A complete NDA & NA 2026 strategy: the two papers (Paper I Mathematics and Paper II General Ability Test), the 900-mark pattern with negative marking, a section-wise study plan, and how mock tests and the SSB fit in.
The NDA & NA Examination (National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination) is conducted by the UPSC twice a year to recruit young candidates into the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. It is one of the most sought-after routes for school pass-outs who want to become commissioned officers in the armed forces. Clearing it needs a clear plan for both the written exam and the SSB Interview.
The written examination carries 900 marks across two papers taken on the same day:
Part B General Knowledge is spread across Physics (about 25 percent), Chemistry (about 15 percent), General Science (about 10 percent), History (about 20 percent), Geography (about 20 percent) and Current Events (about 10 percent). Every question is multiple choice with four options, and there is negative marking, so blind guessing hurts your score.
Mathematics is the paper that decides most results because it is scoring for those who are strong and a trap for those who are not. Build your base from the NCERT class 11 and 12 textbooks, then practise objective problems. The high-weight areas are Algebra, Trigonometry, Differential and Integral Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, and Analytical Geometry (both 2D and 3D). Vectors, Statistics and Probability round out the syllabus. Practise until you can solve cleanly and quickly, because you have only 75 seconds per question on average. Always keep an eye on accuracy: with one-third negative marking, two wrong answers wipe out almost one correct answer.
The English part (50 questions) tests grammar, vocabulary, spotting errors, sentence improvement, cloze and comprehension at the 10+2 level. Read regularly and revise grammar rules to score here. The General Knowledge part is at the class 9-10 level for science and standard awareness for history, geography and current affairs, so do not over-pitch your science preparation. Physics and Geography together carry the largest share of the GK marks, so give them extra attention, and follow the last one to two years of national, defence and international current events.
Because both papers carry one-third negative marking, attempt a question only when you can eliminate at least two options. A realistic target is to attempt around 70 to 80 percent of the paper with high accuracy rather than attempting everything and losing marks to wrong guesses. Sectional practice and full-length mocks help you find the right balance for your own accuracy level.
Regular full-length mocks on the exact pattern, with the same negative marking, are the single most useful tool. They train your time management, tell you which topics still leak marks, and build the stamina to sit two 150-minute papers on the same day. After every mock, analyse your wrong answers, note the reason (concept gap, calculation slip or silly error) and revise that topic before the next test. Quiz4Exam gives you starter mocks, full mocks, PYQ-pattern mocks and sectional tests for both papers, in English and Hindi, with detailed solutions.
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the five-day SSB Interview, also worth 900 marks. It tests officer-like qualities through psychological tests, group tasks and a personal interview. Start reading about the SSB process early so you are not caught unprepared, but remember that the written exam is your first gate, so give it your full focus first.
NDA rewards a steady, honest routine: strong NCERT-based Mathematics, wide reading for the GAT, disciplined mock practice with negative marking, and early awareness of the SSB. Start early, be consistent, and use full-length practice to convert knowledge into marks on exam day.
For a deeper breakdown, see our NDA syllabus and exam pattern guide and the NDA salary and job profile.
Yes. NDA has one-third negative marking. In Paper I Mathematics you lose 0.83 marks for a wrong answer (against 2.5 for a correct one), and in Paper II GAT you lose 1.33 marks for a wrong answer (against 4 for a correct one). Unattempted questions score zero.
The written exam is 900 marks in two papers on the same day: Paper I Mathematics (120 questions, 300 marks, 150 minutes) and Paper II General Ability Test (150 questions, 600 marks, 150 minutes, with English 200 marks and General Knowledge 400 marks). Both are multiple choice with negative marking.
NDA Mathematics is at the class 11-12 level and covers algebra, trigonometry, differential and integral calculus, matrices and determinants, 2D and 3D analytical geometry, vectors, statistics and probability. NCERT class 11 and 12 form the base.
No. The Physics, Chemistry and General Science in the GAT are at the class 9-10 matriculation level, so you should not over-pitch your preparation. Physics carries the largest share of the science marks.
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UPSC conducts NDA twice a year: NDA I with the exam usually around April, and NDA II with the exam usually around September. Women have been eligible since 2022.
