ALL About NDA Exam Pattern 2024

ALL About NDA Exam Pattern 2024 (2)

Table of Contents

Introduction

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.

NDA Exam Pattern 2024

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)

NDA Written Exam Pattern

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.

NDA GAT Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Marking Schem

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

Exam Duration

You’ll get 2.5 hours for GAT exam. This means that you will have 150 minutes for 150 questions.

Tips For preparation

  • Stay updated by daily reading newspapers, make sure to verify the source before, some sites that you can check are (The HinduTimes of India)  and also these Government sites for official statements ( Press Information Bureau (PIB),  Ministry of External Affairs(MEA))
  • For other subjects you can use 11th and 12th class NCERT.
  • Avoid guessing answers, because NDA GAT exam has negative marking scheme.
  • If you want proper guidance you can join an NDA coaching center (optional).

NDA Math’s Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Marking Scheme

NDA Exam Pattern for SSB Interview

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

Points To Remember During NDA , SSB Interview

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.

NDA Marking Scheme

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

Also, check

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.

NDA Exam Pattern 2024 FAQs

You need to be 16.5 and 19.5 years old

NDA selection process has two stages:

  1. Written Exam conducted by UPSC.
  2. SSB Interview conducted by Services Selection Board.

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.

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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

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

Best Defence Exams After 12th Grade – Ace Your Future with Cadets Defence Academy

Best Defence Exams After 12th Grade – Ace Your Future with Cadets Defence Academy

Best Defence Exams After 12th Grade – Ace Your Future with Cadets Defence Academy Table of Contents Defence Exams After 12th: The moment you finish your 12th grade, a world of opportunities opens up. For those with a dream of serving the nation, a career in the armed forces offers unparalleled discipline, adventure, and a noble purpose. It’s a path that commands respect and offers a life of honour. Here at Cadets Defence Academy, we believe your 12th grade is the perfect launchpad for this journey. Let’s explore the top defence exams India offers right after school, helping you find the ideal career path in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. The NDA Exam – Your Gateway to Army, Navy, and Air Force The National Defence Academy (NDA exam) is undoubtedly the most prestigious entry for young men and women aspiring to become officers. It’s the premier institution that trains cadets for all three wings—Army, Navy, and Air Force—together before they move on to their respective academies. Every year, lakhs of aspirants take this exam, making it one of the top defence exams India. We’ve seen firsthand how a strategic approach can make all the difference. NDA Eligibility and Exam Structure To be eligible for the NDA exam after 12th, you must be an unmarried male or female candidate. The NDA eligibility criteria require you to have passed your 12th grade. For entry into the Air Force or Naval wings, you must have studied Physics and Maths in your 12th grade. The selection process is a two-stage journey. First, a written exam conducted by the UPSC covers Maths, English, and General Knowledge. Second, if you qualify, you’ll face the challenging Services Selection Board (SSB interview). Preparing for NDA Success At Cadets Defence Academy, we emphasize the right approach to preparation. Your goal should be to understand concepts, not just memorize them. Regular mock tests are crucial for improving your time management and identifying weak areas. For the General Ability Test, focus on strengthening your English comprehension and vocabulary. A key part of our NDA coaching is ensuring you stay updated on current affairs for the GK section, a topic often overlooked by aspirants. The Agniveer Entry – A New Era of Service The Agniveer scheme offers a new and dynamic opportunity for young people to serve the nation. It provides a chance to serve in the Agniveer (Army, Navy, Air Force) for a fixed term of four years. The scheme is a fantastic launchpad, offering valuable experience, training, and a respectable salary. It’s an accessible and impactful way to begin your defence career after 12th. Agniveer Scheme Details The Agniveer recruitment process is open to both men and women, typically aged 17.5 to 21 years. The educational qualification is generally a 10th or 12th-grade pass, depending on the specific trade. The selection involves a computer-based online test, a physical fitness test (like the Agniveer Army physical test), and a medical exam. For those aspiring to join the Navy, understanding the Agniveer Navy syllabus is crucial. Similarly, aspirants for the Air Force must meet the Agniveer Vayu eligibility criteria. Benefits and Future Prospects Serving as an Agniveer provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable military training and experience. After the four-year term, a percentage of Agniveers will be enrolled into the regular cadre. The scheme also provides a solid foundation of discipline and skill development, which are highly valued in any future career. Moreover, the Agniveer salary after 4 years includes a significant lump sum to help you transition to your next phase of life. Other Defence Exams and Pathways While the NDA and Agniveer schemes are the most popular, there are other excellent pathways to a defence career after 12th. The Indian Coast Guard exam for Navik (General Duty) is a great option for those interested in maritime security. For students with a PCM background, the Air Force X group exam is a perfect fit, while the Air Force Y group exam is open to candidates from all streams. The Indian Coast Guard exam for Navik (General Duty) is a great option for those interested in maritime security. For students with a PCM background, the Air Force X group exam is a perfect fit, while the Air Force Y group exam is open to candidates from all streams.     Preparing for the SSB Interview Regardless of the exam you choose, the SSB interview is a mandatory and crucial step. This multi-day assessment evaluates your personality, leadership qualities, teamwork, and mental fortitude. Our coaching at Cadets Defence Academy includes specialized SSB interview tips and training, helping you to be yourself and showcase your true potential. Honesty and self-awareness are the keys to mastering this part of the selection process. The CDS Exam – For Graduates Aiming Higher While not a direct entry after 12th, it’s essential to mention the CDS Exam. The Combined Defence Services (CDS exam after graduation) is another major pathway into officers’ ranks. This exam, conducted by the UPSC, is for those who complete their graduation first. It’s a great option for those who want to earn their degree before entering the armed forces. Exam Pattern Breakdown The written CDS syllabus includes English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics (for specific branches). Qualifying the written test leads to the SSB interview, followed by medical tests. The CDS eligibility criteria and CDS salary are branch-specific, so it’s important to check the official notifications. Your Defence Career Awaits! Choosing the right defence exam is the first step toward a fulfilling and prestigious career. Whether it’s the NDA Exam, Air Force Y group, Air Force X group, SSB, CDS or the Agniveer scheme, each path offers a unique and rewarding future. Success hinges on a planned approach, relentless effort, and the right guidance. At Cadets Defence Academy, we provide the comprehensive NDA coaching, expert guidance, and state-of-the-art facilities to help you prepare for all these exams. Your dream of a defence career after 12th is within reach. Embrace the challenge, start

AFCAT 1 2026 Notification – Guide Cadets Defence Academy 

AFCAT 1 2026 Notification – Guide Cadets Defence Academy 

AFCAT 1 2026 Notification – Guide Cadets Defence Academy Hello and welcome, defence aspirants! Planning a career in the Indian Air Force is a noble dream, and the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is your key to making it a reality. As your trusted guide from Cadets Defence Academy, we’re here to provide a complete breakdown of AFCAT 1 2026. This comprehensive guide will cover everything from the official AFCAT notification, the application process, and the detailed syllabus, to key exam dates and eligibility criteria. AFCAT 1 2026 Notification – The Official Announcement The AFCAT 1 2026 notification is the official document that will set the entire process in motion. This notification will be your go-to source for all crucial information. What to Expect in the Notification The official notice, expected to be out in December 2025, will contain: Key Dates and Deadlines: This includes the AFCAT application start date and the last date to apply for AFCAT 1 2026. Branch-wise Vacancies: The number of openings for the Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches will be specified. Eligibility Criteria Overview: A summary of the age limit, educational qualifications, and other requirements. Detailed Information: It will also include specifics on the exam pattern, selection process, and training details. Where to Find the Official Notification The AFCAT 1 2026 official notification will be released on the official career website of the Indian Air Force, afcat.cdac.in. It’s highly important to read the official PDF document thoroughly to avoid any misunderstandings. AFCAT 1 2026 Application Form – Your First Step Once the notification is released, the AFCAT 1 2026 application form will be activated online. The application window is typically open for about a month, starting in December 2025 and ending in January 2026. Online Application Process Explained The application process is straightforward, but attention to detail is essential: Registration: First, you’ll need to create a new user account on the official AFCAT portal. Filling Details: Log in and fill in your personal, educational, and communication details. Uploading Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, and other required documents. Exam Centre Preference: Select your preferred exam cities from the given list. Payment: Pay the application fee online. Last year, the fee was ₹550 + GST. Common Mistakes to Avoid Many applicants are rejected due to simple errors on their forms. To avoid this, make sure to double-check every detail. Common mistakes include incomplete forms, incorrect information, and late submissions. AFCAT 1 2026 Syllabus – What to Study Understanding the AFCAT 1 2026 syllabus is the most critical part of your preparation. The exam is divided into four main sections for all branches, with a fifth section for technical roles.   Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch Syllabus   The AFCAT exam for all branches covers: General Awareness: This includes a wide range of topics like History, Geography, Civics, Politics, Economics, Current Affairs, and Basic Science. Verbal Ability in English: Questions will test your proficiency in Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Idioms & Phrases. Numerical Ability: This section covers fundamental math topics like Decimal Fractions, Time and Work, Profit and Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, and Simple & Compound Interest. Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test: Questions will assess your logical reasoning and pattern recognition skills through topics like Venn Diagrams, Syllogisms, and Analogy. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch Syllabus For those applying to a technical branch, you will also need to appear for the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) in addition to the four main AFCAT papers. The EKT syllabus is specific to your engineering discipline, such as Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical & Electronics. It focuses on core engineering subjects. AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Dates – Mark Your Calendar Staying on top of the AFCAT 1 2026 exam dates is crucial for a well-planned preparation strategy. Notification Release: December 2025 Application Start Date: December 2025 Application End Date: January 2026 Admit Card Release: February 2026 Exam Dates: The exam is tentatively scheduled for February or March 2026. Exam Pattern Overview The AFCAT exam is a computer-based test with 100 questions. Total Marks: 300 Marking Scheme: +3 marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions. Duration: 2 hours. EKT: The EKT is a 45-minute test with 50 questions, carrying 150 marks. As an exam coach often advises, “Time management is crucial for AFCAT success,” so practice with mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. AFCAT 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Are You Fit to Fly? Before you start preparing, you must confirm that you meet the AFCAT 1 2026 eligibility criteria. Age Limits for Different Branches The age criteria are calculated as of January 1, 2027. Flying Branch: Age should be between 20 and 24 years. (Born between Jan 2, 2003, and Jan 1, 2007, both dates inclusive). A relaxation of up to 26 years is given to candidates with a valid and current Commercial Pilot License. Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches: Age should be between 20 and 26 years. (Born between Jan 2, 2001, and Jan 1, 2007, both dates inclusive). Educational Qualifications Flying Branch: Must have passed with at least 50% marks in both Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level, and hold a graduation degree with a minimum of 60% marks. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch: Must have passed with at least 50% marks in both Physics and Maths at the 10+2 level and have a four-year degree in Engineering/Technology with a minimum of 60% marks. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch: Must have a graduation degree with a minimum of 60% marks. Specific degrees are required for different sub-branches like Accounts and Education. Physical and Medical Standards You must also meet certain physical and medical standards. This includes specific height requirements, vision standards, and a comprehensive medical fitness test. Preparation Tips for AFCAT 1 2026 A strategic approach is key to success. Here’s how you can prepare effectively: Strategic Study Plan Analyze the Syllabus: Go

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