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Sandeep Pratap Singh
Written By Sandeep Pratap Singh
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Download UPSC NDA 1 2026 answer key PDF for Maths & GAT. Check expected cut off, marking scheme, score calculation & exam analysis with latest updates


The Union Public Service Commission has conducted the NDA 1 2026 exam on 12 April 2026, and candidates are eagerly waiting for the UPSC NDA 1 2026 Official Answer Key PDF.

As per recent updates, coaching institutes have released unofficial answer keys, while the official answer key by UPSC is released. Official UPSC keys for Mathematics and GAT are released with expected written cut-offs around 300+.


NDA 1 2026 Official Answer Key 2026 Out

Candidates can find the direct links to download the NDA 1 2026 official answer keys from the table below:


Subject

NDA 1 2026 Official Answer Key PDFs

Mathematics

Download Here

General Ability Test

Download Here


What is NDA 1 2026 Official Answer Key? 

The NDA 1 2026 Answer Key is released by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)  a set-wise solution PDF (Maths & GAT) that allows candidates to:

  • Check correct answers: Download NDA 1 Official Answer key 2026
  • Calculate expected score: Expected Cutoff for NDA 1 2026 
  • Analyse performance before result

NDA 1 2026 Answer Key 2026 - Key Highlights

The answer key is released set-wise for both papers.

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

NDA & NA (I) 2026

Conducting Body

UPSC

Exam Date

12 April 2026

Papers

Mathematics & GAT

Total Marks

900

Answer Key Type

Official (UPSC) + Unofficial (Coaching)

Mode

PDF (Set A, B, C, D)

NDA 1 2026 Answer Key Release Date (Latest Update)

The latestUpdate on release of unofficial and official answer key are as follows: 

  • Unofficial Answer Key: Released 
  • Provisional Answer Key: Released 

How to Download NDA 1 2026 Official Answer Key PDF

Official answer keys are published in PDF format for all sets.  Follow these steps:

  1. Visit official UPSC website
  2. Go to “Examinations” - “Answer Keys”
  3. Click on NDA & NA (I) 2026 Answer Key
  4. Select your paper (Maths/GAT)
  5. Download set-wise PDF

How to Calculate NDA 1 2026 Score (Step-by-Step)

Marking Scheme:

Paper

Correct

Wrong

Maths

+2.5

-0.83

GAT

+4

-1.33

Use this formula:

NDA Score = (Correct × Marks) – (Wrong × Negative Marks)

Example Calculation

If you attempt 100 questions in Maths:

  • Correct: 80
  • Incorrect: 20
  • Calculation: 

(80 x 2.5 ) - (20 x .83) = 200 -16.67 

Total Score= 183.33 Marks

NDA 1 2026 Expected Cut-Off (Trend Analysis)

Based on expert analysis and previous trends.

Year

Written Cut Off

Final Cut Off

2025

Approx.305

Approx. 700

2024

305

673

2023

292

656

Expected Cut-Off 2026:

  • Written: 355-380
  • Final: 700-740

NDA 1 2026 Exam Difficulty Level (Detailed Analysis)

According to student feedback:

  • Mathematics: Moderate
  • GAT: Moderate
  • Overall Paper: Moderate to Slightly Tough

Questions covered topics like:

  • Trigonometry
  • Probability
  • Matrices
  • Current Affairs
  • History & Geography
  • Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms), Properties of matter, Atomic structure, Indian History (Culture/Civilization), Mineral Resources (India-focused).

Around 40% questions were from previous year trends. 

NDA 1 2026 Answer Key Objection Process

Candidates can challenge the answer key:

  • Objection Window: Approx. 5 days
  • Mode: Online (UPSC portal)
  • Requirement: Valid proof

Example timeline:

  • Objection window: 18-22 April 2026 

What After NDA 1 2026 Answer Key?

After checking your score:

Next Steps:

  1. Estimate qualification chances
  2. Start SSB Interview preparation
  3. Improve communication & personality

Final selection includes:

  • Written Exam (900 marks)
  • SSB Interview (900 marks)

Importance of NDA Answer Key 2026

The answer key helps candidates:

  • Predict results early
  • Identify mistakes
  • Plan SSB strategy
  • Reduce uncertainty

Conclusion

The UPSC NDA 1 2026 Answer Key is a crucial tool for candidates to analyse performance, calculate scores, and plan the next stage of selection.

While unofficial answer keys are already available, candidates should keep checking the official UPSC website for the final official answer key release.

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