NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Check NDA Exam Complete paper pattern

NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Check NDA Exam Complete paper pattern

Edited By Namritha Bachwal | Updated on Apr 22, 2025 03:53 PM IST | #NDA

NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Union Public Service Commission specifies the UPSC NDA exam pattern 2025 in their official notification at upsc.gov.in. The exam pattern of UPSC NDA 2 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).

This Story also Contains
  1. NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Overview
  2. NDA Marking Scheme 2025
  3. NDA Syllabus 2025
  4. Best Books To Prepare For NDA 2025
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Check NDA Exam Complete paper pattern
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Check NDA Exam Complete paper pattern

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 Pattern 2025 - 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 2025 for Written Examination

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 -

Exam Pattern Of NDA 2025 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 2025 for Mathematics

Total Marks

300

Marks allotted to each question

2.5

Negative marking for each incorrect response

-0.83

NDA Exam Pattern 2025 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 2025 and career growth

NDA Exam Pattern 2025 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 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 -

NDA Interview Scheme

Stages of SSB Interview

2

Duration

4-5 Days

Maximum Marks

900

SSB Interview - Stage-I

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.

SSB Interview - 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.

SSB Interview Stages

Stages

Tests

Stage-I

Screening Test

Verbal and non-verbal tests.

PPDT

Stage-II

Psychological Test

  • Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

  • Self-Description Test (SD)

  • Word Association Test (WAT)

  • Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

Group Testing Officers Test

  • GD

  • PGT

  • HGT

  • IoT

  • Command Task

  • Snake Race/Group Obstacle Race

  • GPE

  • Individual lecture

  • FGT

Personal Interview


Conference


Also Read: How to join Indian Air Force?

NDA Marking Scheme 2025

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.

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 2025

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 -

NDA Exam Syllabus

Subject

Topics

Mathematics

GAT


  • English (Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, etc.),

  • Physics,

  • Chemistry,

  • General Science,

  • Social Studies,

  • Geography, and Current Events


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Best Books To Prepare For NDA 2025

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 -

Best Books for NDA 2025

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 2025?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there negative marks in the NDA exam?

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.

2. What are the total marks allotted to GAT and mathematics?

The total marks allotted to GAT is 600 whereas Mathematics will be conducted for 300 marks.

3. What are the total marks of the NDA 2025 exam?

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.

4. What happens if I score the total cutoff marks of the NDA examination but do not score 25% in Mathematics?

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.

5. What is the difficulty level of mathematics in the NDA examination?

The difficulty level of the mathematics exam is of class 12th-level in the NDA written examination.

6. What is the usual cut off of NDA exam?

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.

7. What are the total marks allotted for NDA 2025 exam?

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.

8. What happens if I score the total cut off of the NDA exam but do not score 25% in Mathematics?

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.

9. What is the UPSC NDA salary given to a candidate clear the examination?

Cadets get a stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month. In hand NDA salary is given based on rank. 

10. When will the NDA 2 2025 exam be conducted?

The NDA 2 2025 exam date will be notified on the official website through a separate notice. 

11. When will the NDA 2 application 2025 be released?

The NDA 2025 application form will be released soon at upsc.gov.in.

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Questions related to NDA

Have a question related to NDA ?

According to the updated age requirements, you are qualified for NDA II 2025 if your birthday is April 2006 (however there is some disagreement among sources).  According to the most recent revisions, applicants born between January 2, 2006, and January 1, 2009 (age 16.5–19.5 years), including April 2006, are eligible.  However, other sites mention January 2, 2007–January 1, 2010, therefore check the formal announcement (anticipated by April–May 2025) for exact dates.

No, you're not eligible for NDA 2 2025 since you were born on 13th December 2006. The age limit for NDA 2 2025 is between 2nd January 2007 and 1st January 2010.

However, you're eligible for NDA 1 2026.


Cracking the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam in the first attempt requires a well-structured preparation strategy, unwavering dedication, and a positive mindset. It's a competitive exam, but with the right approach, success is achievable.

Firstly, understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. The NDA exam consists of two main papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The GAT is further divided into English and General Knowledge. Go through the detailed syllabus for each subject, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and plan your study schedule accordingly. Knowing what to study is the foundation of your preparation.

Next, focus on building a strong foundation in the fundamentals. Ensure your basic concepts in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Economics, and English grammar are clear. NCERT books for classes 11th and 12th are invaluable resources for this. Consistent and regular study is key; aim for daily study sessions rather than last-minute cramming.

Practice previous years' question papers extensively. This will familiarize you with the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, the difficulty level, and the time constraints. Solving these papers will also help you identify your weak areas so you can focus on improving them. Time management is crucial in the NDA exam, so practice solving papers within the stipulated time limit.

Develop effective time management skills. During your preparation, learn to allocate time wisely to each subject. In the exam hall, stick to your planned schedule and don't spend too much time on a single question. Accuracy and speed are both important. Regular mock tests that simulate the actual exam environment will help you hone these skills.

Stay updated on current affairs and improve your general knowledge. Read newspapers, magazines, and follow reliable online sources to stay informed about national and international events, science and technology, sports, and other relevant topics. A good grasp of current affairs is essential for scoring well in the General Knowledge section.

Finally, maintain a positive attitude and take care of your physical and mental well-being. Believe in your preparation and stay motivated. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. A healthy mind and body are crucial for effective learning and performing under pressure. If needed, seek guidance from mentors or join study groups for motivation and support. Consistent effort and a strategic approach will significantly increase your chances of cracking the NDA exam in your first attempt.

Yes, with a DOB of December 20, 2006, you are eligible for NDA 1, 2026 as you’ll be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old in April 2026.

NDA 1, 2026 Exam is in April 2026.

Application starts around December 2025.

Hii,

Your birth date is September 26, 2008, and you are in Class 11. For NDA II 2026, you must have been born between January 2, 2008 and January 1, 2011. You are qualified depending on age, but you must be in Class 12 or have passed it.

You are also eligible for NDA I 2027, which requires a birth date between 02/07/2007 and 01/07/2010. You are now in Class 11, thus you cannot apply. You can apply while in Class 12 or after passing it.

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