NDA
NDA & NA Mock Test Series 2026 (Tier 1 & Tier 2)
Last updated on Oct 11, 2026
37 Total Tests
100% FREE
English
Β· Instant all-India rank
- 2 Full Mocks
- 2 Sectional Tests
- 31 Chapter-wise Tests
- 2 Practice Sets
NDA & NA topic-wise practice questions β Previous year papers β
NDA & NA Paper 2: General Ability Test β Full Mock 1 Free
NDA & NA Paper 2 Part A: English β Sectional Test 1 Free
NDA & NA Paper 2 Part B: General Knowledge β Sectional Test 1 Free
Mathematics 13 tests
NDA & NA Matrices & Determinants β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Sequences & Series (AP/GP) β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Permutation & Combination β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Quadratic Equations β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Calculus β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Coordinate Geometry β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Sets β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Probability β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Logarithms β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Trigonometry β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Statistics β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Algebra β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Geometry β Chapter Test Free
Part A: English 9 tests
NDA & NA Synonyms β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Antonyms β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Idioms & Phrases β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA One-Word Substitution β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Spelling β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Fill in the Blanks β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Error Spotting β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Active & Passive Voice β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Reading Comprehension β Chapter Test Free
Part B: General Knowledge 9 tests
NDA & NA History β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Polity β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Geography β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Economy β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Physics β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Chemistry β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Biology β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Static GK β Chapter Test Free
NDA & NA Defence GK β Chapter Test Free
NDA Mathematics Mock 1 Free
NDA GAT Mock 1 Free
NDA & NA guide
What is NDA & NA?
The National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) examination, conducted by UPSC twice a year, is the gateway to a commissioned officer's career in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. It is India's only exam that recruits 12th-pass students directly into an officer-level training programme, making it one of the youngest entry routes into the officer cadre.
Around 4-5 lakh candidates appear each cycle for roughly 400-450 seats at NDA (Khadakwasla, Pune) and 55 seats at the Indian Naval Academy (INA, Ezhimala). Training lasts three years at NDA, covering academics, physical training and service orientation, followed by a year of professional training at the respective service academy (IMA, INA or AFA Dundigal).
The written exam tests Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hours) and General Ability Test (600 marks, 2.5 hours). GAT covers English (200 marks) and a General Studies section (400 marks) spanning Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events and English comprehension. Both papers carry negative marking of 1/3 of marks per wrong answer.
Shortlisted candidates attend the five-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview worth 900 marks, which tests officer-like qualities through psychological tests, group tasks, group discussions, outdoor activities and a personal interview. Medical examination follows, applying service-specific standards β the Air Force wing especially demands very strict visual and physical standards.
A commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces starts at Lieutenant rank with a basic pay of βΉ56,100 plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of βΉ15,500, with in-hand salary of βΉ85,000-βΉ1,00,000 per month including HRA or field area allowances and free accommodation. Career progression through Captain, Major, Colonel and beyond is structured and merit-based.
Conducted byUPSC (Union Public Service Commission)
FrequencyTwice a year β NDA I (April) and NDA II (September)
Eligibility12th pass or appearing (PCM mandatory for Navy & Air Force wing)
Age limit16Β½β19Β½ years, unmarried
Written marks900 (Maths 300 + GAT 600)
SSB marks900
Total marks1,800 (Written + SSB)
Negative marking1/3 of marks per wrong answer
Training period3 years at NDA + 1 year at service academy
Starting salary~βΉ85,000ββΉ1,00,000 in-hand after commissioning
How it works
NDA & NA selection process
1
Written exam
Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hrs) and General Ability Test (600 marks, 2.5 hrs). Questions are bilingual (Hindi + English). Negative marking: 1/3 of marks per wrong answer. A separate cut-off is applied to each paper plus an overall cut-off.
2
SSB interview
Five-day selection at SSBs in Allahabad, Bhopal, Bangalore or Dehradun. Day 1: OIR/PPDT screening. Days 2-4: Psychology tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, Self Description), GTO tasks (group discussion, outdoor tasks, command task). Day 5: Personal interview by the President of the board. Total 900 marks.
3
Medical examination
Conducted at military hospitals. Air Force wing requires 6/6 vision in both eyes (no glasses) and strict physical standards. Army and Navy have their own published medical criteria.
β
Merit & joining
Final merit = written marks + SSB marks. Successful candidates are allocated to NDA or INA based on merit and service vacancies. Joining at NDA Khadakwasla or INA Ezhimala.
Exam pattern
NDA & NA exam pattern
Written exam + SSB
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2 hr 30 min |
| Paper 2: General Ability Test (English 200 + GK 400) | 150 | 600 | 2 hr 30 min |
| SSB interview | β | 900 | 5 days |
| Total | β | 1800 | β |
One-third of the question's marks deducted for each wrong answer. Physics, Chemistry and Maths in class 12 are needed for the Air Force and Navy wings.
Syllabus
NDA & NA syllabus: subjects & topics
Mathematics
AlgebraMatrices & DeterminantsTrigonometryCoordinate Geometry 2D & 3DDifferential CalculusIntegral CalculusDifferential EquationsVector AlgebraStatistics & ProbabilityLogarithms & Indices
English (GAT Part A)
Sentence CompletionFill in the BlanksComprehension PassageFinding ErrorsOrdering of WordsSelecting Words & Vocabulary
Physics
Physical Properties of MatterMotion & Laws of MotionWork Energy PowerSound & Wave MotionHeat & ThermodynamicsLight & OpticsMagnetismElectricity & Electrostatics
General Studies & Current Events
History of IndiaIndian National MovementGeography of India & WorldIndian Polity & ConstitutionCurrent EventsGeneral ScienceChemistry (basic)Biology (basic)
Strategy
How to prepare for NDA & NA
01Score 60%+ in Maths to clear the cut-off
The Maths paper (300 marks) is the biggest differentiator. Topics like Differential Calculus, Vector Algebra and Probability appear every year. Solve at least 10 previous NDA Maths papers and identify your weak chapters. Scoring 200+ out of 300 in Maths almost guarantees clearing the written cut-off.
02Cover NCERT Physics and Chemistry thoroughly
A large portion of GAT General Studies comes directly from NCERT textbooks of classes 11 and 12. Finish Physics (motion, optics, electricity) and Chemistry (basic reactions, periodic table) from NCERT before moving to advanced material.
03Build SSB awareness early
Most NDA aspirants focus only on written and ignore SSB until the last moment. Read books on SSB preparation and follow SSB stories on YouTube. Starting Officer-Like Qualities (OLQ) awareness from the beginning helps your personality develop naturally over time.
04Solve 5 years of previous papers
NDA question patterns are highly repetitive β many GAT Geography and History questions repeat verbatim. Solve NDA I and NDA II papers for the last 5-7 years and mark repeating topics.
05Physical fitness runs parallel to studies
NDA training and SSB both assess physical fitness. Maintain a daily routine of a 3-5 km run, pull-ups and basic exercises even during preparation. Going into SSB physically fit visibly improves your confidence and group task performance.
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FAQs
NDA & NA: frequently asked questions
Can girls apply for NDA?
Yes. Following the Supreme Court order, girls are now eligible for NDA. The Indian Naval Academy Cadet Entry has always accepted girls. Check the current UPSC notification for the specific entries open to female candidates.
What is the NDA written cut-off?
UPSC does not publish cut-offs in advance. Historically, the combined written cut-off ranges from 330-360 out of 900, depending on difficulty. A separate sectional minimum also applies to both papers.
What is the NDA selection ratio?
Roughly 1 in 700-1,000 applicants is finally selected. The written exam shortlists about 6,000-8,000 candidates; SSB admits roughly 1,700-2,000; the final list is about 400-500.
What happens after NDA training?
After 3 years at NDA, cadets move to their respective service academies (IMA Dehradun for Army, INA for Navy, AFA Dundigal for Air Force) for one more year of professional training before commissioning as officers.
Is NDA only for the Air Force?
No. NDA covers Army, Navy and Air Force. The Naval Academy (INA) is a separate institution for Navy cadets. Candidate preference and merit determine the wing and service allocated.
What is the SSB pass percentage?
Only about 10-15% of SSB attendees are recommended by a given board. Many successful NDA officers attended SSB 2-4 times before being recommended. Persistence is key.
Does 12th percentage matter for NDA?
The written exam shortlist and SSB are purely merit-based; 12th marks are not used for ranking. You must have passed 12th or be in the final year to apply. Physical and medical standards are what can disqualify you, not marks.
Can I apply for NDA while in 12th?
Yes. Students appearing in 12th can apply but must produce their pass certificate before joining NDA if selected.
What is the NDA training stipend?
NDA cadets receive a stipend during training. After commissioning, they get a full Lieutenant salary of βΉ56,100 basic + MSP βΉ15,500, plus allowances. In-hand after commissioning is typically βΉ85,000-βΉ1,00,000.
How is the NDA final merit list prepared?
UPSC adds the marks from the written exam and the SSB interview. Candidates are ranked on this combined total. Separate merit lists are issued for different services based on vacancies.
Also in Defence
The exam pattern, eligibility and other details are based on the latest notifications available and can change from one cycle to the next. Always confirm in the official notification on upsc.gov.in before you apply.
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