NDA Exam Pattern #2023

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a highly competitive entrance exam that is conducted twice a year to recruit eligible candidates into the Indian Armed Forces. This exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and is considered one of the toughest exams in the country. To crack the NDA exam, it is important for candidates to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the NDA exam pattern to help you achieve success in the exam.

Overview of NDA Exam Pattern

The NDA exam pattern consists of two stages: a written exam and a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. The written exam is further divided into two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Both papers are conducted on the same day with a break of two hours between them. The duration of each paper is two and a half hours. The written exam is conducted in offline mode and consists of objective-type questions.

• The Mathematics paper is the first paper of the NDA written exam. The paper is of 300 marks and consists of 120 questions. The questions are based on topics such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus, and Statistics. The difficulty level of the Mathematics paper is high, and candidates are advised to practice regularly to score well in this paper.

• The General Ability Test (GAT) paper is the second paper of the NDA written exam. This paper is of 600 marks and consists of 150 questions. The paper is divided into two sections: English and General Knowledge. The English section tests the candidate's proficiency in English grammar and comprehension, while the General Knowledge section tests the candidate's knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, and general science.

• Each question in the NDA written exam carries four marks, and for every incorrect answer, one-third of the marks allotted to that question are deducted. However, there is no negative marking for unanswered questions.

• After the written exam, candidates who qualify are called for the SSB interview. The interview is conducted over five days and consists of a series of tests such as Intelligence Test, Group Testing Officer's Task, Psychology Test, and Conference. The SSB interview carries 900 marks, and the final selection of candidates is based on their performance in the written exam and the SSB interview.

NDA Exam Pattern for Mathematics

The Mathematics paper is the first paper of the NDA written exam. The paper is of 300 marks and consists of 120 questions. The questions are based on topics such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus, and Statistics.

• The difficulty level of the Mathematics paper is high, and candidates are advised to practice regularly to score well in this paper. It is important to have a clear understanding of all the topics mentioned in the syllabus and to solve as many practice questions as possible.

• Candidates should focus on improving their speed and accuracy while attempting the Mathematics paper. They should also learn and understand the concepts and formulas thoroughly to solve the questions quickly and correctly.

• It is essential to manage time effectively during the Mathematics paper as it is easy to get stuck on a difficult question and lose valuable time. Candidates are advised to attempt the easier questions first and then move on to the difficult ones.

• Overall, candidates should prepare well for the Mathematics paper by studying the syllabus thoroughly, practicing regularly, and managing time effectively during the exam. With the right preparation and hard work, candidates can score well in the Mathematics paper and increase their chances of success in the NDA exam.

NDA Exam Pattern for General Ability Test (GAT)

The General Ability Test (GAT) paper is the second paper of the NDA written exam. This paper is of 600 marks and consists of 150 questions. The paper is divided into two sections: English and General Knowledge.

• The English section tests the candidate's proficiency in English grammar and comprehension. The questions in this section are designed to test the candidate's understanding of grammar rules, vocabulary, sentence formation, and comprehension skills.

• The General Knowledge section tests the candidate's knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, and general science. The questions in this section are designed to test the candidate's awareness of the world around them and their ability to apply their knowledge to solve problems.

• Candidates should prepare for the English section by practicing grammar rules, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. They should read newspapers, magazines, and books to improve their reading and comprehension skills. Solving previous years' papers and mock tests can also help candidates to improve their English skills.

• For the General Knowledge section, candidates should stay updated with the latest news and events happening around the world. They should read books and watch documentaries to enhance their knowledge of history, geography, and general science. Candidates should also solve previous years' papers and mock tests to understand the exam pattern and question types.

• It is essential to manage time effectively during the GAT paper. Candidates are advised to attempt the easier questions first and then move on to the difficult ones. They should also keep a check on the time and not spend too much time on a single question.

Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for the NDA written exam is as follows:Each question carries four marks.

For every incorrect answer, one-third of the marks allotted to that question are deducted.

However, there is no negative marking for unanswered questions.

• Therefore, candidates should attempt only those questions which they are sure about as there is a penalty for incorrect answers. They should also try to attempt as many questions as possible within the given time, while keeping in mind the negative marking.

• Candidates should also be careful while marking the answers on the OMR sheet. They should use a blue or black ballpoint pen to mark the answers and make sure that the bubbles are completely filled. Any mistakes while marking the answers on the OMR sheet can lead to incorrect marking and a lower score.

• The final selection of candidates is based on their performance in the written exam and the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. Therefore, candidates should aim to score as high as possible in the written exam to increase their chances of selection.

SSB Interview

After qualifying the written exam of the NDA, candidates have to appear for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. The SSB interview is a five-day process, and candidates are tested on their physical fitness, psychological abilities, and leadership skills.

The SSB interview is conducted in two stages:

• Stage I: This stage consists of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT). Candidates who qualify for Stage I are allowed to appear for Stage II.

• Stage II: This stage consists of various tests, including Psychology tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO) tests, and Personal Interview. Candidates are evaluated on their physical fitness, communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall personality.

• The SSB interview is designed to test the candidate's suitability for a career in the Armed Forces. Candidates are evaluated on various parameters such as intelligence, physical fitness, determination, and courage.

• The SSB interview is a rigorous process, and candidates are advised to prepare well for it. They should work on improving their communication skills, physical fitness, and mental abilities. Candidates should also practice problem-solving and decision-making skills, as they are essential for a career in the Armed Forces.

Conclusion

The NDA exam is a tough nut to crack, and candidates need to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern to prepare effectively. By following the tips provided in this article, candidates can score well in the NDA exam and fulfill their dream of serving the nation. It is essential to start preparing for the exam well in advance and practice regularly to increase your chances of success. With hard work and dedication, you can crack the NDA exam and join the ranks of the brave men and women of the Indian Armed Forces.

NDA Exam Pattern FAQ

Q: What is the mode of the NDA written exam? 

A: The NDA written exam is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper-based).

Q: How many papers are there in the NDA written exam? 

A: There are two papers in the NDA written exam - Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).

Q: What is the duration of each paper in the NDA written exam? 

A: The duration of the Mathematics paper is 2.5 hours (150 minutes), and the duration of the GAT paper is 2.5 hours (150 minutes).

Q: What is the total marks of the NDA written exam? 

A: The total marks of the NDA written exam are 900 marks - 300 marks for the Mathematics paper and 600 marks for the GAT paper.

Q: What is the marking scheme for the NDA written exam? 

A: Each question carries four marks, and for every incorrect answer, one-third of the marks allotted to that question are deducted. However, there is no negative marking for unanswered questions.

Q: What is the syllabus for the Mathematics paper of the NDA written exam? 

A: The Mathematics paper includes topics such as Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, and Vector Algebra.

Q: What is the syllabus for the GAT paper of the NDA written exam? 

A: The GAT paper includes topics such as English grammar and comprehension, current affairs, history, geography, and general science.

Q: What is the selection process for the NDA? 

A: The selection process for the NDA includes a written exam followed by a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.

Q: What is the duration of the SSB interview? 

A: The SSB interview is a five-day process.

Q: What is the purpose of the SSB interview? 

A: The SSB interview is conducted to evaluate the candidate's physical fitness, psychological abilities, and leadership skills.