How much time is required for NDA Exam Preparation?

The ideal time required for NDA preparation is one year to six months. During the preparation phase, candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. Candidates must consider solving the NDA question papers. They should also attempt mock tests to increase speed and accuracy. Candidates must be thorough with the exam pattern and syllabus. The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam are given below: To begin with the preparation, candidates need to understand the syllabus and exam pattern Candidates can clear their basic concepts of the topics from the Class 10, 11 and 12 books To improve speed and accuracy, candidates can attempt mock tests After completing the syllabus, candidates must practice previous years' question papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam Candidates must work on improving their weak areas

How can I prepare for NDA exam?

Every year thousands of candidates appear for NDA exam. With so much competition, candidates need to have a proper preparation strategy for the exam. Candidates need to be consistent with their study plans. They should devote few hours every day to study. Candidates need to be thorough with the syllabus. Candidates must revise their notes and important formulae every day. Candidates must practise mock tests and previous years' question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus. Candidates must clear their basic concepts of each and every topic given in the syllabus. This will help candidates to solve the questions easily in the exam.

How to prepare for NDA exam after 12th?

NDA syllabus mostly comprises the topics/subjects that candidates have studied in Class 12. The preparation for Class 12 and NDA can go hand-in-hand. Some of the preparation tips or NDA exam after 12th are given below: Candidates must go through the complete subject-wise syllabus Create a proper study plan and dedicate time for each subject Be consistent with the study plan Refer to good NDA books Candidates must review the fundamentals of each subject. They should consult the books from Classes 6 to 12 Candidates must read the newspaper daily to enhance their English. Additionally, candidates must practice grammar and learn new words Candidates must practice the previous years' question papers to get an idea about the exam structure

How do I use previous years' question papers to prepare for NDA?

The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam using the question papers are given below: After completing the NDA syllabus, candidates must start practising the NDA previous years' question papers. Solving the question papers, candidates can get their basics cleared Candidates can use the NDA previous years' question papers in understanding the application of concepts they have learned so far Most of the questions in the exam are repeated and require a similar approach to be solved. Keep a note of such questions and tricks to solve them Candidates must prepare a timetable for solving the NDA previous years' question papers and solve atleast one/two question papers daily

What are the passing marks in NDA?

Candidates are required to score a minimum of around 25 per cent marks in each subject to clear the NDA written exam. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Besides the subject-wise cut off marks, the examination authority also decides overall cut off marks for different defence services. Candidates are required to secure both section-wise and overall cut off marks. To be in the final merit list, candidates are required to secure separate qualifying marks in the written exam and SSB interview.

What is NDA exam pattern?

The written exam of NDA comprises two papers-Mathematics and General Ability Tests (GAT). The Maths paper carries 120 questions and the GAT carries 150 questions. Total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview. SSB Interview is divided into two stages. Candidates qualifying the Stage 1 are called for the Stage 2 exam. Stage 1 of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference

What is the role of SSB (Services Selection Board) in NDA exam?

SSB Interview is conducted for candidates who qualify the written exam. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks. The structure of SSB interview is given below. Stages Tests Stage 1 Screening Test Verbal and non-verbal tests. PPDT Stage 2 Psychological Test Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) Word Association Test (WAT) Situation Reaction Test (SRT) Self Description Test (SD) Group Testing Officers Test GD GPE PGT HGT IOT Command Task Snake race/Group Obstacle Race Individual lecture FGT Personal Interview - Conference -

How many questions are asked in NDA exam?

GAT paper of NDA comprises a total of 150 questions. The GAT section is divided into two parts. Part A comprises English while Part B consists of General Knowledge. The number of questions in the Maths section of NDA exam is 120. Questions in the Maths section are asked from Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability. NDA question papers are framed in both English and Hindi by the examination authority.

Is NDA exam conducted online or offline?

NDA exam is conducted offline across various cities spread throughout the country. The exam is conducted in two shifts-morning and afternoon. The Maths paper is held in the morning shift- 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and GAT is held in the afternoon shift from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM. Candidates are required to appear in both the shifts. The total marks allotted to the exam are 900. Candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each paper.

Which is the best book for NDA Preparation?

NDA is a competitive exam therefore to crack it candidates need to choose the right type of books. NDA books help candidates to ace the exam easily and clear the concepts of each and every topic given in the syllabus. To pass the exam, it is essential to select the right set of NDA books. The standard of the NDA syllabus is for Class 10, 11, and 12 levels. The best books for NDA exam are given below: Best Maths Books for NDA Mathematics for NDA and NA by RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal Best English Books for NDA Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin Objective General English by SP Bakshi Best NDA Books for Physics Objective Physics for the NDA and NA by D.C. Pandey Concepts of Physics (Part 1 & Part 2) by H.C. Verma Best NDA Books for History History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra India's Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra Best NDA Books for Current Affairs Manorama Yearbook by Mammen Mathew Pratiyogita Darpan by Upkar Prakashan

Which books are the best for NDA Physics?

Candidates can refer to the NCERT books of Classes 11 and 12 for the Physics in NDA exam. NDA Physics syllabus is given below: Physical Properties and States of Matter Modes of transference of Heat Mass, Weight, Volume, Sound Waves and their properties Simple musical instruments Rectilinear propagation of Light Density and Specific Gravity Reflection and refraction Principle of Archimedes Spherical mirrors and Lenses Pressure Barometer Human Eye Motion of objects Natural and Artificial Magnets Velocity and Acceleration Properties of a Magnet Newtons Laws of Motion Earth as a Magnet Force and Momentum Static and Current Electricity Parallelogram of Forces Conductors and Non-conductors Stability and Equilibrium of bodies Ohms Law Gravitation Simple Electrical Circuits Elementary ideas of work Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic effects of Current Power and Energy Measurement of Electrical Power Effects of Heat Primary and Secondary Cells Measurement of Temperature and Heat Use of X-Rays General Principles in the working of Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariners Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses.

Is NDA exam tough to crack?

NDA exam is known to be highly challenging and competitive exam. The exam tests the knowledge and aptitude of candidates in subjects such as Mathematics, General Ability and English . However, with proper preparation and practice, it is possible to crack the exam. It is important to note that success in the NDA exam also depends on factors such as dedication, focus, and time management.

Is the Maths exam for Army, Navy and Airforce wings taken separately in NDA exam or it is a single test for all three courses?

The Maths paper is common for Army, Navy and Air Force wings in NDA exam. The standard of questions is basically of Class 10, 11, and 12 levels. The Maths paper carries 300 marks. 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers in Maths and 2.5 marks are awarded for correct answers. The Maths section carries 120 questions. The test paper carries questions from Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability.

What is NDA marking scheme?

NDA marking scheme is prescribed by UPSC. The marking scheme highlights the marks awarded for correct answers and marks deducted for wrong answers. In Maths 2.5 marks are awarded for correct answers and 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers. In GAT four marks are awarded for correct answers and 1.33 marks are deducted for the wrong answers. The score of the written exam is calculated out of 900 marks. The examination authority calculates the scores of candidates based on the marking scheme. The structure of NDA marking scheme is given below. Sections Marks for correct answer NDA Negative Marking GAT 4 1.33 Mathematics 2.5 0.83

What is the topic-wise distribution of questions in NDA exam?

Candidates can below the last three years' topic-wise distribution of questions in Maths. Mathematics Chapter 2021 2021 2020 2019 II I I & II I II Binary System of Numbers 0 0 1 0 1 Logarithms 1 1 2 1 1 Inequalities 0 0 1 Set Theory 4 3 4 8 6 Complex Number 5 5 2 4 2 Quadratic Equations 5 4 3 4 8 Sequence and Series 5 4 1 4 8 Permutation and Combination 7 2 3 4 5 Probability 8 5 10 15 9 Binomial Theorem 2 4 3 2 4 Matrices 5 3 3 3 2 Determinants 5 8 4 5 3 Real Numbers and Functions of Real variables 2 3 5 5 9 Limits, Continuity and Differentiability 5 4 6 2 3 Differentiation 4 4 2 2 1 Application of Derivatives 9 5 6 3 7 Indefinite Integrals 2 3 4 2 2 Definite Integrals 6 2 1 2 2 Area Bounded by Region 1 1 1 2 1 Differential Equations 3 4 6 5 4 Trigonometric Ratios, Identities and Equations 5 14 21 18 11 Inverse Trigonometrical Function 2 2 3 1 Properties of Triangle 0 3 2 1 2 Height and Distance 0 2 1 1 2D Analytical Geometry 4 1 2 2 2 Straight Line 2 6 5 4 2 Circle & Family of Circle 2 1 1 3 0 Parabola 2 2 1 1 0 Ellipse 0 0 1 1 1 Hyperbola 0 1 1 0 Vector 5 5 5 6 5 3D Analytical Geometry 5 5 5 3 5 Statistics 12 14 10 5 10 Total 120 120 120 120 120

Is NDA exam conducted in both English and Hindi?

NDA question paper is framed in both English and Hindi. The written exam is conducted for 900 marks. The test carries two papers-Maths and GAT. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview.

What does 25% marks mean in each subject in the NDA?

In the National Defence Academy NDA 25% marks in each subject means that the candidates need to secure this percentage in a particular subject. It is important to note that the exact passing marks may vary depending on certain factors. Besides the qualifying marks, candidates are also required to secure the cut off marks fixed by the examination authority for the written exam and final selection.

What is the purpose of the NDA syllabus?

NDA syllabus is prescribed by the examination authority. The syllabus comprises the topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam. The first and foremost step towards preparation is going through the syllabus. Knowing the syllabus helps candidates to plan a strategy to ace the exam, thereby, giving them the right direction for preparation. NDA syllabus has two sections for the written exam, General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. GAT aims to test the candidate's basic knowledge of History, GK, Current Affairs of National and International Events, English, Science, and Geography. On the other hand, the Mathematics paper of NDA comprises questions based on Class 12. The GAT paper holds the maximum weightage in the syllabus.

What is the maximum number of attempts allowed for NDA exam?

There is no limit in the number of attempts in NDA exam. Candidates falling within the presctibed age limit can apply for NDA exam. The selection process of NDA comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. The SSB interview carries 900 marks.

In how many stages SSB Interview is conducted in NDA?

The SSB Interview of NDA exam is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. The SSB interview is conducted for candidates who qualify the written exam. Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in SSB interview. The total marks allotted to the SSB interview are 900. SSB interview is also taken into consideration for preparing the final merit list.

How are candidates assessed in NDA SSB Interview?

Candidates are judged based on their Psychological Aptitude and Intelligence in the SSB Interview of NDA exam. The Ministry of Defence establishes NDA SSB (Service Selection Board). NDA SSB is the body that schedule, organise and conduct SSB interview for the aspirants applying for Indian Military Forces. SSB Interview is conducted at the NDA SSB Centres. The NDA SSB interview is conducted for Intelligence and Personality Test. Aspirants applying for the Air Force have to separately qualify for the CPSS (Computerized Pilot Selection System) & PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test).

How many days is NDA SSB interview conducted for?

The SSB Interview is conducted for 5 days and is almost the same for the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces. The SSB Interview is conducted in two phases. Phase I- Screening Phase 2- Psychological Tests, Group Tests, Interviews, and board conference Candidates need to report on time at the centre they chose while filling out the application, or the centres allotted to them. The reporting time of the candidates, centre and other details are mentioned in their SSB Call letter. Candidates need to carry the required document for appearing in SSB interview.

NDA Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Scheme, Question Distribution & Syllabus

Q: What is NDA syllabus?

NDA syllabus is prescribed by the examination authority so that candidates can know what they need to prepare for the exam. The standard of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. NDA syllabus is divided into two parts-Maths and GAT. NDA Maths syllabus carries questions from Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability.. NDA GAT syllabus carries questions from topics such as Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion. Questions in General Knowledge are asked from Physics Chemistry Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

2.2K Students Q&A

Exam On - 14 Sep '25

Updated on Jul 2, 2025 12:23 IST

By Anangsha Patra, Deputy Manager – Editorial

NDA Exam Pattern 2025: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) prescribes NDA exam pattern for candidates to understand the overall structure of the exam. The exam pattern of NDA is divided into written exam and SSB interview. Both the stages of NDA exam are important as the merit list is prepared based on the marks secured in both the stages. NDA exam pattern highlights the details such as marking scheme, total marks, exam duration, shift timings, etc.

The written exam of NDA 2025 carries questions from Maths and General Ability Test (GAT). NDA question paper for written exam carries a total of 270 questions The total marks allotted to the test are 900. To qualify the written exam of NDA, candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject. For incorrect answers in the exam, candidates are awarded negative marks. All questions in the test are objective-type. Candidates need to mark their answers in OMR sheet.

Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview, conducted in two stages. The first stage comprises OIR and PP & DT tests and the second stage comprises psychology tests and the conference. The total marks allotted to SSB interview are 900. Candidates need to secure NDA cut off marks prescribed by UPSC for the written exam and SSB interview. We have provided the latest NDA exam pattern so that candidates can learn several important things about the NDA 2025, like the mode of exam, total marks allotted, the duration of the exam, types of questions asked, etc.

Q: What type of questions are asked in NDA exam?

NDA exam is conducted twice a year and comprises written exam and SSB interview. NDA written examination is divided into two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Both papers feature objective-type questions, totaling 270 questions in the entire exam. Specifically, the Mathematics paper comprises 120 questions, while the GAT paper contains 150 questions. The total marks allocated for the NDA exam is 900 marks. The difficulty level of the NDA exam is usually moderate. Candidates can crack the exam with good preparation.

Q: Is the NDA exam MCQ type?

According to the NDA Exam Pattern, the NDA Exam will be conducted in offline mode, and all questions will be MCQ type. The exam is given in both English and Hindi. The question paper will consist of two sections: Mathematics and GAT. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks.

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?

Questions in NDA exam are asked from the below-mentioned topics:

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: The GAT syllabus of NDA is divided into two parts. Part A comprises questions from English, while Part B carries questions from General Knowledge. Questions in English part are asked from Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion. Questions in General Knowledge are asked from Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

Table of content

NDA Exam Pattern 2025
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 for Written Exam
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 for SSB Interview
NDA Syllabus
NDA Books
NDA Preparation Tips 2025
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs

NDA Exam Pattern 2025

NDA exam pattern comprises details such as mode of exam, total marks allotted, the duration of the exam, types of questions asked, etc. The exam pattern helps candidates prepare for the upcoming NDA exam and secure a good rank. Understanding the NDA exam pattern is one of the first steps in ensuring success in the exam. By going through the exam pattern, candidates can understand the entire structure of the recruitment process. Watch the video given below for more details on NDA exam.

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NDA Answer Key

NDA Exam Pattern Overview

Candidates can check below a few important highlights related to the NDA exam pattern.

Particulars	Details
Exam Mode	Offline
Number of papers	GAT and Mathematics
Duration of test	GAT: 2 ½ hours Mathematics: 2 ½ hours
Exam time	GAT: 10 am to 12.30 pm Mathematics: 2 pm to 4.30 pm
Number of questions	GAT: 150 Mathematics: 120
Language of question paper	English and Hindi
Total marks	Written Exam: 900 (600 for GAT and 300 for Mathematics) SSB Interview: 900

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NDA Exam Pattern 2025 for Written Exam

The exam paper of NDA written exam is divided into two parts, GAT and Mathematics. All the questions in the exam will be objective type. There will be a total of 150 questions in GAT, while the Mathematics part will carry a total of 120 questions. Each section of the exam will be held for 2 ½ hours. The GAT section will be for 600 marks while the Mathematics section will carry 300 marks. The GAT section is divided into two parts. Part A comprises English while Part B consists of General Knowledge. The structure of the NDA exam pattern for the written exam is given below.

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

Also Read:

NDA Maths Exam Pattern

The Maths paper of NDA carries 120 questions. The Maths section carries a total of 300 marks. Questions are asked from Arithmetic, Mensuration, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Matrices and Determinants.

NDA GAT Exam Pattern

The GAT section carries 150 questions for 600 marks. The GAT section of NDA question paper carries questions from English and General Knowledge. For the English section, candidates must focus on Grammar, Comprehension, and Reading Abilities. In General Knowledge, candidates should focus on Current Affairs, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, etc.Candidates can check below the distribution of questions in the GAT paper.

Sections		Maximum marks
Part A - English		200
Part B - General Knowledge	Physics	100
	Chemistry	60
	General Science	40
	History, Freedom Movement, etc.	80
	Geography	80
	Current Events	40
	Total	600

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NDA Marking Scheme

There are NDA negative markings for incorrect answers, 1/3 of the marks allotted to each question are deducted for the incorrect answer. There is no deduction in marks for unanswered questions.

Subject	NDA Negative Marking
GAT	-1.33
Maths	-0.83

NDA Exam Duration

NDA exam duration is 5 hours, each paper is held for 2 ½ hours. NDA shift timings are given below.

Shift	NDA Exam Timing
Morning	10.00 am to 12:30 pm
Afternoon	2.00 pm to 4:30 pm

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Prepare for JEE Main Entrance Exam with Question Papers, Syllabus, Pattern and Preparation Tips

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NDA Exam Pattern 2025 for SSB Interview

The SSB Interview is divided into two stages. Candidates qualifying the Stage 1 are called for the Stage 2 exam. Stage 1 of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. This stage carries 900 marks. Candidates can check the pattern of the SSB Interview.

Stages	Tests
Stage 1	Screening Test	Verbal and non-verbal tests. PPDT
Stage 2	Psychological Test	Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) Word Association Test (WAT) Situation Reaction Test (SRT) Self Description Test (SD)
	Group Testing Officers Test	GD GPE PGT HGT IOT Command Task Snake race/Group Obstacle Race Individual lecture FGT
	Personal Interview	-
	Conference	-

NDA Syllabus

Candidates can check below the topics included in the NDA syllabus:

Subjects	Topics
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	The GAT syllabus of NDA is divided into two parts. Part A comprises questions from English, while Part B carries questions from General Knowledge. Questions in English part are asked from Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion. Questions in General Knowledge are asked from Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

NDA Books

NDA books are given below.

Subjects	Books
Mathematics	Mathematics for NDA and NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy by RS Aggarwal Quantitative aptitude for competitive examinations by RS Aggarwal
GAT	History Of Modern India (History) by Bipan Chandra Science and Technology in India (Science and Technology) by Kalpana Rajaram: Spectrum Objective General English for Competitive Exams by S P Bakshi Manorama Yearbook by Mammen Mathew

NDA Preparation Tips 2025

The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam are given below:

Go through NDA exam pattern to understand the overall structure of the exam
Candidates must be thorough with the NDA syllabus to know the important topics for the exam
Candidates must practice the previous years' question papers
Candidates must attempt mock tests inorder to improve the speed and accuracy of solving questions
Candidates must revise all the topics given in the syllabus regularly

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