**The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is a veritably competitive examination in India, which is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam is conducted twice each year. Passing this exam is a gateway to a career in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. With the NDA 2025 exam just around the corner, it is of utmost significance that an aspirant understands the exam pattern and syllabus well so that he can be more set to face the exam.
1. What does NDA mean?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a joint services academy of the Indian armed forces. Army, Navy and Air Force cadets train together before enrolling at their academies. It is one of the most hard and prestigious career paths in India; it has thousands of aspirants every year.
2. Understanding the NDA 2025 Exam Pattern
It would be foolish to think of the NDA exam like those normal school exams. While in fact, it is not only an examination of knowledge, but also strategy. A large number of candidates are likely to appear for a very small number of vacancies and therefore it is important to have a clear idea of the structure, time distribution, and marking scheme.
The main reasons to study the pattern:
- Assists in the time management during preparation and the exam.
- Clears up weightage of subjects (Maths vs. GAT).
- Gives information on negative marking and minimum qualifying marks.
3. NDA 2025 Exam Pattern: An overview
The NDA written test is held twice a year. And if the candidate passes the written test, then the candidate is called up for the SSB Interview.
- Written Exam
There are two papers in the written exam.
- Mathematics -300 marks
- General Ability Test ( GAT ) 600 marks Time: 2.5 hours/paper.
Total Marks:900
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours | 120 |
| Paper II | General Ability Test | 600 | 2.5 hours | 150 |
- Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
It carries 900 marks, and tests intelligence, personality, and leadership qualities.
What is the SSB?
SSB or the Services Selection Board is a five day test. It estimates personality and intelligence. It is developed to assess the officer-like qualities other than academic knowledge.
Stages of SSB:
Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test / Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT).
Stage II: Psychological Tests (Word Association, Word Association, Thematic Apperception).
Group Testing (group discussions, planning activities, outdoor tasks).
Personal Interview with senior officers.
The NDA test here tests leadership, confidence, team work and decision making.
4. Passing marks of Army Exam: Minimum Marks to Qualify:
The candidates have to obtain 25 percent in every subject to be qualified. The cutoff or cut point is different every year depending on the vacancies and difficulty.
The NDA 2024 (last year):
Written Exam cutoff: 360/900
Final cut off (Written + SSB): ~720/1800
Therefore, the cutoff trend will continue in 2025, NDA likely to be more or less the same.
5. NDA 2025 Syllabus Breakdown
- Mathematics (300 marks)
The Mathematics portion of the NDA exam requires a solid mathematical background and conceptual understanding from the syllabus of Class 11 and 12.
Some of the significant topics are:
- Algebra: This includes topics like Sets, Relations, Complex numbers, Quadratic equations
- Trigonometry: This includes topics like Trigonometric Identities, Heights and Distances
- Calculus: This includes topics like Limits, Derivatives, Integrals, and Differential equations
- Probability & Statistics: This includes topics like Probability distributions, Mean, Median, Mode
- Vectors & Matrices: This includes topics like Vector Algebra, Determinants
- Geometry: This includes topics like Plane & Solid Geometry, Circles, Cones, Cylinders
- General Abilities Test (600 Marks)
Part A - English (200 Marks) Grammar, Comprehension, Vocabulary, Synonyms and Antonyms, Spot the error.
Part B - General Knowledge (400 Marks)
General Knowledge is About Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs
- Physics: Topics like Motion, Work, Energy, Electricity, Magnetism are included
- Chemistry: Topics like Atomic Structure, Elements, Acids, Bases, Salts are included
- General Science: Topics like Human Body, Food and Nutrition, Environment are included
- History and Freedom Movement: Topics like Heritage of India, Wars of independence are included
- Geography: Topics like Structure of the Earth, Climate and Agriculture and Industry of India are included
- Current Affairs: Topics like National and International Events, Defence Updates are important
For detailed syllabus, visit NDA syllabus
6. Marking Scheme & Negative Marking
The NDA paper follows UPSC’s strict marking rules:
- Mathematics: +2.5 marks are awarded for correct answers, -0.83 marks are deducted for wrong ones.
- GAT: +4 marks are awarded for correct answers, -1.33 marks are deducted for wrong ones.
- Unattempted Questions: No marks deducted
- Tips to prepare NDA 2025
Make yourself familiar with the Pattern and Syllabus.
Practice daily, as Mathematics is time-sensitive, so it needs speed and accuracy.
Read Newspapers to be aware of the latest affairs and to learn new words in English.
Practice mock tests because it will make you familiar with the exam
Never forget to revise. Practice on any weak points before exam day.
7. FAQs
Q1. What is the NDA examination?
NDA - the National Defence Academy is India's foremost training institute. It trains the cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Q2. What is the follow up of NDA?
The SSB Interview, which is a 5-day test of personality, intelligence and leadership abilities.
Q3. What are the subjects included in the NDA paper?
2 papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks).
Q4. What are the minimum required marks for passing ?
Candidates will have to score at least 25 percent in each paper but the general mark may vary (approx. 360/900).
Q5. What is the number of attempts allowed in taking the test to NDA?
A: Up to 19.5 years is the age limit, but the candidate must pass the eligibility.
Q6. How difficult is the NDA exam in comparison to other exams?
It is regarded as medium difficult, highly competitive and of vast syllabus.
Q7. What can I do to prepare for NDA 2025?
Revise the new syllabus, solve last years’ question papers, give mock tests and maintain a revisional trend.
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