How to Prepare for NDA 2024 - Best NDA Preparation Tips, Shortcuts here

How to Prepare for NDA 2024 - Best NDA Preparation Tips, Shortcuts here

Upcoming Event

NDA Exam Date:14 Sep' 25 - 14 Sep' 25

Updated on 12 Apr 2024, 10:36 AM IST

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.

How to Prepare for NDA 2024 - Best NDA Preparation Tips, Shortcuts here
How to Prepare for NDA 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: 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. 

Q: Is there -ve marking in the NDA written exam?
A:

Yes, there is -ve marking in the written examination of NDA.

Articles
|
Next
Upcoming Competition Exams
Ongoing Dates
TNTET Application Date

11 Aug'25 - 8 Sep'25 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
Puducherry Police Constable Application Date

13 Aug'25 - 12 Sep'25 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
SSC Stenographer Score Card Date

14 Aug'25 - 13 Sep'25 (Online)

Certifications By Top Providers
Access to Justice
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Online Course of Indian Constitution
Via NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
Online BA Punjabi
Via Guru Nanak Dev University Directorate of Online Studies
BA
Via Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta
Human Rights
Via National Law School of India University, Bangalore
Environmental Law
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Swayam
 220 courses
Edx
 201 courses
LawSikho
 127 courses
NPTEL
 92 courses
Futurelearn
 89 courses
Coursera
 76 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to NDA

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NDA ?

To test your eyes for NDA, first check distance vision using a Snellen chart; stand 6 meters away and read each eye separately—NDA usually requires 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other. Next, test near vision by reading small text at 14–16 inches; normal is N5 or N6. Check color vision with Ishihara plates to detect red-green color blindness. Also, observe eye movements and peripheral vision for alignment and full field of vision. Minor corrective lenses may be allowed for some entries, but Air Force Pilot requires unaided 6/6 vision. Finally, a professional eye checkup is recommended for official NDA eligibility.



Yes, you can appear for the 2nd NDA exam to be held in 2025 . Your date of birth is 2nd September 2006, and age limit for NDA exam is 16.5 to 19.5 years, and you must be born between 2nd July 2006 to 1st July 2009. Therefore, you are eligible for the second NDA exam to be held in 2025,

Good luck..

Yes, you are eligible for NDA if you meet the official age criteria. For NDA 1, the required age limit is generally 16.5 to 19.5 years. Since you were born on 01 May 2006, you will fall within the eligibility range for upcoming NDA exams provided you have also passed 12th with Physics and Mathematics (for Air Force and Navy).


MSM Sainik School, Sri Ganganagar is a well-equipped, defence-oriented residential school with robust NDA preparation through written coaching, SSB training, and NCC involvement. That said, the school doesn’t publicly share data on how many cadets have secured NDA selection yet, and no unaffiliated sources offer that information either so if knowing exact outcomes is critical to you, it’s best to directly contact the school’s administration for the latest alumni performance figures.

Hey Rasuli:)

You were born on 31.5.2010,so you're 15 years old right now.There is no limit on the number of NDA attempts. To take the NDA exam you must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old, so you'll become eligible at 16.5 and can continue appearing until 19.5.Since NDA is held twice a year ,you can realistically make around 4-5 attempts during this age period.

All the best!!