How to Prepare for NDA 2024 - Best NDA Preparation Tips, Shortcuts here
Ongoing Event
NDA Application Date:10 Dec' 25 - 30 Dec' 25
The UPSC holds the NDA Exam twice a year with the aim of recruiting candidates into the Indian Navy, Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The NDA exam is a popular competitive exam for recruitment into the Indian Defence Services. Candidates can prepare for the NDA 1 exam by following the tips and tricks provided below. The NDA 1 exam 2024 will be held on April 21, 2024.
NDA 2024 Important Dates
In the table below, candidates can find some dates of interest pertaining to the NDA exam. Candidates are encouraged to make note of the NDA 2024 exam dates for future reference and to use them to inform their preparation for the NDA exam.
NDA 1 Exam Dates 2024
Events | NDA 1 2024 Date |
NDA 1 2024 notification | December 20, 2023 |
NDA 1 application form release | December 20, 2023 |
NDA 1 exam 2024 | April 21, 2024 |
NDA 2 Exam Dates 2024
Events | NDA 2 2024 Date |
NDA 2 2024 notification | May 15, 2024 |
NDA 2 application form release | May 15, 2024 |
NDA exam 2024 | September 1, 2024 |
How to Prepare for NDA 2024 - Tips for NDA Preparation
Candidates wanting to appear for the NDA exam for the first time might be thinking about how to prepare for NDA 2024, where to start the NDA preparation, what NDA books to study, what study material to refer to for the NDA examination, whether to take coaching or not and more. This article will resolve most of the issues regarding the NDA 2024 preparation method and strategy. Read the points below to get answers on how to prepare for NDA 2024.
NDA 2024 Preparation Tip 1 - Knowledge Of Exam Pattern
Before starting the NDA preparation 2024, candidates should have knowledge of the NDA exam pattern 2024. Check the table below.
NDA 2024 exam pattern
Subjects | Number of questions | Marks | Duration |
Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2 hrs 30 mins (each paper) |
General Ability Test | 150 | 600 |
Note- There is ⅓ negative marking for every wrong answer.
NDA 2024 Preparation Tip 2 - Knowledge Of Syllabus
Candidates along with the knowledge of the exam pattern for NDA 2024, should also know the NDA exam syllabus for the written exam. NDA written exam has two subjects - mathematics and general ability test. The questions asked in the NDA exam are from these to subjects. Candidates can check the details of the NDA syllabus 2024 here.
NDA 2024 Preparation Tip 3 - Focus On Completing The Course
The NDA 2024 syllabus for the written exam is prescribed by the Commission. Candidates should first focus on completing the syllabus of NDA 2024 as prescribed by the UPSC for the written exam. Before moving on to attempt sample NDA 2024 question papers or previous year question papers.
NDA 2024 Preparation Tip 4 - What Study Material To Refer
Candidates should develop a habit of reading newspapers and books as it will help them to improve their grammar skill set, cover recent events & developments in the world and improve their basic general knowledge. Applicants are also advised not to refer to too many books as it will cause a lot of confusion to aspirants. They are advised to just refer to the standard and best books for NDA 2024 preparation and solve as many sample question papers as possible in the allotted time frame.
NDA 2024 Preparation Tip 5 - Written Exam
Candidates are advised to practice as many sample and previous year question papers as possible for the NDA written examination. This will improve their speed and accuracy level in the examination. For the SSB applicants are advised to stay physically fit and develop their interpersonal skill sets.
Candidates should attempt the NDA sample papers after covering the NDA 2024 syllabus to get an idea of where they stand in their preparation. This will also help the candidates to know about their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the NDA exam and areas that need improvement. It will also give them a feel of the actual NDA exam pattern and the type of questions asked in the exam.
NDA 2024 Preparation Tip 6 - Time Management
Candidates should start their NDA preparation with a clean slate i.e. they should get rid of all the preconceived notions about the NDA and NA examination. Their focus should be on the final goal and how to achieve it. Applicants should start their UPSC NDA preparation well in advance before the actual exam, to cover all the subjects - mathematics and general ability tests.
Time management is key in every exam so candidates need to learn how to improve their efficiency in the allotted time. Different candidates have different ways of time management, so it's up to you to learn how to better utilize your time during the NDA 2024 exam.
NDA 2024 Preparation Tip 7 - Stay Healthy
Applicants need to stay calm, hydrated and focused to reach their final goal in any exam. Every candidate has a different way or strategy for preparing for the NDA exam. Applicants should follow the strategy that best suits them rather than copying others. The mantra for clearing the NDA 2024 exam is to stay focused and determined till the goal is achieved.
More Relevant Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the NDA exam conducted online or offline?
A:
The NDA 2024 exam will be conducted in offline mode i.e. pen and paper mode.
Q: Is there -ve marking in the NDA written exam?
A:
Yes, there is -ve marking in the written examination of NDA.
Q: How many stages are there in the NDA selection process?
A:
NDA exam has three stages in its selection process - written exam, SSB interview and medical exam.
Q: What are the posts for which NDA exam is conducted?
A:
The NDA exam is conducted for the recruitment of candidates to Officer level posts in the Indian Defence Services.
Q: When is the NDA 1 2024 exam?
A:
The NDA 1 2024 exam is scheduled to be held on April 21, 2024.
Q: Can I apply for NDA 2024?
A:
Candidates who fulfil the NDA 2024 eligibility criteria will be able to apply for the exam.
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Questions related to NDA
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to NDA ?
Hello there,
The NDA (National Defense Academy) Exam, conducted by UPSC twice yearly.
Educational criteria:
- For Army Wing: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics.
Understanding and solving different previous question papers is one of the best practice for the preparation specially for exams like NDA . It gives you proper understanding of the exam pattern, important topics to cover and marking scheme.
Here are the links attached from the official website of Careers360 which will provide you with the complete detailed syllabus for NDA examination and previous years question paper as well. Kindly go through this:
Syllabus :
https://competition.careers360.com/articles/nda-syllabus
Previous years question paper:
https://competition.careers360.com/articles/nda-question-paper-with-solution
thank you!
Hello,
Knowing Hindi isn't necessary for giving NDA exam. The question papers are bilingual for most sections.
Though you will need Hindi as a language to communicate with other troops. Proficiency in English is required to crack the English paper and interview. Strong English skills is important for SSB and future career as an officer.
For more information about the NDA examination check out the official website of Careers360.
https://competition.careers360.com/articles/nda-eligibility-criteria
Thank you.
Hello
Yes, you are eligible as per your DOB (26,09,2006) for both exam NDA1 and NDA2 2025. Your age falls between 16.5 to 19.5 years for the NDA Exam. The NDA 1 exam form was released in December 2025, and the NDA 2 exam for released in May 2026. Those students who are born between July 2, 2007 and July 1, 2010, are eligible for the NDA Exam. For more information, you can read the article, which is based on the NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 , from our official website, careers360.
Thank you.
Hi
No, you are not eligible for the NDA1 Exam because your age does not fall within the requirements (July 2, 2007 and July 1, 2010). So, my suggestion is that you can prepare for the NDA 1 and NDA 2 2027 exam. For the NDA 2027 exam, you are eligible as per your DOB. If you want to prepare for the NEET exam, you can consider our platform, which helps you in your preparation. For more information about the NDA exam, you can read the article NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026.
Thank you.
Hello,
Yes, you are. For both NDA 1 and NDA 2, which are going to be held in 2026.
The eligibility criteria for these are that you should be unmarried and should not exceed the determined age factor (ie, between 16.5 years to 19.5 years).
The candidate should have the maximum qualification of HSC pass or at least an appearing status to be provided. Should belong to Indian Nationality.
Hope it helps. Good luck.
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