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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Best Books and Resources for NDA Written Exam Preparation 2026

Best Books and Resources for NDA Written Exam Preparation 2026 Table of Contents Hey future warriors! If you dream of wearing that glorious uniform, you are in right place. Doing solid NDA Written Exam Preparation is a very serious task. Over 4 lakh candidates apply for the National Defence Academy every single year, but only about 1% actually crack it. Cadets Defence Academy is proud to be the leading NDA coaching in Dehradun, and we are here to help you crack this exam. Understand NDA Exam Basics First Before you collect books for your NDA written exam prep, you absolutely must know the battleground. Many students jump into buying heavy guides without analyzing the real NDA syllabus 2026. Detailed Exam Pattern and Syllabus Breakdown The NDA exam pattern written consists of two offline papers conducted on the same day. Paper 1: Mathematics Total Marks: 300 Questions: 120 Duration: 2.5 Hours Marking: +2.5 for correct, -0.83 for wrong. The NDA maths syllabus is strictly 11th and 12th grade level. If you look closely at past papers, topics like Calculus (20-25 questions), Matrices & Determinants (30 questions), and Trigonometry (30 questions) hold the maximum weightage. Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT) Total Marks: 600 Questions: 150 Duration: 2.5 Hours Marking: +4 for correct, -1.33 for wrong. The GAT syllabus NDA is divided into English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks). GK further splits into Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events. You should target scoring above the NDA cut off marks previous years. Usually, clearing 350-360 out of 900 marks guarantees you a call for the SSB Interview. Common Mistakes to Dodge When peoples ask me how to prepare for NDA written exam, I tell them to avoid these exact errors: Ignoring Negative Marking: Attempting every question blindly will destroy your score. Skipping Physical Fitness: This is a defence exam. While doing written prep, you must run 2-3 km daily. Only Studying Math: Math is a qualifying paper (you need minimum 25% marks), but GAT decides your final merit rank. Creating a balanced schedule is your best NDA written exam strategy. Top Books for Mathematics Section Your NDA maths preparation requires speed and accuracy. You get around 1 minute per question. Must-Have Core Math Books Mathematics for NDA and NA by RS Aggarwal: This book is legendary. It provides 500+ objective questions per chapter. If you want excellent NDA algebra practice, this book breaks down complex numbers and quadratic equations perfectly. Pathfinder NDA book by Arihant: It has great chapter-wise theory. I recommend using it strictly for solving previous year questions given at the end of each unit. NDA maths book Lucent: This is highly beneficial if you are weak in base concepts. It explains set theory and probability with very simple examples. Advanced Practice Books RD Sharma (Objective): If you want to solve calculus questions NDA level, RD Sharma builds insane speed. It teaches you how to skip steps and find answers mentally. Target: Solve 50 unique problems daily. Focus majorly on trigonometry for NDA exam because it links directly with calculus and geometry. Quick Revision Guides NCERT Class 11-12: Never ignore these. UPSC directly picks theoretical statement-based questions from NCERT lines. Keep a separate diary just to write down formulas and NDA practice questions maths. Best Resources for General Ability Test (GAT) GAT is huge. It can easily push your marks above 400 if you play smart. English and Comprehension Books Your NDA English preparation checks basic grammar and vocabulary. Wren & Martin High School English Grammar: The best tool to master active/passive voice, prepositions, and tenses. Objective General English by SP Bakshi: Use this specifically for Synonyms, Antonyms, and Spotting Errors. It has 2000+ MCQs. GK and Current Affairs Picks You cannot memorize the whole world’s history. For NDA GK current affairs, be specific. Lucent General Knowledge: This small book covers everything. Focus on the Indian National Movement (1857-1947) if you want direct history questions NDA. Manorama Yearbook 2026: Good for defense deals, international summits, and sports awards. Science and Geography Books Science covers around 200 marks in GAT. physics for NDA GAT: Read NCERT Class 9th and 10th. Focus on Optics, Electricity, and Laws of Motion. chemistry NDA exam: Focus on everyday chemistry like Acids, Bases, Salts, Cements, and Glass from NCERT Class 10. Online Platforms and Mock Tests Books give you knowledge, but digital tools give you speed. NDA Written Exam Preparation in 2026 needs technology. Free and Paid Apps For fast NDA online preparation, use your smartphone wisely. Current Affairs Apps: Download Inshorts or similar news apps to read daily headlines in 60 words. NDA app for practice: Search the Play Store for apps that offer daily 10-question quizzes while you are travelling. Best Mock Test Series You must evaluate yourself weekly. Use a NDA mock test free available on various portals to check your initial level. Purchase a premium NDA online test series. Cadets Defence Academy provides an exact UPSC simulation interface that trains your brain for the real exam pressure. YouTube Channels for Prep NDA YouTube channels prep: Many channels teach shortcut tricks for integration and matrices. Subscribe to the Cadets Defence Academy channel where our faculty solves NDA maths previous papers live. Topper Strategies and Study Plans You need a strict military-style discipline to clear this exam. Here is a hardcore NDA 2026 preparation guide timetable. Sample 7-Day Timetable Structure 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM: Physical exercise (Running, pushups) and fresh newspaper reading. 07:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Mathematics core study (New concepts). 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Math practice (Solving 50+ MCQs). 02:00 PM – 04:00 PM: GAT Science (Physics/Chemistry alternate days). 04:30 PM – 06:00 PM: English Grammar and Vocabulary building. 07:00 PM – 08:30 PM: History/Geography/Polity reading. 09:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Daily revision of all notes before sleeping. Beyond Written: The SSB Interview Your NDA Written Exam Preparation is only stage one. Stage two is the 5-Day SSB Interview. Day 1: OIR Test and Picture

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A Day in the Life of an NDA Cadet at Cadet Defence Academy

A Day in the Life of an NDA Cadet at Cadet Defence Academy Table of Contents Hook: Picture a 4:30 AM alarm buzzing in the pitch dark. Outside, the Dehradun air is chilling. Horns blare in the distance. Cadets bolt from their beds, eyes wide open. This isn’t just another boarding school; this is a day in the life of an nda cadet at cadet defence academy. I am writing this to give you a real peek behind the curtains. From grueling drills on the ground to intense desk work in the classroom, the schedule here is tough. But let me tell you, its rewarding too. In 2025 alone, we saw 450 cadets trained here, and a whopping 28% cleared NDA written exam. That is a huge number! My thesis for this blog is simple: Follow one day with us. If you read till the end, you gain tips to join. I will walk you through the daily routine of NDA cadet at Cadet Defence Academy, showing you exactly what it takes to wear the uniform. Early Morning Routine: Rise and Shine (4:30 AM – 6:00 AM) Reveille and Personal Prep The day kicks off before the sun is even up. The wake up time NDA cadets Cadet Defence Academy adhere to is strictly 4:30 AM. There is no snooze button here. Cadets have to fold their beds in under 2 minutes—military style. Next comes the hygiene rush. You have hundreds of cadets rushing to wash, shave, and comb. There is no time for delays. Everyone gets into their uniform, and boots must shine like mirrors. If your boots don’t reflect your face, you are in for trouble. Quote: “Discipline starts at dawn,” says our head trainer Col. Raj Singh. This part of the morning routine NDA cadet Cadet Defence Academy follows is crucial. It sets the tone. Takeaway: If you want to join, start practicing 5-minute routines at home. It helps. Light Breakfast and Briefings After the rush, we head to the mess hall. The breakfast time NDA cadets get is quick but nutritious. We usually have porridge, eggs, and tea. You need those 400 calories to fuel the long day ahead. During breakfast, seniors or instructors give out Daily orders. We review rules and goals for the day. A quick stat for you: 95% attendance rate boosts pass chances by 15%. So, nobody misses this briefing. Eat fast. Listen close. Mental Warm-Up Before the physical grind, there is a early morning drill NDA cadet life demands—mental focus. We do 10 minutes of meditation. Just focus breaths. For example, Cadet Priya used it during her time here. She actually scored top in the SSB interview because she remained calm under pressure. Action step: You should try apps like Calm before bed or early morning to build this habit. Physical Training: Build the Body (6:00 AM – 8:30 AM) PT Drills and Runs Now, the real sweat begins. The NDA cadet PT session Cadet Defence Academy organizes is famous in Dehradun. We do push-ups, squats, burpees, and a mandatory 5 km run. We divide into groups and compete. The fastest team wins points for their squadron. Stat: The NDA selection needs 40+ levels in the beep test. Our Academy hits an 85% success rate in this because of our physical training start NDA cadets do every single morning. Quote: “Pain forges warriors,” as alumni Capt. Vikram always told us. Obstacle Course and Sports It’s not just running. The obstacle course NDA cadet day includes is tough. We have 6-foot walls, ropes, and monkey bars. You have to be quick. We also have team relays, volleyball, or boxing matches. Example: The 2025 batch cleared the course in a record 8 minutes! That was a proud moment for Cadet Defence Academy. Takeaways: Train 3x weekly on cardio. Partner up for motivation. Cool-Down and Inspection After the grind, we do stretches and head for showers. Then comes the Kit check. If there is dirt on your uniform, you get deductions. You might lose privileges for the NDA cadet weekend Cadet Defence Academy allows. Discipline is key in a day in the life of an nda cadet at cadet defence academy. Academic Sessions: Sharpen the Mind (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Core Subjects Classes By 9:00 AM, we shift gears. The NDA cadet classes Cadet Defence Academy runs are very serious. We study Math, Physics, and English in 45-minute blocks. Teachers use the blackboard to solve complex problems. We have group quizzes to keep everyone alert. Stat: 70% mock scores predict real NDA results, so we take these classes very seriously. GK and Current Affairs You cant crack NDA without General Knowledge. The academic schedule NDA cadets follow includes news debates and map quizzes. Quote: “Knowledge wins wars,” says our principal Dr. Anita Rao. Case: Cadet Arjun topped GK in our academy mock tests. He got a direct NDA call-up because his interview answers were so sharp. This proves how important study time is in one day in NDA cadet life Cadet Defence Academy. Mock Tests and Review We often do full papers timed. Errors are fixed on the spot. This is vital exam prep NDA cadets day in and day out. Actionable: Review your wrong answers daily. Keep a track progress sheet. Afternoon Training: Skills for Battle (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) Weapon Handling and Drills After the lunch break NDA cadet routine (which is a much-needed pause), we go back to the ground. We do weapons training NDA cadet routine using mock rifles. We practice marching squads on the parade ground. Safety is first here: 100% zero incidents at Cadet Defence Academy. Stat: The national NDA SSB pass rate is around 12%. But our Academy grads hit 25%. This training makes the difference. Leadership and Team Tasks The NDA cadet training day Cadet Defence Academy isn’t just following orders; it’s about leading. We play Group planning games. You have to lead a patrol in a simulation. Example: A cadet team built

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National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 Table of Contents Date : April 12, 2026! Hello future officers! Welcome to the official blog of Cadets Defence Academy, the leading best NDA coaching in Dehradun. Today, I am here to share everything you need to know about the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. If you are dreaming of serving in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force, this guide is your best friend. In this blog, I will provide all the informations you need to clear this eaxam. Here is the most important official data you need to know right away: Particulars Details Date of Notification 10/12/2025 Date of Commencement of Examination 12/04/2026 Duration of Examination One Day Last Date for Receipt of Applications 30/12/2025 – 6:00pm Date of Upload 10/12/2025 Download Notification Notice (2.2 MB) Document Type Document Date of Upload Examination Time Table PDF icon TimeTable NDA-I-26-English-090126.pdf 09/01/2026 Let’s dive deep into the details so you have clear picture of this exam. No fluff, just real information! National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) To start off, let us understand what this exam actually is. The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 is a golden gateway for young, dynamic unmarried male and female candidates to join the defence forces. The NDA full form is National Defence Academy, located in Khadakwasla, Pune. The UPSC NDA NA 2026 exam is strictly conducted by the Union Public Service Commission ([suspicious link removed]). When we talk about the NDA exam 2026, it generally refers to two cycles in a year. Right now, our main focus is on NDA 1 2026. This single exam includes both the National Defence Academy exam 2026 and the Naval Academy exam 2026. These prestigious academies train you physically and mentally for years to become elite officers. To get in, you have to pass a written test and then face the SSB interview. Here is a quick overview: Feature Detail Exam Name National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 Conducting Body UPSC NDA Vacancy 2026 394 (approx.) Level National Selection Process Written Exam + SSB Interview So, if you are looking for the absolute best guidance to clear this stage, remember that Cadets Defence Academy offers excellent training at an affordable price to help you succeed. Notification and Dates Time management is everything for a future officer. You must be very aware of the UPSC NDA calendar 2026 so you don’t miss any deadline. The official NDA 1 2026 notification was officially released by UPSC on December 10, 2025. According to the official schedule, the NDA 1 2026 application form date process started on the same day as the notification. For those wondering about the timeline, the NDA last date to apply 2026 was December 30, 2025, exactly at 6:00 PM. Let me break down the complete NDA 2026 exam schedule for you so you can plan: Notification Release: December 10, 2025 NDA 1 2026 exam date application form Window: Dec 10 to Dec 30, 2025 NDA application last date 2026: December 30, 2025 National defence academy and naval academy examination i 2026 date: April 12, 2026 NDA admit card 2026 date: Last week of March 2026 NDA result date 2026: Expected in May 2026 The UPSC will conduct the exam precisely on April 12, 2026, for 394 vacancies to fill positions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force (157th Course/119th INAC). Mark these NDA exam date 2026 on your calendar! Eligibility and Apply Before you even try to fill the NDA form 2026 apply online, you need to strictly check if you fit the rules. The NDA eligibility criteria 2026 are very tough and non-negotiable. Age Limit and Nationality Both unmarried male and female candidates can apply for this exam. The NDA age limit 2026 requires candidates to be born between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2010. This is the exact NDA eligibility age. If your birthday does not fall in this range, unfortunately, you cannot write the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. Educational Qualification For Army Wing: 12th pass (or appearing) from any recognized state or central board. For Air Force and Naval Wings: 12th pass (or appearing) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are require. Physical and Medical Standards Being physically fit is a must. You must meet the strict NDA medical standards and clear the NDA physical test 2026 during your SSB phase. The exact NDA height weight 2026 charts are given in the official notification PDF. The minimum height is generally 157 cm (with some relaxation for specific hilly regions), but make sure to checking the official PDF for your category. How to Apply Step-by-Step To successfully complete the NDA online application 2026, candidates had to visit the upsconline.nic.in website. Here is how it is done: Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t already. Fill out Part 1 (Basic details) and Part 2 (Upload documents, center choice) of the NDA Registration form 2026. Pay the NDA apply online fee, which is ₹100 for General/OBC candidates. Good news is that SC/ST/Females are completely exempted from this fee. Choose your Exam Centres. Remember, centers are allotted on a “first apply, first allot” basis, so always be quick! If you missed the deadline this year, don’t worry. Keep these steps in mind for the NDA 2 cycle! Syllabus and Pattern To beat the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026, you must know your enemy very well—which in this case, is the massive syllabus! The NDA exam pattern 2026 is completely Offline (Pen-Paper mode) using OMR sheets. It consists of two papers, conducted on the exact same day in two shifts. Paper Subject Marks Duration Shift Timing Paper 1 Mathematics 300 2.5 hours Morning Paper 2 General Ability Test (GAT) 600 2.5 hours Afternoon Total 900 5 hours Mathematics Syllabus The NDA maths syllabus covers deep topics from 11th and 12th standard. You will

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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

Best Books and Resources for NDA Written Exam Preparation 2026

A Day in the Life of an NDA Cadet at Cadet Defence Academy

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026

CDA - BEST NDA COACHING CENTRE COURSES

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