UPSC NDA 2 Exam Analysis 2026: The UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 Examination held on September 13, 2026, ended with an overall Moderately difficult level in its two compulsory written papers.
The Paper I (Mathematics) consisted of 120 objective type questions worth 300 marks and had a moderate to lengthy paper pattern with tough calculations. Some of the major topics with substantial question weightage include Matrices, Determinants, Vector Algebra, Quadratic Equations, and Analytical Geometry. Though the formula-based questions were quite simple, multiple calculation-based questions of Integral Calculus and Differential Equations had to be solved very carefully within the strict examination environment.
In contrast, Paper II (General Ability Test – GAT) carried 150 questions of 600 marks and was relatively easier in evaluating both language skills as well as general knowledge. The Part A (English – 200 marks) continued to maintain the same easy-to-moderate level of difficulty with much emphasis being laid upon the tests of grammar and vocabulary in Spotting Errors, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Reading Comprehensions. The Part B (General Knowledge – 400 marks) was moderately balanced between Basic NCERT-based questions of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in addition to the Modern Indian History, Geography, Indian Polity, and Recent Current Affairs.
Also Read: UPSC NDA 2 2026 Exam Today LIVE: Exam Day Guidelines, Shift Timings & Paper Analysis
NDA 2 2026 Section-Wise Difficulty & Good Attempts
The medium-level NDA 2 2026 written test will have 270 questions for 900 marks altogether, where 145 to 170 questions need to be answered correctly.
|
Subject / Section |
Total Questions |
Difficulty Level |
Recommended Good Attempts |
Total Marks |
|
Mathematics (Paper I) |
120 |
Moderate to Lengthy |
56 – 67 Questions |
300 Marks |
|
English (Part A - GAT) |
50 |
Easy to Moderate |
32 – 38 Questions |
200 Marks |
|
General Knowledge (Part B - GAT) |
100 |
Moderate |
55 – 65 Questions |
400 Marks |
|
Overall NDA 2 2026 Written |
270 |
Moderate |
145 – 170 Questions |
900 Marks |
Paper I: Mathematics Topic-Wise Question Weightage
The mathematics paper was an assessment of fundamentals from the 11th and 12th grades. The students commented on the presence of a high weightage in Matrices, Determinants, Quadratic Equations, and Vectors.
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Matrices & Determinants: 8 - 9 questions
Quadratic Equations & Cube roots: 6 - 7 questions
Vector Algebra: 6 - 7 questions
Sets, Relations & Functions: 7 - 8 questions
Permutations & Combinations: 7 - 8 questions
3-Dimensional Geometry & Conic Sections: 8 - 10 questions
Integration & Differential Equations: 5 - 6 questions
Sequence & Series: 4 - 5 questions
Trigonometry & Heights & Distances: 5 - 7 questions
Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT) Breakdown
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English: Emphasis on Spotting Errors, Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, and Reading Comprehension. Here, accuracy plays an important role in improving the score.
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General Science: Consisted of basic questions from NCERT-based Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
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General Knowledge & Current Affairs: Equal coverage of Indian History (Freedom Struggle), World & Physical Geography, Indian Polity, and Recent National/Defense Affairs.
