NDA Exam Pattern – Complete Guide
The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam is one of the most prestigious exams for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Understanding the NDA exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation and achieving success. Nation Defence Academy provides expert guidance to help aspirants crack this exam on their first attempt. Overview of NDA Exam The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year – NDA I and NDA II. It is a gateway for candidates to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA. The exam tests candidates on their academic knowledge, reasoning skills, and general awareness, followed by an SSB interview for personality and aptitude assessment. 2. NDA Written Exam Pattern The NDA written exam consists of two papers, both of which are objective-type (multiple-choice questions): NDA Written Exam Pattern Paper Subjects Marks Duration I Mathematics 300 2 hours 30 minutes II General Ability Test (GAT) 600 2 hours 30 minutes NDA Written Exam Pattern The written exam has two objective-type papers: Mathematics Paper Topic Weightage / Focus Algebra Quadratic equations, Progressions Matrices & Determinants Solving determinants and matrices Trigonometry Angles, Identities, Heights & Distances Analytical Geometry 2D & 3D geometry Differential & Integral Calculus Basic concepts & applications Vector Algebra Magnitude, Direction, Operations Statistics & Probability Data interpretation, probability Marks: 300 Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Objective: Tests numerical ability and problem-solving skills General Ability Test (GAT) Section Marks Topics Covered English 200 Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension, Sentence Completion General Knowledge 400 Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Civics, Current Affairs Marks: 600 Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Objective: Tests awareness, communication, and understanding of basic concepts Key Features of NDA Exam Pattern Question Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Negative Marking 1/3rd mark deduction for incorrect answers Eligibility Unmarried male candidates aged 16.5–19.5 years SSB Interview Personality, leadership, and physical fitness evaluation for selected candidates Total Marks (Written + SSB) 1800 SSB Interview – 5 Day Process Day / Test Purpose Day 1 – Screening Tests Intelligence tests & psychological tests Day 2 – Group Tasks (GTO) Physical & team tasks, obstacle courses Day 3 – Individual Tasks Planning, leadership, and problem-solving tasks Day 4 – Personal Interview Evaluate motivation, communication, and personality Day 5 – Final Review & Medical Physical fitness check & overall assessment Tip: Confidence, discipline, and regular preparation significantly enhance SSB performance. Mathematics Paper Topics include Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry, Statistics, and Probability. Total marks: 300 Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes General Ability Test (GAT) The GAT is divided into two sections: English – 200 marks Comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and usage General Knowledge – 400 marks Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs, and Politics NDA SSB Interview Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Duration: 5 days Assessment areas: Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, Personal Interview, and Officer-like Qualities (OLQs) Total marks: 900 (written) + SSB marks considered for final selection Key Points to Remember No negative marking for Mathematics GAT has negative marking for wrong answers NDA is for male candidates only Age limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years Preparation Tips by Nation Defence Academy Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly Practice previous year question papers for better time management Strengthen basics in Mathematics and General Knowledge Enroll in NDA Foundation or crash courses for guided preparation SSB training and personality development are equally important Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is the NDA exam pattern 2026? The NDA exam consists of Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks) in the written stage, followed by the SSB interview (900 marks). Total marks = 1800. How many marks are required to pass NDA written exam? UPSC does not officially declare cut-offs. Candidates must aim for high scores in Mathematics and GAT to qualify for the SSB interview. How long is the NDA written exam? The written exam duration is 5 hours – 2 hours 30 minutes for Mathematics and 2 hours 30 minutes for GAT. What is the syllabus of NDA exam? The Mathematics syllabus includes algebra, calculus, trigonometry, vector algebra, statistics, and probability. GAT includes English, physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography, civics, and current affairs. What is the SSB interview process? The SSB interview is a 5-day evaluation testing personality, leadership, physical fitness, and psychological traits through group tasks, individual tasks, and personal interviews. Why choose Nation Defence Academy for NDA preparation? NDA provides expert faculty, structured courses, study material, mock tests, personality grooming, physical training, and hostel facilities, ensuring students are fully prepared for both written exams and SSB interviews. Why Choose Nation Defence Academy? Choosing the right academy is crucial for success in the NDA, Sainik School, RIMC, RMS, and Merchant Navy exams. Nation Defence Academy (NDA) stands out because it provides complete guidance, expert faculty, and a disciplined environment to help students achieve their defence career goals. Expert Faculty Our trainers are experienced ex-defence personnel and subject experts who understand the NDA exam pattern, SSB process, and entrance requirements of military schools. They provide personalized guidance to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Structured Courses We offer well-organized courses covering the written exam, physical fitness, personality development, and interview preparation. Students receive a step-by-step roadmap to succeed in both written exams and SSB interviews. Comprehensive Study Material Our academy provides detailed study notes, practice papers, mock tests, and previous year question analysis, enabling students to learn effectively and revise efficiently. Personality & Leadership Development The SSB interview and defence exams require strong leadership qualities and confidence. We conduct personality grooming sessions, group tasks, and communication workshops to prepare students mentally and socially. Physical Training & Fitness Physical fitness is an essential part of NDA and other defence exams. We provide daily PT sessions, obstacle courses, sports training, and fitness assessments to ensure students meet required standards. Hostel & Mess Facilities For residential students, we offer safe and comfortable hostels with nutritious meals. The residential program instills