NDA Exam Pattern 2026 - Check NDA 1 Exam Complete paper pattern
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NDA Application Date:10 Dec' 25 - 30 Dec' 25
NDA Exam Pattern 2026 - Union Public Service Commission specified the UPSC NDA exam pattern 2026 in their official notification at upsc.gov.in. The exam pattern of UPSC NDA 1 2026 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).
This Story also Contains
- NDA Exam Pattern 2026 - Overview
- NDA Marking Scheme 2026
- NDA Syllabus 2026
- Best Books To Prepare For NDA 2026
Candidates must 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 2026 is conducted in two stages, the written exam and the SSB interview. Candidates can find comprehensive information about the NDA 2026 exam pattern below.
NDA Exam Pattern 2026 - Overview
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?
NDA Exam Pattern 2026 for Written Examination
The first stage of the NDA exam is a written exam. The written NDA 2026 exam consists of two papers, Mathematics and GAT. All the details related to the exam pattern of NDA 2026 are mentioned in the table below -
Exam Pattern Of NDA 2026 Written Test
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 | |
NDA Exam Pattern 2026 for Mathematics
Total Marks | 300 |
Marks allotted to each question | 2.5 |
Negative marking for each incorrect response | -0.83 |
NDA Exam Pattern 2026 for General Ability Test (GAT)
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 2026 and career growth
NDA Exam Pattern 2026 for SSB Interview
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 is 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 -
NDA Interview Scheme
Stages of SSB Interview | 2 |
Duration | 4-5 Days |
Maximum Marks | 900 |
SSB Interview - Stage-I
In this stage, candidates 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.
SSB Interview - Stage-II
In this stage of the SSB interview, candidates have to go through Group Testing Officers Tasks, Psychology tests, and the Conference. These tests will be conducted over 4 days.
SSB Interview Stages
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?
NDA Marking Scheme 2026
According to the marking scheme of NDA, one-third 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.
NDA Marking Scheme Mathematics
Particulars | Mathematics |
NDA exam total marks | 300 |
Marks allotted to each question | 2.5 |
Negative marking for each incorrect response | -0.83 |
NDA Marking Scheme GAT
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?
NDA Syllabus 2026
Along with the exam pattern, candidates must also be aware of the topics of utmost importance in the NDA syllabus 2026, that need to be prepared. Below are the NDA exam topics -
NDA Exam Syllabus
Subject | Topics |
Mathematics |
|
GAT |
|
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Best Books To Prepare For NDA 2026
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 2026 exam are -
Best Books for NDA 2026
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 |
How To Prepare For NDA 2026?
The first and foremost strategy is to know what you are going to encounter, then on how to prepare for the NDA 2026 exam. In this case, the exam pattern of NDA 2026 and the syllabus is the most important thing.
Candidates must strategize their preparations well before time to be able to ace NDA 2026.
Allot a specific amount of time to study for each subject.
While solving the NDA question papers 2026, candidates can 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the total marks of the NDA 2026 exam?
A:
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.
Q: What happens if I score the total cutoff marks of the NDA examination but do not score 25% in Mathematics?
A:
It is mandatory that all candidates score the minimum qualifying marks and cut off in order to clear the written exam. Aspirants must score 25% in both mathematics and GAT.
Q: What is the difficulty level of mathematics in the NDA examination?
A:
The difficulty level of the mathematics exam is of class 12th-level in the NDA written examination.
Q: What are the total marks allotted for NDA 2026 exam?
A:
NDA written exam 2026 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.
Q: What is the UPSC NDA salary given to a candidate clear the examination?
A:
Cadets get a stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month. In hand NDA salary is given based on rank.
Q: When will the NDA 1 2026 exam be conducted?
A:
The NDA 1 2026 exam will be conducted on April 12, 2026.
Q: When will the NDA 2 application 2026 be released?
A:
The NDA 2026 application form has been released on December 10, 2025 at upsc.gov.in.
Q: Are there negative marks in the NDA exam?
A:
Yes, it is. One-third of the marks 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.
Q: What are the total marks allotted to GAT and mathematics?
A:
The total marks allotted to GAT is 600 whereas Mathematics will be conducted for 300 marks.
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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!
Hey candidate
Joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) directly after 10th is not possible, because the NDA requires candidates to have completed 12th class (10+2) or equivalent. preparation early (General Ability Test + Mathematics).
Here’s a short roadmap from 10th to NDA:
1. After 10th:
Choose Science (Physics & Maths) for Air Force/Navy, any stream for Army.
Start fitness training and join NCC if possible.
2. During 11th:
Focus on core subjects and general knowledge.
Continue physical fitness.
3. During 12th:
Prepare for NDA exam (Mathematics + General Ability Test).
Take mock tests and maintain fitness.
4. Apply for NDA:
Apply online at UPSC website.
Prepare for SSB interview + medical exam.
5. After selection:
Join NDA, Pune for 3 years + service academy training.
Tip: Start fitness, GK, and Maths now for a strong foundation.
Hope this helps you
All the best
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.
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