UPSC NDA 2 Exam Analysis 2026: Check Difficulty Level, Good Attempts & Questions Level
UPSC NDA 2 Exam Analysis 2026: The UPSC NDA 2 2026 written exam, held on September 13, concluded with an overall moderate difficulty level across 270 questions. Paper I (Mathematics) was calculation-heavy and lengthy, while Paper II (GAT) presented accessible English, NCERT-based Science, and balanced General Knowledge. Candidates aiming for selection need 145–170 good attempts out of 900 marks.
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
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Quadratic Equations & Cube roots: 6 - 7 questions
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Vector Algebra: 6 - 7 questions
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Sets, Relations & Functions: 7 - 8 questions
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Permutations & Combinations: 7 - 8 questions
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3-Dimensional Geometry & Conic Sections: 8 - 10 questions
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Integration & Differential Equations: 5 - 6 questions
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Sequence & Series: 4 - 5 questions
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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.
Siddhi Sharma is an education journalist at Jagran Josh. A Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from IP University, she brings sharp newsroom instincts developed during her previous stint at Zee News. At Jagran Josh, Siddhi specializes in decoding the educational updates. Her coverage is highly exam-centric, ranging from curated news blogs for competitive exams to crucial school board and university news. Combining her strong media foundations with a research-driven approach, she creates reliable, high-utility content that helps students and aspirants stay ahead of the curve. Her writing is factual, engaging, and tailored to meet the fast-paced needs of modern learners and exam aspirants.
