The NDA Exam Pattern 2026 consists of a written examination followed by the SSB interview. The exam pattern provides key details such as the marking scheme, total marks, exam duration, and shift timings.
The NDA written exam includes 270 questions from Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT), with a total of 900 marks. To pass the written exam, candidates must score at least 25% in each subject.
The SSB interview is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 includes the OIR and PP & DT tests, while Stage 2 comprises psychology tests and the conference. The SSB interview carries a total of 900 marks. Detailed NDA exam pattern information is provided below.
The NDA exam pattern includes important details such as the mode of the exam, total marks, exam duration, and types of questions. Familiarity with the exam pattern helps candidates plan their preparation effectively and aim for a high rank. Understanding the NDA exam pattern is a crucial first step toward success, as it provides a clear overview of the entire recruitment process. For more insights, watch the video provided below on the NDA exam.
Candidates can find below some key highlights of the NDA exam pattern.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Number of Papers | GAT and Mathematics |
| Duration of Test | GAT: 2½ hoursMathematics: 2½ hours |
| Exam Time | GAT: 10:00 am – 12:30 pmMathematics: 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Number of Questions | GAT: 150Mathematics: 120 |
| Language of Question Paper | English and Hindi |
| Total Marks | Written Exam: 900 (GAT: 600, Mathematics: 300)SSB Interview: 900 |
The NDA written exam is divided into two sections: GAT (General Ability Test) and Mathematics. All questions are objective type. The GAT section contains 150 questions, while the Mathematics section has 120 questions. Each section is conducted for 2½ hours. The GAT section carries 600 marks, and the Mathematics section is allotted 300 marks.
The GAT section is further divided into Part A: English and Part B: General Knowledge. The detailed structure of the NDA written exam is provided below.
| Papers | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration (Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 300 | 2½ |
| Paper 2 | GAT | 600 | 2½ |
| Total | — | 900 | 5 |
The Mathematics paper of the NDA exam consists of 120 questions totaling 300 marks. The questions cover topics such as Arithmetic, Mensuration, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Matrices, and Determinants.
The GAT (General Ability Test) section of the NDA exam consists of 150 questions worth 600 marks. It includes questions from English and General Knowledge. For the English portion, candidates should focus on Grammar, Comprehension, and Reading Skills, while the General Knowledge section covers Current Affairs, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, and other related topics. The distribution of questions in the GAT paper is provided below.
| Sections | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|
| Part A – English | 200 |
| Part B – General Knowledge | |
| Physics | 100 |
| Chemistry | 60 |
| General Science | 40 |
| History, Freedom Movement, etc. | 80 |
| Geography | 80 |
| Current Events | 40 |
| Total | 600 |
The NDA exam has a negative marking system: for each incorrect answer, 1/3 of the question’s marks are deducted. No marks are deducted for questions that are left unanswered.
| Subject | NDA Negative Marking |
|---|---|
| GAT | -1.33 |
| Maths | -0.83 |
The NDA exam has a total duration of 5 hours, with each paper conducted for 2½ hours. The shift timings for the exam are provided below.
| Shift | NDA Exam Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Afternoon | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
In NDA exam pattern Aptitude plays a very important role. Because it is a subject that helps to score high. If you take any competitive exam, there you must focus on the highest-scoring subject. Only then you will be able to secure your selection. Similarly, if you ask which are the important topics of the NDA syllabus then it will be,
The NDA exam pattern may sound to you longer but the level of questions is not that hard. If you go through the NDA exam pattern 2021 then it will become clear. One of the reasons, for advising to follow the NCERT book is, to have the ability to judge the difficulty level of questions. Examiners focus on higher secondary levels for preparing the question paper.
Candidates can find Top NDA Books 2025: Subject expert selections & preparation tips for the exam here: NDA Books 2025: Subject Expert & Tips.
Meanwhile, an aspirant should study,
All these above-mentioned are some important parts from where questions will be asked. You may take any year’s question paper. To understand the NDA exam pattern, one will go through any year’s paper he can find those major portions.
In conclusion, the NDA exam pattern consists of a written test (Mathematics & GAT) followed by the SSB Interview, totaling 1800 marks. Understanding the exam structure, subjects, marking scheme, and negative marking is crucial for effective preparation. Success in the NDA exam requires strong conceptual knowledge, time management, and physical fitness to secure a career in NDA and serve in the Indian Armed Forces.
Recommended Read:
Ans. There are no such fixed passing marks as the cut-off can change every year. If you follow the results for the last 5 years, then you can understand the difference. The maximum number one can get in a written exam is 450. Also, there is a personality test where one can get 699 highest. Both scores are as on the NDA exam result 2021.
Ans. Usually, the NDA training goes on for a long 3 years. A student who has an interest in defense and wishes to pursue an academic course on it can take admission. The JNU offers a 3 years bachelor’s course on NDA.
Ans. There are two phases of written tests taking place. While Paper 1 contains Mathematics, Paper 2 covers the General Ability Test. In the GAT paper, there are various subjects included. Such as History, Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Current Affairs, and General Knowledge.
Ans. The total marks for the NDA exam are 1800. Of which 900 cover the written test and the rest 900 cover the personality test. After qualifying for the written test with maximum marks like 420 (as per the data of 2021 NDA result) one can be eligible for the personality test. However, the cut-off for NDA 2021 was 699.
Ans. There will be a negative marking of 0.83 for each incorrect answer. The General Ability Test (GAT) has 150 questions, each worth 4 marks, totalling 600 marks.
Ans. Candidates can visit www.upsc.gov.in for official details and notifications.
Authored by, Nidhi Kukreja
Exam Prep Advisor
Nidhi is a passionate writer who specializes in long-form, research-backed content that delivers real value. Whether she’s writing blog articles or creating educational modules, she focuses on making complex topics clear, detailed, and easy to understand. Her content is designed to build knowledge and credibility, helping readers gain deeper insights with every piece.
Editor's Recommendations
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
