Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the provisional answer key for the NDA 1 2026 examination. Candidates who appeared for the written test can now download the answer key from the official UPSC website and verify their responses. This answer key covers both Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers. The release of the provisional answer key is an important step in the recruitment process, allowing candidates to assess their performance and calculate expected scores before the final results are announced.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is one of the most prestigious recruitment processes conducted by UPSC for enrolling cadets into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The NDA 1 2026 exam was conducted to identify capable and qualified candidates who wish to pursue a career in the armed forces. With the release of the answer key, candidates now have the opportunity to cross-check their answers and file objections if they believe any answer provided is incorrect.
This article provides comprehensive information about downloading the UPSC NDA 1 2026 answer key, the process of raising objections, how to calculate your score, and the expected cut-off marks. Candidates are advised to carefully review the answer key and submit their objections within the specified timeframe if they have valid concerns regarding any answer.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UPSC NDA 1 2026 Written Examination | To be announced |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | Released (Check official website) |
| Last Date for Objections | To be specified by UPSC |
| Final Answer Key Release | After objection review |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Vacancies | Service Branch |
|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy Officer | Multiple positions | Army, Navy, Air Force |
| Naval Academy Cadet | Multiple positions | Navy |
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Candidates appearing in the examination should be not more than 19.5 years old on the date of commencement of the NDA course. Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms for reserved categories and other eligible candidates.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must be 12th pass from a recognized board or equivalent. There is no upper age limit for qualification requirements, but candidates must possess the minimum required educational qualification at the time of application.
Nationality
Applicants must be Indian citizens as per the definition provided in the Indian Constitution. Non-resident Indians (NRI) and foreign nationals are not eligible for this recruitment.
Physical and Medical Standards
All candidates must meet the physical fitness standards and pass the medical examination conducted by military medical boards. Candidates with any disqualifying medical conditions are not eligible for the selection process.
Selection Process
The NDA 1 2026 selection process consists of multiple stages to identify the most suitable candidates for armed forces service:
- Written Examination covering Mathematics and General Ability Test
- Answer Key Review and Objection Submission
- Merit List Preparation based on written exam performance
- Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview and Assessment
- Medical Examination conducted by military medical boards
- Final Merit List and Selection
- Document Verification and Enrollment Process
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS Candidates | Rs. 100 |
| SC / ST / Persons with Disability | Exempted |
| Women Candidates | Exempted |
How to Apply
Candidates can download the UPSC NDA 1 2026 answer key by following these simple steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website at https://www.upsc.gov.in
- Locate the NDA 1 2026 Answer Key link in the latest announcements section
- Click on the answer key PDF link for Mathematics and General Ability Test
- Download the PDF file to your device
- Compare your answers with the provisional answer key
- If you have objections, note the question number and your concerns
- Visit the objection portal link available on the UPSC website
- Log in with your registration credentials
- Submit your objections with proper justification and supporting documents
- Keep a copy of your objection submission for future reference
Score Calculation
Candidates can calculate their expected score using the official answer key. The NDA exam typically has a total of 900 marks distributed as follows:
Mathematics Paper: 300 marks with 120 questions (2.5 marks per question)
General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks with 150 questions (4 marks per question)
There is usually negative marking for incorrect answers. Each wrong answer typically results in a deduction of one-third of the maximum marks for that question. Candidates should carefully count their correct and incorrect answers to estimate their final score.
Expected Cut-off Marks
The cut-off marks for NDA 1 2026 will vary based on the total number of candidates, their performance, and the number of vacancies available. Based on previous years’ trends, the expected cut-off is likely to be in the range of 40-50% of total marks for general candidates. However, the final cut-off will be determined by UPSC and may vary significantly. Candidates are advised to monitor the official UPSC website for the final cut-off announcement.