NDA 2026 Preparation Tips, How to Prepare for NDA Entrance Exam

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam 2026 ( NDA )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25

Anangsha Patra
Updated on Oct 31, 2025 15:33 IST

By Anangsha Patra, Deputy Manager – Editorial

NDA Preparation is useful to crack the exam.Go thorough the exam pattern.Solve the previous years question papers to know the important topics. Practice mock test to understand the actual test and to improve the speed and accuracy of solving questions. 
The total marks allotted to NDA exam are 900. The tandard of NDA syllabus is of high school level. Candidates need conceptual clarity to solve the questions. In this article, we have provided some useful NDA preparation 2026.

Also Read: NDA Topper Success Story

Table of contents
  • NDA Preparation Tips
  • NDA Preparation Tips 2025 FAQs
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NDA Preparation Tips

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. To prepare for the exam, candidates must make a study plan smartly. 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. 

Also Read: 

 

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NDA Preparation Tips 2025 FAQs

Candidates can check below NDA preparation tips FAQs.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Are NCERT books enough for NDA exams?
A: 

NDA exam consists of questions that are of Class 12 standard. To clear the basic concepts, NCERT books are the best resource for preparation. Candidates can refer to the NCERT books for Class 10, 11 and 12.

Q:   How many hours should be given to study for NDA?
A: 
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:   How much time is required for NDA Exam Preparation?
A: 
NDA preparation requires one year to six months. Candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. They should attempt mock tests. Candidates must know the exam pattern and syllabus. They should also solve the previous years question papers.
Q:   How to prepare for NDA exam in three months?
A: 

Candidates must prepare a proper study plan for NDA exam. Besides, they must solve previous years question papers. Attempt mock tests to know the strong and weak areas.To crack the exam, the preparation should be good.

 
Q:   What are the important topics for NDA General Knowledge?
A: 

Questions in this section of NDA exam are asked from General Science, Indian history, Physics Geography, Chemistry and Current Events. Candidates must read the newspapers and watch news channels to know about the national and international events. Candidates must refer to the six months Current Affairs for NDA exam.

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

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

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NDA Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a week ago

Here's a forum-style post tailored for the NDA 2 2026 result query:


Waiting for the NDA 2 2026 results can be quite nerve-wracking, especially after months of preparation and anticipation. Many aspirants are anxious to know exactly when the results will be declared and how their efforts translate int

...Read more

A

Aashish Upadhyay

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

NDA 2 2024 cut off marks are given below.

Sl.No.Name of the WingVacanciesNumber                                of Recommended candidatesMinimum qualifying standard                        at                         the written stage (out of 900 marks)Marks secured by last recommended candidate                                at Final Stage (out of 1800 marks)

1.

Army, Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Naval Academy Courses

208 (including  10  for 

 

792

 

 

 

 

 

 

305 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)

 

 

 

 

 

 

673

M

Mani Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

NDA 1 2025 cut off marks are given below.

Name of the WingMinimum qualifying standard                        at                         the written stage (out of 900 marks)Marks secured by last recommended candidate                                at Final Stage (out of 1800 marks)

Army, Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Naval Academy Courses

334 (With at least  25% marks in each subject)

699 

I

Ishita Aggarwal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

NDA 2 is hard in terms of difficulty level. It is conducted for candidates who have passed Class 12. The test comprises two papers. The total marks allotted are 900. Selection is done based on the written exam and SSB Interview.

B

Bhumika Lama

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

NDA marks are rounded off up to two decimal digits for all stages. This done by applying the standard rounding off principle,
wherever applicable. While applying the tie-breaking principles, the rounded-off marks upto two decimal digits are considered for resolving all tie cases.

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

In case the aggregate final marks are equal then securing more marks in the written exam are placed in higher rank. Candidates securing more marks in Paper 2 (GAT) are placed in higher rank. Age is also given preference while resolving the ties.

 

C

Chanchal Jain

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

To be acceptable, candidates for the Army/Navy/Naval Academy and Air Force are required to secure qualifying marks separately in written exam and SSB. Candidates for the Air Force,  and all the SSB qualified candidates as per their willingness, eligibility and preference for flying branch of Air For

...Read more

J

Jasleen Harsha

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

NDA 1 result 2026 will be announced in the third week of April. The result will be made available roll-number and name-wise. Candidates need to secure the qualifying marks in the exam.

I

Indrani Thakur

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 weeks ago

A total of 394 vacancies were announced for NDA 1 2026 exam. The break-up is given below.

AcademyWingsNo. of Vacancies

NDA

Army 

208 (including 10 for female candidates)

Navy 

42 (including 05 for female candidates) (All Executive Branch)

Air Force 

(i) Flying –92 (including 02 for female candidates)
(ii) Ground Duties (Tech) –18 (including 02 for female candidates)
(iii) Ground Duties (Non Tech) –10 (including 02 for female candidates)

Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)

-

 24  (including 03 for female candidates) (All Executive Branch)

Total

 

394

C

Chanchal Jain

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

The NDA application form for 2026 will be released on December 10, 2025. Here's a summary of the key dates ¹ ²:

- *NDA 1 Application Form:*

    - Release Date: December 10, 2025

    - Last Date to Apply: December 30, 2025

    - Exam Date: April 12, 2026

- *NDA 2 Application Form:*

    - Release Date:

...Read more

Y

YUVASRI

Beginner-Level 1

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