NDA Exam Pattern 2026: NDA 2 Paper Pattern, Marks, Syllabus & Marking Scheme

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has set the NDA 2 Exam Pattern 2026 for candidates aspiring to get admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination. The NDA Exam Pattern 2026 consists of two objective-type papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks, while GAT carries 600 marks, taking the total written examination to 900 marks. Candidates get 2 hours and 30 minutes to attempt each paper. The written examination is followed by the SSB Test/Interview, which also carries 900 marks.

The NDA exam 2026 also follows a negative marking system. Candidates lose one-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to a question for every incorrect answer, while no marks are deducted for questions left unanswered. Understanding the exam pattern for the NDA paper, number of questions, marks, duration, and marking scheme is important for candidates to plan their preparation and attempt both papers effectively.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights and Question Paper Overview

The National Defence Academy exam tests mathematical ability, English proficiency, science, social studies, geography and current affairs through two papers. The GAT is the larger paper, carrying twice the marks of Mathematics.

UPSC specifies that the Mathematics paper and Part B of GAT are set bilingually in Hindi and English. The English section of GAT tests English proficiency and is not presented as a bilingual English/Hindi section.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026: Paper-wise Marks and Duration

The written examination consists of two papers conducted on the same examination day. Mathematics carries 300 marks, while GAT carries 600 marks.

Note: The NDA written exam consists of 270 objective-type questions: 120 in Mathematics and 150 in GAT, for a total of 900 marks. The written examination therefore has a 5-hour total testing duration, excluding the break between the two papers.

NDA Mathematics Paper

Candidates should look at the important highlights of the NDA Mathematics Paper 2026 below.

Major areas include:

• Algebra
• Matrices and determinants
• Trigonometry
• Analytical geometry
• Differential calculus
• Integral calculus
• Vector algebra
• Statistics
• Probability

UPSC's syllabus specifically includes topics such as sets, complex numbers, quadratic equations, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem, sequences and series, matrices, determinants, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, calculus, vectors, statistics and probability.

NDA GAT Paper

The General Ability Test (GAT) is the second paper in the National Defence Academy exam. It consists of 150 questions carrying a total of 600 marks, with 4 marks awarded for each correct answer. Candidates are given 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the paper, which is divided into English for 200 marks and General Knowledge for 400 marks.

The English section evaluates grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and the practical use of words. The General Knowledge section broadly covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events.

NDA GAT Subject-wise Structure

Important: UPSC does not prescribe separate fixed marks for each General Knowledge subject within the 400-mark Part B. Therefore, the table should not be interpreted as a fixed subject-wise weightage.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026: NDA Negative Marking and Marking Scheme 2026

Negative marking applies to both papers. UPSC specifies that an incorrect response attracts a deduction of one-third of the marks assigned to that question.

Based on the marks assigned per question, the approximate scoring works as follows:

For example, if a Mathematics question carries 2.5 marks, an incorrect response results in a deduction of approximately 0.83 marks. In GAT, a 4-mark question carries an approximate 1.33-mark penalty when answered incorrectly.

What happens if more than one option is marked?

Candidates should mark only one option for an objective question. Marking multiple options is treated as an incorrect response under the examination instructions.

Is there negative marking for unanswered questions?

No. An unanswered question does not attract a negative mark.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026: Qualifying Marks 

The UPSC NDA 2026 written examination has an overall maximum of 900 marks, but candidates should not treat 450 marks as an automatic qualifying score.

UPSC has the discretion to prescribe qualifying marks in one or more subjects.

This means candidates need to focus on both Mathematics and GAT, rather than relying entirely on their stronger paper.

Is There a Sectional Cutoff in the NDA 2 2026?UPSC can prescribe minimum qualifying marks separately for the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers. While the NDA 2 notification 2026 does not specify a fixed sectional cutoff, previous NDA cutoff results have generally required candidates to secure at least 25% marks in each subject, in addition to meeting the overall written examination cutoff.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026: Selection Process

The NDA selection process moves from the written examination to the SSB stage, followed by medical assessment and final merit.

Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the SSB process. The SSB Test/Interview carries 900 marks, equal to the total marks of the written examination.

NDA SSB Pattern

The SSB assessment broadly includes screening, psychological assessment, group testing, personal interview and conference-based evaluation.

The SSB stage is not another objective written paper. It evaluates the candidate's suitability for service through multiple assessment techniques.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026: CPSS for Air Force Flying Branch

Candidates seeking the relevant Air Force Flying Branch may also have to undergo the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) as prescribed by the applicable Air Force requirements.

CPSS is an additional qualifying assessment and should not be confused with the 900-mark UPSC written examination or the 900-mark SSB Test/Interview.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026: Exam Language

The language arrangement differs across sections.

UPSC specifically states that the Mathematics and Part B of GAT question papers are set bilingually in Hindi and English.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026: Calculator and Rough Work Rules

Candidates cannot use calculators or mathematical/logarithmic tables while answering the objective papers. UPSC explicitly states that candidates should not bring these items into the examination hall.

This makes mental calculation, approximation and quick arithmetic particularly useful during Mathematics preparation.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026: How to Prepare According to the Paper Pattern

Because GAT carries 600 of the 900 written-exam marks, candidates should avoid spending all their preparation time on Mathematics.

A practical preparation split can look like this:

UPSC's official previous-question-paper archive includes the NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026 Mathematics and GAT papers, making previous papers particularly useful for understanding the actual question style.

A better attempt strategy

The negative-marking structure makes accuracy important.

Candidates should:

1. Start with questions they can solve confidently.
2. Avoid blind guessing.
3. Mark doubtful questions for later review.
4. Keep enough time for OMR checking.
5. Practise full-length papers under the actual time limit.
6. Analyse incorrect answers after every mock.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs