UPSC NDA/ NA-I Answer Key 2026

Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official answer key for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA-I) Examination 2026. This prestigious recruitment examination was conducted to fill a total of 394 vacant positions across various categories in the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. The answer key has been made available on the official UPSC website, allowing candidates to verify their responses and calculate their expected scores.

The NDA/NA-I examination is one of the most competitive entrance tests in India, attracting lakhs of aspirants every year who dream of serving in the Indian Armed Forces. This recruitment drive aims to select motivated and disciplined individuals for commissioning as Officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates who have appeared for this examination can now access the answer key to cross-check their answers and assess their performance.

The release of the answer key is a crucial step in the recruitment process, as it provides transparency and allows candidates to file objections if they believe there are errors in the official answers. This article provides comprehensive information about the UPSC NDA/NA-I Answer Key 2026, including important dates, vacancy details, eligibility criteria, selection process, application fee, and step-by-step instructions on how to access and download the answer key.

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

The 394 vacancies are distributed across different branches of the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates qualifying this examination will be considered for commission as Officers in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The exact distribution of vacancies may vary based on the requirements of different service branches and the performance of candidates in the examination.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit

• Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age as on the date of opening of the Academy
• Age relaxation is provided for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) as per government rules

Educational Qualification

• Candidates must have passed 12th standard (10+2) examination from a recognized school or educational board in India
• The qualification must be completed before the date of opening of the Academy
• Diploma holders are also eligible to apply
• Foreign qualifications must be recognized by the Government of India

Nationality and Citizenship

• Only Indian citizens, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are eligible
• Candidates must possess a valid Indian passport or necessary documentation

Physical Requirements

• Candidates must be physically fit and medically eligible for service in the Armed Forces
• Height and other physical standards as per Service requirements must be met
• Vision and hearing standards must conform to Armed Forces specifications

Marital Status

• Unmarried males and females are eligible to apply
• Married candidates or those in a relationship are not eligible

Selection Process

The selection of candidates for NDA/NA-I is a multi-stage process designed to identify the most suitable candidates for officer training. The following steps outline the complete selection procedure:

1. Written Examination: Candidates must appear for the UPSC NDA/NA-I written examination conducted in April 2026. The examination comprises two papers – Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
2. Shortlisting: Based on the written examination performance, UPSC shortlists candidates who qualify for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview round.
3. Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for the SSB interview, which is conducted at various SSB centers across India. The SSB evaluates personality, leadership qualities, and suitability for officer cadre.
4. Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the SSB interview must undergo a comprehensive medical examination conducted by the Defence Medical Services to ensure they meet the health and fitness standards required for military service.
5. Final Merit List: After successful completion of all the above stages, UPSC prepares a final merit list of selected candidates for commission as Officers.
6. Document Verification: Selected candidates must submit required documents for verification before joining the Academy.
7. Joining NDA/NA: Finally, selected candidates join the National Defence Academy or Naval Academy as per the notification of the Union Public Service Commission.

Application Fee

Category	Application Fee	Payment Mode
General/OBC Candidates	100 (Indian Rupees)	Online (SBI Net Banking/Debit/Credit Card)
SC/ST/Female Candidates	No Fee (Exempted)	Not Applicable
PwD Candidates	No Fee (Exempted)	Not Applicable

The application fee must be paid online through the official UPSC portal during the application submission period. Candidates belonging to reserved categories and exempted categories are not required to pay the application fee. Payment can be made through various online modes including internet banking, debit card, and credit card of any bank.

How to Apply

Candidates who wish to apply for the UPSC NDA/NA-I Recruitment 2026 must follow the step-by-step process outlined below:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the Union Public Service Commission at https://www.upsc.gov.in
2. Navigate to Recruitment Section: Find the NDA/NA-I recruitment notification on the homepage under the “What’s New” or “Notifications” section
3. Read the Official Notification: Carefully read the entire official notification to understand all requirements, dates, and instructions
4. Register on the Portal: Click on the application link and register yourself with a valid email ID and mobile number to create your login credentials
5. Fill the Application Form: Complete all fields in the online application form with accurate and truthful information. Provide details such as personal information, educational qualifications, and category details
6. Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of required documents including photograph, signature, and certificates as specified in the notification
7. Enter Payment Details: For candidates required to pay the fee, enter the payment details and complete the online transaction through the prescribed payment gateway
8. Submit the Application: After reviewing all the information, submit your completed application form
9. Download Confirmation: Download and save the application confirmation receipt and print it for your records
10. Note Down Reference Number: Keep a note of your application reference number for future correspondence and checking examination details

Important Links

• Official UPSC Website
• NDA/NA-I Answer Key 2026
• NDA/NA-I Recruitment Notification 2026
• Online Application Portal
• Admit Card Download Link
• Result Declaration Page
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)