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UPSC NDA Answer Key 2025: Your Guide to Scores and Success

Sandeep Khati

UPSC NDA Answer Key 2025: The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. After the adrenaline rush of the NDA exam, candidates eagerly await the UPSC NDA Answer Key 2025 to gauge their performance. Whether you appeared for NDA 1 on April 13, 2025, or are preparing for NDA 2 later this year, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the answer key—how to access it, what it means, and how to use it to your advantage. Let’s dive in!

What is the UPSC NDA Answer Key?

The NDA answer key is a document that lists the correct answers to all questions asked in the exam’s two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). It’s like a sneak peek into your performance, allowing you to cross-check your responses and estimate your score before the official results are declared.

Here’s why it matters:

The answer key is released in two phases:

  1. Unofficial Answer Keys: Published by coaching institutes within hours of the exam.
  2. Official Answer Keys: Released by UPSC after the recruitment process concludes.

When and Where to Find the NDA Answer Key 2025?

Unofficial Answer Keys
Right after the NDA exam wraps up (like on April 13, 2025, for NDA 1), top coaching institutes such as Major Kalshi Classes, Cavalier, or Target Defence Academy roll out unofficial answer keys for both Maths and GAT. These are available for all test booklet sets (A, B, C, D) and can be found on:

These keys are a quick way to check your answers, but keep in mind they’re not final. Always cross-reference with the official key later.

Official Answer Keys
UPSC releases the official NDA answer key on its website, upsc.gov.in, but only after the entire selection process (written exam, SSB interview, and final results) is complete. This might take months, so don’t hold your breath waiting for it right after the exam.

How to Download the NDA Answer Key?

Getting your hands on the answer key is super simple. Here’s how:

  1. For Unofficial Keys:
    • Visit the website of a trusted coaching institute.
    • Look for links labeled “NDA 1 2025 Answer Key” or “NDA Maths/GAT Solutions.”
    • Download the PDF for your test booklet set (A, B, C, or D).
    • Some institutes also share video solutions on YouTube—perfect for visual learners!
  2. For Official Keys:
    • Head to upsc.gov.in.
    • Navigate to the Examinations tab on the homepage.
    • Click on Answer Keys.
    • Find the link for “National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) or (II) 2025.”
    • Download the PDF for Maths and GAT separately.

Pro Tip: Save the downloaded PDFs for future reference, as they’re handy for analyzing past performance or preparing for the next attempt.

How to Calculate Your NDA Score Using the Answer Key?

The NDA exam is worth 900 marks total:

To estimate your score, you’ll need the answer key and the official marking scheme:

  1. Marking Scheme:
    • Mathematics:
      • Correct answer: +2.5 marks
      • Incorrect answer: -0.83 marks
    • GAT:
      • Correct answer: +4 marks
      • Incorrect answer: -1.33 marks
    • Unattempted questions: 0 marks
  2. Steps to Calculate:
    • Match your answers with the answer key for your set (A, B, C, or D).
    • Count the number of correct and incorrect answers.
    • Use this formula for each paper:
      • Score = (No. of Correct Answers × Marks per Correct Answer) – (No. of Incorrect Answers × Marks Deducted per Incorrect Answer)
    • Add your Maths and GAT scores to get your total.
  3. Example:
    • Maths: Say you got 80 correct and 20 incorrect answers.
      • Score = (80 × 2.5) – (20 × 0.83) = 200 – 16.6 = 183.4 marks
    • GAT: Say you got 100 correct and 30 incorrect answers.
      • Score = (100 × 4) – (30 × 1.33) = 400 – 39.9 = 360.1 marks
    • Total Score: 183.4 + 360.1 = 543.5 marks

This rough score gives you a sense of where you stand compared to expected cutoffs (more on that below!).

Can You Challenge the NDA Answer Key?

Yes, but only for the official answer key. UPSC allows candidates to raise objections if they spot errors in the provisional answer key. Here’s how it works:

Note: UPSC doesn’t allow challenges to unofficial keys, and the final answer key is non-negotiable after objections are reviewed.

Why Use the NDA Answer Key?

The answer key isn’t just about numbers—it’s a tool to boost your prep and confidence. Here’s how it helps:

Expected Cutoff for NDA 1 2025

While the official cutoff is announced with the results, here’s a ballpark based on past trends:

Your estimated score from the answer key can help you gauge if you’re in the safe zone. Remember, you need at least 25% in each paper (75 marks in Maths, 150 marks in GAT) to qualify.

Bonus: Tips to Ace Your NDA Journey

While waiting for results, keep the momentum going:

  1. Brush Up for SSB: If your score looks good, dive into SSB prep—practice group discussions, psychological tests, and physical fitness.
  2. Analyze Weak Areas: Use the answer key to identify topics you struggled with (say, Algebra in Maths or Current Affairs in GAT) and work on them.
  3. Stay Updated: Follow trusted platforms for NDA 2 2025 updates (exam date: September 14, 2025) or other defense exams.
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