AFCAT 1 2027 Notification: Form Opens 12 November – Dates, Eligibility and Exam Pattern
AFCAT 01/2027 form opens 12 Nov 2026 for January 2028 courses. Official AFCAT notice facts on eligibility, exam pattern and vacancies, plus a 12-week plan.
NDA exam pattern for 2024 consists of two papers General Ability test (GAT) and Mathematics, you get 2.5 hours for each exam. You should Understand the exam pattern, before applying for any exam. This will you prepare for the exam and you can increase your chance of success. In this blog we have provided you NDA exam pattern, you can also download free NDA exam syllabus pdf this will help you understand entire NDA exam structure so you can prepare accordingly.
UPSC conducts NDA exam twice a year. This NDA exam pattern guide will help you understand NDA written exam syllabus, marking scheme and SSB interview pattern.
By understanding NDA exam pattern you will get a clear idea how to prepare for the exam, so you can create a study schedule based on it. NDA exam is divided into two parts
Part 1: Written Exam – General Ability test (GAT) and Mathematics
Part 2: SSB Interview
A complete understanding of NDA exam will increase your chance to succeed.
NDA Exam Pattern: Overview
A Quick overview of NDA Written Exam:
Particulars | Details |
Exam Mode | Offline |
Papers in NDA Exam | 1.Mathematics |
2. General Ability Test | |
Total Marks | 1.Mathematics – 300 marks |
2. General Ability Test – 600 marks | |
Total Questions | 1.Mathematics – 120 question |
2. General Ability Test – 150 question | |
Negative Marking | 1.Mathematics – 0.83 marks |
2.General Ability Test – 1.33 marks | |
Exam Duration | 2.5 hours (for each section) |
Written exam is the first step in selection process, NDA Written exam written exam is conducted by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) and it is divided into two parts General Ability test (GAT) and Mathematics.
GAT is divided into two parts- English and General Knowledge, it tests your English grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension and your awareness in current affairs and other subjects.
English: This section of GAT has 50 questions, 4 marks each. Total marks for this section is 200. This section will test your knowledge in English vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension.
General Knowledge: General Knowledge has 100 questions, 4 marks each. Total marks 400. Question in this section will test your knowledge in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Polity and Current Affairs.
General Ability Exam Pattern | |
Total Questions | 150 |
Total Marks | 600 marks |
Total questions in English Section | 50 |
Total of questions in General Knowledge Section | 100 |
Total Marks for English | 200 marks |
Total Marks for G.K | 400 marks |
Marks for Correct Answers | 1.English – 4 marks |
2.G.K – 4 marks | |
Marks for incorrect answer | 1.English – (1.33 marks) |
2.G.K – (1.33 marks) | |
Exam Duration | 2.5 hours |
You’ll get 2.5 hours for GAT exam. This means that you will have 150 minutes for 150 questions.
NDA Maths exam consists of 120 questions, 2.5 marks each and -0.83 will be deducted for each wrong answer. Total marks for this exam is 300. NDA Math’s Exams checks fundamental mathematical concepts covered in 11th, and 12th NCERT.
NDA Mathematics Exam Pattern | |
Total Questions | 120 |
Total Marks | 300 |
Marks for correct answer | 2.5 marks |
Marks for incorrect answer | -(0.83) marks |
Exam Duration | 2.5 hours |
Be honest: Do not lie while answering the questions because SSB interviewers are highly trained professionals skilled at catching lies. They can catch your lies by cross questioning or body language and if you are caught lying, you’ll most likely be disqualified from the selection process.
Stay Updated: You can be asked about current affairs, this shows your general awareness and it can increase your chance of selection.
Prepare for Tests: Practice Writing Picture Perception Description Tests (PPDT) and Situation Reaction Tests (SRTs). There are many resources available online and can join good coaching centers to help you prepare for these tests.
Maintain Physical Fitness: SSB interview also includes physical activities. So make sure you are in good physical condition.
Dress Formally: Be aware of your Dressing sense, Dress decently and appropriately throughout the SSB interview.
Teamwork: The SSB interview heavily focuses on teamwork skills. Be a good listener, participate actively in group discussions, and cooperate with your fellow candidates.
Leadership: Demonstrate leadership qualities by taking initiative, organizing tasks, and motivating others.
In the end we will also see NDA Marking Scheme for the written exam:
Elements | Mathematics | GAT |
Total Questions | 120 | 150 |
Total Marks | 300 | 600 |
Marks for correct answer | 2.5 | 4 |
Marks for incorrect answer | -0.83 | -1.33 |
GD Tips: Group Discussion Tips For Interview
SSB Interview and Selection Process for NDA 2024
How to Prepare for NDA GAT Exam ?
How to prepare for NDA Mathematics exam ?
Last 30 Days Strategy For NDA 1 2024, Preparation Tips to Ace the Exam
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.
You need to be 16.5 and 19.5 years old
NDA selection process has two stages:
Yes NDA exam has negative marking scheme for both Mathematics and GAT.
There is no minimum qualifying marks for the NDA written exam however, to get shortlisted for the SSB interview, you need to score above the cut-off marks set by UPSC.
AFCAT 01/2027 form opens 12 Nov 2026 for January 2028 courses. Official AFCAT notice facts on eligibility, exam pattern and vacancies, plus a 12-week plan.
UPSC has fixed CDS 1 2027 for 11 April 2027, with the notification on 2 December 2026. Official dates, seats, expected age limits, exam pattern and a 22-week plan.
UPSC has fixed the NDA 1 2027 exam for 11 April 2027, with the notification on 2 December 2026. Official dates, expected eligibility, exam pattern and a 22-week plan.