NDA Exam 2026 — Detailed Preparation Guide for Class 12

NDA Written Exam

• Mathematics paper: 300 marks; 120 questions; Class 11–12 level; Algebra, Calculus, Matrices, Probability, Statistics, Geometry, Trigonometry, Vectors
• General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks; English (200) + GK (400 — Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs)
• Total 900 marks written; SSB interview 900 marks; merit = written 50% + SSB 50%

Mathematics Preparation for NDA

• Calculus: differentiation, integration, differential equations — 20+ marks; revise thoroughly
• Algebra: quadratic equations, complex numbers, permutations, binomial theorem — 25 marks
• Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Statistics: 30+ marks combined; high yield for consistent practice

GAT English Preparation

• Spotting errors, fill in blanks, para-jumbles, reading comprehension, vocabulary; Class 12 level
• Wren & Martin Grammar: strong English grammar foundation; practise error-spotting daily from Class 11
• Reading habit: newspaper reading improves both GK and English simultaneously

General Knowledge Topics

• Physics: mechanics, light, heat, electricity, magnetism (Class 12 level + applications)
• Current Affairs: defence news, India national events, sports, awards, international summits — 2–3 months history
• History: India's freedom struggle, wars fought by India (1947, 1962, 1965, 1971, 1999 Kargil)

SSB Interview Process

• Stage 1: Screening (OIR test + PPDT — Picture Perception Description Test) Day 1; 50% screened out
• Stage 2 (4 days): Psychology tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD), Group Tasks (outdoor), Personal Interview
• Officer Like Qualities (OLQs): Effective Intelligence, Courage, Speed of Decision, Liveliness, Social Adaptability, Sense of Responsibility

Physical Fitness Standards

• Height: 157 cm (Army/Navy); 162.5 cm (Air Force); relax for hill tribes/north-east
• Weight: proportional to height; must pass medical at Service Selection Centre
• Physical fitness: pull-ups, running, obstacle courses at Training Academy (NDA, Khadakwasla near Pune)

Training at NDA

• 3-year joint training at NDA Khadakwasla (Pune): Army, Navy, Air Force cadets together
• Then IMA Dehradun (Army), INA Ezhimala (Navy), AFA Dundigal (Air Force): service-specific training
• National pride: graduates are officers of Indian Armed Forces; serve the country