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Shift 2 of the UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 examination, dedicated to the General Ability Test (GAT), commenced punctually across all 86 test cities at 2:00 PM. Candidates are solving 150 objective-type questions worth 600 total marks. Gate access closed strictly at 1:50 PM in compliance with UPSC directives.

The historical data shows that the qualifying cut-off marks for 900 total marks for NDA written test usually lie between 350 to 360 marks. The deciding factors behind the final cut-off marks are overall paper difficulty, turnout, and the number of vacancies available.

For those who are eligible for SSB Interview, original education certificates have to be produced. The certificates include 10th pass certificate, 12th pass certificate, birth certificate, and valid certificate of category. Any discrepancy found at the time of verification will result in disqualification.

The candidates who pass the cut-off for the written test are eligible to attend the 5-day interview procedure for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is allotted 900 marks. The process involves Stage I (Intelligence Test and Picture Perception Test) and Stage II (Psychological Tests, Group Tests, Personal Interview, and Conference).

The state-level administrative officials and the UPSC monitors have certified that the test was smooth for the 86 centres without any technical or operational difficulties. The standard procedures such as stringent identity checking and queue arrangements at entry gates were followed properly.

The candidates appearing for the Shift 2 exam will have to bear the negative marking as per the conventional UPSC pattern. The paper two (GAT) carries four marks for a correct answer, while one loses 1.33 marks for a wrong answer (one-third penalty). Questions left unanswered are not penalized.

As per the UPSC instructions, the gate of the examination centers was locked exactly 10 minutes prior to the commencement time of the morning shift, that is, at 09:50 AM. All late comers were refused entry in order to maintain the sanctity of the examination process. The same rule regarding closure of the gates holds true for Shift 2 (General Ability Test).