The NDA 2 GAT Answer Key 2026 is one of the first tools defence aspirants use after walking out of the exam hall on September 13, 2026. The General Ability Test (GAT) carries 600 marks and tests English, general knowledge, physics, chemistry, history, geography, and current affairs. Within hours of the paper, coaching centres publish unofficial keys for all sets, while the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expeccted to upload the official provisional key around September 16, 2026 on upsc.gov.in.
This Academic247 guide explains where to find set-wise keys, how marking works, how to estimate your score before the result, and what to do if you spot an error in the official key. Whether you prepared through a residential academy in Rajasthan or self-studied from a CBSE school in a metro city, the process is the same for every candidate.
What Is the NDA 2 GAT Answer Key 2026?
The NDA 2 GAT answer key is a document that lists the correct option (A, B, C, or D) for every question in the General Ability Test held under the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026. UPSC conducts NDA twice a year; the second session in 2026 was held on Sunday, 13 September 2026, alongside the Mathematics paper and the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination at centres across India.
Answer keys serve three practical purposes for students and parents tracking defence careers:
Score estimation: Match your marked responses against the key and apply the official marking scheme.
Transparency: The provisional key allows candidates to verify whether UPSC has marked any question incorrectly.
Early planning: A realistic GAT score helps you judge combined performance with Mathematics and prepare for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview if marks look strong.
The GAT is only one half of the written stage. The full NDA 2 written exam totals 900 marks — 300 for Mathematics and 600 for GAT. For a complete picture of both papers, refer to our coverage of the NDA 2 Maths Question Paper 2026 with Answer Key and Solution PDF (September 13).
NDA 2 GAT 2026 Exam: Date, Timing, and Paper Structure
Understanding the exam framework makes answer-key calculation straightforward. The GAT is a single-session, pen-and-paper test with objective multiple-choice questions.
Key Exam Details at a Glance
| Parameter | NDA 2 GAT 2026 Details |
|---|---|
| Exam date | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Conducting body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Paper name | General Ability Test (Paper II) |
| Maximum marks | 600 |
| Question type | Objective (MCQ) |
| Question booklet sets | Set A, Set B, Set C, Set D |
| Marks for correct answer | +4 |
| Negative marking per wrong answer | −1.33 (1⅓ marks) |
| Total NDA 2 written marks (Maths + GAT) | 900 |
Candidates who appeared at centres in Uttarakhand, Haryana, and other states followed local arrangements such as the Almora CDS and NDA Exam Day Restrictions: 200-Metre Zone Rules for September 13, 2026. Metro and tier-2 cities also published centre-wise guides — see resources for Dehradun UPSC CDS, NDA and NA Exams 2026 and Gurugram CDS NDA Exam 2026: 34 Centres, 3 Shifts and Full Candidate Guide.
Subject-Wise Weightage in GAT
The GAT blends language ability with science and social studies. While UPSC does not always publish an exact break-up every year, coaching analysis after the 13 September 2026 paper broadly indicated the following pattern, which remains useful for post-exam review:
English (Part A): Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence arrangement — typically around 50 questions.
General Knowledge (Part B): Physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography, polity, economics, and current events — the remaining questions.
Students from strong board schools often find the English section manageable, while science-heavy portions reward consistent NCERT reading. Parents comparing school options in major cities can explore lists such as Best Schools in Delhi 2026, Best Schools in Mumbai 2026, and Best Schools in Bengaluru 2026 for CBSE/ICSE programmes that align with NDA syllabi.
Unofficial vs Official NDA 2 GAT Answer Key 2026
Two categories of answer keys circulate after every NDA session. Knowing the difference protects you from over-reacting to a single coaching centre's version.
Unofficial Answer Keys (Same Day — 13 September 2026)
Leading defence coaching institutes — including Major Kalshi Classes and others — release unofficial NDA 2 GAT answer keys 2026 on exam day itself, usually within two to six hours. These are prepared by subject experts who reconstruct questions from candidate memory and solve them independently.
Advantages of unofficial keys:
Instant score estimate without waiting for UPSC.
Set-wise PDFs and YouTube solutions for Sets A, B, C, and D.
Detailed paper analysis helps 2027 aspirants understand difficulty trends.
Limitations: Wording may differ slightly from the actual booklet, a few question numbers can be disputed, and final authority always rests with UPSC.
Official Answer Key (Expected ~16 September 2026)
UPSC publishes the provisional NDA 2 GAT answer key on its official website, typically within two to four working days after the exam. For 2026, the expected release window is 16 September 2026, though candidates should monitor upsc.gov.in daily because dates are tentative until notification appears.
The official key is released separately for each question paper set. It is provisional — meaning candidates may submit representations if they believe a question has multiple correct answers or the keyed answer is wrong.
Other national exams follow a similar post-exam workflow. For comparison, medical graduates track provisional keys through our guide on NEET PG 2026 Answer Key and Response Sheet: NBEMS Release, Qualifying Marks, and Result Timeline.
How to Download the Official NDA 2 GAT Answer Key from UPSC
UPSC does not email answer keys individually. Every candidate must download them from the portal using the same credentials created during application.
Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
Click on the "Examinations" tab and open "Active Examinations" or the dedicated NDA notification link.
Look for the link titled "Answer Key – National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 – General Ability Test".
Select your question paper set (A, B, C, or D) and download the PDF.
Save a copy and compare each question number with your recorded responses from the exam.
If the direct link is not visible on the homepage, check the "What's New" section or the examination archive. Avoid third-party websites that mimic UPSC branding.
Set-Wise NDA 2 GAT Answer Key 2026: Sets A, B, C, and D
UPSC rotates questions across four sets to prevent copying. The set code is printed on your question booklet cover and admit card. You must use the answer key that matches your set exactly — using Set A keys for a Set C booklet will produce a meaningless score.
Coaching institutes typically publish unofficial keys in this format:
| Paper Set | What to Check | Typical Release Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Set A | 150 MCQ answers (GAT) | Coaching PDF / YouTube live session |
| Set B | Same syllabus, different question order | Coaching PDF / YouTube live session |
| Set C | Same syllabus, different question order | Coaching PDF / YouTube live session |
| Set D | Same syllabus, different question order | Coaching PDF / YouTube live session |
Defence hubs in Rajasthan and beyond see heavy NDA traffic every September. Aspirants trained at institutes covered in guides like NDA Coaching in Sikar 2026: Top Institutes, Course Fees, Results & How to Choose and Top 5 NDA Coaching Institutes in Sikar 2026 often receive set-wise keys through WhatsApp groups within hours.
NDA 2 GAT 2026 Marking Scheme and Score Calculation
Featured-snippet answer in one line: NDA 2 GAT net score = (Correct answers × 4) − (Incorrect answers × 1.33).
There is no negative marking for unattempted questions. Partial marking does not apply — each question is either fully right or treated as wrong if you select an incorrect option or mark multiple answers against rules.
Step-by-Step Score Calculation Example
Suppose after matching your OMR responses with a reliable answer key you find:
Correct answers: 95
Wrong answers: 40
Unattempted: 15 (out of 150 questions)
Calculation:
Marks from correct answers: 95 × 4 = 380
Negative marks: 40 × 1.33 = 53.2
Net GAT score ≈ 326.8 out of 600
If your Mathematics paper estimate is, for example, 145 out of 300, your combined written score would be roughly 471.8 out of 900 before normalization or cut-off filtering.
Quick Reference: Marks Per Response
| Response Type | Marks Added or Deducted |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +4.00 |
| Incorrect answer | −1.33 |
| Unattempted / blank | 0 |
A combined score near or above 400 out of 900 is often described by coaching experts as a relatively safe zone for general-category male candidates in recent NDA cycles, though cut-offs vary by course (Army, Navy, Air Force wings) and category. Always treat estimates as indicative until UPSC declares the official result.
How to Challenge the Provisional NDA 2 GAT Answer Key
When UPSC uploads the provisional key, it also opens a short objection window — usually seven days from release. Representations submitted after the deadline are not accepted.
Note the representation start and end dates in the UPSC notification.
Log in to the objection portal linked from upsc.gov.in.
Select the question number you wish to challenge and pay the prescribed fee per question (historically ₹200 per question; confirm the 2026 fee in the notification).
Upload supporting evidence — textbook references, NCERT citations, or authoritative source links.
Save the transaction receipt; UPSC reviews valid objections before publishing the final key.
Only challenge when you have strong proof. Frivolous objections waste money and do not delay result processing for well-founded cases.
Expected NDA 2 2026 Cut-Off and Result Timeline
Cut-off marks are released with the final result, not with the answer key. Trends from previous NDA-II exams suggest aggregate written cut-offs often fall in a band that corresponds to roughly 35–45% of maximum marks for general category candidates, with lower thresholds for reserved categories — but the 2026 numbers will depend on paper difficulty and vacancies.
Expected timeline after 13 September 2026 exam:
13 Sep 2026: Unofficial GAT and Maths keys by coaching centres
~16 Sep 2026 (expected): UPSC provisional answer keys
Within ~7 days of key release: Objection window closes
Typically 2–3 months post-exam: Written result and cut-off marks
After clearing written: SSB interview at designated centres
Qualified candidates proceed to the five-day SSB interview testing officer-like qualities, psychology, and group tasks. Medical examination follows for those recommended by the board.
Role of Coaching Institutes in Answer Key Analysis
India's defence coaching ecosystem — from Kota and Sikar in Rajasthan to Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru — accelerates post-exam analysis. Institutes publish keys, conduct live paper discussions, and share section-wise difficulty ratings.
Parents and students evaluating where to prepare for NDA 2027 may find these Academic247 resources useful:
Top Coachings in Delhi 2026, Top Coachings in Hyderabad 2026, and Top Coachings in Jaipur 2026
Top 3 Best Girls NDA Academy in Sikar 2026 for female defence aspirants
Residential schools in coaching hubs also matter for younger aspirants. Explore Best Schools in Sikar 2026, Best Schools in Kota 2026, and Best Schools in Hyderabad 2026 for academic foundations before Class 12.
What Should NDA Aspirants Do After Checking the GAT Answer Key?
A disciplined post-exam plan keeps momentum until the SSB stage or the next attempt.
If Your Estimated Score Looks Strong
Start SSB preparation: current affairs, communication practice, and physical fitness.
Collect original documents for verification — Class 10 and 12 certificates, category certificates if applicable.
Review Mathematics mistakes using our NDA 2 Maths answer key coverage only for learning, not for re-marking.
If Your Score Falls Below Expectations
Identify weak GAT sections — was it English vocabulary, physics numericals, or current affairs?
Compare with expert paper analysis videos from institutes listed in Top 10 NDA Coaching Academies in Sikar 2026.
Plan for NDA 1 2027 with structured test series; explore Top Coachings in Mumbai 2026 or Top Coachings in Bengaluru 2026 if relocating for preparation.
General Tips for Accurate Self-Evaluation
Reconstruct your answers from memory the same evening — do not wait a week.
Cross-check with at least two unofficial keys before feeling confident.
Wait for the UPSC provisional key before filing objections or sharing scores publicly.
Keep your admit card and rough notes safe until the final result.
NDA 2 GAT 2026 Paper Analysis: What Candidates Reported
Initial reactions from candidates and faculty at defence academies on 13 September 2026 suggest a moderately balanced GAT paper. English comprehension passages were described as readable within the time limit, while the general knowledge segment mixed direct NCERT-based facts with a handful of application-style physics and chemistry questions. Current affairs coverage leaned toward events from the preceding six to eight months — a reminder that daily newspaper reading remains non-negotiable for NDA aspirants.
Coaching mentors advising students at institutes featured in our Top 5 JEE Coaching in Sikar 2026 guide note that many NDA candidates overlap with JEE and board exam preparation. The skills transfer both ways: strong maths supports the NDA Mathematics paper, while disciplined study schedules help manage the wide GAT syllabus spanning history, geography, and science.
If your unofficial score lands in a borderline range — roughly 280 to 320 in GAT alone — wait for the official key before drawing conclusions. A few disputed questions can shift totals by eight to twelve marks, which may matter near expected cut-offs.
Common Mistakes When Using the NDA 2 GAT Answer Key
Even careful students misestimate scores. Avoid these frequent errors when working with set-wise keys on exam day or after the UPSC release:
Wrong set matching: Double-check the booklet code on your admit card before downloading any PDF.
Counting blanks as wrong: Unattempted items do not attract negative marking.
Using outdated marking rules: NDA uses +4/−1.33; do not apply CDS or AFCAT schemes by mistake.
Ignoring the Maths paper: Written qualification depends on combined performance across 900 marks.
Relying on a single coaching key: Cross-verify with at least two sources until UPSC publishes its version.
Parents supporting first-generation defence aspirants should help with documentation and calm planning rather than early celebration or discouragement based solely on unofficial numbers. Reliable institute comparisons — such as Best Schools in Kota 2026 for younger siblings or Top Coachings in Jaipur 2026 for structured NDA batches — keep the focus on long-term preparation quality.
NDA 2 GAT Answer Key 2026: Important Links Summary
| Resource | Where to Access |
|---|---|
| Official answer key (expected ~16 Sep 2026) | upsc.gov.in → Examinations → Answer Keys |
| Unofficial set-wise keys (13 Sep 2026) | Major coaching institutes' websites and YouTube channels |
| Maths paper key and solutions | Academic247 NDA 2 Maths coverage |
| Objection / representation portal | Link in UPSC notification when provisional key is published |
Conclusion
The NDA 2 GAT Answer Key 2026 helps lakhs of young Indians translate a morning in the exam hall into a clear number out of 600. Unofficial keys on 13 September 2026 offer immediate feedback; the UPSC provisional key, expected around 16 September 2026, is the document that matters for objections and final scoring. Use the formula — four marks per correct answer and 1.33 marks deducted per wrong answer — keep your set code handy, and compare both GAT and Mathematics papers for the full 900-mark picture.
Defence preparation is a long road from school classrooms to SSB boards. Whether you study through Best NDA Coaching in Sikar 2026, Top 3 NDA Academy in Sikar 2026, or Best Schools in Jaipur 2026, the answer key is your first honest mirror after the exam. Check Academic247 for updated official links, cut-off analysis when results arrive, and city-wise coaching guides for your next step toward the National Defence Academy.
