
Defence
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NDA updates
The National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination conducted by UPSC provides candidates with an answer key to verify their responses. This page explains the process for accessing, reviewing, and challenging the answer key.
Facts last verified 4 July 2026
How it works
The provisional answer key is released by UPSC after the NDA examination to provide candidates with an initial assessment of their performance. This key contains the correct answers to all questions and allows candidates to estimate their scores before the final results are declared.
Candidates can download the provisional answer key from the official UPSC website using their roll number and other credentials. The answer key is typically released within a few days after the examination and remains available for a limited period.
If candidates believe there are errors in the provisional answer key, they can raise objections through the official UPSC portal. Each objection must be submitted with valid reasoning and supporting evidence from authentic sources.
Candidates need to pay a nominal fee for each objection they wish to raise. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the objection is accepted or rejected. Objections received after the deadline will not be considered.
The final answer key is prepared by UPSC after considering all valid objections received from candidates. This key is definitive and used for the final evaluation of candidates' performance.
Unlike the provisional key, the final answer key cannot be challenged further. The results are prepared based on the final answer key, and no further changes will be made to the scores after the declaration of results.
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Common questions
The provisional answer key is typically released within a few days after the NDA examination on the official UPSC portal. The exact date is announced in the official notification.
Yes, a nominal fee is charged for each objection raised against the provisional answer key. The fee amount is specified in the official notification and must be paid online.
No, the final answer key cannot be challenged further. It is prepared after considering all valid objections to the provisional key and is used for the final evaluation of candidates.