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

Exam On - 12 Apr '26

Updated on Feb 23, 2026 16:25 IST

By Rachit Kumar Saxena, 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 tips for NDA preparation 2026.

Also Read: NDA Topper Success Story

Table of contents

NDA Preparation Tips
NDA Syllabus
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
NDA Preparation Tips 2025 FAQs

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. 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:

NDA Exam Pattern

NDA Syllabus

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the difference between NDA 1 and 2 exams?

There is no difference between UPSC NDA 1 and 2 exams. NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to the January batch. Whereas, NDA 2 exam is conducted for admission to July batch.

National Defence Academy or NDA exam is conducted twice a year by Union Public Service Commission for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). It is the most sought-after defence entrance exams in the country where both male and female candidates can apply.

The exam is conducted in two stages: written exam and SSB Interview. In 2020, a total of 5.3 Lacs candidates had applied for the exam, out of which 2.4 Lacs candidates appeared for the exam. UPSC prepares a list of candidates who obtain minimum qualifying marks in the written exam. Such candidates are called for SSB Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test.

Also Read: Know the difference between NDA & NA I and II Exams

Q: Is NDA exam conducted every year?

NDA exam is conducted every year twice in a year. The exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy courses. The selection process comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. The SSB interview carries 900 marks.

NDA Syllabus

NDA syllabus is prescribed by UPSC. The standard of the syllabus is of Class 9, 10, 11 and 12 levels.Candidates need to be thorough with the syllabus. Given below is the syllabus for NDA.

NDA Math Syllabus consists of topics that candidates had studied in their high school like Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability, Algebra, etc.
NDA English syllabus consists Vocabulary, Comprehension, Cohesion, Preposition, etc.
NDA General Knowledge syllabus carries topics such as Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

Commonly asked questions

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 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.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026

NDA exam pattern is divided into written exam and SSB Interview. The total marks allotted to the test are 900. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB Interview. There are also negative marks for wrong answers.

Also Read: NDA Books

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: 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 Preparation Tips 2025 FAQs

Candidates can check below NDA preparation tips FAQs.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Are NCERT books enough for NDA exams?

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?

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: What are the important topics for NDA General Knowledge?

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 much time is required for NDA Exam Preparation?

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 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 to prepare for NDA exam in three months?

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.