Latest update — 6 October 2026
Use these NDA previous-year papers for 2026–27 preparation. The download labels retain each paper’s actual year and source; current syllabus and stage guidance below explain how to use them.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Previous-paper practice for the current preparation session |
| Paper year | The actual examination year remains attached to each file |
| Source | Official links and locally hosted copies are identified separately |
| Answers | Use the official final key where available; a selected response is not proof of correctness |
Latest syllabus and paper pattern
Written pattern and selection
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 marks; 2½ hours |
| General Ability Test | 600 marks; 2½ hours |
| Written maximum | 900 marks |
| SSB Test/Interview | 900 marks separately |
The written papers are objective. Mathematics and the General Knowledge part of GAT are bilingual in Hindi and English. Qualifying written marks do not alone ensure admission: SSB, medical standards, eligibility, preferences and available places remain relevant.
For objective questions, an incorrect response attracts one-third of the marks assigned to that question; blanks do not attract a penalty.
Select the correct paper and session
NDA I and NDA II are separate sittings. Mathematics and GAT are separate papers, and GAT includes English as well as General Knowledge. Do not compare a Mathematics score with a GAT total. Use the current application-stage guide for registration status, not a paper-download page.
Official question-paper downloads
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| General Ability Test | Open UPSC PDF |
| Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
| General Ability Test | Open UPSC PDF |
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| General Ability Test | Open UPSC PDF |
| Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
| General Ability Test | Open UPSC PDF |
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| General Ability Test | Open UPSC PDF |
| Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
| Subject | Official paper |
|---|---|
| General Ability Test | Open UPSC PDF |
| Mathematics | Open UPSC PDF |
How to use these papers
Attempt an unseen paper under the time conditions for its own year and stage. Record attempted, correct and incorrect responses separately, then revise the topics behind the errors. Check whether a later syllabus or marking rule changes how an old paper should be used. Older questions remain practice material, not a prediction of the next paper.
Answer keys and download problems
Where UPSC publishes an answer key, match the exam, year, paper and booklet series. A coaching explanation is not an official key. If a PDF opens in the browser, use its download control to save it; if the link is unavailable, search the official previous-question-paper archive by full examination name. No registration with GovtAdhikari is required for these links.
A practical weekly paper routine
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| First sitting | Attempt the paper or relevant sections without solutions; use timing appropriate to the source paper |
| Same-day review | Separate knowledge gaps, misreading, calculation mistakes and unanswered questions |
| Targeted revision | Return to the official syllabus topic and practise similar questions |
| Repeat check | Reattempt the missed questions after a gap and compare accuracy, not just total attempts |
Official sources
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- Open UPSC PDF
- UPSC previous-question-paper archive
- UPSC question-paper archive
Checked on 6 October 2026. Later official amendments take precedence. Preparation plans are GovtAdhikari editorial guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Are old papers useful for the current session?
Yes, for relevant topics and question practice. Compare their scheme with the latest official notice before using them as full mocks.
Are all downloadable copies official originals?
No. Follow the provenance label next to each file. Local or memory-based copies are not certified as official originals.
Should I change an old paper’s year to 2026?
No. The article supports current preparation, while the paper retains its real examination year.