UPSC NDA 1 2026 – Overview

UPSC NDA 1 2026 provisional answer key has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. The written examination for approximately 400 vacancies was successfully conducted across the country on 12 April 2026 in two shifts. Candidates who appeared for the exam can now download the answer key PDFs for both Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) for all sets (A, B, C, D) at upsc.gov.in. The minimum qualification required for the exam is a Class 12 pass. The application fee was ₹100 for General/OBC candidates, while SC/ST and female candidates were exempted.

In the previous year, approximately 395 vacancies were announced for the NDA 1 cycle; the 2026 drive maintains a similar robust intake of around 400 vacancies for the prestigious defence academies.

Particulars	Details
Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Advt. No.	01/2026-NDA-I
Exam Name	National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026
Total Vacancies	400 Posts (Approx.)
Application Mode	Online
Application Fee	₹100 (Gen/OBC); ₹0 (SC/ST/Women)
Min. Qualification	Class 12 Pass
Exam Date	12 April 2026
Answer Key Status	Released (16 April 2026)
Official Portal	upsc.gov.in

Source: Official UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification (Advt. No. 01/2026-NDA-I), UPSC.

📚 Also Read: {{ALSO_READ}}

UPSC NDA 1 2026 – Important Dates & Full Schedule

Event	Date
UPSC NDA 1 Exam Date 2026	12 April 2026 Done
UPSC NDA 1 Provisional Answer Key Released	16 April 2026 Released
UPSC NDA 1 Result 2026	To be announced
SSB Interview Dates	To be notified

Source: Official UPSC Examination Calendar 2026.

UPSC NDA 1 2026 – Pay Scale & Salary

Training Stipend

₹56,100 per month

Fixed stipend during the training period at IMA/NA/AFA

Starting Rank Salary

Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500)

Plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month

UPSC NDA 1 Answer Key 2026 – How to Download

The provisional answer key for the UPSC NDA 1 2026 examination has been released. Candidates can download the answer key to calculate their probable scores by following these steps:

Visit Official Website: Go to the official UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in.
Go to What's New: On the homepage, look for the 'What’s New' section or navigate to the 'Examination' tab and click on 'Answer Keys'.
Find the Link: Click on the link titled "Provisional Answer Key: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026".
Select Paper: You will find separate PDF links for Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT).
Download PDF: Click on the respective links to download the answer key PDFs for sets A, B, C, and D.
Match Responses: Cross-check the official answers with your responses to estimate your score.

Download UPSC NDA 1 Answer Key 2026

Answer Key Released: 16 April 2026

UPSC NDA 1 2026 – Official Links & Notification PDF

Candidates can directly download the official answer key PDFs for the respective subjects using the official links provided below:

Resource	Direct Link
UPSC NDA 1 Maths Answer Key 2026 PDF	Download Here
UPSC NDA 1 GAT Answer Key 2026 PDF	Download Here
UPSC Official Website	upsc.gov.in

Source: Official Answer Key publication, UPSC, 16 April 2026.

UPSC NDA 1 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions

When was the UPSC NDA 1 Answer Key 2026 released? +

The provisional answer key for UPSC NDA 1 2026 was officially released by the commission on 16 April 2026.

How can I download the UPSC NDA 1 Answer Key 2026? +

You can download the UPSC NDA 1 Answer Key 2026 by visiting the official website upsc.gov.in, navigating to the 'Answer Keys' section, and downloading the PDFs for Mathematics and GAT.

What was the UPSC NDA 1 2026 exam date? +

The written examination for UPSC NDA 1 2026 was conducted across various centres in India on 12 April 2026.

How many vacancies are there in UPSC NDA 1 2026? +

There are approximately 400 vacancies available for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA, and the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) under UPSC NDA 1 2026.

What is the selection process for UPSC NDA 1 2026? +

The selection process for UPSC NDA 1 2026 consists of a Written Examination (Mathematics and GAT) followed by an extensive Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview encompassing Intelligence and Personality tests.

Is there negative marking in UPSC NDA 1 2026? +

Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers in the UPSC NDA 1 2026 objective-type question papers. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as negative marking.

Can girls apply for UPSC NDA 1 2026? +

Yes, unmarried female candidates who meet the prescribed age limit, educational qualification, and physical standards are eligible to apply and appear for the UPSC NDA 1 2026 examination.

What is the salary for UPSC NDA 1 2026 selected candidates? +

Candidates selected through UPSC NDA 1 2026 receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month during their training. Upon commissioning as Lieutenant, the pay scale starts at Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500).

What is the application fee for UPSC NDA 1 2026? +

The application fee for UPSC NDA 1 2026 is ₹100 for General and OBC male candidates. SC, ST, and all female candidates are completely exempted from paying any fee.

What happens after the UPSC NDA 1 Answer Key 2026? +

After reviewing the provisional UPSC NDA 1 Answer Key 2026, the commission will evaluate the OMR sheets and release the written exam result. Shortlisted candidates will then be called for the SSB Interview.

📋 Disclaimer: Information on this page is based on the official UPSC NDA 1 2026 notification (Advt. No. 01/2026-NDA-I) and answer key release by the Union Public Service Commission on 16 April 2026 at upsc.gov.in. Vacancy details, eligibility, fee, and exam dates are subject to change as per official updates. Admit card, exam schedule, and result links will be updated as released. Always verify the latest details directly at upsc.gov.in before acting.