The NDA GAT Science marathon mock test is the definitive tool for aspirants to simulate the 200-mark Physics, Chemistry, and General Science section. By practicing full-length, high-intensity modules, you bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and UPSC-style application, ensuring speed, accuracy, and confidence required to secure a meritorious rank.
What is the Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is the premier gateway for youth seeking to join the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force). The General Ability Test (GAT) is the second paper of the written examination, carrying a total of 600 marks. The Science segment within GAT is critical, accounting for 200 marks. At Exam Bhai, we emphasize that mastering this section is not just about memorization but about understanding the application of scientific principles in real-world scenarios, a hallmark of the UPSC question bank.
Key Highlights 2026
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Mode: Pen and Paper-based (Offline)
- Total Marks (GAT): 600 marks (Science: 200 marks)
- Negative Marking: One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to the question are deducted for every wrong answer.
- Exam Duration: 2.5 hours (for the entire GAT paper)
- Language: Bilingual (English and Hindi)
Syllabus 2026
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Physics | Properties of Matter, Motion, Force, Work, Energy, Sound, Waves, Optics, Electricity, Magnetism |
| Chemistry | Physical/Chemical Changes, Elements, Compounds, Mixtures, Symbols, Formulas, Acids, Bases, Salts, Carbon |
| General Science | Life Sciences, Basis of Life, Cells, Protoplasms, Tissues, Growth/Reproduction, Human Body Systems |
We recommend that candidates prioritize topics like Optics and Mechanics in Physics, and Atomic Structure in Chemistry, as these carry significant weightage in recent UPSC papers.
Exam Pattern
The GAT paper is divided into two parts: Part A (English) and Part B (General Knowledge). The General Science section falls under Part B. To streamline your preparation, we suggest you access high-yield mock tests for Defence exams on Exam Bhai to simulate the actual pressure of the examination hall.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 25 | 100 |
| Chemistry | 15 | 60 |
| General Science | 10 | 40 |
| Total (Science) | 50 | 200 |
Eligibility Criteria
According to the official guidelines provided by the UPSC (upsc.gov.in), candidates must meet specific criteria to appear for the NDA exam:
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old.
- Educational Qualification: For Army Wing, a 10+2 pass or equivalent is required. For Air Force and Naval Wings, 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is mandatory.
- Marital Status: Only unmarried male/female candidates are eligible.
Application Process
- Notification: UPSC releases the official notification on the UPSC official website.
- Registration: Candidates must fill out Part-I and Part-II of the application form through the UPSC online portal.
- Fee Payment: A nominal fee is required (exempted for SC/ST/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs).
- Center Selection: Choose your preferred exam city based on availability.
Preparation Strategy
Success in the Science section requires a blend of conceptual clarity and consistent practice. We at Exam Bhai believe in a multi-layered approach:
- Conceptual Grounding: Use NCERT textbooks from Class 6 to 10 as your primary source.
- Active Testing: Start your journey with free adaptive mock tests for Defence on Exam Bhai to identify your weak spots in Physics and Chemistry.
- Marathon Sessions: Engage in 'Marathon' practice where you solve 100+ questions in one sitting to improve stamina.
- Revision: Maintain a dedicated notebook for formulas and chemical reactions.
- Analytics: Use our detailed performance tracker for Defence mock tests on Exam Bhai to review every wrong answer and understand the underlying logic.
Cut-Off Trends
Cut-offs are determined by the UPSC and are influenced by the difficulty level of the paper and the number of vacancies. Historically, the aggregate qualifying marks for the written exam fluctuate between 340 to 360 out of 900. Official statistics are updated post-exam at upsc.gov.in. We advise aiming for at least 140+ in the Science section alone to maintain a safety buffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many questions are asked from Physics in the NDA GAT exam? A1: Usually, 25 questions are asked from Physics, accounting for 100 marks, making it the most important sub-section within the Science portion of GAT.
Q2: Is the Science syllabus for NDA based strictly on NCERT? A2: Yes, the standard of questions is primarily based on the CBSE/NCERT curriculum up to Class 10, though the depth of understanding required is higher.
Q3: How can I improve my speed in the Science marathon mock test? A3: Focus on mastering standard formulas and using elimination techniques for MCQ options. Regular timed practice sessions are essential to build this speed.
Q4: Can I use a calculator during the exam? A4: No, calculators or any other electronic devices are strictly prohibited in the examination hall.
Q5: What is the marking scheme for the Science section? A5: Each correct answer earns you 4 marks, while a wrong answer attracts a penalty of 1.33 marks (one-third of 4).
Q6: Is it necessary to study Biology for the NDA Science section? A6: Yes, 'General Science' includes Life Sciences. You should focus on basic biological processes, the human body, and common diseases to cover those 10 questions effectively.
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