Candidates can download the official NDA previous year question paper with solutions pdf for Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) directly from the Exam Bhai repository to accelerate their UPSC National Defence Academy preparation. Accessing these papers helps aspirants understand structural changes, mark distribution, and weightage of core concepts.
What is the Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a premier national-level competitive examination conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as the gateway for young defense aspirants wishing to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA, as well as the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC).
We at Exam Bhai recognize that clearing the NDA exam is the initial step toward becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces. The exam is conducted as NDA 1 (usually in April) and NDA 2 (usually in September). Candidates who clear the written examination are subsequently called for an extensive 5-day intelligence and personality assessment interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The competition is exceptionally rigorous, with hundreds of thousands of candidates fighting for roughly 400 vacancies each term.
Key Highlights 2026
Navigating the upcoming NDA cycle requires a clear understanding of the operational timelines and critical structural points. The following table highlights the essential features of the NDA 2026 recruitment cycles.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Indian Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a Year (NDA I and NDA II) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper-based OMR sheets) |
| Total Written Marks | 900 Marks |
| SSB Interview Marks | 900 Marks |
| Selection Phases | Written Examination followed by SSB Interview and Medical Board |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Syllabus 2026
The written portion of the NDA syllabus is bifurcated into two distinct papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). A comprehensive grasp of the syllabus prevents misdirected study sessions.
Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics paper focuses primarily on conceptual clarity spanning Class 11 and Class 12 curricula. The questions assess logical application and speed.
| Topic Block | Key Core Concepts |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, Complex numbers, Quadratic equations, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial theorem. |
| Matrices & Determinants | Types of matrices, operations, determinant of a matrix, Cramer's rule, inverse of a matrix, and applications in solving linear equations. |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric ratios, identities, multiple and sub-multiple angles, inverse trigonometric functions, properties of triangles, heights and distances. |
| Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D) | Rectangular Cartesian coordinate system, straight lines, circles, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola, direction cosines, and planes in 3D space. |
| Differential & Integral Calculus | Limits, continuity, derivatives, chain rule, tangents and normals, maxima and minima, definite and indefinite integrals, area under curves. |
| Vectors & Statistics | Scalar and vector products, position vectors, work done, moment of a force, mean, median, mode, variance, standard deviation, and basic probability. |
General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus
The GAT paper is divided into Part A (English) and Part B (General Knowledge). Part B contains specific sub-sections dealing with sciences and humanities.
| Part / Section | Subject Coverage and Topics |
|---|---|
| Part A: English | Grammar usage, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, idiom comprehension, sentence improvement, spotting errors, and reading comprehension. |
| Part B: Section A (Physics) | Motion, Newton's laws, work, energy, power, gravity, properties of matter, heat, thermodynamics, sound waves, electricity, magnetism, optics. |
| Part B: Section B (Chemistry) | Physical and chemical changes, elements, mixtures, compounds, laws of chemical combination, properties of air/water, acids, bases, salts, carbon. |
| Part B: Section C (Gen Science) | Basic life processes, cells, tissues, plant and animal growth, human body systems, common epidemics, vitamins, nutrition, balance diet. |
| Part B: Section D (History) | Indian freedom movement, constitution development, ancient, medieval history basics, French, Russian, and American revolutions. |
| Part B: Section E (Geography) | Earth's shape, latitude, longitude, time zones, atmosphere, solar system, structural features of India, weather systems, world geography. |
| Part B: Section F (Current Affairs) | National and international events, defense developments, sports honors, cultural events, world summits, global organizations. |
Exam Pattern
The NDA exam utilizes an offline layout where candidates shade options on OMR sheets. The marking scheme includes penalties for wrong entries, which means accuracy is paramount.
Before diving into the blueprint, it is highly recommended that candidates practice free mock tests for Defence on Exam Bhai to acclimatize themselves with the real-world pressure of handling these OMR layouts within strict time parameters.
| Paper Component | Subject | Questions | Duration | Marks Per Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 120 | 2.5 Hours | $+2.5$ | $-0.83$ | 300 |
| Paper II | General Ability Test | 150 | 2.5 Hours | $+4.0$ | $-1.33$ | 600 |
| Total Portfolio | Combined Written | 270 | 5.0 Hours | — | — | 900 |
Core Insights on Marking
- Sectional Cut-Off: Candidates must clear a minimum sectional threshold of $25%$ in each of the two papers independently to qualify for the final merit ranking.
- Language Policy: Except for Part A of the GAT paper, the booklet is printed bilingually in English and Hindi.
Eligibility Criteria
We at Exam Bhai strictly follow updates directly published by the regulatory authority. All parameters laid out here are fully aligned with the official notifications available on the Union Public Service Commission digital portal at upsc.gov.in.
1. Nationality
A candidate must be either an Indian citizen, a subject of Nepal, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specific nations with the intention of permanently settling in India.
2. Age Limit & Gender
- Lower Bound: Only unmarried male and female candidates who are not less than 16.5 years old at the time of course commencement are permitted.
- Upper Bound: The candidate must not have exceeded 19.5 years on the designated date specified in the active notification.
3. Educational Background
- Army Wing of NDA: Passed Class 12 ($10+2$ pattern) or equivalent examination from a recognized state education board or university.
- Air Force, Navy, and INAC Wings: Passed Class 12 or equivalent with compulsory subjects of Mathematics and Physics.
- Appearing Status: Students currently appearing in their final year of Class 12 are conditionally permitted to apply, provided they submit proof of passing by the designated document verification timeline.
Application Process
Filing your application correctly is vital. Even small mistakes can lead to rejection. Follow this systematic approach to submit your form cleanly:
Phase 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)
Candidates must first register on the UPSC online portal to generate an OTR ID. If you already have an OTR profile from a previous attempt, log in directly using your credentials.
Phase 2: Form Part-I Entry
Fill out your personal details, choose your preferred defense wings (Army, Navy, Air Force) in order of preference, verify your active contact details, and record your permanent address.
Phase 3: Application Fee Processing
Pay the mandatory application fee of ₹100. Female candidates, SC, and ST aspirants are completely exempted from this fee payment.
Phase 4: Document Uploading
Upload a scanned photograph, digital signature, and a valid photo identity proof card (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN, or Passport). Ensure the scanned files strictly match the pixel dimensions and file size caps listed in the instructions.
Phase 5: Center Selection & Declaration
Browse the available examination cities, pick your preferred location, review the entire application form summary, and click on 'Final Submit' to generate your confirmation slip.
Preparation Strategy
Preparing for the NDA exam requires a structured routine that balances theoretical mathematical equations with comprehensive general awareness. To guide your efforts, our team has created an actionable strategy designed to maximize your study efficiency.
1. Master Fundamental Mathematics
Do not start by rushing through shortcuts. Focus first on clearing concepts from NCERT textbooks for Class 11 and 12. Topics like Trigonometry, Matrices, and Calculus yield a major chunk of the questions. To evaluate your subject grasp, make it a point to practice free mock tests for Defence on Exam Bhai right after finishing any major topic block.
2. Speed and Time Allocation
Since you need to solve 120 math problems in 150 minutes, you have just 75 seconds per problem. Use systematic tracking to build your speed:
$$\text{Target Speed} = \frac{150 \text{ minutes}}{120 \text{ questions}} = 1.25 \text{ minutes per question}$$
Developing customized formula sheets for coordinate geometry and vector operations can save you critical seconds during the actual paper.
3. Build a Daily English Reading Routine
The English block carries 200 marks, making it highly rewarding. Dedicate 45 minutes daily to reading quality newspapers. Focus on spotting grammatical errors, building vocabulary contextually, and mastering common idioms.
4. Solve Sectional Papers
Treat your preparation like an active test run. Download the NDA previous year question paper with solutions pdf and solve it in a quiet room with an active timer. This practice builds stamina and helps prevent fatigue during the second half of the 5-hour testing day.
5. Regular Performance Analysis
After finishing a practice paper, analyze your mistakes carefully. Determine if your errors stemmed from conceptual gaps or simple calculation mistakes. Candidates looking for structured feedback should regularly practice free mock tests for Defence on Exam Bhai to view detailed performance metrics, pinpoint weak areas, and check accuracy rates against peers.
Cut-Off Trends
To make the merit list, you need to understand both the minimum qualifying marks and the final score required after the SSB interview. Historical cut-off statistics provide a reliable baseline for setting your target scores. The data below is curated from official historical archives hosted on upsc.gov.in.
| Exam Edition | Written Cut-Off (Out of 900) | Final Recommended Cut-Off (Out of 1800) |
|---|---|---|
| NDA II 2024 | 292 Marks | 664 Marks |
| NDA I 2024 | 301 Marks | 678 Marks |
| NDA II 2023 | 292 Marks | 656 Marks |
| NDA I 2023 | 301 Marks | 664 Marks |
| NDA II 2022 | 316 Marks | 678 Marks |
| NDA I 2022 | 360 Marks | 720 Marks |
Analysis of Trends
- The 33% Baseline: Historically, the written cut-off falls between $32%$ and $40%$ of total marks. Aiming for a score above 360 in your written practice tests gives you a solid cushion for the final merit list.
- Sectional Balance: Remember, achieving a high score in the GAT paper won't matter if your math score falls below the required $25%$ baseline ($75$ marks).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a Humanities student apply for the Air Force and Navy wings in NDA?
No. According to the official criteria, candidates who want to join the Air Force or Navy wings must pass Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as core subjects. Humanities and Commerce students can only apply for the Army wing.
Q2: Is there any provision for negative marking in the NDA written exam?
Yes, the NDA exam has a strict negative marking policy. For the Mathematics paper, each incorrect answer incurs a penalty of $0.83$ marks. In the GAT paper, each wrong answer results in a deduction of $1.33$ marks.
Q3: How many years of previous papers should I solve to prepare effectively?
We recommend solving at least the past 8 to 10 years of past papers. This gives you coverage of 16 to 20 actual exam papers, helping you spot repeating question patterns and master variations in the GAT syllabus.
Q4: Are female candidates eligible for all three wings of the National Defence Academy?
Yes, following judicial directives and subsequent amendments by the Ministry of Defence, eligible female candidates can apply for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA on equal terms with male applicants.
Q5: What happens if I pass the written exam but fail the sectional cut-off in Math?
You will not qualify. The commission explicitly requires candidates to clear the individual sectional cut-off threshold of $25%$ in both Mathematics and GAT independently before calculating their total composite score.
Q6: Can I use a calculator during the NDA written examination?
No, calculators or electronic devices of any kind are strictly forbidden inside the examination hall. Candidates must perform all mathematical derivations and calculations manually on the rough sheets provided in the booklet.
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