How to Prepare for NDA 2025 – Best NDA Preparation Tips, Shortcuts Here

Q: Q1. When is the NDA 2025 exam scheduled?

Ans. NDA 1 is expected in April 2025, and NDA 2 in September 2025. Official dates will be announced by UPSC.

Q: Q2. How can candidates register for the NDA 2025 exam?

Ans. Visit the official UPSC website ( www.upsc.gov.in ), complete the registration, fill out the application form, and pay the required fee.

Q: Q3. What are the subjects covered in the NDA exam?

Ans. The exam includes: Mathematics General Ability Test (GAT): English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.

Q: Q4. Why is solving previous years' question papers important?

Ans. Solving past papers helps candidates: Understand the exam pattern. Identify key topics. Practice time management effectively.

Q: Q5. How should candidates manage their time during the NDA exam?

Ans. Start with familiar questions, allocate time wisely to each section, and avoid spending too much time on difficult questions.

Q: Q6. What is the best way to prepare for Mathematics in the NDA exam?

Ans. Focus on: Strengthening basic concepts. Memorizing formulas. Practicing problem-solving with mock tests and previous years’ papers.

Q: Q7. How can candidates improve their General Knowledge for the NDA exam?

Ans. Read newspapers, stay updated on current events, study NCERT books for history and geography, and practice quizzes regularly.

Q: Q8. Are there any negative markings in the NDA exam?

Ans. Yes, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer.

Q: Q9. How can candidates stay fit for the SSB interview?

Ans. Maintain a regular exercise routine, practice running, push-ups, sit-ups, and focus on balanced nutrition.

How to Prepare for NDA 2025 The UPSC, the Union Public Service Commission, holds the NDA Exam twice yearly. This exam is like a door that opens for individuals who want to join the Indian Navy, Indian Army, or Indian Air Force. It’s a popular way to start a career in the Indian Defence Services, which means candidates will be servicing to protect our country.

If candidates are planning to take the NDA 1 exam on April 13, 2025, there are some simple tips and tricks that they can follow to get ready. These tips will help you prepare better for the test, making it a bit easier for the candidates. So, if becoming part of the Indian Defence Services is the goal, get ready to put in some effort and use these tips to do best in the NDA Exam.

NDA 2025

The NDA Exam, conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a gateway for aspirants to join the prestigious Indian Defence Services, including the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force. As candidates gear up for the NDA 1 exam scheduled for April 21, 2024, or the subsequent NDA exams in 2025, it is crucial to follow a focused and structured approach to preparation.

Important Dates for NDA 2025

Event	NDA (I) 2025	NDA (II) 2025 (Tentative)
Notification Release Date	December 11, 2024	June 2025
Application Start Date	December 11, 2024	June 2025
Last Date to Apply	December 31, 2024	July 2025
Admit Card Release Date	March 2025	August 2025
Examination Date	April 13, 2025	September 2025
Result Announcement Date	May/June 2025	October/November 2025

NDA 2025 Exam Pattern

Before starting the NDA 2025 preparation, candidates are advised to go through the NDA 2025 exam pattern properly. Thus, below is the NDA 2025 Exam Pattern.

Written Examination

Subject	Maximum Marks	Duration	Number of Questions	Marking Scheme
Mathematics	300	2.5 hours	120	+2.5 for correct, -0.83 for wrong
General Ability Test (GAT)	600	2.5 hours	150	+4 for correct, -1.33 for wrong
Total	900	5 hours	270	–

GAT Division

Part	Marks	Topics Covered
Part A (English)	200	Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and communication skills
Part B (General Knowledge)	400	Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs

SSB Interview

Stage	Details	Marks
Stage 1	Screening Test: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and PPDT	–
Stage 2	Psychological Tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Personal Interview, Conference	–
Total	Includes all SSB stages	900

Overall Marks

Section	Maximum Marks
Written Examination	900
SSB Interview	900
Total	1800

Summary of Marking Scheme

Section	Marks for Correct Answer	Marks Deducted for Wrong Answer
Mathematics	+2.5	-0.83
GAT	+4	-1.33

General NDA Preparation Tips

Tips
Understand the NDA syllabus.
Create a study plan with breaks.
Focus on the basics of Math, English, and General Knowledge.
Use recommended books for preparation.
Solve previous year question papers.
Take regular practice tests.
Manage time effectively.
Read newspapers and practice English regularly.
Stay updated on current events.
Prepare for interviews by building confidence and awareness.

Mathematics Preparation Tips

Tips
Understand basic math concepts.
Solve previous years’ question papers.
Practice daily with set question targets.
Use shortcuts and tricks for time efficiency.
Memorize formulas and theorems.
Take mock tests for performance analysis.

English Preparation Tips

Tips
Read English books, newspapers, and magazines.
Practice grammar exercises regularly.
Learn and use new words in sentences daily.
Watch English movies and TV shows.
Solve mock tests and sample papers.

Physics Preparation Tips

Tips
Master basic concepts.
Use reference books and study materials.
Solve previous years’ question papers.
Focus on key topics like Ohm’s Law and Motion.
Take timed mock tests for speed and accuracy.

Chemistry Preparation Tips

Tips
Understand fundamental concepts.
Focus on key topics like Atomic Structure.
Memorize important formulas and reactions.
Revise regularly to keep the basics clear.
Practice mock tests for accuracy and time management.

Biology Preparation Tips

Tips
Make notes of definitions and concepts.
Practice diagrams and their labeling.
Revise regularly to avoid last-minute stress.
Work on speed and accuracy in solving questions.

History Preparation Tips

Tips
Understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
Read NCERT and reference books.
Take notes and create a revision plan.
Practice daily mock tests.
Focus on significant events, dates, and personalities.

Geography Preparation Tips

Tips
Understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
Study fundamental concepts and theories.
Make notes of important topics and definitions.
Use maps, diagrams, and charts for better understanding.
Read recommended textbooks for deeper insights.

Current Affairs Preparation Tips

Tips
Read newspapers and magazines regularly.
Follow news channels and online portals for updates.
Make notes of important events and figures.
Read books for in-depth knowledge.
Join relevant groups or forums for discussions.

SSB Interview Preparation Tips

Tips
Develop a positive attitude and confidence.
Work on verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Stay updated on Armed Forces developments and values.
Practice group discussions and public speaking.
Focus on physical fitness and mental agility.
Be honest, authentic, and respectful during the interview.

Last-Minute Tips for NDA 2024 Exam

Go through important topics and solve old question papers to refresh your memory.
Try a few practice tests to get used to exam conditions. It will boost candidates’ confidence and help them manage time better.
Keep cool and get a good night’s sleep before the exam for a clear and focused mind.
Make sure candidates reach the exam centre on time to avoid unnecessary stress. Plan the journey beforehand.
Don’t start studying new things at the last minute; it might confuse. Stick to what candidates already know.
Trust that candidates have prepared well. Confidence is essential during the exam.
Have a light and nutritious meal before the exam to stay energized. Avoid heavy or unfamiliar foods to stay comfortable.

FAQs for Preparing for NDA 2025

Q1. When is the NDA 2025 exam scheduled?

Ans. NDA 1 is expected in April 2025, and NDA 2 in September 2025. Official dates will be announced by UPSC.

Q2. How can candidates register for the NDA 2025 exam?

Ans. Visit the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in), complete the registration, fill out the application form, and pay the required fee.

Q3. What are the subjects covered in the NDA exam?

Ans. The exam includes:
Mathematics
General Ability Test (GAT): English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.

Q4. Why is solving previous years’ question papers important?

Ans. Solving past papers helps candidates:
Understand the exam pattern.
Identify key topics.
Practice time management effectively.

Q5. How should candidates manage their time during the NDA exam?

Ans. Start with familiar questions, allocate time wisely to each section, and avoid spending too much time on difficult questions.

Q6. What is the best way to prepare for Mathematics in the NDA exam?

Ans. Focus on:
Strengthening basic concepts.
Memorizing formulas.
Practicing problem-solving with mock tests and previous years’ papers.

Q7. How can candidates improve their General Knowledge for the NDA exam?

Ans. Read newspapers, stay updated on current events, study NCERT books for history and geography, and practice quizzes regularly.

Q8. Are there any negative markings in the NDA exam?

Ans. Yes, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer.

Q9. How can candidates stay fit for the SSB interview?

Ans. Maintain a regular exercise routine, practice running, push-ups, sit-ups, and focus on balanced nutrition.

Adhyyan Defence Academy

Adhyayan is an institute which is working in the field of competitive examination preparation. We have become a leading institute in terms of giving result especially in NDA at Maharashtra.