What questions are asked in an NDA SSB interview?

The questions that are asked in an NDA SSB interview are related to educational background, current affairs, hobbies, etc. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks. Candidates need to secure the qualifying marks in this test.

What are the total marks of the NDA written exam?

The total marks allotted to NDA written exam are 900. The GAT paper carries 600 marks and Maths paper carries 300 marks. Yes, there is a sectional cutoff in NDA written exam. Candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject to qualify the exam. Besides, candidates are also required to secure the overall cut off marks prescribed for Army, Navy and Air Force.

How many questions are asked in NDA exam?

A total of 120 questions are asked in the Maths paper of NDA. Questions are usually asked from Algebra Matrices and Determinants Trigonometry Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, and Differential Equations Vector Algebra Statistics and Probability. In the GAT part of the NDA exam, a total of 150 questions are asked. This section is divided into parts. Part A comprises questions from English and Part B comprises questions from General Knowledge. In English questions are generally asked from Spotting Errors, Antonyms, Synonyms, Idioms, and Phrases and Fill in the Blanks. In General Knowledge, questions are asked from Physics Chemistry Biology Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Defence Specific, Current Affairs & Static GK, etc.

UPSC NDA 2025 Mock Test: Download NDA Mock Test PDF Here

NDA 2 2026 application

20 May '26 - 9 Jun '26

Updated on Jan 8, 2025 14:11 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

Overview

NDA Mock Test 2025: NDA aspirants must prepare themselves for the most sought-after defence exam by practising NDA mock test series. Solving NDA mock tests help candidates to keep a track of their performance and improvement. Besides, such online test series give candidates the right frame of mind for the examination day. NDA syllabus is not a tough nut to crack but most candidates face problems in time management and strategy. Solving mock tests help candidates to develop their own strategies and manage time.

According to NDA exam pattern, there are 150 questions in General Ability Test (GAT) and 120 in Mathematics. To score well in the exam, candidates need to pick and solve questions strategically. This is where solving UPSC NDA mock tests helps.

Candidates must solve and analyse at least two NDA mock tests in a week to improve speed and accuracy of solving questions. Candidates can even increase the number of mock tests to at least 3 to 4 two weeks prior NDA exam.

Q: Do past years' question papers help in clearing the NDA?

Practising NDA question papers help candidates to know the types of questions asked in the exam. The NDA exam carries 900 marks. The test paper carries questions from Maths and GAT.

Q: How many times can a candidate appear for the NDA exam, and what is the minimum qualifying marks required to pass?

NDA exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC. Candidates can appear for both the sessions of NDA exam. NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in January. NDA 2 exam is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in July. To qualify each section of the NDA exam, candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject. NDA exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Fotce wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.

Q: What questions are asked in NDA exam?

Check NDA syllabus below.

Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability.

GAT: Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion, Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

LIVE

18 minutes ago

NDA 2026 Registration Live: NDA 2 Application Link @upsc.gov.in, Check Dates, Fees, Eligibility & How to Fill Form

8:06 AM IST•20 May 2026

NDA 2 Notification 2026 Live Updates: Do I need to submit the hard copy of the application form?

NDA Exam Pattern

The structure of NDA exam pattern is given below.

Papers	Subject	Maximum marks	Duration
Paper 1	Mathematics	300	2 ½
Paper 2	GAT	600	2 ½
Total		900	5 hours

NDA Mock Test FAQs

Candidates can check below NDA mock test FAQs.

Q: Is NCERT enough for NDA exam preparation?

It is always advised to follow NCERT books for NDA exam. Candidates must refer to the high school books to clear the concepts of the topics given in the syllabus.