Anangsha
Anangsha Patra
Deputy Manager – Editorial
Updated on Mar 17, 2023 13:53 IST

With just three months to go for NDA 1 and 2 exams, candidates often get confused as to how to prepare for the exam within such a short duration. For the ease of candidates, we have provided here the complete strategy on how to prepare for NDA/NA exam in three months.

Tips & Tricks to Crack NDA & NA exam in three months

How to prepare for NDA & NA exam in three months

With just three months to go for the NDA exam, students often get confused as to how to cover the syllabus within such a short duration. The competition for this exam is high and without good preparation, it is not possible to crack it. With three months left for the exam, candidates need to work hard and make use of the limited time available. The need of the hour is making a study plan and following it diligently. Besides, candidates must solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to get themselves familiar with the actual test and find out the strong and weak areas. In this article, we have discussed how to prepare for NDA in 3 months.

Table of contents
  • NDA Exam Pattern
  • How to prepare for NDA in 3 months?
  • NDA Syllabus
  • NDA Question Papers

NDA Exam Pattern

NDA exam pattern is divided into two parts, GAT and Mathematics. All the questions in the exam are of objective type. There are a total of 150 questions in the GAT while the Mathematics part carries a total of 120 questions. Each section of the exam is held for 2 ½ hours. The GAT section carries 600 marks while the Mathematics section carries 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.

Q:   Is NCERT enough for NDA exam preparation?
A:

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. 

Q:   How to prepare for NDA Maths?
A:
NDA Maths syllabus comprises Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability. Candidates can do well in this section by practicing previous year papers. 
Q:   Is NDA exam tough to crack?
A:

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

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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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How to prepare for NDA in 3 months?

  • The Mathematics section of NDA carries a total of 300 marks. To tackle this subject, one must have a clear preparation strategy and a planned approach. The highest weightage of marks in this subject is carried by Algebra followed by Coordinate Geometry and Calculus. 
  • Write down all the formulas as it will be easier for candidates to remember.
  • Start preparing topics first that take less time then proceed with the difficult ones. For eg: begin with preparing Algebra, Coordinate Geometry Trigonometry questions and start topics such as Calculus and Probability later.
  • Take maths numerical and solve two to three of each. This way, candidates will be able to cover all topics within a short period of time.
  • The second paper of NDA which is also called General Ability Test (GAT) consists of questions from English, science, Social Studies and General Awareness. A holistic approach is recommended to cover all subjects.
  • For English section, candidates must focus on clearing the basics of English Grammar. However, they should not spend too much time on this. Work on your Vocabulary to secure good marks in the Vocabulary-based questions. Basically, focus on questions from where questions are asked repeatedly in the exam.
  • In Science section, maximum weightage is carried by Physics. More conceptual-based questions are asked in this section. Candidates must clear their basic concepts and memorise them from question banks. This is relevant for Chemistry.
  • The Social Studies and General Awareness section consist of topics from History, Geography, Indian Polity, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, etc.
  • Candidates must spend time solving mock tests. This will help them in analyzing their level of NDA preparation by identifying their strong and weak areas.
  • In the final month, candidates should dedicatedly revise the topics they have studied.

Also Read: NDA Best Books

NDA Syllabus 

NDA syllabus for Maths and GAT is given below:

Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and DeterminantsIntegral 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 about 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 Question Papers

NDA 1 & 2 question papers are released by the UPSC. The question papers help candidates to understand the difficulty level and the types of questions asked in the exam. Solving NDA question papers also helps candidates to improve speed and accuracy. 

Read More:

About the Author
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Anangsha Patra
Deputy Manager – Editorial
A mass communication and journalism post-graduate, Anangsha has worked as a reporter and sub-editor and enjoys working in the education domain.
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Student Forum

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Answered 4 weeks 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

Answered a month ago

NDA 2026 exam dates have been announced. NDA 1 2026 exam will be held on April 12, 2026. The exam for NDA II 2026 will be held on September 13, 2026. 

A

Abhishek Kumar

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

NDA apply online link is acrivated on the official website of the exam conducting body. However, we will provide the direct link to register online for the exam. Only online applications are accepted for the exam.

B

Bhumika Arora

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

NDA 1 application form will be released on December 10, 2025. The last date to fill application form is December 30. NDA 2 online form will be available on May 20. Last date to fill the application form is June 8, 2026.

R

Raushan Pradhan

Contributor-Level 7