NDA 2026 — Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Preparation
The NDA exam, conducted by UPSC, is the gateway for 12th-pass candidates to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Selection has two stage…
TL;DR: The NDA exam, conducted by UPSC, is the gateway for 12th-pass candidates to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Selection has two…
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
NDA (National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination): The NDA exam, conducted by UPSC, is the gateway for 12th-pass candidates to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Selection has two stages: a written exam of 900 marks (Mathematics + General Ability Test) followed by a 5-day SSB interview of 900 marks. It is held twice a year (NDA I and NDA II). Because negative marking is steep, accuracy matters as much as knowledge.
NDA Exam Pattern
| Total questions | 270 |
| Duration | 300 minutes |
| Marking scheme | Maths: +2.5 correct, −0.83 incorrect. GAT: +4 correct, −1.33 incorrect |
Sections
- Paper 1 — Mathematics: 120 questions, 300 marks, 150 min
- Paper 2 — General Ability Test: 150 questions, 600 marks, 150 min (English + General Knowledge)
- Followed by SSB Interview: 900 marks (5-day process)
Subjects Covered in NDA
Mathematics · English · General Knowledge · Physics · Chemistry · History · Geography · Current Affairs
How to Prepare for NDA
- In Maths, master Class 11–12 Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus and Coordinate Geometry, and be accuracy-first — the −0.83 penalty punishes careless guessing hard.
- For the General Ability Test, read a good newspaper daily and revise Indian history, geography, polity, basic science and defence-related current affairs from the last 1–2 years.
- Start SSB preparation early: build communication, leadership and physical fitness, and practise group discussions and personal-interview scenarios well before the written result.
NDA — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility and age limit for NDA?
Candidates must be unmarried and roughly 16.5–19.5 years old at the time of commission, having passed or appearing in Class 12 (Physics and Maths are required for Air Force/Navy). Always verify current eligibility, including gender criteria, on the official UPSC notification.
How is NDA selection done?
Selection is in two stages: the UPSC written exam (900 marks) and the SSB interview (900 marks). Both carry equal weight, so a strong SSB performance is as important as the written score.
Can I appear for both NDA I and NDA II in a year?
Yes. NDA is conducted twice a year, and eligible candidates can appear in both cycles. Preparation is largely the same for both.
📌 Exam patterns and dates can change — always verify the latest details on the official website before applying.
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