Category

What NDA 2 2026 Candidates Need to Know

Exam Date

13 September 2026

Conducting Body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Exam Mode

Offline, OMR-based written examination

Mathematics Timing

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Mathematics Marks

300 marks

GAT Timing

2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

GAT Marks

600 marks

Total Written Marks

900 marks

Morning Gate Closing Time

9:30 AM

Afternoon Gate Closing Time

1:30 PM

Recommended Arrival

Reach the centre at least 60 minutes before the exam to complete frisking, verification and locate your room comfortably.

Late Entry

Once the gate closes, candidates will not be allowed to enter the examination venue.

Exam Centre Check

Check the exact centre location and travel route one day before the exam. Keep extra travel time for traffic or delays.

Printed Admit Card

Carry a clear printed copy of the NDA 2 2026 e-Admit Card. Do not depend on a screenshot or PDF stored on your phone.

Photo ID

Carry the original government-issued photo ID required for verification. Keep the ID mentioned in your admit-card instructions ready.

Passport-Size Photos

Carry two passport-size photographs if required, particularly where instructed because of photograph-related issues on the admit card.

Admit Card–ID Mismatch

If there is a name, photograph or other important mismatch, contact UPSC and resolve it before exam day.

Lost Admit Card

Download and print the e-Admit Card again through the UPSC portal. Do not wait until the morning of the exam.

Official Dress Code

UPSC has not prescribed a separate uniform-style dress code for NDA 2 2026.

Recommended Clothing

Wear simple, comfortable and modest clothes suitable for sitting through two long papers and completing security checks easily.

Dress for Male Candidates

Plain T-shirt/shirt with comfortable jeans or trousers and simple footwear.

Dress for Female Candidates

Simple kurta-trousers or T-shirt/shirt with jeans/trousers and comfortable footwear.

Accessories

Keep jewellery and other accessories minimal to make security checks easier.

Clothing to Avoid

Avoid unnecessary heavy jewellery, metal accessories, large metallic buttons/buckles and other clothing that may complicate frisking.

Simple Wristwatch

A simple/normal wristwatch is allowed according to the guidance used in the blog.

Smart/Digital Watch

Not allowed. Leave smartwatches and electronic communication watches at home.

Mobile Phone

Strictly prohibited, even if switched off.

AI-Enabled Glasses

Prohibited.

Bluetooth/Electronic Devices

Bluetooth devices, communication equipment and other prohibited electronic gadgets should not be carried.

Calculator

Not allowed.

Books & Notes

Books, notes, loose study material and similar items should not be taken inside.

Bags/Luggage

Avoid carrying bags or luggage. The exam centre may not provide storage facilities.

Valuables

Leave unnecessary costly items and valuables at home.

Water Bottle

Carry water in a transparent bottle, subject to the instructions applicable at your venue/admit card.

Required Pen

Carry a black ballpoint pen. Keep 2–3 pens so you have backups.

Blue/Gel Pen on OMR

Do not use blue or gel pens for marking the OMR sheet.

Pencil on OMR

Do not use a pencil for marking answers unless specifically instructed otherwise.

OMR Roll Number

Fill and encode your roll number carefully.

OMR Subject Code

Check and fill the correct subject/subject code.

Booklet Series

Verify your test booklet series before marking it on the OMR sheet.

Question Booklet Check

Check that all pages are properly printed and no page is torn or missing. Inform the invigilator immediately if there is an issue.

OMR Handling

Do not fold, damage or make unnecessary marks on the OMR sheet.

Multiple Responses

Do not darken more than one option for the same question.

Attendance List

Fill the Scannable Attendance List carefully using a black ballpoint pen.

Before Starting Paper

Read all instructions on the question booklet and OMR sheet before attempting questions.

Exam-Hall Behaviour

Maintain discipline, follow the invigilator's instructions and do not communicate with other candidates.

Unfair Means

Do not use or carry anything that could be treated as an unfair practice or communication aid.

Question Strategy

Attempt easier questions first and avoid getting stuck on one difficult question for too long.

Negative Marking

Incorrect answers attract negative marking, so avoid blind guessing.

Time Management

Balance speed with accuracy and keep enough time to complete and verify your OMR markings.

Night-Before Preparation

Keep your admit card, ID, photographs (if required), black pens, clothes and travel plan ready before sleeping.

Exam-Morning Food

Eat a light, familiar meal and avoid experimenting with unfamiliar food on exam day.

Last-Minute Revision

Avoid trying to learn new topics on exam morning. Focus on staying calm and reaching the centre on time.

Between Maths & GAT

Have a light meal, hydrate, relax and mentally reset instead of spending the entire break discussing Mathematics answers.

Afternoon Return

Stay close enough to the centre to return well before the 1:30 PM gate-closing time.

After a Difficult Maths Paper

Do not allow Mathematics performance to affect your GAT attempt. Treat the second paper as a fresh opportunity.

Biggest Mistake #1

Reaching after the gate-closing time.

Biggest Mistake #2

Forgetting the printed e-Admit Card.

Biggest Mistake #3

Carrying the wrong/missing photo ID.

Biggest Mistake #4

Taking a mobile phone or prohibited electronic item to the venue.

Biggest Mistake #5

Wearing a smartwatch/digital communication device.

Biggest Mistake #6

Carrying unnecessary bags or valuables.

Biggest Mistake #7

Forgetting black ballpoint pens.

Biggest Mistake #8

Incorrectly filling OMR details.

Biggest Mistake #9

Spending too much time on one difficult question.

Biggest Mistake #10

Allowing the Mathematics paper to negatively affect GAT performance.

After the Written Exam

Check the NDA 2 2026 Answer Key and estimate your probable score.

If Expected Score Is Good

Begin SSB Interview preparation early instead of waiting for the official written result.

MKC Exam Support

Major Kalshi Classes provide NDA mock tests, faculty-led doubt support, answer-key/score analysis and preparation resources.

MKC After Written Exam

Candidates expecting to qualify can move towards MKC's SSB Interview preparation and counselling support.

Final Rule to Remember

Carry the right documents, reach early, dress simply, leave prohibited items at home and fill the OMR sheet carefully.