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UPSC NDA, NA and CDS 2 Answer Keys 2026 Released: Download PDFs, Check Marking Scheme and Raise Objections
Answer keys of NDA and NA (II) and CDS (II) 2026 exams were released by the UPSC on September 16, 2026. The answer keys released by the Commission are provisional and candidates can use these answer keys to cross-check their answers and calculate the approximate marks. Thereafter, the results of the written exams will be declared by the Commission. Both the exams were conducted on 13th September, 2026. The official Commission web pages have confirmed the conduct of the exams on 13th September, and answer key releases have been reported on 16th September.
How to Download NDA 2 Answer Key 2026
The following link may be used to download the Answer Key
- Visit http://www.upsc.gov.in
- Look for 'Examinations'
- Look for 'Answer Keys'
- Find 'National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026'.
- Click on 'Mathematics' or 'GAT ', etc.
- Click on the PDF file.
- Cross-check the answers against those marked on the OMR.
The official page of the UPSC has confirmed that NDA & NA (II) 2026 were conducted on 13th September, 2026.
How to Download CDS 2 Answer Key 2026
The procedure for the CDS 2 Answer Key is the same as above:
- Go to http://www.upsc.gov.in
- Click on 'Examinations'.
- Click on 'Answer Keys'
- Click on 'Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026'.
- Click on your preferred subject paper.
- Answer Key PDF is available for download.
The CDS 2 examination was also held on September 13, 2026, according to the Commission's official examination record.
How to Calculate Your Expected Score
You can only use the answer key once you know the process of awarding marks in an examination. Both NDA and CDS examinations involve negative marking. To estimate his score in NDA, a candidate needs to give marks for correct answers and deduct one-third of the given marks for an incorrect answer. A candidate should refer to the official notification of the examination for the marking scheme to avoid coaching institutes' calculations.
The same principle of negative marking, i.e., one-third, applies to CDS. Also, remember that there is no penalisation for unanswered questions.
Can Candidates Challenge the NDA 2 and CDS 2 Answer Key?
The release of the provisional answer key also gives candidates an additional time period to contest the answer key using the mechanism established by UPSC. The Commission has developed its Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) for representations concerning question papers and provisional answer key. As per UPSC, representations should be submitted only through the specified online portal and not through email or post.
Therefore, candidates should follow the instructions and deadlines for representations for the posts of NDA and CDS and not take the unofficial route to representations.
UPSC NDA 2, CDS 2 2026 Answer Key: What Candidates Should Do
Candidates must visit upsc.gov.in and download the answer key. Calculate the probable score and retain the PDF for reference. The answer key must be relied upon for official challenges and should be made within the stipulated period.
The much-awaited answer key released on 16 September gives the opportunity to NDA and CDS candidates to check their answers for the exam held on the 13th of September and calculate a fair idea of their chances; however, the final numbers will be published along with the result and cut-off by the UPSC.
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