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NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Check NDA Exam Complete paper pattern
Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on May 28, 2025 06:16 PM IST | #NDA
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NDA Exam Date : 14 Sep' 2025 - 14 Sep' 2025
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Union Public Service Commission specified the UPSC NDA exam pattern 2025 in their official notification at upsc.gov.in. The exam pattern of UPSC NDA 2 2025 contains the basic information about the mode of the exam, total marks, number of questions, etc. According to the exam pattern, the UPSC NDA exam consists of two papers - Mathematics paper and the General Ability Test (GAT).
This Story also Contains
- NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Overview
- NDA Marking Scheme 2025
- NDA Syllabus 2025
- Best Books To Prepare For NDA 2025
Candidates should acquaint themselves with the NDA exam paper pattern before preparing for the exam. Along with the exam pattern, it is also important to use the NDA exam syllabus to get an idea of how the exam might appear. Both NDA paper 1 and paper 2 holds a total of 900 marks. The NDA exam 2025 is conducted in two stages, the written exam and the SSB interview. Candidates can find comprehensive information about the NDA 2025 exam pattern below.
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 - Overview
NDA Exam Mode | Offline |
Language/Medium of NDA exam | English & Hindi (Except for English section - questions in English only) |
No. of Papers | 2 (Mathematics & GAT) |
Time allotted for each paper | 2 hours 30 minutes |
No. of questions and marks for mathematics | 120 for 300 marks |
No. of questions and marks for GAT | 150 for 600 marks |
Types of questions | Objective (MCQ type) |
Quick Links: How to join NDA after class 12th?
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 for Written Examination
The first stage of the NDA exam is a written exam. The written NDA 2025 exam consists of two papers, Mathematics and GAT. All the details related to the exam pattern of NDA 2025 are mentioned in the table below -
Exam Pattern Of NDA 2025 Written Test
Papers | Subject | Maximum marks | Duration |
Paper 1 | Mathematics | 300 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Paper 2 | GAT | 600 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Total | 900 | 5 hours | |
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 for Mathematics
Total Marks | 300 |
Marks allotted to each question | 2.5 |
Negative marking for each incorrect response | -0.83 |
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 for General Ability Test (GAT)
Sections | Maximum marks | |
Part A - English | 200 | |
Part B - General Knowledge | Physics | 400 |
Chemistry | ||
General Science | ||
History, Freedom Movement, etc. | ||
Geography | ||
Current Events | ||
Total | 600 | |
Quick Links: NDA salary 2025 and career growth
NDA Exam Pattern 2025 for SSB Interview
There are two stages in the SSB interview - stage I and stage II. As per the NDA SSB interview, it consists of a total of 900 marks and will be held over a period of 4 to 5 days. There is a negative marking in the NDA written exam. Candidates must clear stage I of the SSB to be eligible to appear for stage II. Check the following details related to the NDA SSB in the table below -
NDA Interview Scheme
Stages of SSB Interview | 2 |
Duration | 4-5 Days |
Maximum Marks | 900 |
SSB Interview - Stage-I
In this stage, candidates will have to take two tests - the Officers Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and the Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT). Only those candidates who clear this stage will appear for Stage II.
SSB Interview - Stage-II
In this stage of the SSB interview, aspirants will have to go through Group Testing Officers Tasks, Psychology tests, and the Conference. These tests will be conducted over 4 days.
SSB Interview Stages
Stages | Tests | |
Stage-I | Screening Test | Verbal and non-verbal tests. PPDT |
Stage-II | Psychological Test |
|
Group Testing Officers Test |
| |
Personal Interview | ||
Conference | ||
Also Read: How to join Indian Air Force?
NDA Marking Scheme 2025
According to the marking scheme of NDA, one-third of the marks allotted to each question will be deducted for each wrong answer. Candidates must also note that no marks will be deducted for unanswered questions. Check the NDA marking distribution and scheme in the following table below.
NDA Marking Scheme Mathematics
Particulars | Mathematics |
NDA exam total marks | 300 |
Marks allotted to each question | 2.5 |
Negative marking for each incorrect response | -0.83 |
NDA Marking Scheme GAT
Particulars | GAT |
NDA exam total marks | 600 |
Marks allotted to each question | 4 |
Negative marking for each incorrect response | -1.33 |
Quick Links: How to crack the UPSC NDA exam?
NDA Syllabus 2025
Along with the exam pattern, candidates must also be aware of the topics of utmost importance in the NDA syllabus 2025, that need to be prepared. Below are the NDA exam topics -
NDA Exam Syllabus
Subject | Topics |
Mathematics |
|
GAT |
|
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Best Books To Prepare For NDA 2025
After knowing about the syllabus and UPSC NDA exam pattern it is important to head towards the study materials. Although UPSC NDA is based on 10+2 level there are few books that can help candidates sharpen their preparations. It is essential that candidates make use of the best resources to prepare for the UPSC NDA exam. Some of the best books for the NDA 2025 exam are -
Best Books for NDA 2025
NDA Books | Authors |
Class 12th Mathematics | RS Aggarwal |
Exam Specific NDA Entrance Exam | ES Ramasamy |
General Science Guide for Competitive Exams CSAT/NDA/CDS/Railways/SSC/UPSC/State PSC/Defence | Disha Publications |
Social Problems in India (Indian Society - GS 1) | Ram Ahuja |
How To Prepare For NDA 2025?
The first and foremost strategy is to know what you are going to encounter, then on how to prepare for the NDA 2025 exam. In this case, the exam pattern of NDA 2025 and the syllabus is the most important thing.
Candidates must strategize their preparations well before time to be able to ace NDA 2025.
Allot a specific amount of time to study for each subject.
While solving the NDA question papers 2025, candidates will be able to know about the question paper pattern of previous years By using a timer, they will also be able to speed up their question-solving abilities as well. With the help of UPSC NDA question papers, aspirants can also evaluate themselves to identify topics that they find difficult to score in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are there negative marks in the NDA exam?
Yes, it is. One-third of the marks allotted to the question are deducted if answered incorrectly. In mathematics, each question carries 2.5 marks and 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers. Similarly, in GAT, each question carries 4 marks and 1.33 marks are deducted for wrong answers.
2. What are the total marks allotted to GAT and mathematics?
The total marks allotted to GAT is 600 whereas Mathematics will be conducted for 300 marks.
3. What are the total marks of the NDA 2025 exam?
NDA written examination will be conducted for a total of 900 marks, out of which 300 are for mathematics and 600 are for GAT. Candidates who clear the written exam appear for the SSB interview which is conducted for 900 marks.
4. What happens if I score the total cutoff marks of the NDA examination but do not score 25% in Mathematics?
It is mandatory that all candidates score the minimum qualifying marks and NDA 2025 cut off in order to clear the written exam. Aspirants must score 25% in both mathematics and GAT.
5. What is the difficulty level of mathematics in the NDA examination?
The difficulty level of the mathematics exam is of class 12th-level in the NDA written examination.
6. What is the usual cut off of NDA exam?
NDA cut off is decided on the basis of difficulty of the exam, number of candidates appearing for the exam, and vacancies. Candidates are required to score at least 25% marks apart from the UPSC NDA cut off in both mathematics and GAT.
7. What are the total marks allotted for NDA 2025 exam?
NDA written exam 2025 is conducted for a total of 900 marks, out of which 300 are for mathematics and 600 are for GAT. Candidates who clear the UPSC NDA written exam will appear for the SSB interview which is conducted for 900 marks.
8. What happens if I score the total cut off of the NDA exam but do not score 25% in Mathematics?
It is mandatory that all candidates score the minimum NDA 2025 cut off in order to clear the written exam. Candidates must score 25% in both mathematics and GAT.
9. What is the UPSC NDA salary given to a candidate clear the examination?
Cadets get a stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month. In hand NDA salary is given based on rank.
10. When will the NDA 2 2025 exam be conducted?
The NDA 2 2025 exam will be conducted on September 14, 2025.
11. When will the NDA 2 application 2025 be released?
The NDA 2025 application form has been released on May 28, 2025 at upsc.gov.in.
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Have a question related to NDA ?
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, you can likely give the NDA exam next year (2026) if you meet the age and educational criteria.
Age Eligibility
The NDA age limit is generally 16.5 to 19.5 years at the time the course commences.
-
For NDA 1 2026 (exam in April 2026), candidates should typically be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010 .
-
For NDA 2 2026 (exam in September 2026), candidates should typically be born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011 .
Since you are 16 now and will be going to your second year of intermediate in 2026, you will likely fall within these age brackets.
Educational Eligibility
You need to be appearing in or have passed Class 12 (Intermediate) or an equivalent examination. Since you'll be in your second year of intermediate in 2026, you will be eligible.
-
For the Army Wing , candidates from any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) are eligible.
-
For the Air Force and Naval Wings , you must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in your 12th standard.
Always check the official UPSC NDA notification for 2026 when it is released for the exact and confirmed dates and eligibility criteria.
SHUBHRADIP ROY 10 August,2025
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, you should be able to get your NDA admit card and sit for the examination. The details mentioned in the NDA form usually get verified with your application records, and on examination day you will be permitted to take valid proof such as your updated Aadhaar card, 10th and 12th marksheets, and date of birth certificate. It should not be a problem so long as you can have your identity verified through various documents, so just ensure you bring the same updated ID proof that you brought to the examination centre.
gopi 10 August,2025
Hello,
Sorry, but you aren't eligible for the NDA 1 exam in 2026. According to the NDA 1 exam 2026, candidates must be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010. Means fall outside of this range according to your date of birth. But, you are eligible for the NDA 2 exam in 2026.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Rahul Mandal 08 August,2025
Hello student,
No, you will not be eligible for NDA 1 2026 based on your date of birth (30-11-2006). The eligibility criteria for NDA 1 2026 require candidates to be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010.
Your date of birth falls outside this range. You would be eligible for NDA 2 2026 if you are born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011.
Thank you!!
Anushree Thakare 08 August,2025
NDA ke liye minimum age 16.5 saal aur maximum 19.5 saal hoti hai exam ke din tak. Agar aapka janam 10 December 2008 hai to aap 2025 mein hone wale NDA 2 exam ke liye eligible nahi honge. Aap NDA ke liye 2026 se eligible honge.
Bipasha 07 August,2025
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