The NDA 2026 written exam consists of two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test or GAT (600 marks), each lasting 2.5 hours. Total written exam marks are 900, with the SSB interview carrying another 900 marks — making the grand total 1800 marks. Here is the complete NDA exam pattern 2026 with subject-wise syllabus.
NDA 2026 Exam Pattern — Overview
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Max Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2½ Hours | −0.833 per wrong |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 2½ Hours | −1.33 per wrong |
| Written Total | 270 | 900 | 5 Hours | — | |
| SSB Interview | — | 900 | 5 Days | — | |
| Grand Total | — | 1800 | — | — | |
NDA Paper I — Mathematics (300 Marks)
120 questions × 2.5 marks = 300 marks. Each wrong answer deducts 0.833 marks. Topics are from Class 11–12 level.
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Algebra | 15–20% |
| Matrices & Determinants | 8–10% |
| Trigonometry | 15–18% |
| Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D) | 12–15% |
| Differential Calculus | 10–12% |
| Integral Calculus & Differential Equations | 10–12% |
| Vector Algebra | 8–10% |
| Statistics & Probability | 10–12% |
NDA Paper II — General Ability Test (600 Marks)
Part A — English (200 Marks)
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Grammar & Usage | 25% |
| Vocabulary | 20% |
| Comprehension | 25% |
| Cohesion (sentence ordering, fill in blanks) | 30% |
Part B — General Knowledge (400 Marks)
| Section | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Motion, Heat, Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism | ~100 |
| Chemistry | Elements, Compounds, Acids, Bases, Chemical Changes | ~60 |
| General Science | Human Body, Food, Nutrition, Disease | ~40 |
| History | Indian History, Freedom Movement, Constitution | ~80 |
| Geography | Climate, Vegetation, Resources, India Geography | ~80 |
| Current Events | National & International news, Sports, Defence | ~40 |
NDA SSB Interview — 900 Marks
| Day | Stage | Tests Conducted |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Stage I (Screening) | OIR Test + PPDT |
| Day 2 | Psychology Tests | TAT, WAT, SRT, SD |
| Day 3–4 | GTO Tasks + PI | GD, PGT, HGT, Individual Obstacles, Command Task, Personal Interview |
| Day 5 | Conference | Final Board Decision |
Want to crack SSB? Our SSB interview coaching in Chandigarh gives you the expert preparation you need.
NDA 2026 Marking Scheme
| Paper | Marks per Correct | Marks Deducted per Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | +2.5 | −0.833 |
| GAT Part A (English) | +4 | −1.33 |
| GAT Part B (GK) | +4 | −1.33 |
NDA 2026 Selection Process
- Written Exam — Conducted by UPSC twice a year (April and September)
- SSB Interview — Shortlisted candidates report to Services Selection Boards
- Medical Examination — SSB-recommended candidates undergo medical at Military Hospitals
- Merit List — Final list based on written + SSB marks
- Joining NDA, Khadakwasla — 3-year training begins
Start your NDA 2026 preparation with the best NDA coaching in Chandigarh at NCA Academy — India’s oldest defence coaching since 1967. Also available at our NDA coaching in Mohali centre.
Frequently Asked Questions — NDA Exam Pattern 2026
Q: What is the NDA exam pattern 2026?
Two written papers — Maths (300 marks, 120 Qs, 2.5 hrs) and GAT (600 marks, 150 Qs, 2.5 hrs). SSB interview 900 marks. Grand total 1800 marks.
Q: Is there negative marking in NDA?
Yes — 1/3rd of marks deducted per wrong answer (0.833 for Maths, 1.33 for GAT questions).
Q: What subjects are in GAT?
Part A: English (200 marks). Part B: GK covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events (400 marks).
Q: What is the total marks for NDA?
1800 marks total (Written Exam 900 + SSB Interview 900).
Q: What is the medium of NDA exam?
Both Hindi and English. Candidates choose during application.
Know the Pattern — Now Get the Right Coaching
Understanding the exam pattern is step one. Step two is getting structured guidance to master it. Discover the best NDA coaching institutes in India 2026 — with fees, faculty, and online options compared. Don’t miss the official NDA Notification 2026 for the latest dates.
Know the Pattern — Now Get the Right Coaching
Understanding the NDA syllabus is just the first step. The next is finding a coaching institute that covers every subject effectively. Explore India’s top coaching options, fees, and online alternatives in our complete NDA Coaching in India 2026 guide. Also check the NDA Notification 2026 for application details and NDA Eligibility 2026 to confirm you qualify.
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