UPSC NDA Exam Pattern

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UPSC NDA Exam Pattern

Exam Pattern

  • The NDA exam will be a “Written test” (No online exam).
  • The written exam includes “Multiple-choice Questions”.
  • All aspirants need to attempt answers in the exam sheet with a “Black Ballpoint Pen” only.
  • The NDA exam consists of two papers “Mathematics” and “General Ability Test (GAT)”.
Paper Details Name of Paper Maxi. Marks of Exam Duration of Paper
1st Exam Mathematics 300 Marks 150 Minutes
2nd Exam General Ability Test (GAT) 600 Marks 150 Minutes

NDA Mathematics Exam Pattern (Detailed)

Paper I- Mathematics
Total Marks 300 Marks
Total No. of Questions 120
Marks awarded for Correct answer 2.5 Marks
Marks are deducted for the wrong answer -0.83
Exam Duration 2.5 hours

General Ability Test Exam Pattern (Detailed)

Paper-II- General Ability Test
Total Marks 600 Marks
Total No. of Questions 150
No. of questions in English Section 50
No. Of questions in the General Knowledge Section 100
Maximum Marks for English 200 Marks
Maximum Marks for G.K. 400 Marks
Marks for Incorrect Answers -1.33 marks in both sections
Exam Duration 2.5 Hours

Mock Test

The mock tests for the NDA exam can be found on various online platforms and coaching institutes. These mock tests are designed to help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and the types of questions that will be asked. Taking mock tests can also help in time management and increase the chances of clearing the actual examination.

Writing UPSC NDA mock tests can provide several benefits, including

  • Familiarizing oneself with the format and types of questions that will be on the actual exam.
  • Identifying areas of weakness in one's knowledge and understanding of the material that needs to be studied more.
  • Improving time management and test-taking strategies.
  • Gaining confidence and reducing anxiety on the day of the actual exam.
  • Helps to evaluate the performance and prepare better for the actual exam.
  • Helps to identify the areas where one needs to put more focus.
  • Helps to understand the scoring pattern and identify the areas where one can score more.

Sample Papers

Sample papers are important for UPSC NDA (National Defence Academy) candidates because they provide an opportunity to practice the types of questions that may appear on the actual exam. They can help candidates become familiar with the format and difficulty level of the test, as well as identify areas where they need to focus their study efforts. Additionally, working through sample papers can help candidates improve their time management skills, as they will have a better understanding of how long they have to complete each section of the test. Overall, sample papers can help candidates feel more confident and prepared for the UPSC NDA exam.

To attempt a sample paper for UPSC NDA, follow these steps:

  • Understand the exam pattern and syllabus for NDA.
  • Download a sample paper from the official website of UPSC or any other reliable source.
  • Set a timer for the duration of the exam and stick to it while attempting the sample paper.
  • Attempt all the questions in the paper, making sure to follow the instructions and format given.
  • After completing the paper, check your answers with the provided solutions or answer key.
  • Analyze your performance and identify areas where you need improvement.
  • Practice more sample papers and previous year's question papers to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Revise the concepts and practice the questions more frequently.

Books

  • Objective General English by SP Bakshi
  • Wren & Martin High School English Grammar and Composition
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman & Lewis
  • NCERT books of Classes 11 and 12 and NCERT.
  • Mathematics for NDA and NA, S Chand publication, R.S. Agarwal

Some books that can help you for UPSC NDA are- Objective General English by SP Bakshi, Wren & Martin High School English Grammar and Composition, NCERT books for Classes 11 and 12, and NCERT, etc.
The Mathematics section is 300 marks and General Ability Test (GAT) is 600 marks.
Yes, -0.83 will be deducted for wrong answers in the mathematics section and -1.33 marks in both sections of the General Ability Test.

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