NDA 2 2026 Answer Key Analysis 2026: Complete Review and Preparation Guide
The NDA 2 2026 Answer Key provides the official solutions for all questions asked in the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers of the NDA-2 exam conducted by UPSC on September 14, 2026. The exam consisted of two papers, each available in four sets – A, B, C, and D – and the answer key corresponds to these sets.
With 120 objective questions in the Mathematics paper, each correct answer earns 2.5 marks, while wrong answers incur a deduction of 0.83 marks. The GAT paper carries 600 marks with its own marking scheme. The answer key allows candidates to cross-check their responses, calculate probable scores, and analyze their performance before the official results are announced.
Using the NDA 2 2026 answer key, aspirants can:
Estimate marks in both Mathematics and GAT
Identify strong and weak areas for future preparation
Understand the expected cutoffs and selection trends
Plan strategies for upcoming NDA exams
Doon Defence Dreamers recommends using the answer key carefully to evaluate performance and refine preparation techniques, ensuring better results in the NDA selection process.
NDA 2 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The NDA 2 2026 exam pattern remains consistent with previous years, providing candidates a fair assessment of their mathematical aptitude and general ability.
Mathematics Paper Structure
The Mathematics paper contains 120 objective-type questions, covering the NDA syllabus. Questions assess candidates’ understanding of concepts without calculators or mathematical tables. Topics include:
Algebra
Trigonometry
Calculus (Differentiation & Integration)
Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D)
Probability and Statistics
Vectors and Matrices
Quadratic Equations, Binomial Theorem, Sequences & Series, Functions, and General Mathematics
Observation by Doon Defence Dreamers: The question pattern matches previous NDA papers but includes more application-based problems that test conceptual understanding over formula memorization.
Total Marks and Duration
The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks, and candidates have 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) to solve it. The full NDA written exam includes two papers – Mathematics and GAT – totaling 900 marks, broken down as follows:
Paper | Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Paper 1 | Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2½ hours |
Paper 2 | GAT | 150 | 600 | 2½ hours |
Total | – | 270 | 900 | 5 hours |
The NDA Maths 2026 paper requires candidates to score at least 25% marks in each section and meet the overall cutoff to qualify for the next stage. Doon Defence Dreamers experts explain that this threshold ensures only candidates with balanced skills in both Mathematics and GAT advance to the SSB interview. The SSB carries an additional 900 marks, making the total evaluation 1800 marks for final selection.
Marking Scheme
Mathematics: +2.5 marks per correct answer, -0.83 marks per wrong answer
GAT: +4 marks per correct answer, -1.33 marks per wrong answer
Unattempted questions: 0 marks
Score Formula (Maths):
Total Marks = (Correct Answers × 2.5) – (Wrong Answers × 0.83)
Smart question selection is crucial; candidates should attempt only those questions they are confident about.
Accessing the NDA – 2 2026 Maths Question Paper:
The question papers are available in set-specific PDFs:
Set | Question Paper | Answer Key |
Set A | Download PDF | Available |
Set B | Download PDF | Available |
Set C | Download PDF | Available |
Set D | Download PDF | Available |
Accessing the NDA – 2 2026 GAT(General Ability Test) Question Paper:
Set | Question Paper | Answer Key |
Set A | Download PDF | Available |
Set B | Download PDF | Available |
Set C | Download PDF | Available |
Set D | Download PDF | Available |
NDA 2 Maths 2026: Section-Wise Analysis
Overall Difficulty
The NDA 2 Maths 2026 paper ranged from easy to moderate, with a mix of conceptual and application-based questions:
Easy: 40%
Moderate: 50%
Difficult: 10%
Candidates prepared with NDA books, coaching, and mock tests could attempt high-scoring questions confidently.
Topic-wise Question Distribution
Topic | Questions | Difficulty |
---|---|---|
Calculus | 27 | Moderate to Difficult |
Trigonometry | 21 | Moderate |
Matrices & Determinants | 11 | Easy to Moderate |
Statistics | 10 | Moderate |
Probability | 10 | Moderate |
2D Geometry | 10 | Easy to Moderate |
3D Geometry | 7 | Moderate |
Permutation & Combination | 5 | Moderate |
Sequence & Series | 4 | Easy to Moderate |
Quadratic Equations | 4 | Moderate |
Vectors | 4 | Moderate |
Complex Numbers | 2 | Moderate |
Binomial Theorem | 2 | Moderate |
Functions | 2 | Easy |
General Mathematics | 1 | Easy |
Insight: Calculus and Trigonometry carry the highest weightage, making these chapters crucial for scoring.
Types of Questions
Conceptual understanding over formula memorization
Questions primarily from Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Vector Algebra, Probability, and Coordinate Geometry
Application-based problems require multiple steps and logical reasoning
Comparison with Previous Years
Pattern and structure remain consistent
Calculus and Trigonometry remain high-weightage chapters
Successful students focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning
Good Attempts and Expected Cutoff 2026
Recommended Attempt: 70-85 questions
Expected Accuracy: 80-85%
Target Marks (Mathematics): 95+ / 300
Expected Written Cutoff: 340-355 / 900
Expected Final Cutoff (Including SSB): 710-720 / 1800
Candidates should aim above the minimum qualifying marks as the paper difficulty remains moderate.
Cutoff Trends (Previous Years)
Year | NDA 1 Written | NDA 2 Written |
---|---|---|
2025 | 305 | 320 (Projected) |
2024 | 291 | 305 |
2023 | 301 | 292 |
2022 | 360 | 316 |
2021 | 343 | 355 |
Answer Key and Next Steps
Smart selection of questions is key
Focus on high-weightage chapters: Calculus, Trigonometry
Maintain speed and accuracy
Use previous year papers and mock tests for practice
Key Takeaways
Strategic Attempts: 70-85 questions with high accuracy
High-Weightage Focus: Calculus & Trigonometry
Expected Cutoff: 95+ marks in Maths, 340-355 overall written marks
Balanced Difficulty: Paper mostly easy to moderate
Negative Marking Strategy: Avoid random guessing
Success requires concept clarity, speed, and strategic question selection.
FAQs
Q1. What is the expected cutoff for NDA 2 2026?
Projected between 340-355 / 900 for written, 710-720 / 1800 including SSB.
Q2. How many questions in NDA Maths 2026?
120 objective-type questions, 300 marks.
Q3. What is a good attempt?
70-85 questions with 80-85% accuracy.
Q4. What is the marking scheme?
Correct: +2.5 marks, Wrong: -0.83 marks, Unattempted: 0 marks.
Q5. Which topics have highest weightage?
Calculus (27 Qs) and Trigonometry (21 Qs).
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