NDA Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2026: Papers, Marks, Negative Marking
NDA exam pattern 2026: 900 marks written (Maths 300, GAT 600), negative marking, SSB 900 marks and a preparation plan from Ground Zero, Dehradun.
The NDA written exam, conducted by UPSC, has two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and the General Ability Test (600 marks), 900 marks in total. Each paper is objective type and lasts 2 hours 30 minutes, with negative marking of one-third. Candidates who clear the cut-off go to the 5-day SSB interview, which carries another 900 marks.
This guide explains the NDA exam pattern and marking scheme in plain steps so you can plan your preparation. Always confirm the latest numbers in the official UPSC notification for your exam cycle.
NDA exam pattern at a glance
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2 hr 30 min |
| Paper 2: General Ability Test (English 200 + General Knowledge 400) | 150 | 600 | 2 hr 30 min |
| Written total | 270 | 900 | 5 hours |
| SSB interview (5 days) | – | 900 | 5 days |
| Final merit total | 1800 |
The question paper is bilingual (English and Hindi) and every question is multiple choice.
NDA marking scheme and negative marking
- Mathematics: 2.5 marks for every correct answer, 0.83 marks deducted for every wrong answer.
- General Ability Test: 4 marks for every correct answer, 1.33 marks deducted for every wrong answer.
- Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Example: in Mathematics, if you attempt 100 questions and get 80 right and 20 wrong, you score 80 x 2.5 = 200, minus 20 x 0.83 = 16.6, which gives about 183.4 marks. Accuracy matters as much as speed.
NDA Mathematics paper: topics covered
The paper is based on the Class 11 and 12 level syllabus. The main areas are algebra, matrices and determinants, trigonometry, analytical geometry of two and three dimensions, differential calculus, integral calculus and differential equations, vector algebra, and statistics and probability. For the full topic list see our NDA syllabus guide.
NDA General Ability Test: English and General Knowledge
Part A, English (200 marks): grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text. Part B, General Knowledge (400 marks): physics, chemistry, general science, history, freedom movement, geography and current events. Read our NDA GAT syllabus for the detailed breakdown.
What happens after the written exam
Candidates who meet the UPSC cut-off are called for the SSB interview, a 5-day assessment of intelligence, personality and officer-like qualities worth 900 marks. The written marks and SSB marks are added for the final merit list. Read how it works in our SSB interview process guide.
How to prepare for the NDA exam pattern
- Start with Mathematics. It is 300 marks and rewards steady daily practice. Finish NCERT-level concepts first, then solve timed sets.
- Build the General Ability Test base. Read English daily and revise science and history from standard textbooks. Keep a weekly current-affairs note.
- Practise previous papers. Solve the NDA previous year question papers under exam timing to learn the pattern.
- Control negative marking. Attempt only questions where you can eliminate at least two options.
- Check eligibility early. Use the NDA age calculator and read the NDA eligibility guide.
NDA coaching in Dehradun with Ground Zero Defence Academy
Ground Zero Defence Academy, established in 2000 in Dehradun, runs NDA coaching in Dehradun covering Mathematics, the General Ability Test, physical training, mock tests and SSB guidance, mentored by Brigadier Govind Singh Sisodia, VSM (Retd.). Hostel accommodation is available. If you are looking for the best NDA coaching in Dehradun, explore our NDA coaching page.
Frequently asked questions
How many marks is the NDA written exam?
The NDA written exam is 900 marks: 300 for Mathematics and 600 for the General Ability Test.
Is there negative marking in the NDA exam?
Yes. One-third of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer: 0.83 in Mathematics and 1.33 in the General Ability Test.
How many questions are in the NDA General Ability Test?
The General Ability Test has 150 questions: 50 in English (200 marks) and 100 in General Knowledge (400 marks).
How long is each NDA paper?
Each NDA paper is 2 hours 30 minutes long.
What is the total NDA marks including SSB?
The written exam is 900 marks and the SSB interview is 900 marks, so the final merit total is 1800.
In which language is the NDA question paper?
The question paper is bilingual, in English and Hindi.
Talk to Ground Zero Defence Academy
Get current batch details, a demo class and guidance from Brigadier Govind Singh Sisodia, VSM (Retd.)’s academy in Dehradun.