NDA Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Question Distribution & Syllabus

Updated on Oct 5, 2026 10:20 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

NDA Exam Pattern 2026: Union Public Service Commission describes exam pattern for NDA examination for both written exam and SSB interview. Candidates who qualify written examination will be called to appear for SSB interview.

NDA exam comprises two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks), totaling 900 marks. Both papers are conducted on same day in pen and paper mode, each with a duration of 2.5 hours. There is negative marking for every incorrect answers (0.83 marks deducted for Mathematics and 1.33 marks for GAT). Candidates who clear written stage, will then attend 900 marks SSB Interview.

NDA exam pattern is very important for candidates to understand as it provides overall structure of an exam. It highlights marking scheme, total marks, duration of an exam, shift timings and more. Scroll down for more information about NDA exam pattern.

Table of contents

NDA Exam Pattern Highlights 2026
NDA Exam Pattern Subject-Wise weightage 2026
NDA Total Marks and Marking Scheme 2026
NDA Exam Sections and Important Topics 2026
NDA Exam Pattern FAQs 2026

NDA Exam Pattern Highlights 2026

NDA exam is conducted twice every year in April and September. The mode of an exam is offline. Candidates who will clear written exam will be called for SSB interview. Knowing exam pattern is necessary for the exam. It helps to know structure of paper. 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: 2.5 hours Mathematics: 2.5 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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Commonly asked questions

Q: 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.

Q: What is a good score in NDA Exam?

The total marks for the NDA exam is 1800 that is 900 for written exam and 900 for SSB interview. A score between 400 to 500 is considered secure in the written exam to get into the final merit list. Also, candidates need to pass in each subject minimum of 25% marks. There is no sectional-cut off.

Q: What is the duration of the NDA written exam?

The NDA written exam duration is five hours. It is divided into two papers. Both the papers are of two and half hours duration each and are conducted on the same day in two shifts including Mathes and the General Ability Test (GAT).

NDA Exam Pattern Subject-Wise weightage 2026

Candidates should have clear understanding about NDA exam pattern. As it helps in preparation. The structure of NDA exam pattern for 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

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NDA Maths Exam Pattern

Maths paper of NDA carries 120 questions. 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

GAT section carries 150 questions for 600 marks. GAT section of NDA question paper carries questions from English and General Knowledge. For 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 distribution of questions in 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

NDA Exam Pattern 2026 for SSB Interview

SSB Interview is a five day selection process. It will assesses the candidates leadership skills, physical stamina and also suitability for a career in armed forces. As we know, those candidates who will qualify written exam will be called for SSB interview. Students can check pattern of SSB Interview.

1	Screening Test
2	Psychological Test
	Group Testing Officers Test
	Personal Interview
	Conference

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Commonly asked questions

Q: How many questions are asked in the NDA written exam?

In the written exam of NDA, Maths paper has 120 questions and the General Ability Test has 150 questions. Therefore, total questions asked are 270.

Q: What is NDA marking scheme?

NDA marking scheme is prescribed by UPSC. Candidates for correct answers are given 2.5 marks in Maths. 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers. Four marks are given for correct answers in GAT. 1.33 marks are deducted for wrong answers. Total marks allotted to the written exam are 900.

Q: 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.

NDA Total Marks and Marking Scheme 2026

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

Candidates can check below the marking scheme as well as the number of questions.

Total Marks	300 Marks
Total No. of Questions	120
Correct Answer	2.5 marks
Marks deducted for the wrong answer	- 0.83
Total duration of Mathematics Paper	2 Hours 30 Minutes

The NDA SSB interview consists of two distinct stages namely Stage I and Stage II. The intelligence and personality test and a group interview. On the basis of this, candidates are shortlisted for admission to NDA. SSB Interview is conducted in two stages.

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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Commonly asked questions

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

Candidates can apply for the exam within their age. The educational qualification is Class 12 pass. The eligibility is prescribed by the examination authority for candidates. Applications are accepted only who satisfies the eligibility.

Q: 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).

Q: How is in NDA final merit list prepared?

The NDA final merit list is prepared based on the cumulative marks of both written exam (900) and SSB interview (900) which totals at 1800 marks.

NDA Exam Sections and Important Topics 2026

The NDA exam consists of two written papers namely Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test or GAT (600 marks). Multiple choice questions are asked in the examination. The standard of the National Defence Academy exam syllabus is of Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12 standards. The same is given below.

Math-Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability, Algebra, etc.
English- Vocabulary, Comprehension, Cohesion, Preposition, etc.
General Knowledge-Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

NDA 2026: Maths Important Topics to revise

Candidates can check below some of the important topics in Mathematics that will help in the preparation.

Probability
Algebra
Trigonometry
Calculus
Vector & 3D
Matrices & Determinants
Coordinate Geometry
Statistics
Sets
Relations & Functions, etc.

NDA 2026: GAT Important Topics to revise

English: Candidates can focus on grammar, vocabulary, etc.

Some more topics to prepare are finding mistakes, synonyms, antonyms, idioms & phrases, making sentences, etc.

General Knowledge: Some of the important topics that candidates can focus and also help in their preparation:

Electricity, Optics, Work, Power, Energy, Laws of Motion, Acids and Bases, Elements and Compounds, Changes in Matter, human body, food, nutrition, Indian Freedom Movement, Earths' Crust, Climate, Resources, current affairs, etc.

NDA exam is a prominent examination among students who want to join Indian Defence Forces. NDA is the gateway for candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. It is not a cakewalk to get through NDA and SSB. Making a smart study plan is effective for a better preparation strategy. First, candidates should clear their basic concepts. They should not forget to practice the NDA last year question papers. Revise the topics given in the syllabus as much as you can.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Where can I find NDA syllabus PDF?

NDA syllabus PDF is divided into Maths and GAT. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. The standard of the syllabus is of Classes 10, 11 and 12 levels. Candidates should be thorough with the syllabus.

Q: Are NDA and CDS syllabus same?

NDA exam is conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course. CDS exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

The level of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. Whereas the standard of CDS syllabus is of graduation level. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. CDS syllabus is divided into Elementary Maths, English and General Awareness. The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam are 900. The total marks allotted to the written exam of CDS are 300 for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 for OTA.

Q: What is the syllabus of NDA Mathematics section?

The Mathematics syllabus of NDA written exam consists of Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Calculus, Statistics and Probability that is all base on 10+2 level.

NDA Exam Pattern FAQs 2026

Check NDA exam pattern FAQs below.

Q: How many hours should be given to study for NDA?

Candidates should study for two to three hours. Practice previous year question paper. Candidates must know the syllabus and exam pattern. They should prepare study routine. Candidates must also solve mock test to improve speed.

Q: Is NDA exam tough to crack?

NDA exam is highly competitive. Candidates can crack the exam with proper preparation and practice.

Q: How can I improve my Vocabulary for NDA exam?

Candidates can improve their vocabulary for the NDA exam by reading newspapers. They should also practice the previous years papers. Reading editorials of the newspapers is also very useful. Attempt mock tests to know the important vocabulary questions.

Q: Which are the best books for NDA SSB Interview?

Cracking SSB Interview is not easy task. The difficulty level is high and candidates must have sound knowledge of their subjects to clear the interview. The best books for SSB Interview are given below: SSB Interview: The Complete Guide by Dr N. K. Natarajan SSB OIR & PPDT: Complete Guide to Stage 1 SSB Interview by DDE.

Q: What is psychological test in NDA SSB interview?

The pyschological tests in NDA SSB interview comprises the following:

Thematic Apperception Test
Word Association Test
Situation Reaction Test
Self Description Test

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

NDA exam is conducted twice a year. The exam written test and SSB interview. The test comprises Maths and GAT. The difficulty level of the NDA exam is usually moderate. Candidates can crack the exam with good preparation.

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.

Q: How to download NDA question papers?

NDA question papers are released on the exam day. We have provided the previous years question papers on this page. To download NDA question papers for free, candidates need to create their profiles with us. Once it is done, candidates can download question papers pdfs.

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

NDA exam consists of two papers- Maths and GAT. Total marks allotted to the The following tips help candidates to prepare for NDA exam.
Understand the exam
Know the syllabus
Solve the previous years question papers
Prepare a timetable
Follow the study routine
Attempt mock tests

Q: 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.