NDA Exam Pattern 2025

Overview

NDA Exam Pattern 2024: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) prescribes the NDA exam pattern in conjunction with the notification. The NDA exam is held in a pen and paper-based mode. The exam consists of two papers: Maths and General Ability Test (GAT). There are a total of 270 questions in the NDA question paper, with the written exam totaling 900 marks. Candidates must secure a minimum of 25% in each paper of the NDA exam. Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers.

NDA Exam Structure

The NDA written exam includes two papers: Maths and General Ability Test (GAT).

Candidates who qualify the written exam proceed to the SSB interview, which is conducted in two stages. The first stage includes OIR and PP & DT tests, while the second stage comprises psychology tests and a conference. The total marks for the SSB interview are 900. Candidates must achieve the NDA cut off marks set by UPSC for both the written exam and SSB interview. The latest NDA exam pattern provides crucial information about NDA 2024, such as the exam mode, total marks, exam duration, question types, and more.

NDA exam is conducted twice a year and consists of a written exam and SSB interview. The written examination has two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). There are a total of 270 objective-type questions in the entire exam. The Mathematics paper has 120 questions, while the GAT paper contains 150 questions. The total marks for the NDA exam are 900 marks. The difficulty level of the NDA exam is typically moderate, and candidates can succeed with good preparation.

Questions in the NDA exam cover various topics, including Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimensions, and Statistics and Probability.

NDA Exam Overview

The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) twice a year to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy.

NDA Exam Details

The NDA exam consists of two sessions - NDA 1 for courses commencing in January and NDA 2 for courses commencing in July. Candidates can appear for both sessions. To pass each section, candidates must secure a minimum of 25% in each subject.

NDA Exam Pattern Overview

The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam pattern consists of the following key details:

The written exam for NDA is split into two parts: GAT and Mathematics. The exam comprises objective type questions totaling 150 for GAT and 120 for Mathematics. Each section spans 2 ½ hours. GAT is for 600 marks, while Mathematics is for 300 marks. The GAT section includes English and General Knowledge segments.

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Candidates can check below the distribution of questions in the GAT paper.

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NDA Marking Scheme

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.

NDA Exam Duration

NDA exam duration is 5 hours, with each paper lasting 2 ½ hours. Below are the NDA shift timings:

Important Topics for NDA Written Exam

The Mathematics section of the NDA exam focuses on testing candidates' calculative skills. The questions are typically of Class 10, 11, and 12 levels. Some key topics to prepare for include:

• Arithmetic
• Mensuration
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Statistics, etc.
• Matrices and Determinants

The General Ability Test (GAT) section of the NDA exam includes questions from English and General Knowledge. In the English section, candidates should focus on Grammar, Comprehension, and Reading Abilities. In General Knowledge, emphasis should be on Current Affairs, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, etc.

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Understanding the SSB Interview Structure

The SSB Interview process is a crucial step for candidates aspiring to join the armed forces. It is divided into two distinct stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's personality and capabilities.

Stage 1: Screening Test

• Verbal and non-verbal tests
• Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)

Stage 1 of the SSB Interview is the initial screening phase. Here, candidates undergo tests that assess their cognitive abilities, both verbal and non-verbal. Additionally, the PPDT aims to evaluate their storytelling and observational skills.

Stage 2: Psychological Test

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
• Word Association Test (WAT)
• Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
• Self Description Test (SD)

Stage 2 of the SSB Interview delves deeper into the candidate's psychological makeup. Through a series of tests, including the TAT, WAT, SRT, and SD, assessors gain insights into the candidate's personality traits, reactions to various situations, and self-perception.

Group Testing Officers Test

• Group Discussion (GD)
• Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
• Progressive Group Task (PGT)
• Half Group Task (HGT)
• Individual Obstacles (IOT)
• Command Task
• Snake Race/Group Obstacle Race
• Individual Lecture
• Final Group Task (FGT)

The Group Testing phase involves various activities that assess the candidate's ability to work in a team, exhibit leadership qualities, and overcome group challenges. These tasks provide valuable insights into the candidate's behavior in a team setting.

Personal Interview

The Personal Interview is a crucial component where candidates have the opportunity to present themselves in front of the interview panel. It allows assessors to delve deeper into the candidate's aspirations, motivations, and overall suitability for a career in the armed forces.

Understanding the structure and components of the SSB Interview is essential for candidates to prepare effectively and showcase their best selves during the evaluation process.

National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam Overview

The NDA exam is a prestigious examination conducted to select candidates for admission to the National Defence Academy. To qualify for the NDA exam, candidates must meet both overall and section-wise qualifying marks.

Qualifying Marks

• Candidates need to secure 25% in each section.
• The overall qualifying marks for the written exam are out of 900 marks.
• Candidates must secure separate qualifying marks in both the written exam and the SSB interview.

Syllabus Topics

The syllabus for the NDA exam includes:

• Mathematics:
  • Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Matrices and Determinants
  • Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
  • Trigonometry
  • Vector Algebra
  • Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension
  • Statistics and Probability
• General Ability Test (GAT):
  • Part A: English (Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Cohesion)
  • Part B: General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, Current Events)