing the two NDA examination sessions conducted in 2026. Based on candidate feedback and post-examination analysis, the NDA 1 Mathematics paper was generally moderate to difficult and required careful time management because several questions involved calculations and multiple steps. Topics such as Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Matrices and Determinants, and Probability remained important areas of the paper.
The NDA 1 GAT paper was comparatively moderate. English was considered relatively manageable, while the General Knowledge portion required preparation across Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. Since GAT accounts for 600 of the 900 written marks, candidates should not focus only on Mathematics; maintaining accuracy across English and GK can have a major impact on the overall written score.
How NDA 1 2026 Question Paper Can Help in NDA 2 Analysis?
With NDA 2 2026 conducted on September 13, the NDA 1 2026 paper can be used as a current-year benchmark for comparing the level and style of questions used by UPSC across both sessions. Candidates can use it in the following ways:
- Attempt it under actual exam timings: Complete Mathematics within 150 minutes and GAT within another 150 minutes to test speed and stamina.
- Analyse accuracy instead of only attempts: Since one-third marks are deducted for incorrect answers, excessive guessing can substantially reduce the final score.
- Identify weak Mathematics topics: Review errors from Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Geometry, Matrices, Statistics, Probability, and other syllabus areas.
- Evaluate GAT preparation separately: Candidates should analyse performance in English and GK independently because weakness in one part can reduce the overall GAT score.
- Compare current events coverage: Candidates can compare the Current Events questions asked in NDA 1 and NDA 2 to understand how the coverage changed between the April and September sessions.
How to Calculate Marks Using NDA 2026 Answer Key?
Candidates can use the answer key to estimate their written examination score before the final selection process. However, the number of correct and incorrect responses should be counted separately for Mathematics and GAT because the marks awarded per question are different.
- Mathematics Estimated Score: (Correct Answers × 2.5) – (Incorrect Answers × approximately 0.83)
- GAT Estimated Score: (Correct Answers × 4) – (Incorrect Answers × approximately 1.33)
- Questions that are not attempted do not attract a negative mark.
Candidates should use the calculated score only as an estimate while analysing their performance. The final qualification status depends on the standards and cut-off determined for the particular NDA examination session.
What Happens After the NDA Written Examination?
Clearing the written examination is only the first major stage of NDA selection. Candidates who qualify in the NDA 1 or NDA 2 written examination are shortlisted for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. The written examination carries 900 marks, while the SSB stage also carries 900 marks. Final selection depends on performance in the prescribed selection stages, fulfilment of eligibility conditions, medical fitness, and position in the final merit list.
Candidates analysing the NDA question paper should therefore focus not only on whether they have obtained a competitive written score but also continue their SSB preparation instead of waiting for the complete selection process to conclude.
Benefits of Solving NDA 2026 Question Papers
- Helps candidates become familiar with the actual UPSC NDA question format and difficulty level.
- Provides practice for completing 120 Mathematics questions and 150 GAT questions within the prescribed time.
- Helps identify high-effort questions that may consume excessive time during Mathematics.
- Allows candidates to measure the effect of negative marking on their actual score.
- Helps candidates compare the NDA 1 and NDA 2 2026 papers to understand differences in difficulty level and topic distribution.
- Improves decision-making regarding which questions to attempt, skip, or revisit during the examination.
- Provides a realistic basis for analysing strengths and weaknesses across Mathematics, English, Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.
| Relevant Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| NDA Exam Pattern | NDA Syllabus | NDA Exam Centers |
| NDA Cutoff | NDA Study Material | NDA Mock Tests |
NDA 2026 Question Paper FAQs
Ques: Are NDA 1 and NDA 2 2026 conducted with the same question paper pattern?
Ans: Yes. NDA 1 and NDA 2 are separate examination sessions, but the written examination follows the same prescribed structure. Mathematics contains 120 questions for 300 marks, while GAT contains 150 questions for 600 marks. Both papers have a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes each. Candidates should, however, download the question paper corresponding to their specific NDA 1 or NDA 2 examination because the actual questions are different.
Ques: Is the NDA 1 2026 question paper useful for analysing NDA 2 2026?
Ans: Yes. NDA 1 2026 was conducted on April 12, while NDA 2 2026 was conducted on September 13. Candidates can compare the two papers to understand the level of Mathematics and GAT questions, evaluate time management, identify important syllabus areas, and analyse differences in difficulty and topic distribution across the two sessions.
Ques: Are the NDA 2 2026 Mathematics and GAT question papers available?
Ans: Yes. NDA 2 2026 was conducted on September 13, 2026. Candidates can access the Mathematics and GAT question paper, answer key, and detailed solution links provided on this page as the relevant material becomes available.
Ques: Has the NDA 1 2026 result and cut-off been released?
Ans: The NDA 1 2026 written result was declared on May 8, 2026, for the examination conducted on April 12. However, candidates should distinguish the written result from the final cut-off. UPSC has stated that the marks and cut-off marks for NDA 1 2026 will be uploaded after the entire examination process is completed and the final result is declared. Candidates should therefore avoid treating expected or coaching-institute cut-offs as the official NDA 1 2026 cut-off.
Ques: How should candidates calculate their expected NDA 2026 score from the answer key?
Ans: For Mathematics, candidates can multiply the number of correct answers by 2.5 and deduct approximately 0.83 mark for every incorrect response. For GAT, multiply correct responses by 4 and deduct approximately 1.33 marks for every wrong answer. Unattempted questions do not attract a penalty. Mathematics and GAT scores should first be calculated separately and then added to estimate the total written score out of 900.
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