To score good marks in GAT, candidates must be thorough with English and General Knowledge. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for UPSC NDA General Ability Test.
Maximum weightage in the UPSC NDA exam is given to the General Ability Test (GAT). The subject is divided into two parts: English and General Knowledge. To prepare for the General Knowledge section, candidates must get their concepts clear for Physics, Chemistry and Biology. For History, Civics and Economics, candidates need to memorise a few major concepts. For English, candidates need to master their command of Grammar and Vocabulary. Candidates can deal with the Current Affairs section by staying updated with recent events. The syllabus for GAT is vast and candidates cannot ignore any aspect of this section. Given below are a few tips and tricks for NDA General Ability Test.
How to Prepare for NDA General Ability Test?
The General Ability Test section of NDA carries a total of 150 questions. The total marks for the test are 600. For the correct answer in this section, candidates will score four marks while 1.33 marks will be deducted for wrong answers. Check below NDA preparation tips for GAT.
Preparation tips for English
This section carries 200 marks. A total of 50 questions will be asked in the English section. NDA syllabus for this subject covers Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary and Comprehension. Reading Comprehension is the area where candidates can score more marks. Candidates should be acquainted with Synonyms and Antonyms. Read newspapers daily to improve your Vocabulary.
Q: Is NCERT enough for NDA exam preparation?
Q: How to prepare for NDA Maths?
Q: Is NDA easy or tough?
Also Read: NDA Books
Preparation Tips for General Knowledge
This section comprises 400 marks. It covers subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Affairs. As this section carries the maximum weightage, candidates must focus on this subject. Here are the topic-wise tips for this section.
NDA Preparation Tips for Physics
Candidates must focus on Class 11 and 12 NCERT textbooks. Try to figure out the expected questions based on previous years’ NDA question papers. The most important topics in physics are Ohm's law, simple electrical circuits, use of X-rays, simple pendulum, hydrometer, microscope and elementary ideas of work.
NDA Preparation Tips for Chemistry
This section is much easier if candidates have a strong command of the basic concepts. Candidates must know about all the laws of Chemical combination. They should study the properties of Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Carbon di Oxide. Be familiar with the structure of Atoms, Molecular Weights, etc.
Q: How to prepare for NDA exam at home?
The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam at home are given below:
- While preparing for the NDA exam the first thing candidates need to do is to make themselves acquainted with the NDA syllabus and NDA exam pattern
- Candidates need to make a study plan and follow that dilligently
- Divide topics into easy and difficult ones
- Also, set weekly and monthly goals to keep a track of performance to cover the entire syllabus in time
- Candidates need to clear their basic concepts
- Candidates need to make notes of important topics
- Candidates must solve previous years' question papers and mock tests
- Candidates must stay consistent and focus
Q: Is NDA exam tough to crack?
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.
Q: 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.
Q: Can I crack NDA through self-study?
NDA Preparation Tips for Biology
In this subject, candidates must focus on Life Cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues. Candidates might also get questions on Diet and Energy sources for humans. Be strong with topics such as growth and reproduction in plants and animals.
NDA Preparation Tips for History & Freedom Movement
The syllabus for this subject is vast. The NCERT books can help candidates ace this section.
NDA Preparation Tips for Geography
This section tests candidates' knowledge of physical, social, and economic Geography. Be thorough with the Atlas, India’s Climate, Mineral Sources, Important Sea Ports, etc.
NDA Preparation Tips for Current Affairs
To get a good score, candidates must be thorough with all the important events in India and World. They must know famous personalities, Cultural Activities, Sports, etc. To improve Current Affairs, reading the newspaper daily will help candidates to deal with this section.
Also Read: NDA Exam Pattern
NDA GAT Paper: Distribution of Questions
The distribution of questions in GAT paper 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 |
Read More:
UPSC NDA GAT Preparation FAQs
Q: What is asked in UPSC NDA GAT?
Q: Which books are best for UPSC NDA GAT English?
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi
- Wren & Martin High School English Grammar and Composition
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman & Lewis
Q: Which books are best for UPSC NDA GAT General Knowledge section?
Q: What is a good score in UPSC NDA GAT?
Q: How to prepare for UPSC NDA GAT?
A mass communication and journalism post-graduate, Anangsha has worked as a reporter and sub-editor and enjoys working in the education domain.
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Student Forum
Answered Yesterday
Eligibility to appear in NDA EXAM:
Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
Marital status: unmarried
Educational qualification: 10+2 pass from a recognised board.
Specific subjects for air force and navy wings: physics, chemistry and mathematics.
Physics fitness: must meet the prescribed physical standard.
T
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) candidate can appear for the NDA exam, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. According to the NDA eligibility requirements, an NRI candidate must be a citizen of India or a subject of Bhutan, Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 196
Answered 4 days ago
If the school address is incomplete on your NDA form, it could lead to complications in the verification process. It's essential to provide accurate and complete details to avoid any delays or issues with your application. I recommend updating the information as soon as possible to ensure everything
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you are eligible for the NDA 1 exam in 2026. Candidates born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 can apply, and being in the SC category does not affect your eligibility.
K
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
To join the National Defence Academy (NDA) and undergo its rigorous training, candidates must meet specific physical and medical standards. Here's an overview of the key requirements:
Physical Standards:
Height and Weight:
- Male Candidates: Minimum height of 157 cm.
- Female Candidates: Minimum height of 1
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
As per the official notification for NDA 1 2025, the age limit is as follows:
- Date of Birth: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009.
Currently, there is no indication of any changes to this age limit. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has not announced any modificati
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
The application fee for the NDA 2025 exam is as follows:
- General/OBC Candidates: ?100
- SC/ST Candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs/Women: Exempt from fee payment
The application process for NDA 1 2025 has concluded, with the last date for submission being December 31, 2024. The examination is scheduled for
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
Hi Ayush,
For NDA 2025, the age eligibility criteria are as follows:
NDA 1 2025: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009.
NDA 2 2025: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010.
Since your birthdate is February 24, 2006, you are eligible to apply f
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
Hi Chandankumar,
NDA 2 refers to the second session of the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam held each year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The exam is conducted in two sessions:
- NDA 1 (usually in April)
- NDA 2 (usually in September)
Both exams serve as a gateway for candidates to join
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
NDA Application Form 2025
Last Date to Apply: December 31, 2024.
Exam Date: April 13, 2025.
Application Fee: INR 100 (exemptions apply).
Apply at: upsc.gov.in
K
Contributor-Level 10
The NDA exam consists of questions that are of Class 10, 11, and 12 standards. If you follow the NCERT books thoroughly and grasp all the concepts mentioned in the books, you will not need any other reference books. For the NDA Maths section, you can prepare topics such as Algebra, Calculus, Determinants, Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector, Algebra, Statistics, and Probability. The GAT paper of NDA is divided into two parts. Part A comprises questions from English while Part B carries questions from General Knowledge. The topics that you can cover in English are Grammar and its Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion. The topics that you can prepare for General Knowledge are Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.