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NDA Exam Pattern 2025, Check Marking Scheme for GAT and Math

The NDA Exam Pattern 2025 includes a written exam followed by an SSB interview, which is the selection process. Candidates who applied for the NDA Form will take the written exam, covering Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT), with a total of 270 objective questions and a combined 900 marks. A minimum of 25% in each section is required, along with a qualifying overall cutoff, and there is a negative marking for incorrect answers. Candidates who pass the written exam are eligible for the SSB interview, which is divided into two stages: OIR and PP & DT tests in Stage 1 and psychology tests with a final conference in Stage 2, which totals 900 marks.

UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2025

Union Public Service Commission conducts the NDA Exam twice a year in two stages, in April and September, to recruit candidates for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy courses. The NDA Exam Pattern 2025 consists of a written exam and an SSB interview. The NDA exam is divided into two sections:

  • Stage 1: Written Test (Mathematics and GAT)
  • Stage 2: Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB)
Particulars Details
Name of the Exam NDA
Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Conducted in A Year Twice a Year
Mode of Examination Offline (Pen and paper)
 Medium of Examination English
Number of Sections 2
Question Paper Type Objective or MCQ
Total Number of Questions 270 Questions (120 from Mathematics and 150 from GAT)
Total Marks for Entrance Test 900 Marks (300 Marks for Mathematics and 600 Marks for GAT)
Negative Marking Yes (0.83 marks for Mathematics and 1.33 marks for GAT)
Exam duration 2.5 hours (Each Section)

Also Check NDA Syllabus 2025

NDA Written Exam Pattern 2025

Mathematics and GAT are two subjects in written tests for the NDA Exam Pattern. Papers are written nature (pen & paper format). Candidates can get an in-depth insight into both subjects below.

Papers Subject Maximum marks Duration
Paper 1 Mathematics 300 2 ½
Paper 2 GAT 600 2 ½
Total 900 5 hours

NDA Mathematics Exam Pattern 2025

Maths Paper consist of various important topics like Differential calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Statistics & Probability for 300 marks and the maximum time duration to attempt it is 2.5 hours. The table given below breakout a detailed NDA Mathematics paper:

NDA Exam Pattern for Maths
Total Marks 300 Marks
Total No. of Questions 120
Correct Answer 2.5 marks
Marks deducted for each wrong answer 0.83
Total duration of Mathematics Paper 2 Hours 30 Minutes

Also, Check NDA Previous Year Question Paper

NDA Marking Scheme

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has established the format for the NDA Exam 2025. This exam is scheduled to be conducted offline, with all questions presented as multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The exam will be available in both English and Hindi.

The NDA exam consists of two main sections:

  1. Mathematics
  2. General Ability Test (GAT)

Section Details

  • Mathematics Section:
    • Total Questions: 120
    • Total Marks: 300
    • Each correct answer awards 2.5 marks.
    • Each incorrect answer deducts 0.83 marks.
  • General Ability Test (GAT):
    • Total Marks: 600
    • Divided into English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks).
    • Total Questions: 150
      • English: 50 questions
      • General Knowledge: 100 questions
    • Each correct answer in GAT awards 4 marks.
    • Each incorrect answer deducts 1.33 marks.
Elements  Mathematics GAT
Total Questions 120 150
Total Marks 300 600
Marks allotted to each correct answer 2.5 4
Negative marking for each incorrect response -0.83 -1.33

Also, Check NDA Salary

NDA Mathematics Marks Distribution

The NDA Mathematics section covers several key topics, each contributing to the overall score of 300 marks. Calculus is a major focus, with questions typically worth between 50 and 62.5 marks. Quadratic Equations are another essential area, carrying a weight of 37.5 to 50 marks. Matrices and Determinants represent a significant portion of the exam, valued at 75 marks. Probability questions contribute 25 marks, and Trigonometry holds another crucial 75-mark segment. Complex Numbers, an important concept, usually carry 25 to 37.5 marks. Altogether, these topics create a comprehensive foundation for the NDA Mathematics section, allowing candidates to strategically focus on high-weight areas to maximize their scores in this 300-mark section.

Topics Marks
Calculus 50-62.5
Quadratic Equations 37.5-50
Matrices and Determinants 75
Probability 25
Trigonometry 75
Complex Number 25-37.5
Total Marks 300

Negative Marking

Subject NDA Negative Marking
Maths -0.83

Also, Check NDA Age Limit

NDA General Ability Test Paper Marks Distribution

NDA General Ability Test Paper marks distribution for English and GK section is 200. Check out the details below:

Sections Sub-sections Maximum Marks
Part-A-English English 200
Part-B-General Knowledge Physics 100
Chemistry 60
General Science 40
Indian History, Indian National Movement 80
Geography 80
Current events 40
Total 600

NDA SSB Interview Pattern 2025

All candidates who passed the written test and met the qualifications for NA and NDA postings were interviewed by the Services Selection Board (SSB), and a call letter was then provided to you with all the pertinent details, including the interview’s date, time, and place. The psychological aptitude test and the intelligence test are two different examinations that are part of the NDA SSB Interview round. Only candidates who successfully complete Phase 1 will be eligible for Phase 2, which includes the other examinations. The SSB Round process is finished in around 5 days overall. Applicants for the Air Force must be able to pass the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS).

NDA SSB Interview Phases

SSB Interview Phases
Phase 1
  • Day 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT).
Phase 2
  • Day 2: Psychology Tests
  • Day 3: GTO (Group Testing Officer) Tasks
  • Day 4: Interview
  • Day 5: Conference

NDA Document Verification

One of the most important steps in the NDA Selection Procedure is the document verification and submission process. At the time of the interview, the chosen candidates must present their supporting documentation so that it can be checked. In order to complete the verification process, the following documents are needed:

  • Certificate of completion of 10th or 10+2 as proof of education
  • Caste verification for qualified candidates.
  • Identification documentation.
  • Evidence of residence

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FAQs

To pass the NDA Written Examination, candidates must achieve a minimum of 25% in each subject. Candidates who pass the written exam will be invited to the SSB interview.

About the Author

Sakshi Gupta is a content writer to empower students aiming for UPSC, PSC, and other competitive exams. Her objective is to provide clear, concise, and informative content that caters to your exam preparation needs. She has over five years of work experience in Ed-tech sector. She strive to make her content not only informative but also engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your journey!