NDA Exam Pattern 2025: Subject-wise Format, Stages & Marking

The NDA is considered most admired institutions in India. It helps to train security forces for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. At Pune, the NDA is focused on giving youth education as well as physical training. It builds the important skills needed to become an officer in the army. In this article we will discuss about the latest NDA Exam Pattern 2025.

The NDA examination is the crucial gateway to become part of this academy. The UPSC holds the exam two times annually. There are thousands of candidates from all over India who take the exam. Candidates hopes to get accepted to the academy also want to serve their country with honor.

Competition in NDA is strong, it is vital to know the NDA exam pattern. It outlines what you can expect and how to be ready for it. Having knowledge of the pattern, types of questions, and how scores are allotted helps make your studying more effective.

Why is Understanding the NDA Exam Pattern Important?

This is like fighting a battle without having any weapons if you do not know the pattern of the NDA exam. It tells you what questions there will be, how much time there is, which topics are included, and the way marks will be awarded. This helps students organize their preparation and plan their study routine.

It is easier to manage time if you know the pattern. Test-takers can use their strengths and weaknesses to allocate their time among the various sections. It gives students less of a chance to encounter surprises while taking the exam.

Understanding the way negative marking works helps protect your score from being reduced by wrong guesses. A lot of candidates fail to score well as they do not realize the impact of negative marking. If you know how the exam is structured, you will feel more confident and increase your chances of doing well.

NDA preparation tips                          ||                                 NDA Syllabus

Overview of NDA Exam Pattern 2025

The NDA exam is held in two stages:

1. Written Examination
   
2. Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
   

Both stages are equally important. The written exam tests academic knowledge and aptitude. The SSB interview assesses personality traits, leadership skills, and physical fitness.

Written Examination

The written exam consists of two papers:

• Paper I: Mathematics
  
• Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT)
  

The two papers are held on the same day. Each paper lasts for two and a half hours (2.5 hours). Students answer the questions with a pen or pencil on paper. There are objective (multiple choice) questions on the paper, which also comes in both English and Hindi.

Syllabus Overview for NDA 2025

Although this article focuses on the exam pattern, a brief overview of the syllabus will help in better planning.

Subject	Topics Covered
Mathematics	Paper I Covers maths only
Algebra	Sets, Venn Diagrams, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations & Series
Matrices & Determinants	Types of Matrices, Operations, Determinants, Inverse, Equations
Trigonometry	Angles, Ratios, Identities, Heights and Distances
Analytical Geometry	Cartesian System, Distance Formula, Equation of Lines and Circles
Differential Calculus	Limits, Continuity, Derivatives, Maxima & Minima
Integral Calculus	Integration, Definite Integrals, Differential Equations
Vector Algebra	Magnitude and Direction, Vector Addition, Scalar and Vector Product
Statistics & Probability	Data Interpretation, Mean, Median, Mode, Probability Rules
General Ability Test (GAT)	Paper II   Covers English & GK Only
English
Grammar & Usage	Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions
Vocabulary	Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Meanings
Comprehension	Reading Passages and Answering Questions
Sentence Arrangement	Sentence Reordering for Coherence
Spotting Errors	Identifying Grammatical and Spelling Mistakes
General Knowledge	Science, current affairs, geography history Defence news
Official Website	upsconline.nic.in

Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview

Those who do well in the written test will be invited for the SSB interview. This step is used to assess both the mental and physical health of the candidate. Activities in the screening process include being interviewed with a group, attending personal chats, and completing work in the open air.

Just like the written exam, the SSB interview holds a total of 900 marks. Therefore, the total number of marks for all rounds is 1800.

You May Visit:   Best NDA Coaching

Key Highlights of NDA Exam  2025

• Exam Name: NDA (National Defence Academy)
  
• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  
• Exam Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)
  
• Language: English and Hindi
  
• Exam Frequency: Twice a year (NDA I and NDA II)
  
• Type of Questions: Objective (MCQs)
  
• Total Marks: 1800 (900 for written exam + 900 for SSB interview)
  
• Latest Changes in Pattern: No major changes reported for 2025. However, candidates should monitor the official UPSC website for minor updates.
  

Detailed Breakdown of NDA Written Examination 

Paper I: Mathematics

The Maths paper aims to assess the candidate’s skill in solving mathematical problems and using numbers accurately. It follows the curriculum set for Classes 11 and 12. The questions test understanding of basic concepts and so require you to be well-prepared.

Key Details:

Duration: 2.5 hours

Total Questions: 120

Total Marks: 300

Question Type: Multiple Choice (MCQs)

Medium: English and Hindi

It is important for candidates to go through different types of questions such as algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, calculus, and statistics. Speed and accuracy are essential. Getting used to the format by practicing and taking mock tests will improve your performance in reading comprehension.

Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT)

The GAT paper measures how well the candidate can read, write, and understand English as well as their basic knowledge. It consists of two parts:

Part A: English

Part B: General Knowledge

English : Total Marks:  200

Focus Areas: Grammar, vocabulary, being able to understand, how sentences are built, and the way words are used

Samples in this section assess the candidate’s simple English skills. Taking the time to read often and practice grammar will help your scores.

Part B: General Knowledge ::Total Marks: 400

Subjects Covered:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• General Science
• History
• Geography
• Current Events

The GK part deals with a diverse set of subjects. Regularly go through NCERT books, newspapers, and current affairs magazines so you are up to date. Doing this allows you to lay a solid base for several different subjects.

Summary of Written Exam

Paper	Subject	Questions	Marks	Duration
I	Mathematics	120	300	2.5 hours
II	GAT (English + GK)	150	600	2.5 hours
	Total	270	900	5 hours

NDA Marking Scheme 2025

Understanding the marking scheme is important for smart attempts and score optimization.

Mathematics

• Correct Answer: +2.5 marks
  
• Wrong Answer: -0.83 marks
  
• Unattempted Question: 0 marks
  

General Ability Test (GAT)

• Correct Answer: +4 marks
  
• Wrong Answer: -1.33 marks
  
• Unattempted Question: 0 marks
  

Final Score Calculation

To calculate your final score in each paper, use the following formula:

“Final Score = (Correct Answers × Marks per Correct Answer) – (Incorrect Answers × Negative Marks)”

For example, if you answer 80 questions correctly and 20 incorrectly in the GAT:

Final Score = (80 × 4) – (20 × 1.33) = 320 – 26.6 = 293.4

This helps you plan your attempt strategy and minimize guesswork.

Tips to Minimize Negative Marking

Scores can be reduced a lot if you receive negative marking. There are some ways to minimize its impact:

1. Attempt What You Know First

Start working on the parts where you feel most certain first. As a result, students find it easier to avoid missing any simple opportunities for points.

2. Avoid Blind Guessing

Random guessing is risky. Don’t try to solve the question if you have no idea of the answer. You lose points every time you get a question incorrect.

3. Use Elimination Technique

If you are not confident about your answer, start by crossing out wrong answers. It makes it more likely that you will pick the right answer and less risky.

4. Practice With Timed Tests

Try taking mock exams in the same amount of time as the real one. As a result, people can work more efficiently, accurately, and make better decisions. It is also useful to simulate the conditions found in real exams.

5. Analyze Mistakes

Go over each mock test and note down any mistakes you made. Learn the reason an answer was wrong and use that lesson in the future. This prevents repeated mistakes.

How to Prepare According to the NDA Exam Pattern

• what is included in the syllabus and what kinds of exams there are.
• When you understand each new concept before moving on to another one in Mathematics.
• Make sure to read current affairs magazines and newspapers before taking the GAT.
• Practice previous year question papers.
• Attempt mock tests regularly.

NDA Exam 2025: Difficulty Level and Subject Weightage

• Mathematics: Moderate to high difficulty. Strong conceptual understanding as well as speed are required.
  
• GAT (English): Moderate. Tests language proficiency and comprehension.
  
• GAT (General Knowledge): Moderate. Covers a wide range of subjects; current affairs can be tricky.

NDA Exam 2025: Section-wise Question Distribution

Paper	Section	No. of Questions	Marks
Mathematics	Entire Paper	120	300
GAT	English	50	200
GAT	General Knowledge	100	400
Total		270	900

SSB Interview Process (Overview)

After clearing the written exam, candidates attend the SSB interview. This stage evaluates leadership, personality, and fitness.

Key Components:

1. Screening Test: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning
2. Psychology Tests: TAT, WAT, SRT, and Self-Description
3. Group Testing: Debates in a group, outdoor group activities, and tasks involving orders
4. Personal Interview: Face-to-face interaction
5. Conference: Decision made looking at overall results

The SSB is conducted over 5 days and carries 900 marks. It is as important as the written exam and must be taken seriously.

Exam Day Instructions for NDA 2025: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

• come at the test center at least 30 minutes in advance.
• Have some official ID, your admit card, and stationery with you.
• Read instructions carefully.

Don’ts:

• Avoid having mobile phones or various electronic gadgets in your luggage.
• Avoid bringing unnecessary items.
• Never guess on a question unless you are certain; avoid losing points.

NDA Exam Timings and Shift Schedule 2025

• Mathematics Paper:  Morning session (usually 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM)
  
• GAT Paper:             Afternoon session (usually 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM)
  

Candidates should confirm the exact timing on their admit cards.

NDA Written Exam vs SSB Interview: Key Differences in Pattern

Aspect	Written Exam	SSB Interview
Mode	Offline (MCQs)	Offline (Multiple stages)
Duration	One Day	5 Days
Components	Mathematics, GAT	Psychological Tests, Group Tasks
Marks	900	900
Skills Tested	Academic knowledge	Personality, leadership, aptitude

Conclusion

It is important to learn the NDA exam pattern for 2025. Aspirants can use it to make a study schedule, manage their time, and improve the flow of their answers. When rules get updated, we should update your strategy to ensure it keeps working.

Doing well on the NDA exam takes effort and a good strategy. Pay attention to vital subjects, keep practicing, and make sure to use your time well. Start at the start, remain consistent with your schedule, and keep yourself motivated.

Sukhoi Academy has expert guidance and reliable methods to teach and prepare you for your NDA examination. Define your path using confidence, committed to a career that shows honor and dignity to your country.

Frequently Asked Questions