Nda Exam Pattern Explained – What To Expect In 2025

By Author: Nation Defence Academy
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Problem: Understanding the NDA Exam Pattern

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is one of the most competitive exams in India, with thousands of aspirants appearing every year. Despite rigorous preparation, many candidates struggle due to a lack of understanding of the exam pattern. They often mismanage time, focus on the wrong subjects, and fail to grasp the marking scheme. The result? Wasted attempts and shattered dreams.

To ensure you don’t fall into this trap, let's break down the NDA exam pattern for 2025, so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare effectively. ,Nation Defence Academy is a platform that helps to guide you how to prepare for exams.

Agitate: The Reality of the NDA Exam Challenge

Data from previous years show that only about 2% of candidates who appear for the NDA exam successfully clear both the written test and SSB interview. Many aspirants fail because they underestimate the exam’s difficulty level and structure. For example, the 2024 NDA (1) exam had over 6 lakh applicants, but only ...
... a fraction made it through the written stage.

The NDA written exam consists of two papers:

Mathematics – 120 questions (300 marks)

General Ability Test (GAT) – 150 questions (600 marks)

Both papers are conducted offline in MCQ format, and each wrong answer leads to negative marking (0.83 marks in Mathematics, 1.33 marks in GAT). Time management is crucial because you get 2.5 hours per paper. Many candidates struggle with speed and accuracy, especially in Mathematics, where a mix of easy and tricky questions consumes valuable time.

Solution: How to Tackle NDA 2025 Successfully

Now that you know the pattern, let’s talk about how to ace it:

Master Time Management: Solve previous year papers under timed conditions. Aim for 80-90% accuracy before increasing speed.

Prioritize High-Scoring Areas: Mathematics requires strong basics. Focus on Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Statistics, which cover more than 60% of the paper.

Ace GAT with Smart Preparation: The GAT paper is broad, covering English, History, Science, Geography, and Current Affairs. Stick to NCERT books for strong fundamentals.

Mock Tests Are Key: Take at least 20+ mock tests before the exam. These help in adapting to real exam pressure. Get best mock tests from NDA Coaching in Pune for NDA preparation.

Avoid Negative Marking: If unsure, don’t guess blindly. Intelligent elimination techniques improve accuracy.

By following this structured approach, you can significantly increase your chances of clearing the NDA written exam and moving ahead to the SSB interview. Stay disciplined and start your preparation today!