UPSC NDA and CDS Official Answer Key 2026 Out, Download Set-Wise PDF at upsc.gov.in

The Union Public Service Commission has officially published the provisional key files for candidates who appeared in the defence entrance exams on September 13, 2026. The UPSC NDA and CDS official answer key 2026 out update allows lakhs of defence aspirants across India to cross-check their recorded OMR responses against official solutions published by the commission on its web portal (upsc.gov.in).

Whether you appeared for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 or the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026, verifying your responses with the official key helps you evaluate your written score before the announcement of written exam results.

UPSC NDA and CDS Official Answer Key 2026 Out Latest Update

The UPSC NDA 2 and CDS 2 Official Answer Key 2026 has been released on 16 September 2026. The examinations were conducted on 13 September 2026. Candidates can now download the official answer key PDFs from the UPSC website and compare their responses to estimate their scores.

NDA 2 Answer Key 2026 Out

The NDA 2 Exam 2026 was conducted by UPSC on September 13, 2026. The Commission has now released the NDA 2 Answer Key 2026 on September 16, 2026. Candidates can check the answer key for both Mathematics and GAT and calculate their estimated marks.

The UPSC NDA 2 Answer Key PDF 2026 is available through the official UPSC website. Candidates should use the official answer key and the prescribed marking scheme to calculate their probable scores

CDS 2 Answer Key Released

CDS 2 Answer Key has been released on the official website on September 16, 2026. Candidates should visit the official website to get the answer key in a downloadable file format. It can help them to know the answers to the questions asked in the CDS 2 exam. Candidates can check the probable scores. 

UPSC NDA and CDS Official Answer Key 2026 Overview

The Union Public Service Commission released the provisional solution sheets for all test sets (Set A, Set B, Set C, Set D) shortly after conducting the nationwide pen-and-paper examination. Candidates can access these keys directly without mandatory login credentials, as UPSC provides public PDF downloads for both examinations.

UPSC NDA and CDS Official Answer Key 2026 Download Link

Candidates can download paper-wise and set-wise PDF files directly from the official portal.

CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 Download PDF

Candidates can get the unofficial CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 provided in the downloadable PDF format. No signin is needed to get the answer key. It has been provided subject-wise for the candidates. 

CDS 2 Answer Key 2026 Download PDF

NDA 2 Answer Key 2026 PDF

The NDA 2 Answer Key 2026 PDF is now available through the UPSC website after the Commission uploads the official key. Candidates should check the answer key for both papers.

NDA 2 Answer Key 2026 PDF

How to Download UPSC NDA and CDS Official Answer Key 2026 Out 

Following a step-by-step procedure ensures candidates obtain authentic PDFs directly from the portal:

1. Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission at upsc.gov.in.

2. Go to the top navigation bar, click on the Examinations tab, and select Answer Keys or check the What's New section.

3. Locate the link reading National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 or Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.

4. Select your specific subject paper (Mathematics, GAT, English, or General Knowledge).

5. The set-wise PDF will open on your browser. Download and save the PDF file for score calculation.

Marking Scheme and Score Calculation Formula

To accurately estimate your written exam score, apply the official marking scheme established by UPSC, including the 1/3rd penalty for incorrect responses.

NDA Score Calculation Formula

• Mathematics: Total Score = (Correct Answers × 2.5) – (Incorrect Answers × 0.83)

• General Ability Test (GAT): Total Score = (Correct Answers × 4.0) – (Incorrect Answers × 1.33)

• Total NDA Score: Mathematics Score + GAT Score (Out of 900 Marks)

CDS Score Calculation Formula

• English & General Knowledge: Total Score = (Correct Answers × 0.83) – (Incorrect Answers × 0.27)

• Elementary Mathematics: Total Score = (Correct Answers × 1.0) – (Incorrect Answers × 0.33)

• Total CDS Score: Sum of applicable papers (300 Marks for IMA/INA/AFA; 200 Marks for OTA Chennai)

What Follows the Release of the Official Answer Key?

Now that the UPSC NDA and CDS official answer key 2026 out announcement is official, candidates should complete the following steps:

• Compare Written Marks with Previous Year Cut-Offs: Check whether your estimated score exceeds the qualifying cut-off for NDA written examination (typically ~350-360 out of 900) or CDS written examination (~130-140 for IMA, ~100-110 for OTA).

• Prepare for Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview: Candidates clearing the written cutoff will receive call-up letters from the Ministry of Defence for the 5-day SSB interview testing intelligence, personality, and Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).

• Medical Board Evaluation: Qualified candidates from SSB undergo medical fitness checks at designated Military Hospitals (MH).