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Union Public Service Commission specified the UPSC NDA exam pattern 2025 in their official notification at upsc.gov.in. The exam pattern of UPSC NDA 1 2025 contains the basic information about the mode of the exam, total marks, number of questions, etc. According to the exam pattern, the UPSC NDA exam consists of two papers - Mathematics paper and the General Ability Test (GAT).
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NDA Exam: Sample Papers | Preparation Tips | Syllabus
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Candidates should acquaint themselves with the NDA exam paper pattern before preparing for the exam. Along with the exam pattern, it is also important to use the NDA exam syllabus to get an idea of how the exam might appear. Both NDA paper 1 and paper 2 holds a total of 900 marks. The NDA exam 2025 is conducted in two stages, the written exam and the SSB interview. Candidates can find comprehensive information about the NDA 2025 exam pattern below.
NDA Exam Mode | Offline |
Language/Medium of NDA exam | English & Hindi (Except for English section - questions in English only) |
No. of Papers | 2 (Mathematics & GAT) |
Time allotted for each paper | 2 hours 30 minutes |
No. of questions and marks for mathematics | 120 for 300 marks |
No. of questions and marks for GAT | 150 for 600 marks |
Types of questions | Objective (MCQ type) |
Quick Links: How to join NDA after class 12th?
The first stage of the NDA exam is a written exam. The written NDA 2025 exam consists of two papers, Mathematics and GAT. All the details related to the exam pattern of NDA 2025 are mentioned in the table below -
Papers | Subject | Maximum marks | Duration |
Paper 1 | Mathematics | 300 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Paper 2 | GAT | 600 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Total | 900 | 5 hours |
Total Marks | 300 |
Marks allotted to each question | 2.5 |
Negative marking for each incorrect response | -0.83 |
Sections | Maximum marks | |
Part A - English | 200 | |
Part B - General Knowledge | Physics | 400 |
Chemistry | ||
General Science | ||
History, Freedom Movement, etc. | ||
Geography | ||
Current Events | ||
Total | 600 |
Quick Links: NDA salary 2025 and career growth
There are two stages in the SSB interview - stage I and stage II. As per the NDA SSB interview, it consists of a total of 900 marks and will be held over a period of 4 to 5 days. There is a negative marking in the NDA written exam. Candidates must clear stage I of the SSB to be eligible to appear for stage II. Check the following details related to the NDA SSB in the table below -
Stages of SSB Interview | 2 |
Duration | 4-5 Days |
Maximum Marks | 900 |
In this stage, candidates will have to take two tests - the Officers Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and the Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT). Only those candidates who clear this stage will appear for Stage II.
In this stage of the SSB interview, aspirants will have to go through Group Testing Officers Tasks, Psychology tests, and the Conference. These tests will be conducted over 4 days.
Stages | Tests | |
Stage-I | Screening Test | Verbal and non-verbal tests. PPDT |
Stage-II | Psychological Test |
|
Group Testing Officers Test |
| |
Personal Interview | ||
Conference |
Also Read: How to join Indian Air Force?
According to the marking scheme of NDA, one-third of the marks allotted to each question will be deducted for each wrong answer. Candidates must also note that no marks will be deducted for unanswered questions. Check the NDA marking distribution and scheme in the following table below.
Particulars | Mathematics |
NDA exam total marks | 300 |
Marks allotted to each question | 2.5 |
Negative marking for each incorrect response | -0.83 |
Particulars | GAT |
NDA exam total marks | 600 |
Marks allotted to each question | 4 |
Negative marking for each incorrect response | -1.33 |
Quick Links: How to crack the UPSC NDA exam?
Along with the exam pattern, candidates must also be aware of the topics of utmost importance in the NDA syllabus 2025, that need to be prepared. Below are the NDA exam topics -
Subject | Topics |
Mathematics |
|
GAT |
|
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After knowing about the syllabus and UPSC NDA exam pattern it is important to head towards the study materials. Although UPSC NDA is based on 10+2 level there are few books that can help candidates sharpen their preparations. It is essential that candidates make use of the best resources to prepare for the UPSC NDA exam. Some of the best books for the NDA 2025 exam are -
NDA Books | Authors |
Class 12th Mathematics | RS Aggarwal |
Exam Specific NDA Entrance Exam | ES Ramasamy |
General Science Guide for Competitive Exams CSAT/NDA/CDS/Railways/SSC/UPSC/State PSC/Defence | Disha Publications |
Social Problems in India (Indian Society - GS 1) | Ram Ahuja |
The first and foremost strategy is to know what you are going to encounter, then on how to prepare for the NDA 2025 exam. In this case, the exam pattern of NDA 2025 and the syllabus is the most important thing.
Candidates must strategize their preparations well before time to be able to ace NDA 2025.
Allot a specific amount of time to study for each subject.
While solving the NDA question papers 2025, candidates will be able to know about the question paper pattern of previous years By using a timer, they will also be able to speed up their question-solving abilities as well. With the help of UPSC NDA question papers, aspirants can also evaluate themselves to identify topics that they find difficult to score in.
Yes, it is. One-third of the marks allotted to the question are deducted if answered incorrectly. In mathematics, each question carries 2.5 marks and 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers. Similarly, in GAT, each question carries 4 marks and 1.33 marks are deducted for wrong answers.
The total marks allotted to GAT is 600 whereas Mathematics will be conducted for 300 marks.
NDA written examination will be conducted for a total of 900 marks, out of which 300 are for mathematics and 600 are for GAT. Candidates who clear the written exam appear for the SSB interview which is conducted for 900 marks.
It is mandatory that all candidates score the minimum qualifying marks and NDA 2025 cut off in order to clear the written exam. Aspirants must score 25% in both mathematics and GAT.
The difficulty level of the mathematics exam is of class 12th-level in the NDA written examination.
NDA cut off is decided on the basis of difficulty of the exam, number of candidates appearing for the exam, and vacancies. Candidates are required to score at least 25% marks apart from the UPSC NDA cut off in both mathematics and GAT.
NDA written exam 2025 is conducted for a total of 900 marks, out of which 300 are for mathematics and 600 are for GAT. Candidates who clear the UPSC NDA written exam will appear for the SSB interview which is conducted for 900 marks.
It is mandatory that all candidates score the minimum NDA 2025 cut off in order to clear the written exam. Candidates must score 25% in both mathematics and GAT.
Cadets get a stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month. In hand NDA salary is given based on rank.
The NDA 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025.
The NDA 2025 application form has released on December 11, 2024 at upsc.gov.in.
Exam Date:02 March,2025 - 20 March,2025
Counselling Date:10 March,2025 - 12 March,2025
Hello aspirant,
Candidates should typically be between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 when the course starts. Candidates for NDA 1 (2026) must have been born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010. Candidates for NDA 2 (2026) must have been born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011.
So, unfortunately, you do not fulfill the eligibility criteria and that's why ineligible for NDA exam 2026.
Thank you
Hello,
For the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam , eyesight requirements vary by service (Army, Navy, Air Force).
Eligibility based on eyesight :-
Alternative options :-
Hope you find it useful !
Hello,
We offer comprehensive resources for NDA exam preparation:
These resources are designed to provide a structured approach to your NDA exam preparation.
Hope you find it useful !
Hello aspirant,
Candidates must fulfill the age limits established by UPSC in order to be eligible for the NDA 1 and NDA 2 in 2026. The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam has an age range of 16.5 to 19.5 years. This also holds true for the NDA 2 exam.
Thank you
Hope it helps you
If you’re aiming to join the National Defence Academy (NDA), here’s a simplified guide to help you:
1. Eligibility:
Age Limit: You must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old.
Educational Requirements:
For Army Wing: You can apply with any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts).
For Air Force & Navy Wings: You need to have Physics and Mathematics in your 12th standard.
Physical Fitness: You'll need to meet specific physical and medical standards (important for your health checkup later).
2. Application Process:
When to Apply: The UPSC releases the NDA exam notification twice a year, typically in January and June.
How to Apply: You can apply online through the official UPSC website.
3. Exam Pattern:
Written Exam:
Mathematics: 300 marks (2.5 hours)
General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks (2.5 hours)
SSB Interview: If you clear the written exam, you will face a detailed interview that tests your physical, mental, and emotional strength.
4. Preparation Tips:
Create a Study Plan: Make sure you cover all subjects systematically.
Practice Regularly: Solve previous years' question papers and attempt mock tests.
Physical Fitness: NDA demands physical fitness, so regular exercise is crucial.
Stay Informed: Keep up with current events and general knowledge, which is an important part of the exam.
5. Coaching and Resources:
You can join coaching centers for structured preparation or rely on books, especially NCERT textbooks.
Books for NDA: Some good books include NDA’s guide by R.S. Aggarwal or Lucent’s General Knowledge.
6. Medical and Other Considerations:
Make sure you meet the medical standards during the NDA medical examination.
Keep checking the official UPSC website for updates on exam dates and notifications.
By staying disciplined and consistent in your preparation, you’ll be on the right track to secure a place in NDA. Focus on both the academic and physical aspects, and don't forget to be mentally prepared for the challenges ahead!
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