The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of the most prestigious and competitive entrance exams for students aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Understanding the NDA exam pattern is crucial to planning your preparation effectively and cracking both the written exam and the SSB interview.

In this blog, we will walk you through the complete NDA exam pattern, including paper structure, subject-wise format, marking scheme, SSB interview process, and final selection criteria.

1. Overview of NDA Selection Process

The NDA selection process is divided into three main stages:

1. Written Examination (Conducted by UPSC)
   
   

2. SSB Interview (Conducted by respective service boards)
   
   

3. Medical Examination
   
   

Candidates who clear all three stages are placed on a final merit list based on their combined scores in the written test and SSB interview.

2. NDA Written Exam Pattern

The written examination consists of two papers:

1. Paper 1 – Mathematics
   
   

2. Paper 2 – General Ability Test (GAT)
   
   

Here is the paper-wise structure:

Paper

Subject

Duration

Maximum Marks

Paper 1

Mathematics

2.5 hours

300 marks

Paper 2

General Ability Test

2.5 hours

600 marks

Total

—

5 hours

900 marks

1. 
   Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper)
   
   

2. Type of Questions: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
   
   

3. Languages: English and Hindi (except English section)
   
   

3. Subject-Wise NDA Exam Pattern Details

A. Mathematics (300 Marks)

1. The questions are based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT syllabus.
   
   

2. Topics include Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, Probability, Matrices, and Determinants.
   
   

3. Each correct answer: +2.5 marks
   
   

4. Each incorrect answer: –0.83 marks (Negative marking)
   
   

B. General Ability Test (600 Marks)

Part A: English (200 Marks)

1. Grammar & Usage
   
   

2. Vocabulary
   
   

3. Comprehension
   
   

4. Sentence Improvement
   
   

5. Spotting Errors
   
   

Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)

1. Physics: Basic concepts and laws
   
   

2. Chemistry: Elements, compounds, chemical reactions
   
   

3. General Science: Biology, Human Body, Ecology
   
   

4. History: Indian independence, cultural heritage
   
   

5. Geography: Physical, political, and economic geography
   
   

6. Current Events: National, international, and defense-related affairs
   
   

4. NDA Marking Scheme

1. Total marks for written exam: 900
   
   

2. SSB interview: 900 marks
   
   

3. Combined total: 1800 marks
   
   

4. Negative marking is applicable for both papers
   
   

5. Candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks set by UPSC in each subject and overall
   
   

5. SSB Interview Pattern (900 Marks)

The SSB interview is a five-day process conducted by the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force Selection Boards.

Stage I: Screening Test

1. OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) Test
   
   

2. PPDT (Picture Perception & Description Test)
   
   

Stage II: Comprehensive Testing

1. Psychological Tests
   
   

2. Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO)
   
   

3. Personal Interview
   
   

4. Conference Round
   
   

This stage evaluates a candidate’s personality, leadership qualities, and officer-like traits.

6. Final Selection Criteria

1. Final merit is prepared based on marks obtained in the written exam (900) and the SSB interview (900).
   
   

2. Candidates must also be medically fit to be eligible for training.
   
   

3. Allocation to Army, Navy, or Air Force depends on candidate’s preference, merit rank, and vacancy availability.
   
   

7. NDA Exam Pattern Updates (2025)

1. No major changes have been announced in the NDA exam pattern for 2025.
   
   

2. The exam remains gender-neutral, and female candidates are eligible to apply and appear for all branches.
   
   

3. The syllabus and structure remain consistent with previous years.
   
   

8. NDA vs Other Defense Exams: Quick Comparison

Exam

Educational Qualification

Age Limit

Papers

Total Marks

NDA

12th Pass

16.5 – 19.5 yrs

2 Papers + SSB

1800

CDS

Graduation

19 – 24 yrs

3 Papers + SSB

1800

AFCAT

Graduation

20 – 24 yrs

1 Paper + AFSB

300 + 150

9. Preparation Tips Based on NDA Exam Pattern

1. Plan subject-wise: Allocate time slots to both Mathematics and GAT regularly.
   
   

2. Mock Tests: Practice full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
   
   

3. Revise Weekly: Set up a revision plan for weak topics.
   
   

4. Stay Updated: Read newspapers daily to stay current with national and defense news.
   
   

Tip: Join a reputed coaching institute like Sukhoi Academy to get expert guidance, doubt-solving sessions, and SSB interview preparation.

Conclusion

Understanding the NDA exam pattern is the foundation of effective preparation. With clarity on the paper structure, marking scheme, and selection process, you can approach the exam strategically. Consistency, time management, and the right guidance can set you on the path to wearing the uniform of a proud defense officer.

FAQs 

Q1. Is there any sectional cutoff in NDA?
Yes, UPSC sets minimum qualifying marks for each paper.

Q2. Is the exam pattern the same for boys and girls?
Yes, the exam pattern is identical for all eligible candidates.

Q3. Can calculators be used in the exam?
No, calculators and electronic devices are not allowed.

Q4. What is the medium of the NDA question paper?
The question paper is bilingual – English and Hindi (except for the English section).