{"id":39957,"date":"2023-09-01T19:36:52","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T14:06:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/?post_type=govt-exams-blogs&#038;p=39957"},"modified":"2025-10-14T10:46:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T05:16:29","slug":"nda-exam-pattern","status":"publish","type":"govt-exams-blogs","link":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/govt-exams-blogs\/nda-exam-pattern\/","title":{"rendered":"NDA Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Scheme &amp; Paper Structure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The SSB interview is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 includes the OIR and PP &amp; 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/NDA-Exam-Pattern-_-Syllabus-Marking-scheme-and-Subject-Wise-Pattern.png\" alt=\"nda exam pattern\" class=\"wp-image-39958\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/NDA-Exam-Pattern-_-Syllabus-Marking-scheme-and-Subject-Wise-Pattern.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/NDA-Exam-Pattern-_-Syllabus-Marking-scheme-and-Subject-Wise-Pattern-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/NDA-Exam-Pattern-_-Syllabus-Marking-scheme-and-Subject-Wise-Pattern-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/NDA-Exam-Pattern-_-Syllabus-Marking-scheme-and-Subject-Wise-Pattern-150x113.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nda-exam-pattern-2024-highlights\">NDA Exam Pattern 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NDA Exam Pattern Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates can find below some key highlights of the NDA exam pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Particulars<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Exam Mode<\/td><td>Offline<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Number of Papers<\/td><td>GAT and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Duration of Test<\/td><td>GAT: 2\u00bd hoursMathematics: 2\u00bd hours<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Exam Time<\/td><td>GAT: 10:00 am \u2013 12:30 pmMathematics: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:30 pm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Number of Questions<\/td><td>GAT: 150Mathematics: 120<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Language of Question Paper<\/td><td>English and Hindi<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total Marks<\/td><td>Written Exam: 900 (GAT: 600, Mathematics: 300)SSB Interview: 900<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NDA Exam Pattern 2026 for Written Exam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 2\u00bd hours. The GAT section carries 600 marks, and the Mathematics section is allotted 300 marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Papers<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Subject<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Maximum Marks<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Duration (Hours)<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Paper 1<\/td><td>Mathematics<\/td><td>300<\/td><td>2\u00bd<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Paper 2<\/td><td>GAT<\/td><td>600<\/td><td>2\u00bd<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>900<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NDA Maths Exam Pattern<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Notification for 2025 Exam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wppdfemb-frame-container-1\" style=\"-webkit-overflow-scrolling:auto;\">\n\t\t\t<iframe class=\"pdfembed-iframe nonfullscreen wppdf-emb-iframe-1\"\n\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/?pdfemb-data=eyJwZGZJRCI6MzA3ODc0LCJqZXREeW5hbWljVmlzaWJpbGl0eSI6eyJqZWR2X2VuYWJsZWQiOmZhbHNlfSwiaW5kZXgiOjEsInBkZmVtYi1zZXJ2ZXVybCI6Imh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmNoZWdnaW5kaWEuY29tJTJGd3AtY29udGVudCUyRnVwbG9hZHMlMkZzZWN1cmVwZGZzJTJGMjAyNSUyRjEwJTJGTm90aWZpYy1OREEtTkEtSS0yMDI1LUVuZ2wtMTExMjIwMjRGLTEucGRmIiwid21fdGV4dCI6IiJ9\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-pdf-id=\"307874\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-pdf-index=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"border:none;width:100%;max-width:100%;height:100vh;\"\n\t\t\t\tscrolling=\"yes\">\n\t\t\t<\/iframe>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nda-exam-pattern-2024\">NDA GAT Exam Pattern\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Sections<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Maximum Marks<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Part A \u2013 English<\/strong><\/td><td>200<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Part B \u2013 General Knowledge<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Physics<\/td><td>100<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Chemistry<\/td><td>60<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>General Science<\/td><td>40<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>History, Freedom Movement, etc.<\/td><td>80<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Geography<\/td><td>80<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Current Events<\/td><td>40<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td><td>600<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nda-syllabus-2024\">NDA Marking Scheme\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The NDA exam has a negative marking system: for each incorrect answer, 1\/3 of the question\u2019s marks are deducted. No marks are deducted for questions that are left unanswered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Subject<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>NDA Negative Marking<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>GAT<\/td><td>-1.33<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Maths<\/td><td>-0.83<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NDA Exam Duration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The NDA exam has a total duration of 5 hours, with each paper conducted for 2\u00bd hours. The shift timings for the exam are provided below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Shift<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>NDA Exam Timing<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Morning<\/td><td>10:00 am \u2013 12:30 pm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Afternoon<\/td><td>2:00 pm \u2013 4:30 pm<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-important-topics-for-nda-2024\">Important Topics for\u202fNDA\u202f <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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,&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mensuration&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arithmetic&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Algebra&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trigonometry&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statistics&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>English&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-type-of-questions-asked-in-nda-2024\">Type of Questions Asked in\u202fNDA 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Council_of_Educational_Research_and_Training\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NCERT<\/a> book is, to have the ability to judge the difficulty level of questions. Examiners focus on higher secondary levels for preparing the question paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates can find Top NDA Books 2025: Subject expert selections &amp; preparation tips for the exam here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/govt-exams-blogs\/nda-books\/\">NDA Books 2025: Subject Expert &amp; Tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, an aspirant should study,&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Arithmetic, Geometry, and Trigonometry thoroughly. Because many questions will be asked from those parts.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From GAT one must focus on grammar and current affairs. Apart from that, he must follow the entire syllabus of Chemistry and Physics.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All these above-mentioned are some important parts from where questions will be asked. You may take any year\u2019s question paper. To understand the NDA exam pattern, one will go through any year\u2019s paper he can find those major portions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading conclusion-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, the NDA exam pattern consists of a written test (Mathematics &amp; 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"recommended-read\"><strong>Recommended Read:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/govt-exams\/nda\/\">NDA<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/govt-exams-blogs\/nda-eligibility-criteria\/\">NDA Eligibility<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/govt-exams-blogs\/nda-salary\/\">NDA Salary<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading faq-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-nbsp\">Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs&nbsp;)<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-667ce28f64fb7\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are the passing marks in NDA?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-667ce28f64fb9\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long is NDA training?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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&#8217;s course on NDA.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-667ce28f64fba\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are the subjects in NDA?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-667ce28f64fbb\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are the maximum marks in NDA?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1725347036343\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the scoring pattern for the NDA exam?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1741194954670\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Where can I check the NDA exam pattern and updates?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Ans. Candidates can visit <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.upsc.gov.in\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">www.upsc.gov.in<\/a><\/strong> for official details and notifications.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":177,"featured_media":40372,"template":"","meta":[],"class_list":["post-39957","govt-exams-blogs","type-govt-exams-blogs","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/govt-exams-blogs\/39957","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/govt-exams-blogs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/govt-exams-blogs"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/177"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40372"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39957"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}