Complete Guide to NDA GAT physics sample questions with solutions 2026

The NDA GAT Physics section, worth 100 marks, evaluates your conceptual clarity in Mechanics, Optics, Electricity, and Modern Physics. Success requires mastering NCERT fundamentals and practicing high-yield numericals. We at Exam Bhai have compiled representative sample questions and systematic solutions to help you bridge the gap between theory and exam performance.

What is the Exam?

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is the premier gateway for youth aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the exam tests candidates on General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. Physics constitutes a significant portion of the GAT paper, specifically Part B, demanding a strong grasp of physical phenomena and their practical applications. As experts, we recognize that the Physics component is often the deciding factor for candidates aiming to clear the written cutoff and secure a call for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

Key Highlights 2026

• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Exam Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)
• Total GAT Marks: 600 (Physics: 100 marks)
• Physics Weightage: Approximately 20-25 questions per paper
• Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, -1.33 for incorrect
• Language: Bilingual (English and Hindi)

Syllabus 2026

The UPSC Physics syllabus for NDA is derived primarily from the Class 11 and 12 NCERT curriculum. Focus on core concepts rather than rote learning.

Exam Pattern

The GAT paper is designed to assess not just your knowledge but your speed and accuracy. To excel, you must practice free mock tests for Defence on Exam Bhai regularly.

When you analyze previous year papers for Defence on Exam Bhai, you will notice that Physics questions frequently emphasize conceptual application over complex derivations.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the official upsc.gov.in guidelines, candidates must meet the following:

• Educational Qualification: 12th pass (10+2 pattern) or appearing for the same. Physics and Mathematics are mandatory for the Air Force and Navy wings.
• Age Limit: Candidates must be unmarried and aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years at the commencement of the course.
• Nationality: Citizen of India, subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before Jan 1, 1962.

Application Process

1. Visit the official website upsc.gov.in.
2. Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).
3. Fill in the detailed application form for the specific NDA cycle.
4. Pay the required application fee (exempted for SC/ST/Sons of JCOs/NCOs).
5. Download and save the final confirmation page.

Preparation Strategy

Success in Physics for NDA is a blend of conceptual depth and strategic practice. We recommend the following:

1. Master NCERT: 80% of questions are directly or indirectly linked to NCERT Class 11 and 12 concepts.
2. Focus on High-Yield Topics: Optics and Electricity carry the most weightage. Prioritize these over less frequent topics.
3. Numerical Practice: Do not ignore simple numerical problems. If you need a structured approach, access comprehensive study material for Defence on Exam Bhai to streamline your revision.
4. Sample Question with Solution (Sample):
   • Question: A person is standing in front of a plane mirror. If the mirror is moved 2 meters away from the person, how much does the distance between the person and their image change?
   • Solution: In a plane mirror, the image is at the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front. If the mirror moves 2m away, the object distance increases by 2m, and the image distance also increases by 2m relative to the mirror. The total distance between the person and the image increases by 4 meters.

Cut-Off Trends

Historically, the UPSC cut-off for the written examination typically ranges between 340 and 360 marks out of 900. However, aiming for these numbers is risky. We advise tracking the latest notifications on upsc.gov.in as cut-offs fluctuate based on difficulty levels. We at Exam Bhai suggest targeting at least 450+ to ensure a safe cushion for the SSB interview call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Class 12 Physics enough for NDA? Yes, the syllabus is firmly rooted in Class 11 and 12 physics. Focus on conceptual clarity rather than advanced competitive physics.

Q2: Are there many numerical questions in the NDA Physics section? While the majority are conceptual, expect 5-8 numerical-based questions that test your understanding of formulas like Ohm’s Law or mirror equations.

Q3: Which books are best for NDA Physics? NCERT textbooks (Class 11 & 12) are the primary source. Pair them with standard NDA preparatory books for practice.

Q4: How can I improve my speed in Physics? Practice is key. Take timed sectional tests to improve your ability to identify easy questions quickly.

Q5: Is negative marking applicable to Physics? Yes, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every wrong answer.

Q6: Should I memorize all formulas? Memorize core formulas, but more importantly, understand the conditions under which they apply to solve physics problems effectively.