How to Prepare for NDA GAT Exam ?

Introduction

Are you preparing for the (National Defence Academy ) NDA exam? With proper preparation, you can easily pass this exam and achieve your goal. Here, we’ll discuss some tips and strategies to help you prepare effectively for NDA GAT(General Ability test) exam.

Understanding the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Quick Overview of NDA GAT exam
Total Questions	150
Total Marks	600
Exam Mode	Offline
Subjects	English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, Current Affairs, and History.
English	50 Questions
General Knowledge	100 Questions
Exam duration	2 ½ hour
Correct Answer	4 mark
Negative Mark	-(1.3) mark

Before preparing for any exam, it’s important to understand exam pattern and syllabus.

Subjects covered in GAT(General Ability test) are English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, Current Affairs, and History. Understanding the exam pattern will help you schedule your study plan more effectively.

English (200 Marks): This section have 50 questions and it tests your reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.

General Knowledge (400 Marks): This section have 100 questions it evaluates your Logical Reasoning, knowledge of current affairs and topics covered are History, Geography, Polity, Current Affairs, and Science.

Understanding the exam pattern will help you focus your studies and avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics, You can also prioritize subjects which are more important in the exam, helping you to dedicate your time for high weightage topics.

When you know that total 150 questions are asked in GAT exam and you will only get two and a half hour to solve the question paper, keeping that in mind you can develop a time management strategy.

Practice Makes Perfect

Mock Tests

Mock Tests are a great way to familiarize yourself with the NDA exam pattern, Solving Mock tests at the same time frame as of real exam, helps you understand your pace, how much time you are taking in each question, solving mock papers also helps you to understand your weakness and work on it, for example your are doing great while answering History questions, but facing difficulty while solving physics questions so subject you need improvement in is Physics and to help you get mock papers we Cadets Defence Academy provides you free NDA mock test question paper, download them and start practicing today.

Previous Year Papers

Solve previous year question papers. This helps you understand exam pattern, difficulty levels, and time management required during the actual exam.

Stay updated

Read daily newspaper it’s important to stay updated about current affairs but only rely on reputable newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, The Indian Express, Times of India), If you don’t want to read newspaper you can check official News Websites (e.g. The Hindu, Times of India ).

Government Websites are most important because it helps you to access official statements, reports, and press releases on various government initiatives and international relations. (e.g., Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of External Affairs(MEA))

Note-Taking and Summarization: Take notes while reading or listening to news. Briefly summarize key points this will help you in your revision process.

Revision

Revision helps you understand areas where you need more attention, Revising does not means only memorizing concepts instead it allows you to develop a deeper understanding of the concepts. Regular revision allows you to make sure that you’re prepared and confident when in your exam so make sure to include a revision session in your exam preparation.

Time Management

NDA GAT exam has a fixed duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes for 150 questions. So if you can’t manage your time and solve question paper within the allotted there is a high probability you’ll rush while answering and as you remember for every wrong answer you’ll get -1.3 marks. GAT exam covers various subjects with different difficulty levels for example you can say English is easy and Physics section can be comparatively difficult as it takes more time to solve a problem. Time management allows you to strategically divide your time based on your strengths and weaknesses. So that you can dedicate more time to sections you find difficult or those requires lengthy calculations.

Accuracy over Speed

While answering questions quickly is important, but make sure you prioritize accuracy over speed. So that you can avoid making careless mistakes due to rushing. Here are reason you should aim for accuracy over speed

Negative Marking

GAT has a negative marking scheme, where for every incorrect answers you get -1.33 marks. This can significantly affect your overall score so avoid attempting questions you’re unsure about.

Maximizing Score Potential

If you answer carefully without rushing, you can increase your chance of maximizing your score.

Time Constraint

You might feel anxious because of the time limit and try to rush while solving your question paper but to avoid this mistake you should take mock test and solve previous year NDA papers so you don’t mess in real exam.

Staying Positive

Enhanced Focus: Staying Positive allows you to be more focused and less likely to procrastinate.

Difficult Topics: You’ll come across difficult topics, However, a positive mindset helps you to overcome any difficulty.

Improved Learning: Positive emotions enhance brain function and memory. When you’re optimistic, it will be easy for you to understand complicated topics and can retain it more effectively.

Conclusion

Preparing for the GAT exam needs you to stay updated on current affairs and strong foundation in other topics covered. By understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, practicing mock tests, solving previous year papers, you can prepare effectively for GAT. It’s also important to maintain a positive mindset during your preparation because it helps you staying focused, overcome procrastination, and more effective learning. With these tips and strategies, you are ready to face your NDA GAT exam.

If you need more help for your preparation you can reach us, because we at Cadets Defence Academy provides you the best NDA coaching in Dehradun, with our experienced faculty and right environment you can achieve your goals, we are also providing you free 16 Nda mock test question paper so you have everything you need for your preparation.

English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, Current Affairs, and History.

You can find the official syllabus and exam pattern at UPSC official website.

50 questions in English and 100 questions in General Knowledge and topics covered are History, Geography, Polity, Current Affairs, and Science.

2 ½ hour

To read more about NDA cutoff you can read this blog.

Contact Us

For any inquiries or assistance regarding NDA coaching in Dehradun, feel free to reach out to us. Here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: Sahastradhara Rd, near kriti appartment, opp. shani dev mandir, B Block, Aman Vihar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
Visit us at our campus located in Dehradun.

Phone Numbers:
You can contact us directly via phone for immediate assistance. Our phone numbers are +91- 099970 34744and + 91-7599367318.

Email: cadetsdefenceacademy@gmail.com
Do you have a question or require additional details? Send us an email at cadetsdefenceacademy@gmail.com Our team will get back to you promptly with the answers you need.

Website & Social Media Links:
Explore our website, www.cadetsdefenceacademy.com, for comprehensive details about our NDA coaching programs and facilities. Stay updated with the latest news and announcements by following us on social media. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Feel free to reach out to us through any of the channels mentioned above. We’re here to assist you on your journey towards achieving your NDA coaching goals in Dehradun.

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NDA Exam 2026 Eligibility, Age Limit, Exam date and Educational Qualification

Important Topics You Need To Prepare for AFCAT Exam Table of Contents NDA Exam 2026 Eligibility, Age Limit, Exam date and Educational Qualification Welcome, future officers! The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam isn’t just a test; it’s the most prestigious gateway for young aspirants to begin a life of honour, service, and leadership in the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force). Conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA entry is a dream shared by countless young men and women across the nation. At Cadets Defence Academy Dehradun, we understand that your journey to wearing the uniform begins with clarity on the eligibility and the timeline. Getting these fundamental details right is the crucial first step in your preparation strategy. This comprehensive guide will not only lay out the official NDA Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria, Age Limit, and Educational Qualification but will also equip you with the deep, insider knowledge—especially regarding the rigorous physical standards and the SSB Interview—that our successful cadets master. Let’s cut through the confusion and set the stage for your success in the NDA Exam 2026. Section I: NDA Exam 2026: A Quick Overview and Key Dates The NDA selection process is a three-stage marathon: the Written Examination, the SSB Interview (including the Psychological and Group Testing), and the Medical Examination. The final merit list is based on your performance in the written exam and the SSB interview. NDA 2026 Overview: Everything You Need to Know at a Glance Feature Detail Name of Exam National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) Conducting Authority UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Exam Frequency Twice a Year (NDA I and NDA II) Exam Mode Pen & Paper Based Mode (Offline) Tentative Vacancies Approximately 400 (Subject to Official Notification) Level of Exam National Level Mode of Application Online only (Through the official UPSC website) Application Fee ₹100/- (Exemptions for SC/ST, Female Candidates, and Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs) NDA Exam Date 2026: The Critical Timeline The UPSC follows a strict, predictable schedule. We urge every aspirant to mark these official NDA exam dates 2026 and use them as non-negotiable deadlines in your study plan. For NDA 1 2026: Your First Shot at Glory Event Date (Confirmed/Tentative) NDA Notification Date 2026 (Release) 10th December 2025 Release of Application Form 10th December 2025 Ending Date of Application Form 30th December 2025 Application Correction (OTR details) 2nd week of January 2026 Admit Card Available 4th week of March 2026 NDA 1 2026 Exam Date 12th April 2026 (Sunday) Result Announcement 1st week of May 2026 SSB Interview May/June 2026 For NDA 2 2026: The Second Opportunity Event Date (Confirmed/Tentative) NDA Notification Date 2026 (Release) 20th May 2026 Release of Application Form 20th May 2026 Last Date to Submit the Application Form 9th June 2026 Application Correction 2nd week of June 2026 Admit Card Available 4th week of August 2026 NDA 2 2026 Exam Date 13th September 2026 (Sunday) Result Announcement September 2026 SSB Interview October 2026 NDA Exam Timeline 2026 Strategy: Start your preparation the day the notification is released, or even better, six months before the first notification. The window for application is short—do not wait for the deadline. Section II: Deciphering the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria The Basic Eligibility for NDA Exam 2026 is non-negotiable. Aspirants must strictly adhere to the UPSC-mandated requirements covering nationality, age, and marital status. Who Can Apply for NDA 2026? Nationality and Status Indian Nationals are eligible to apply. A subject of Nepal or a subject of Bhutan is also eligible. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia), or Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India. (A Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India is mandatory in such cases). Gender, Marital Status, and Essential NDA Eligibility Requirements 2026 Gender: Both Male & Female candidates can apply for NDA & NA. This revolutionary inclusion has opened up the Armed Forces to the brightest young women in the country. Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply. This status must be maintained until the completion of the training period. NDA Age Limit 2026: The Most Critical Factor The NDA age limit 2026 is the single most restrictive and important factor. UPSC is very rigid about the cut-off dates. Your Date of Birth (DOB) must fall within the specified period. There is no age relaxation in NDA 2026 for any category (SC/ST/OBC), unlike many other government exams. Age Criteria for NDA 1 2026 NDA 1 2026 Age Criteria for Boys & Girls Minimum Age for NDA 2026 Maximum Age Limit NDA Exam 2026 Date of Birth must fall on or between 2nd July 2007 1st July 2010 Age Criteria for NDA 2 2026 NDA 2 2026 Age Criteria for Boys & Girls Minimum Age for NDA 2026 Maximum Age Limit NDA Exam 2026 Date of Birth must fall on or between 2nd January 2008 1st January 2011 IMPORTANT: This is the precise Age Eligibility for NDA Entry 2026. If your birth date is even one day outside this range, you are ineligible. Use our Cadets Defence Academy Age Calculator tool on our website for an instant, accurate check! Section III: Educational Qualification: Your Academic Passport to the Forces The NDA Educational Qualification 2026 is determined by the specific wing you wish to join. Aspirants need to pay close attention to the required subjects. Educational Requirements NDA Exam 2026 for Each Wing Wing/Academy Minimum Education for NDA 2026 Stream-Wise Eligibility NDA 2026 Army Wing of NDA Must have passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from any recognized Board. Any Stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) is accepted. Air Force & Naval Wings of NDA Must have passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from a recognized State or National Board. Mandatory Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) Must have passed the 10+2 examination. Mandatory Subjects: Physics, Chemistry,

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Best NDA Coaching in India – The Ultimate Guide to Cracking NDA with Cadets Defence Academy (2026 Edition)

Best NDA Coaching in India – The Ultimate Guide to Cracking NDA with Cadets Defence Academy (2026 Edition) Table of Contents 1. Introduction: Your Journey to Join the National Defence Academy Every year thousands of young Indians dream of wearing the olive-green uniform, saluting the tricolour, and serving the nation with pride. The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the first big step toward that dream. But clearing the NDA exam and interview requires far more than passion—it needs the right direction, discipline, and professional mentoring. That’s where Cadets Defence Academy, the best NDA coaching in India, becomes your mission partner. Located in the heart of Dehradun, the city known as the Defence Hub of India, Cadets Defence Academy trains future officers through structured academics, physical fitness sessions, and the value system that every soldier carries for life. Whether you are a Class 10 student planning ahead or a Class 12 aspirant ready to appear this year, this complete guide will show you how to choose the right institute, prepare effectively, and understand why Cadets Defence Academy is trusted by thousands of successful cadets across India. 2. Why Choose the Best NDA Coaching in India? A. Because NDA Demands More Than Book Knowledge The NDA selection process checks not only your academic ability but also your personality, leadership, endurance, and mental resilience. A regular school or tuition center cannot train all these aspects together. That’s why aspirants look for the top NDA coaching institutes in India that offer a blend of academics, physical training, and SSB interview preparation under one roof. B. Expert Guidance Matters At Cadets Defence Academy, each subject is taught by faculty members who have years of experience in NDA and Defence Services Exams. From Mathematics and English to General Knowledge and Current Affairs, every lecture is designed to match the latest UPSC syllabus and exam pattern. C. Structured Training and Regular Assessments The Academy follows a regimented schedule: early-morning PT, classroom learning, evening self-study, and weekly mock tests. Such structure keeps students goal-oriented and disciplined—two qualities that define a defence officer. Quick Fact: Cadets Defence Academy has consistently maintained one of the highest NDA coaching success rates in India, with hundreds of selections in the past few years. 3. Top NDA Coaching Institutes in India (2026 Ranking) India has no shortage of institutes claiming to prepare students for the NDA exam, but only a handful truly understand the ethos of the Armed Forces. When ranking the top NDA coaching institutes in India, the following factors make all the difference: Experienced Faculty & Defence Background: Trainers who have either served in the Armed Forces or have years of coaching experience. Comprehensive Study Material: Updated notes, solved papers, and NDA-pattern mock tests. SSB Interview Infrastructure: Psych tests, group tasks, and personality grooming sessions. Physical Training Facilities: PT grounds, obstacle courses, and regular medical fitness checks. Consistent Results & Student Reviews. Cadets Defence Academy – Leading the List Cadets Defence Academy in Dehradun stands tall on all these parameters. It is not only the best coaching for NDA exam in India but also a full-fledged training institute nurturing future officers with discipline and determination. 📞 Contact Us: +91 9997034744 | +91 7599367318🌐 Website: https://cadetsdefenceacademy.com/📍 Address: 4, Cement Rd, opposite DBS PG College, near Chawla Chowk, Karanpur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 4. Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun – Cadets Defence Academy Advantage Dehradun is more than just a scenic city; it’s the hub for defence coaching in India. With its serene environment, proximity to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), and culture of discipline, it offers the perfect backdrop for aspiring NDA cadets. Why Cadets Defence Academy is the top choice in Dehradun: Holistic Training: The Academy offers an integrated approach: written exam coaching, SSB interview preparation, physical fitness, and personality development. Expert Faculty: Trainers include retired defence officers and SSB experts, ensuring students learn from real-life experience. State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Smart classrooms, large GTO grounds, sports facilities, and a library with the latest study material. Hostel Facility: Comfortable residential options with nutritious meals, 24/7 security, and a disciplined environment. Start your NDA journey today with Cadets Defence Academy in Dehradun.🌐 Enroll Online | 📞 +91 9997034744 5. NDA Exam Coaching Online – Study Anytime, Anywhere In today’s digital age, not all aspirants can attend offline classes. Cadets Defence Academy bridges this gap with flexible online NDA coaching programs: Live Interactive Classes: Real-time sessions with expert faculty. Recorded Lectures: Revisit lessons anytime for revision. Mock Tests & Performance Analysis: Simulate the exam environment and track your improvement. Doubt Solving Sessions: Personalized attention even in online batches. Join our online NDA classes and learn from anywhere in India! 6. Best NDA Written Exam Coaching in India The NDA written exam is the first hurdle, testing both academic knowledge and problem-solving speed. Cadets Defence Academy specializes in: NDA Mathematics Coaching Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry, Probability, and Statistics. Step-by-step problem-solving techniques to boost accuracy and time management. NDA GK & English Coaching English: Vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and essay writing. General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. Interactive sessions and quizzes ensure concepts are clear and retainable. Previous Papers & Mock Tests Weekly tests aligned with UPSC trends. Topic-wise analysis and personalized guidance for weak areas. Crack the NDA written exam with expert coaching at Cadets Defence Academy.📞 Call +91 7599367318 to book a free demo class today. 7. NDA Interview Preparation Coaching and SSB Guidance The SSB interview is where aspirants differentiate themselves. Cadets Defence Academy offers comprehensive SSB coaching in India: Mock Interviews: Simulate the 5-day SSB process under ex-SSB assessors. Psychological Tests Practice: WAT, TAT, SRT, and self-description tests. Group Tasks & Lecturettes: Leadership, communication, and teamwork skills honed daily. Command Tasks & Outdoor Activities: Prepare cadets for real-world problem-solving and decision-making under pressure. 🪖 Student Testimonial:“Cadets Defence Academy’s SSB training gave me the confidence to clear my interview in the first attempt. The mock group tasks and guidance from ex-defence officers were invaluable.” – Rohan S., NDA 2024 Selectee 8.

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NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download Free PDF – Cadets Defence Academy

NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download Free PDF – Cadets Defence Academy Table of Contents Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download Free PDF – Cadets Defence Academy Cracking the NDA exam isn’t just about months of preparation, it’s also about what you do after the test. Every candidate wants to quickly cross-check their performance, know where they stand, and get an idea of the cut-off. That’s where the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key from Cadets Defence Academy comes into play. We’ve released the complete answer key for NDA 2 2025, carefully solved by our expert faculty. If you sat for the exam, this PDF is going to be your go-to guide for checking how many answers you nailed and where you might have slipped up. What is the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key? To put it simply, an answer key is your scorecard before UPSC makes it official. The NDA 2 2025 exam is a national-level test and naturally, students don’t like waiting months for the official key. So, we at Cadets Defence Academy prepare and publish a detailed solution sheet for both Mathematics and GAT papers on the same day. Think of it as a sneak peek into your future score. You can download the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key PDF and quickly evaluate how you did. When was the NDA 2 2025 Exam Conducted? Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF The NDA 2 2025 exam was held on 14th September 2025 across multiple centres in India. Aspirants from every corner—small towns, big cities, army schools, and even remote coaching hubs—appeared in huge numbers. Right after the exam concluded, our faculty sat down to solve the question papers, ensuring the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download was available as soon as possible for students who couldn’t wait to check their performance. Where Can I Download the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key PDF? Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF You don’t need to hunt around the internet—Cadets Defence Academy has made it simple. You can download the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key PDF directly from here: We’ve uploaded the complete solution set (Maths + GAT) for all codes A, B, C, and D. The file is free, easy to access, and requires no sign-up. Just one click and you’ll have the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download in your hands. Why Should You Trust Cadets Defence Academy’s NDA Answer Key? Many students wonder why they should rely on a coaching institute’s key when UPSC will release one eventually. The truth is, Cadets Defence Academy has been consistently providing accurate NDA answer keys for years. Our faculty includes ex-armed forces officers and subject experts. The solutions are cross-verified by multiple teachers. Past students confirm that our keys closely match the official UPSC release later on. So when you go for NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download from us, you’re actually trusting a source with a proven track record. How to Calculate Your Score Using the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key? Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF Now comes the interesting part—checking how much you’ve actually scored. The NDA exam follows a unique marking scheme, and you need to be careful while calculating. Here’s a quick step-by-step: Maths Paper +2.5 marks for every correct answer. –0.83 marks for each wrong one. GAT Paper +4 marks for right responses. –1.33 marks for incorrect ones. So, all you have to do is: Count your correct answers. Deduct penalties for wrong ones. Add them up and you’ll have a pretty clear idea of your expected score. That’s the magic of the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key—you don’t need to sit in suspense for months. Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF Does the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Include Both Maths and GAT Papers? Absolutely, yes. Our PDF covers both the Mathematics and GAT sections, and not just for one set but for all four sets—A, B, C, and D. So whichever paper code you attempted, the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download from Cadets Defence Academy has you covered. We’ve structured it in a simple way: Maths Section → Question-by-question solutions. GAT Section → Detailed explanation where needed. That way, students don’t just check answers but also learn the logic behind them. What is the Expected NDA 2 2025 Cut Off? Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF Cut-off marks are always a hot topic. Although the official cut-off will be declared by UPSC months later, we’ve analyzed this year’s paper difficulty and compared it with past trends. Based on that: Mathematics expected cut-off: around 95–105 marks. GAT expected cut-off: approximately 270–280 marks. Overall NDA 2 2025 expected cut-off: close to 350–360 marks. Of course, these are predictions, but they give you a fair idea of your chances. With the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key, you can compare your score with this predicted cut-off and know where you stand. Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF How Accurate is the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key by Cadets Defence Academy? Pretty accurate, if we may say so ourselves. Our team ensures that each solution goes through multiple rounds of checking. Students who relied on our keys in previous years have reported only minor differences when the official UPSC key finally came out. In short, while no provisional key can claim 100% perfection, the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download from Cadets Defence Academy is trusted by thousands of aspirants every year for its reliability. When Will UPSC Release the Official NDA 2 2025 Answer Key? That’s the tricky part—UPSC doesn’t release its official answer key immediately. Usually, it comes out several months after the exam, sometimes only after the entire recruitment cycle is over. By then, the usefulness for candidates is almost gone. That’s exactly why

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How to Prepare for NDA GAT Exam ?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Practice Makes Perfect

Mock Tests

Previous Year Papers

Stay updated

Revision

Time Management

Accuracy over Speed

Negative Marking

Maximizing Score Potential

Time Constraint

Staying Positive

Conclusion

Contact Us

Reach Us

NDA Exam 2026 Eligibility, Age Limit, Exam date and Educational Qualification

Best NDA Coaching in India – The Ultimate Guide to Cracking NDA with Cadets Defence Academy (2026 Edition)

NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download Free PDF – Cadets Defence Academy

CDA - BEST NDA COACHING CENTRE COURSES

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