Anangsha PatraDeputy Manager – Editorial
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 is such that it is divided into written exam and SSB interview. The written exam is conducted for all the registered candidates. NDA 2025 written exam comprises subjects such as Maths and General Ability Test (GAT). NDA question paper for written exam carries a total of 270 questions. Total marks allotted to the test are 900. The sectional cut off for the NDA exam is 25 per cent. Besides candidates are also required to secure the overall cut off marks in the exam. There are negative markings for wrong answers in the exam. All questions asked in the exam are objective-type.
Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview, conducted in two stages. The first stage comprises OIR and PP & DT tests and the second stage comprises psychology tests and the conference. The total marks allotted to SSB interview are 900. Candidates need to secure NDA cut off marks prescribed by UPSC for the written exam and SSB interview. We have provided the latest NDA exam pattern so that candidates can learn several important things about the NDA 2025, like the mode of exam, total marks allotted, the duration of the exam, types of questions asked, etc.
Q: Â What type of questions are asked in NDA exam?
NDA exam is conducted twice a year and comprises written exam and SSB interview. NDA written examination is divided into two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Both papers feature objective-type questions, totaling 270 questions in the entire exam. Specifically, the Mathematics paper comprises 120 questions, while the GAT paper contains 150 questions. The total marks allocated for the NDA exam is 900 marks. The difficulty level of the NDA exam is usually moderate. Candidates can crack the exam with good preparation.
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Q: Â Is the NDA exam MCQ type?
According to the NDA Exam Pattern, the NDA Exam will be conducted in offline mode, and all questions will be MCQ type. The exam is given in both English and Hindi. The question paper will consist of two sections: Mathematics and GAT. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks.
Upvote Q: Â How many times can a candidate appear for the NDA exam, and what is the minimum qualifying marks required to pass?
NDA exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC. Candidates can appear for both the sessions of NDA exam. NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in January. NDA 2 exam is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in July. To qualify each section of the NDA exam, candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject. NDA exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Fotce wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.
Upvote Q: Â What questions are asked in NDA exam?
Questions in NDA exam are asked from the below-mentioned topics:
Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability.
GAT: The GAT syllabus of NDA is divided into two parts. Part A comprises questions from English, while Part B carries questions from General Knowledge. Questions in English part are asked from Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion. Questions in General Knowledge are asked from Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.
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NDA Exam Pattern 2025
NDA exam pattern comprises details such as mode of exam, total marks allotted, the duration of the exam, types of questions asked, etc. The exam pattern helps candidates prepare for the upcoming NDAÂ exam and secure a good rank. Understanding the NDA exam pattern is one of the first steps in ensuring success in the exam. By going through the exam pattern, candidates can understand the entire structure of the recruitment process.Â
Also Read:
NDA Exam Pattern Overview
Candidates can check below a few important highlights related to the NDA exam pattern.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode |
Offline |
| Number of papers |
GAT and Mathematics |
| Duration of test |
GAT: 2 ½ hours Mathematics: 2 ½ hours |
| Exam time |
GAT: 10 am to 12.30 pm Mathematics: 2 pm to 4.30 pm |
| Number of questions |
GAT: 150 Mathematics: 120 |
| Language of question paper |
English and Hindi |
| Total marks |
Written Exam: 900 (600 for GAT and 300 for Mathematics) SSB Interview: 900 |
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Q: Â What is NDA exam pattern?
Upvote Q: Â What are the passing marks in NDA?
Upvote Q: Â What is the role of SSB (Services Selection Board) in NDA exam?
SSB Interview is conducted for candidates who qualify the written exam. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks. The structure of SSB interview is given below.
| Stages | Tests | |
|---|---|---|
Stage 1 | Screening Test |
|
Stage 2 | Psychological Test |
|
Group Testing Officers Test |
| |
Personal Interview | - | |
Conference | - | |
Upvote Q: Â How many questions are asked in NDA exam?
Upvote Q: Â In which mode NDA exam is conducted?
Upvote NDA Exam Pattern 2025 for Written Exam
The exam paper of NDA written exam is divided into two parts, GAT and Mathematics. All the questions in the exam will be objective type. There will be a total of 150 questions in GAT while the Mathematics part will carry a total of 120 questions. Each section of the exam will be held for 2 ½ hours. The GAT section will be for 600 marks while the Mathematics section will carry 300 marks. The GAT section is divided into two parts. Part A comprises English while Part B consists of General Knowledge. The structure of the NDA exam pattern for the written exam is given below.
| Papers | Subject | Maximum marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 |
Mathematics |
300 |
2 ½ |
| Paper 2 |
GAT |
600 |
2 ½ |
| Total |
900 |
5 hours |
|
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Candidates can check below the distribution of questions in the GAT paper.
| Sections | Maximum marks | |
|---|---|---|
| Part A - English |
200 |
|
| Part B - General Knowledge |
Physics |
100 |
|
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|
Chemistry |
60 |
| General Science |
40 |
|
| History, Freedom Movement, etc. |
80 |
|
| Geography |
80 |
|
| Current Events |
40 |
|
| Total |
600 |
|
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NDA Marking SchemeÂ
There are NDA negative markings for incorrect answers, 1/3 of the marks allotted to each question are deducted for the incorrect answer. There is no deduction in marks for unanswered questions.
| Subject | NDA Negative Marking |
|---|---|
| GAT | -1.33 |
| Maths | -0.83 |
NDA Exam Duration
NDA exam duration is 5 hours, each paper is held for 2 ½ hours. NDA shift timings are given below.
| Shift | NDA Exam Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning | 10.00 am to 12:30 pm |
| Afternoon | 2.00 pm to 4:30 pm |
Important Topics for NDA Written Exam
The questions in Mathematics as per NDA syllabus aim to test a candidate’s calculative skill. The standard of questions is basically of Class 10, 11, and 12 levels. For the Mathematics section, candidates can prepare the following topics:
- Arithmetic
- Mensuration
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Statistics, etc.
- Matrices and Determinants
The GAT section of NDA question paper carries questions from English and General Knowledge. For the English section, candidates must focus on Grammar, Comprehension, and Reading Abilities. In General Knowledge, candidates should focus on Current Affairs, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, etc.
Also Read:
Q: Â Is NDA exam tough to crack?
Upvote Q: Â What is the topic-wise distribution of questions in NDA exam?
Candidates can below the last three years' topic-wise distribution of questions in Maths.
Mathematics | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chapter | 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
II | I | I & II | I | II | |
Binary System of Numbers | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Logarithms | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Inequalities | 0 |
|
| 0 | 1 |
Set Theory | 4 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 6 |
Complex Number | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
Quadratic Equations | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 8 |
Sequence and Series | 5 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 8 |
Permutation and Combination | 7 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Probability | 8 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 9 |
Binomial Theorem | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
Matrices | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Determinants | 5 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
Real Numbers and Functions of Real variables | 2 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
9 |
Limits, Continuity and Differentiability | 5 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
Differentiation | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Application of Derivatives | 9 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 7 |
Indefinite Integrals | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Definite Integrals | 6 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Area Bounded by Region | 1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
Differential Equations | 3 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Trigonometric Ratios, Identities and Equations | 5 | 14 | 21 | 18 | 11 |
Inverse Trigonometrical Function | 2 |
2 |
3 |
1 | |
Properties of Triangle | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Height and Distance | 0 | 2 |
| 1 | 1 |
2D Analytical Geometry | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Straight Line | 2 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
Circle & Family of Circle | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
Parabola | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Ellipse | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Hyperbola | 0 | 1 |
| 1 | 0 |
Vector | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
3D Analytical Geometry | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
Statistics | 12 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 10 |
Total | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
Upvote Q: Â Is the Maths exam for Army, Navy and Airforce wings taken separately in NDA exam or it is a single test for all three courses?
Upvote Q: Â What is NDA marking scheme?
NDA marking scheme is prescribed by UPSC. The marking scheme highlights the marks awarded for correct answers and marks deducted for wrong answers. In Maths 2.5 marks are awarded for correct answers and 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers. In GAT four marks are awarded for correct answers and 1.33 marks are deducted for the wrong answers. The score of the written exam is calculated out of 900 marks. The examination authority calculates the scores of candidates based on the marking scheme. The structure of NDA marking scheme is given below.
Sections | Marks for correct answer | NDA Negative Marking |
GAT | 4 | 1.33 |
Mathematics | 2.5 | 0.83 |
Upvote Q: Â Is NDA exam conducted in both English and Hindi?
NDA question paper is framed in both English and Hindi. The written exam is conducted for 900 marks. The test carries two papers-Maths and GAT. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview.
Upvote NDA Exam Pattern 2025 for SSB Interview
The SSB Interview is divided into two stages. Candidates qualifying the Stage 1 are called for the Stage 2 exam. Stage 1 of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. This stage carries 900 marks. Candidates can check the pattern of the SSB Interview.
| Stages | Tests | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1Â |
Screening Test |
|
| Stage 2 |
Psychological Test |
|
| Group Testing Officers Test |
|
|
| Personal Interview |
- | |
| Conference |
- | |
Q: Â How many days is NDA SSB interview conducted for?
The SSB Interview is conducted for 5 days and is almost the same for the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces. The SSB Interview is conducted in two phases.
- Phase I- Screening
- Phase 2- Psychological Tests, Group Tests, Interviews, and board conference
Candidates need to report on time at the centre they chose while filling out the application, or the centres allotted to them. The reporting time of the candidates, centre and other details are mentioned in their SSB Call letter. Candidates need to carry the required document for appearing in SSB interview.
Upvote Q: Â What is the maximum number of attempts allowed for NDA exam?
There is no limit in the number of attempts in NDA exam. Candidates falling within the presctibed age limit can apply for NDA exam. The selection process of NDA comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. The SSB interview carries 900 marks.
Upvote Q: Â How are candidates assessed in NDA SSB Interview?
Upvote Q: Â In how many stages SSB Interview is conducted in NDA?
Upvote NDA Syllabus
Candidates can check below the topics included in the syllabus:
Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and  Probability.Â
GAT: The GAT syllabus of NDA is divided into two parts. Part A comprises questions from English, while Part B carries questions from General Knowledge. Questions in English part are asked from Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion. Questions in General Knowledge are asked from Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.
Q: Â What is NDA syllabus?
Upvote Q: Â What does 25% marks mean in each subject in the NDA?
Upvote Q: Â What is the purpose of the NDA syllabus?
NDA syllabus is prescribed by the examination authority. The syllabus comprises the topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam. The first and foremost step towards preparation is going through the syllabus. Knowing the syllabus helps candidates to plan a strategy to ace the exam, thereby, giving them the right direction for preparation. NDA syllabus has two sections for the written exam, General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. GAT aims to test the candidate's basic knowledge of History, GK, Current Affairs of National and International Events, English, Science, and Geography. On the other hand, the Mathematics paper of NDA comprises questions based on Class 12. The GAT paper holds the maximum weightage in the syllabus.
Upvote Q: Â Where can I get NDA syllabus?
NDA syllabus is prescribed by UPSC. The syllabus is mentioned on the notification. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. The standard of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. NDA Maths syllabus comprises topics such as Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability. NDA GAT syllabus comprises topics such as Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion, Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.
Upvote NDA Books
NDA books are given below.
| Subjects | Books |
|---|---|
| Mathematics |
|
| GAT |
|
Q: Â Which books are best for NDA Maths?
Upvote Q: Â Which books are the best for NDA Physics?
Upvote Q: Â Which is the best book for NDA Preparation?
NDA is a competitive exam therefore to crack it candidates need to choose the right type of books. NDA books help candidates to ace the exam easily and clear the concepts of each and every topic given in the syllabus. To pass the exam, it is essential to select the right set of NDA books. The standard of the NDA syllabus is for Class 10, 11, and 12 levels. The best books for NDA exam are given below:
Best Maths Books for NDA
- Mathematics for NDA and NA by RS Aggarwal
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal
Best English Books for NDA
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi
Best NDA Books for Physics
- Objective Physics for the NDA and NA by D.C. Pandey
- Concepts of Physics (Part 1 & Part 2) by H.C. Verma
Best NDA Books for History
- History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra
- India's Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
Best NDA Books for Current Affairs
- Manorama Yearbook by Mammen Mathew
- Pratiyogita Darpan by Upkar Prakashan
Upvote Q: Â Which are the best books for NDA English?
Upvote NDA Preparation Tips 2025
The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam are given below:
- Go through NDA exam pattern to understand the overall structure of the exam
- Candidates must be thorough with the NDA syllabus to know the important topics for the exam
- Candidates must practice the previous years' question papersÂ
- Candidates must attempt mock tests inorder to improve the speed and accuracy of solving questions
- Candidates must revise all the topics given in the syllabus regularly
Q: Â How can I prepare for NDA exam?
Every year thousands of candidates appear for NDA exam. With so much competition, candidates need to have a proper preparation strategy for the exam. Candidates need to be consistent with their study plans. They should devote few hours every day to study. Candidates need to be thorough with the syllabus. Candidates must revise their notes and important formulae every day. Candidates must practise mock tests and previous years' question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus. Candidates must clear their basic concepts of each and every topic given in the syllabus. This will help candidates to solve the questions easily in the exam.
Upvote Q: Â How much time is required for NDA Exam Preparation?
The ideal time required for NDA preparation is one year to six months. During the preparation phase, candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. Candidates must consider solving the NDA question papers. They should also attempt mock tests to increase speed and accuracy. Candidates must be thorough with the exam pattern and syllabus. The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam are given below:
- To begin with the preparation, candidates need to understand the syllabus and exam pattern
- Candidates can clear their basic concepts of the topics from the Class 10, 11 and 12 books
- To improve speed and accuracy, candidates can attempt mock tests
- After completing the syllabus, candidates must practice previous years' question papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam
- Candidates must work on improving their weak areas
Upvote Q: Â How to prepare for NDA exam after 12th?
NDA syllabus mostly comprises the topics/subjects that candidates have studied in Class 12. The preparation for Class 12 and NDA can go hand-in-hand. Some of the preparation tips or NDA exam after 12th are given below:
- Candidates must go through the complete subject-wise syllabus
- Create a proper study plan and dedicate time for each subject
- Be consistent with the study plan Refer to good NDA books
- Candidates must review the fundamentals of each subject. They should consult the books from Classes 6 to 12
- Candidates must read the newspaper daily to enhance their English. Additionally, candidates must practice grammar and learn new words
- Candidates must practice the previous years' question papers to get an idea about the exam structure
Upvote Q: Â How do I use previous years' question papers to prepare for NDA?
The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam using the question papers are given below:
- After completing the NDA syllabus, candidates must start practising the NDA previous years' question papers. Solving the question papers, candidates can get their basics cleared
- Candidates can use the NDA previous years' question papers in understanding the application of concepts they have learned so far
- Most of the questions in the exam are repeated and require a similar approach to be solved. Keep a note of such questions and tricks to solve them
- Candidates must prepare a timetable for solving the NDA previous years' question papers and solve atleast one/two question papers daily
Upvote Sarkari Exams exams you must check out
Exams for which answer key has been released
11 Dec '24 - 16 Dec '24
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
Candidates can check below NDA exam pattern 2025 FAQs.
Q: Â What is NDA syllabus?
Upvote News & Updates
Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates
NDA Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
Yes, you can apply for the National Defence Academy (NDA) after completing class 12th, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible, candidates must have completed their 10+2 education with Physics and Mathematics, which is mandatory for applying to the NDA. The NDA entrance exam is co
V
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
Women candidates can apply for Indian Naval Academy courses for NDA exam. In 2024, vacancies were released for women candidates for admission to Indian Naval Academy courses.Â
S
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 days ago
Few important points related to NDA vacancies are given below:
- NDA vacancies are provisional and may change depending on the availability of training capacity of the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy
- Candidates are required to specify clearly in the online NDA application form, the ser
B
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 days ago
Following NDA 1 vacancies 2024 for women were announced in 2024.
| Academy | Wings | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | Army | 10 |
| Navy | 12 | |
| Air Force | (i) Flying-2 (ii) Ground Duties (Tech)-18 (iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech)-10 | |
| Indian Naval Academy | - | 9 |
J
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 days ago
Â
The following NDA 2 vacancies 2024 for females were announced.
| Academy | Wings | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | Army | 10 |
| Navy | 6 | |
| Air Force | (i) Flying-2 (ii) Ground Duties (Tech)-2 (iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech)-2 | |
| Indian Naval Academy | - | 5 |
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
NDA test centres are allotted to candidates as per the preferences given by them in the application form. The exam centres are allotted to candidates on the first-cum-first-apply basis. Candidates should apply early in order to get the preferred test cities. The examination authority reserves the ri
A
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 days ago
NDA exam centres are released along with the admit card. The list of test cities is made available along with the notification. Candidates are required to enter their preferences of test citiies while filling the application form. The test centres are allotted to candidates as per the preferences gi
I
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 5 days ago
No, you are not eligible for NDA 1 2025 because you were born after the required age range:
To be eligible for NDA 1 2025, candidates must have been born between July 2, 2006 and July 1, 2009
Your date of birth is August 4, 2008, which is after the required age rangeÂ
Other eligibility criteria for
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Here are some reputable options for NDA crash courses:
Online Platforms
 Â
 * Physics Wallah: Provides affordable courses with a focus on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
 Â
 * Dehradun Defence Academy: Offers both online and offline crash courses with a structured approach and experienced
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
In the NDA (National Defence Academy) written exam, the General Science section is part of the overall paper, which includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The weightage of General Science is divided as follows:
- Physics: Typically, questions from Physics hold the largest weightage in
R
Contributor-Level 10
Can I apply for NDA after completing class 12th?