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NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Check NDA Exam Complete paper pattern
Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on May 28, 2025 06:16 PM IST | #NDA
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NDA Exam Date : 14 Sep' 2025 - 14 Sep' 2025
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - 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 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
- NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Overview
- NDA Marking Scheme 2025
- NDA Syllabus 2025
- Best Books To Prepare For NDA 2025
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 |
|
Group Testing Officers Test |
| |
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 |
|
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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 will be conducted on September 14, 2025.
11. When will the NDA 2 application 2025 be released?
The NDA 2025 application form has been released on May 28, 2025 at upsc.gov.in.
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Have a question related to NDA ?
Being 6/18 in both eyes, you may be able to take the job based on the recruitment medical standards of the recruiting authority particularly, the jobs in the defence services or the government sector.
Most medical standards have certain amounts of uncorrected deficiencies in vision when vision corrected (glasses, contacts) is of the expected standard. The specific allowance depends upon a service and a post.
When the notification explains uncorrected vision allowance, then it probably means that everyone whose vision is worse than normal, but can be corrected to meet the specified requirement, can be afforded.
In order to be sure:
Ensure to read the accuracy of vision standards and allowance as stated in the official notification.
Upon permission, make sure that you attain a legal eye prescription displaying corrected eyesight within a limit.
In case of doubts, a certified medical officer or ophthalmologist is to be consulted to provide a report on eye examination.
hemanth kumar 16 June,2025
Hey! Because your birthday is on May 22, 2010, in 2025 you will be 15. And it is quite normal that at your age you are in Class 11. In 2026, youwill be going up to Class 12. Then simply concentrate on completing Class 11 well, since Class 12 is crucial in terms of board exams and choices of careers. Stay regular with your studies, follow your hobbies and begin to consider which stream or career you require after Class 12. You’ve got plenty of time and opportunities ahead—just stay confident and work smart!
hemanth kumar 14 June,2025
HEY THERE!!!
- Unfortunately, you do not qualify for NDA 2 2025 if your birthdate is in November 2006.
- The specified eligibility window requires candidates to have been born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010.
- Since your birth falls before this range, you do not meet the age criteria set for this examination.
- It would be advisable to explore alternative opportunities or eligibility options.
Tanisha chaudhary 08 June,2025
Hello,
The NDA exam conducted by UPSC has strict age eligibility criteria. For the NDA II 2025 exam, which is scheduled to be held in September 2025, only candidates born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010 (both dates inclusive) are considered eligible. Since your son was born on November 1, 2006, he unfortunately does not fall within this age range, making him ineligible for the NDA II 2025 exam as per the current guidelines.
Hope this helps. All the best!
Samriddha Pal 13 June,2025
Hey Vinita ,
I hope your preparation is going well for your exam. As per your mentioned query , you should keep all the important documents during the registration process. The important documents you should have :
- Your active Email ID and phone number
- Your scanned photograph and signature
- Valid photo ID card details like Aadhar card
- Your academic details
To know more kindly go through the given link:
https://competition.careers360.com/articles/nda-application-form
Revert for further query!
All the best !
Sakshi Sharma 04 June,2025
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