NDA 1 2026 Answer Key (All Sets A/B/C/D) – Expected Cut-Off

The NDA 1 maths analysis 2026 presents a clear picture of the paper’s difficulty level, topic mix, and what counts as a good attempt for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to conduct the NDA-1 2026 examination in April 2026. As usual, the UPSC NDA exam will consist of two papers – Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).

Each paper will come in four different sets (A, B, C, and D).

NDA 1 2026 Answer Key

The Mathematics section contains 120 objective questions with a specific marking scheme. Each correct answer earns 2.5 marks while wrong answers lead to a deduction of 0.83 marks. The written exam carries 900 marks in total, which makes Mathematics one of the most decisive components of the selection process for the prestigious defence academy.

NDA 1 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The NDA 1 2026 exam pattern remains crucial for candidates who want to crack one of India’s top defence examinations. The NDA maths analysis 2026 is expected to align with the established structure.

Maths paper structure

The Mathematics paper in NDA 1 2026 will test candidates’ quantitative skills with 120 objective-type questions drawn from the NDA syllabus. Questions typically assess concept understanding without the use of calculators or mathematical tables, and cover Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus (including differentiation/integration), Analytical Geometry, Probability, and Statistics. Prior year patterns show a strong emphasis on application-based problems that gauge clarity of concepts.

Total marks and duration

Much of the written examination’s selectivity comes from the Mathematics section (300 marks). Candidates get 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) to solve all 120 questions — making time management and accuracy essential.

The complete written examination has two papers – Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) – worth 900 marks combined. Here’s the breakdown:

Candidates must also meet the minimum qualifying marks in each paper (historically 25%) in addition to clearing the overall cutoff to move to the SSB interview stage, which carries 900 marks — making the grand total 1800 marks.

Marking scheme for correct and wrong answers

The NDA 1 Mathematics paper uses a straightforward marking scheme: +2.5 for every correct answer and −0.83 for every incorrect answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty. The GAT paper typically follows +4/−1.33. A smart attempt strategy — selecting questions you’re confident about — often yields better outcomes than indiscriminate guessing.

Maths: NDA-1 2026 Answer Key with Question Paper

GAT: NDA-1 2026 Answer Key with Question Paper

NDA 1 Maths Analysis 2026: Section-Wise Breakdown

Based on recent trends, the Mathematics paper in NDA 1 2026 can be expected to range from easy to moderate, with enough challenging items to differentiate well-prepared candidates. A balanced mix (historically around 40% easy, 50% moderate, 10% difficult) is common, favoring students who have practiced standard models and mock tests thoroughly.

Previous Year Cut-Off

Year	NDA 1 Written Cutoff	NDA 2 Written Cutoff
2025	334	—
2024	291	305
2023	301	292
2022	360	316
2021	343	355
2020	355	355
2019	342	346
2018	338	325
2017	342	258
2016	288	229

(Data – UPSC official cut off notices)

Expected Cutoff for NDA 1 2026

• Expected NDA 1 2026 Written Cutoff (out of 900): ~340–355

• Expected Final Cutoff (Written + SSB out of 1800): ~710–720

• Minimum Qualifying Marks (per subject): historically 25%

These projections assume an easy-to-moderate paper similar to recent cycles; actual cutoffs will depend on the final difficulty and overall performance distribution.

Comparison with previous year’s paper

The NDA 1 2026 paper is likely to stay consistent with prior years with minor shifts in topic weights (Calculus and Trigonometry generally dominate). Candidates strong in these areas — while maintaining competence across the board — typically perform best.

Student feedback and reactions

Typical feedback trends indicate that balanced difficulty and time pressure make selection of questions and accuracy critical. Many students find Calculus comparatively tougher and Vectors/3D trickier than expected.

(Data – UPSC official cut off notices)

Answer Key and Next Steps After NDA 1 2026

The NDA maths analysis 2026 reinforces the importance of balanced preparation across all math areas. With a 300-mark weightage, Mathematics plays a decisive role in the NDA selection process. Focus on high-weightage topics like Calculus and Trigonometry, without neglecting Probability/Statistics and Analytical Geometry.

Smart selection matters as much as knowledge: aim for accuracy over volume and manage your 2.5 hours effectively.

Action bullets for 2026 aspirants:

• Target 70–85 well-chosen attempts with 80–85% accuracy.

• Aim for 95+ in Mathematics and 340–355 overall written as a working benchmark.

• Remember: you must clear each paper’s minimum and the overall cutoff to reach SSB.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Attempt Range: Aim 70–85 questions with 80–85% accuracy instead of attempting all 120.

• High-Weightage Topics Dominate: Calculus and Trigonometry typically carry the maximum weightage.

• Expected Cutoff Benchmark: Target 95+ (Maths) and ~340–355 (written overall).

• Balanced Difficulty Level: Expect an easy-to-moderate paper with a small difficult segment.

• Negative Marking Strategy: With −0.83 per wrong and +2.5 per right, selectivity beats guesswork.

FAQs

NDA 1 2026 Answer Key

Q1. What is the expected cut-off for NDA 1 2026?
A. Written: ~340–355/900; Final (with SSB): ~710–720/1800 (subject to actual difficulty).

Q2. How many questions are there in the NDA 1 Maths paper and what is its weightage?
A. 120 questions, 300 marks (Mathematics).

Q3. What is considered a good attempt in the NDA Maths paper?
A. 70–85 attempts with ~80–85% accuracy; 95+ in Maths is a strong score.

Q4. What is the marking scheme for the NDA 1 Maths paper?
A. +2.5 for correct, −0.83 for wrong, 0 for unattempted.

Q5. Which topics carry the highest weightage in the NDA 1 Maths paper?
A. Calculus and Trigonometry, with notable contributions from Probability/Statistics and Analytical Geometry.

LAST YEAR ANSWER KEY

• NDA 2 2025 Answer Key

• CDS 2 2025 Answer Key (All Sets A/B/C/D) 

• NDA 2 2026 Answer Key| Doon Defence Dreamers