UPSC: NDA and CDS II exam answer keys released; here’s how to download them..

UPSC NDA-CDS 2 Answer Key 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the answer keys for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026, and the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026, today, September 16, 2026. The examinations were conducted on September 13, 2026.

Candidates can use the answer key to cross-check the answers they marked during the exam. This will help them estimate their probable scores. However, the score calculated based on the answer key will only be an estimate; the final result will be declared in accordance with the Commission's prescribed procedure.
Both the NDA and CDS II, 2026 examinations are listed under "Active Examinations" on the official UPSC website.

How many vacancies were there for the NDA II exam?
A total of 394 vacancies were announced for the NDA and Naval Academy Examination II, 2026. The exam was held on September 13, 2026.
Candidates who appeared for the exam can verify their correct and incorrect answers against the answer key. This allows them to gauge their performance before the results are declared.

When was the CDS II exam held?
The written examination for the Combined Defence Services Examination II, 2026, was also conducted on September 13, 2026. This exam is used to select candidates for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. A total of 451 vacancies were announced for CDS II, 2026.

How to calculate probable scores using the answer key?
Candidates can compare the correct answers provided in the answer key with the answers they selected in their answer booklets. Probable scores can be calculated based on the number of correct and incorrect answers.
It is important to account for the prescribed negative marking for incorrect answers. Meanwhile, no marks are added for questions that were left unanswered. In this way, candidates can estimate their probable scores based on the answer key.

How to download the NDA and CDS answer keys?
To download the answer key, candidates must visit the official UPSC website. From there, they can navigate to the section related to the exam to view the corresponding answer key. Steps to download the answer key:

First, visit the official UPSC website.
Open the exam-related section on the homepage.
Go to the option for the answer key.
Now, look for the link for the NDA and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026, or the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026.
Click on the link for the relevant answer key.
The answer key PDF will open on the screen.
Download it.
Keep a copy safe for future reference.

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