Can I crack NDA through self-study?

There are many students who have cracked NDA exam with self-study. Replying only to coaching will not help in cracking the exam. Candidates should be consistent with their NDA preparation. The first and foremost step towards preparation should be going through the syllabus and exam pattern. Candidates must also solve previous years' question papers. By solving the previous years' question papers, candidates can know the type of questions asked in the exam.

Is NDA easy or tough?

NDA exam is not tough to crack. It depends on the level of exam preparation and understanding of the candidate. To ace the exam, candidates must go through the syllabus and exam pattern. They should solve the previous years question papers and mock tests. Candidates must prepare a study routine for the exam and follow it dilligently. Candidates must also analyse their preparation and work on improving the weak areas.

How to prepare for NDA exam in six months?

It is not difficult to crack NDA exam with six months of preparation but the thing which is needed is determination, focus, and self-belief. To clear NDA exam in six months, candidates need to work really very hard. They cannot waste a single day. It is better to stay focused on the studies. Study regularly as the syllabus is vast. Atleast do self-study of four to six hours daily. Candidates must solve previous years' question papers to improve speed and accuracy. Candidates must also get themselves acquainted with the syllabus and exam pattern.

How many hours should be given to study for NDA?

Everyday candidates should study for two to three hours on regular basis. Categorize the course as per your comfort and start preparing. Practice previous year question paper as much as possible. Candidates must be thorough with the syllabus and exam pattern. They should prepare study routine and follow it seriously. Candidates must also solve mock test.

Which are the best books for NDA SSB Interview?

Cracking SSB Interview is not easy task. The difficulty level is high and candidates must have sound knowledge of their subjects to clear the interview. The best books for SSB Interview are given below: SSB Interview: The Complete Guide by Dr N. K. Natarajan SSB OIR & PPDT: Complete Guide to Stage 1 SSB Interview by DDE.

Which books are the best for NDA Physics?

Candidates can refer to the NCERT books of Classes 11 and 12 for the Physics in NDA exam. NDA Physics syllabus is given below: Physical Properties and States of Matter Modes of transference of Heat Mass, Weight, Volume, Sound Waves and their properties Simple musical instruments Rectilinear propagation of Light Density and Specific Gravity Reflection and refraction Principle of Archimedes Spherical mirrors and Lenses Pressure Barometer Human Eye Motion of objects Natural and Artificial Magnets Velocity and Acceleration Properties of a Magnet Newtons Laws of Motion Earth as a Magnet Force and Momentum Static and Current Electricity Parallelogram of Forces Conductors and Non-conductors Stability and Equilibrium of bodies Ohms Law Gravitation Simple Electrical Circuits Elementary ideas of work Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic effects of Current Power and Energy Measurement of Electrical Power Effects of Heat Primary and Secondary Cells Measurement of Temperature and Heat Use of X-Rays General Principles in the working of Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariners Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses.

In which mode NDA exam is conducted?

NDA exam is conducted offline across various cities spread throughout the country. The exam is conducted in two shifts-morning and afternoon. The Maths paper is held in the morning shift- 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and GAT is held in the afternoon shift from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM. Candidates are required to appear in both the shifts. The total marks allotted to the exam are 900. Candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each paper.

How many questions are asked in NDA exam?

GAT paper of NDA comprises a total of 150 questions. The GAT section is divided into two parts. Part A comprises English while Part B consists of General Knowledge. The number of questions in the Maths section of NDA exam is 120. Questions in the Maths section are asked from 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 question papers are framed in both English and Hindi by the examination authority.

What is NDA exam pattern?

The written exam of NDA comprises two papers-Mathematics and General Ability Tests (GAT). The Maths paper carries 120 questions and the GAT carries 150 questions. Total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview. 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

How to prepare for NDA in one month?

Follow the preparation hacks given below to do smart study and crack the exam in one month: Stick all the required mathematical formulas and theorems near the study table so that it becomes easier to memorise them all Algebra, Calculus and Coordinate Geometry are the topics that have the highest weightage, prepare them well Brush up English grammar skills Improve vocabulary by reading articles, editorials, English newspaper, etc. Refine General Knowledge by reading newspapers daily and watch news channels Be aware of each and every news about defence services Solve as many previous years' question papers as possible to understand the pattern better

Are NCERT books enough for NDA exams?

NDA exam consists of questions that are of Class 12 standard. To clear the basic concepts, NCERT books are the best resource for preparation. Candidates can refer to the NCERT books for Class 10, 11 and 12.

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

What are the important topics for NDA Maths?

The important topics for NDA Maths section are Integral Calculus, Differential Equations Trigonometry Algebra Vector Algebra Matrices and Determinants Analytical Geometry, Statistics & Probability. Candidates must practice previous years' question papers, mock test, go through the important topics, etc. To clear the concepts, candidates must refer to the high school level Maths books.

What are the important topics for NDA General Knowledge?

Questions in this section of NDA exam are asked from General Science, Indian history, Physics Geography, Chemistry and Current Events. Candidates must read the newspapers and watch news channels to know about the national and international events. Candidates must refer to the six months Current Affairs for NDA exam.

How to prepare for NDA exam in three months?

With just three months left for NDA exam, candidates must pull up their socks and start preparing for the exam dedicatedly. The competition for this exam is high and without a good preparation, it is not possible to crack it. Candidates must prepare a proper study plan and follow it diligently. Besides, candidates must solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to get themselves familiar with the actual test and find out the strong and weak areas. Also Read: How to prepare for NDA 2023 in 3 months?

Are you allowed to take the NDA question paper home?

Yes, UPSC allows candidates to take NDA question paper home. NDA exam is conducted in two shifts-afternoon and forenoon. Candidates can carry their question papers of Maths and GAT to their homes. However, UPSC also released NDA question papers online on its official website. The question papers are released online in PDF form. Aspirants can download the question papers and start preparing for the exam.

When NDA question papers are released?

NDA question papers are released by UPSC within two to three days after the question papers are released. NDA 2 question paper is available now. NDA question papers are made available on the official website of UPSC in PDF. Candidates can download NDA question papers for different subjects-Maths and GAT. Practising the question papers, candidates can know the type of questions asked in the exam.

How are NDA question papers useful?

NDA question papers help candidates to know the types of questions asked in the exam as well the difficulty level of the questions. The question papers also give candidates an idea regarding the pattern of the exam, topic-wise distribution of questions, topics that are given maximum weightage, etc. Candidates can use NDA question papers to improve their speed and accuracy of solving questions.

How to raise objections against NDA Question Papers?

UPSC also provides the facility to raise objections against NDA question papers. After checking the NDA question papers 2023, if candidates find any wrong questions, they can raise objections within the prescribed deadline. The objection can be raised through UPSC Online Question Paper Representation Portal. To access the question paper representation portal, candidates need to login with roll number, date of birth and captcha code. The steps to raise objections against NDA question papers are given below: Visit the official website of UPSC Go to the tab 'Representation on Question Papers' Click the link 'National Defence Academy and Naval Academy examination' Enter roll number, date of birth, and verification code to login Submit your representations to UPSC against the question papers

Is the NDA entrance exam syllabus the same as Class 12?

Yes, the NDA syllabus is the same as class 12. To crack the NDA exam, candidates must have conceptual clarity for better application while handling tricky and simple questions. Candidates must practice previous years' question papers. For Maths candidates must practice from NCERT Class 11 books. Jot down important Mathematical formulas and concepts. For English, candidates must brush up on the concepts of English. Candidates must clear their basic grammar, improve reading comprehension, and build vocabulary to tackle Antonyms and Synonyms.

What level of math questions are asked in NDA?

The Paper 1 of NDA Maths section carries 300 marks. The exam comprises of 120 questions in maths from Class 12 level. For each correct answer, candidate get 2.5 marks. Additionally, 0.83 mark is deducted for wrong response. Questions in Maths are asked from Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability.

Is the NDA and the CDS syllabus the same?

NDA exam is conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course. CDS exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). NDA and CDS syllabus are different. The level of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. Whereas, the standard of CDS syllabus is of graduation level. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. CDS syllabus is divided into Elementary Maths, English and General Awareness. The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam are 900. The total marks allotted to the written exam of CDS are 300 for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 for OTA.

NDA 2024 Preparation Tips, How to Prepare for NDA Entrance Exam

Q: Which books are best for NDA Maths?

Quantitative Aptitude for competitive examinations and Mathematics for NDA/NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy by RS Aggarwal are best for NDA Maths. NDA Maths syllabus cover 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. He best books for NDA Maths are given below: Quantitative Aptitude for competitive examinations by RS Aggarwal Mathematics for NDA/NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy by RS Aggarwal.

Q: Which are the best books for NDA English?

Candidates can refer to Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis and High School Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin for the English section of NDA. The syllabus for English comprises Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension and Cohesion. Candidates can prepare the English section by reading newspapers. They should also learn the basic grammar rules. Candidates must do the self-assessment of their preparation level.

Q: What is NDA syllabus?

NDA syllabus outlines the topics and sub-topics which candidates need to cover for the exam. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. The level of the syllabus is of Classes 10, 11 and 12 standards. 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. 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.

94.7K Views2.1K Comments

Registration: 11 Dec '24 - 31 Dec '24

Anangsha PatraDeputy Manager – Editorial

Updated on Dec 18, 2024 16:00 IST

NDA Preparation Tips 2025 tips help candidates to prepare well for the exam. Candidates should adhere to the latest NDA preparation tips to get an edge over the competition. Candidates can maximise their preparation by following a good strategy. They should focus on preparing with the NDA previous years question papers to improve their speed and accuracy of solving questions. Besides, candidates must be thorough with the NDA syllabus as it will help them to distinguish between the important and less important topics. Candidates must prepare a week-wise NDA study plan and follow it diligently. It is also important to solve mock tests as they can know the level of their preparation for the exam.

Refer to good NDA books to clarify the concept of the topics given in the syllabus. The level of questions asked in NDA exam is of high school level and conceptual clarity can help in cracking the exam. In this article, we have provided some useful NDA preparation tips 2025.

Q: 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.

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Q: 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

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Q: 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

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Q: 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

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Table of Contents

NDA Preparation Tips 2025
NDA Preparation Tips 2025: Subject-Wise
NDA Exam Pattern
NDA Syllabus
NDA Previous Years' Question Papers
Best Books for NDA Exam
NDA Preparation Tips 2025 FAQs

NDA Preparation Tips 2025

NDA exam is a prominent examination among students who want to join Indian Defence Forces. NDA 2 2024 is the gateway for candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. It is not a cakewalk to get through NDA and SSB. To prepare for the exam, candidates must make a study plan smartly. Making a smart study plan is effective for a better preparation strategy. First, candidates should clear their basic concepts. They should not forget to practice the NDA last year question papers. Revise the topics given in the syllabus as much as you can.

NDA Preparation Tips 2025: Subject-Wise

Now that candidates are aware of the exam pattern, syllabus, question papers, and marking scheme, check below the paper-wise preparation tips for the NDA exam.

Prepare for JEE Main Entrance Exam with Question Papers, Syllabus, Pattern and Preparation Tips

Download Question Papers

NDA Preparation Tips for Paper 1: Mathematics

In Maths, questions are asked from Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Algebra, Vector Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Analytical Geometry, Statistics & Probability. Check below the preparation tips for this section:

Candidates must have clarity in concepts
Candidates must go back to the basics if concepts are not clear and try to solve as many mathematical problems as possible
For this paper, effective time management is very important, candidates need to solve all questions within the stipulated time
Candidates should practice previous years' question papers

Also Read:

Know the difference between NDA 1 & 2 exams

NDA preparation tips for Maths

How to Prepare for NDA SSB Interview?

NDA Preparation Tips for Paper 1: GAT

GAT comprises two parts. Part A comprises questions from English while Part B consists of questions from Chemistry, General Science, History, Freedom Movement, etc., Geography, Current Events. Check the preparation tips for both parts below:

NDA Preparation Tips for English

The English test is held for 200 marks and covers topics from vocabulary, grammar and usage, and comprehension. To prepare this section, candidates should read newspapers and magazines daily. Also, candidates should focus on basic grammar rules. While reading, if the candidates are unable to understand the meaning of certain words, then they should look into the dictionary for those words.

NDA Preparation Tips for General Knowledge

The GK test carries 400 marks and assesses a candidate's understanding of Current Affairs. The test comprises questions from General Science, Indian history, Physics, Geography, Chemistry, and Current Events. Check the preparation tips for this section:

Follow the news updates regularly
Candidates must be aware of events like sports, arts, literature, etc.
Read about the current economic scenario, the recent and past policy, topics related to India and its neighbouring countries

NDA Preparation Tips for Physics

The physics section of NDA exam carries 23-25 questions on general physics topics. Here are some tips that will help candidates in NDA preparation tips for Physics:

The syllabus of NDA physics is vast. Candidates must focus on the important topics that carry the maximum weightage such as Ohm’s Law, Mass, Force, and Momentum. Candidates should not ignore other topics given in the syllabus
Candidates should make note of important definations and formulae

NDA Preparation Tips for Chemistry

NDA Chemistry section comprises questions mainly based on chemical formulae and reactions. The topics covered are elements, mixtures, compounds, physical & chemical changes, acids, bases, salts, simple chemical equations, laws of chemical combination, properties of air & water, oxidation, reduction, carbon and different forms, the structure of an atom, atomic equivalent, molecular weight, valency, mole concept, fertilizers, preparation of substances like soap, glass, cement, preparation, and properties of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA Chemistry section are given below:

Revise notes daily
Find out the repetitive questions from the previous years' question papers
Revise the chemical reactions

NDA Preparation Tips for Biology

The Biology section carries topics such as cells and tissues, living and non-living organisms, human body and organs, development and reproduction in plants and animals, common epidemics – causes and preventions, balanced diet and food as an energy source for living beings, solar system, meteors, comets, eminent scientists and their achievements, etc. Candidates can refer to the high school books to clear their concepts.

Watch the video below on how to prepare for NDA after Class 12

NDA Preparation Tips for Current Affairs

NDA current affairs include questions related to latest happenings in India and around the world. The topics covered under this section are politics, eminent personalities, sports, cinema, awards and recognitions, cultural events, science and technological breakthrough, government rules and policies, countries and prime ministers or presidents, countries and capitals, finance and banking, etc. Candidates should keep themselves updated by reading newspapers.

NDA Last Minute Preparation Tips

During the NDA last minute preparation, candidates should chalk out their own strategy and follow that diligently. Candidates must focus on revision. They should not touch any new topic as it will create confusion. Candidates should practice previous years’ NDA question papers to gain familiarity regarding the type of questions asked in the exam, as well as its difficulty level. To increase speed and accuracy, candidates should attempt mock tests.

Also Read: Last Week Revision Strategy for NDA Exam

NDA Exam Pattern

Understanding the NDA exam pattern opens doors to success in the exam. The written exam of NDA consists of two papers. Paper 1 is of Mathematics which carries 120 questions of 300 marks. Paper 2 is the General Ability Test (GAT), which contains 150 questions of 600 marks. Each paper is for 2 1/2 hours. For selection, candidates are judged out of 1800 marks, where 900 marks are assigned to the written test and 900 marks to SSB.

NDA Exam Pattern for Written Exam

NDA exam pattern for written exam is given below.

Sections		Maximum marks
Part A - English		200
Part B - General Knowledge	Physics	100
	Chemistry	60
	General Science	40
	History, Freedom Movement, etc.	80
	Geography	80
	Current Events	40
	Total	600

NDA Exam Pattern for SSB Interview

The pattern of SSB Interview is given below.

Stages	Tests
Stage 1	Screening Test	Verbal and non-verbal tests. PPDT
Stage 2	Psychological Test	Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) Word Association Test (WAT) Situation Reaction Test (SRT) Self Description Test (SD)
	Group Testing Officers Test	GD GPE PGT HGT IOT Command Task Snake race/Group Obstacle Race Individual lecture FGT
	Personal Interview	-
	Conference

NDA Syllabus

NDA syllabus exam is given below.

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.

NDA Previous Years' Question Papers

It is recommended to go through the previous years' NDA question papers. Candidates get an idea of the type of questions asked in the exam. Multiple-choice questions are asked in the exam. The language of questions is either Hindi or English. In Mathematics, candidates score 2.5 marks for the correct answers while 0.83 marks will be deducted for wrong answers. For a correct answer in GAT, four marks will be awarded to candidates while 1.33 marks will be deducted for wrong answers.

Best Books for NDA Exam

Candidates can refer to the following books for NDA exam.

Subject	Best Books for NDA Preparation
Maths	Mathematics for NDA & NA by RS Agarwal
English	Objective General English (Arihant Publication) by SP Bakshi Wren & Martin’s High School English Grammar & Composition by S Chand Word Power Made Easy (Goyal Publishers) by Norman Lewis
Physics	NCERT (11th and 12th)
Chemistry	NCERT (11th and 12th)
Biology	Objective GK (Lucent Publication) by Sanjiv Kumar
History & Geography	Objective GK (Lucent Publication) by Sanjiv Kumar
Current Events	Manorama Yearbook