UPSC NDA, CDS 2 answer key 2026 released at upsc.gov.in

UPSC NDA, CDS 2 answer key 2026 released at upsc.gov.in

Last Updated: Sep 17, 2026

Sep 17 • Exam Notifications and Vacancies • 49 Views • No Comments on UPSC NDA, CDS 2 answer key 2026 released at upsc.gov.in

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the provisional answer keys for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy examination (NDA/NA II) 2026 and Combined Defence Services examination (CDS II) 2026 on its official website, upsc.gov.in. Candidates who appeared for these examinations can now download the subject-wise answer key PDFs directly without any login credentials.

UPSC NDA CDS 2 answer keys 2026 — Important Details, NDA/NA II Structure, CDS II Structure, How to Download, Next Steps, Key Reminders
UPSC NDA CDS 2 answer keys 2026 — key points at a glance
Examination Exam Date Format Answer Key Status
NDA/NA II 2026 September 13, 2026 Pen-and-paper (OMR-based) Provisional answer key released
CDS II 2026 September 13, 2026 Pen-and-paper (OMR-based) Provisional answer key released

Why the provisional answer keys matter for NDA and CDS aspirants

The release of the provisional answer keys marks a critical stage in the evaluation process for both NDA/NA II and CDS II 2026 examinations. These keys allow candidates to cross-verify their responses against the officially recorded answers, providing an early indication of their performance. While the provisional keys are subject to review, they serve as a reliable benchmark until the final answer keys are published alongside the results.

For NDA/NA II 2026, the provisional answer keys cover two papers: Mathematics (120 questions) and General Ability Test (GAT) (150 questions). For CDS II 2026, the keys are available for three papers: English (120 questions), General Knowledge (GK) (120 questions), and Elementary Mathematics (100 questions). This structure ensures that candidates from both examinations can assess their accuracy across all tested subjects.

How to download the UPSC NDA, CDS 2 answer key 2026 without errors

Downloading the answer keys is a straightforward process, but candidates must follow the steps carefully to avoid missing any updates. The official website, upsc.gov.in, hosts the latest notifications and answer key PDFs. Here is the step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.

  2. Navigate to the ‘What’s New’ section on the homepage.

  3. Click on the latest notification for the NDA, NA II or CDS II provisional answer key.

  4. Select the examination you appeared for (NDA/NA or CDS).

  5. The answer key PDF will appear on the screen; download and save it for future reference.

Candidates are advised to download the PDF immediately to ensure they have access to the correct version, as updates or corrections may be made before the final answer keys are released.

Understanding the structure of the answer keys for NDA and CDS

The provisional answer keys for both examinations are released in a subject-wise format, allowing candidates to review their responses paper by paper. For NDA/NA II 2026, the Mathematics and GAT papers are clearly demarcated, with 120 and 150 questions respectively. Similarly, CDS II 2026 answer keys are divided into English, GK, and Elementary Mathematics, with 120, 120, and 100 questions per paper.

Each answer key PDF contains the correct responses for all questions in the respective paper. Candidates can compare their marked answers with the official keys to calculate their estimated scores. This exercise helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses, which can be useful for future preparation or further stages of the selection process.

Key points to remember while reviewing the answer keys

  • Ensure you are downloading the correct answer key for your examination (NDA/NA II or CDS II 2026).

  • Cross-check the question numbers and options carefully to avoid mismatches.

  • Save the PDF for offline reference, as the official website may undergo updates or maintenance.

  • Wait for the final answer keys to be released along with the results for the most accurate evaluation.

What comes next after the provisional answer keys?

The provisional answer keys are an intermediate step in the evaluation process. After the release of these keys, candidates can expect the following stages:

  • The final answer keys will be published along with the results. These keys are considered definitive and will be used for the final score calculation.

  • The results for NDA/NA II and CDS II 2026 will be declared on the official website, upsc.gov.in, after the final answer keys are confirmed.

  • Candidates who qualify the written examination will proceed to the next stages of the selection process, which may include interviews, medical examinations, or other assessments as per the conducting body’s guidelines.

It is crucial for candidates to regularly monitor the official website for updates, as timelines for results and subsequent stages may vary based on the conducting body’s schedule.

Frequently asked questions about the UPSC NDA and CDS 2 answer keys 2026

  1. Can I challenge the provisional answer keys if I find discrepancies?

    No, the provisional answer keys are released for candidates to review their responses and do not include a provision for challenges. Any discrepancies will be addressed during the final answer key release.

  2. Do I need login credentials to download the answer keys?

    No, the provisional answer keys for NDA/NA II and CDS II 2026 can be downloaded directly from the official website without any login credentials.

  3. When will the final answer keys be released?

    The final answer keys will be released along with the results. Candidates are advised to check the official website regularly for updates.

  4. How can I use the answer keys to estimate my score?

    Compare your marked responses with the correct answers in the provisional key. Assign marks for correct answers and deduct for incorrect ones as per the examination’s marking scheme. This will give you an estimated score.

  5. What should I do if I find a discrepancy in the answer key?

    Discrepancies in the provisional answer keys will be addressed in the final answer key release. No challenges are accepted for the provisional keys, so candidates should wait for the final version for accurate evaluation.

Official source: upsc.gov.in — confirm every detail here before acting.

2026-09-17 — always confirm every detail on the official website of the conducting body before acting.

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An MBA Post graduate. In teaching industry since 9 years and has worked with google in advertising and Publishing. Worked with Airtel in sales. TaTa in Hospitality

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