NDA | Exam Pattern 2024 | Exam Pattern 2024: Marking Scheme, Subjects, and Time Duration

Exam Pattern 2024:The NDA & NA Exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) follows a structured pattern to assess candidates' knowledge and aptitude for admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA).

NDA Exam Pattern 2024 Information

Exam Name :
NDA
Language :
English
Level :
Beginner



NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY AND NAVAL ACADEMY EXAMINATION PATTERN

The NDA & NA (National Defence Academy & Naval Academy) Exam pattern comprises two stages: a Written Examination and an SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi, holds competitive examination for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force Wings of the NDA and Naval Academy, twice a year, for the training courses commencing in January and July. Admission to the above course is made on the basis of results of written examination conducted by the UPSC followed by intelligence and personality test by a Services Selection Board  

Scheme of National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination: 

 1. The subjects of the NDA & NA written examination, the time allowed and the maximum marks allotted to each subject are as follows 

SubjectCodeDurationMax. Marks
Mathematics012.5 hours300
General Ability022.5 hours600

  2. The NDA & NA papers in all the subjects consist of objective type questions only. 

NDA Paper-1 Mathematics (Code No. 01) (Maximum marks 300) 

NDA Paper-II General Ability Test (Code No. 02) (Maximum marks 600) comprise the following

 Part A NDA English (Maximum Marks - 200) 

 Part B NDA General Knowledge (Maximum Marks - 400)  

NDA & NA General Knowledge has six sections with the break-up of 400 marks as below:

Section for NDA Physics : 100 marks.
Section for NDA Chemistry : 60 marks.
Section for NDA General Science : 40 marks.
Section for NDA History, Freedom Movement (Social Studies) : 80 marks.
Section for NDA Geography : 80 marks.
Section for NDA Current Events : 40 marks.  

Marking Scheme:

  • Each correct answer in the Mathematics paper carries 2.5 marks.
  • Each correct answer in the GAT carries 4 marks.
  • Negative marking: 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.

Key Points

  • Mode of Examination: Written exam is conducted in pen and paper mode (offline).
  • Language: The question papers are provided in English as well as Hindi.
  • Negative Marking: There is negative marking for wrong answers in the objective type questions.
  • Qualifying Marks: Candidates need to secure minimum qualifying marks separately in Mathematics and the General Ability Test.
  • Final Selection: The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks of the written exam and the SSB Interview.

 FAQs related to the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Exam Pattern: 

1. What is the structure of the NDA & NA Exam?

The NDA & NA Exam consists of a written examination followed by an SSB Interview and a medical examination. The written examination comprises two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT).

2. How many papers are there in the written examination, and what are they?

The written examination consists of two papers:

  • Mathematics
  • General Ability Test (GAT), which includes English and General Knowledge.

3. What is the duration and marking scheme for each paper in the written examination?

Mathematics: Duration - 2.5 hours, Marks - 300

  • General Ability Test (GAT): Duration - 2.5 hours, Marks - 600 (200 for English and 400 for General Knowledge)

4. What topics are covered in the Mathematics paper?

The Mathematics paper covers topics such as Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential and Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Statistics, and Probability.

5. What subjects are included in the General Ability Test (GAT)?

The GAT comprises two parts:

  • Part A: English
  • Part B: General Knowledge, which includes Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.

6. Is there negative marking in the NDA & NA Exam?

Yes, there is a negative marking scheme for incorrect answers in the written examination. One-third of the marks assigned to the question are deducted as a penalty for each incorrect answer.

7. How is the SSB Interview conducted?

The SSB Interview is conducted for candidates who qualify in the written examination. It spans over 5 days and includes Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, and Personal Interviews. Candidates are evaluated on various parameters including Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) and overall personality.

8. What is the role of the medical examination in the NDA & NA selection process?

The medical examination assesses candidates' physical and mental fitness as per the medical standards prescribed by the Armed Forces. It is conducted by a Military Hospital.

9. How are candidates selected for the NDA & NA?

Final selection is based on the combined performance of candidates in the written examination and the SSB Interview. Candidates must also meet the medical standards specified by the Armed Forces.

10. Are there any minimum qualifying marks for each paper in the written examination?

Yes, candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in each paper of the written examination as decided by the UPSC.

11. How should I prepare for the SSB Interview?

Preparation for the SSB Interview involves improving communication skills, developing leadership qualities, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and understanding the requirements of the Armed Forces. Practice with mock interviews and group discussions can also be beneficial.

12. Can candidates appear for the NDA & NA Exam multiple times?

Yes, candidates can appear for the NDA & NA Exam multiple times, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and age limit.

13. What are the physical standards required for the NDA & NA Exam?

Candidates must meet specific physical standards related to height, weight, vision, and overall fitness as specified by the Armed Forces.

14. Where can I find more detailed information about the NDA & NA Exam pattern?

Candidates can refer to the official notification released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the official website for detailed information about the NDA & NA Exam pattern and selection process.

15. Can I get coaching specifically for the NDA & NA Exam pattern?

Yes, there are coaching institutes that offer specialized courses for NDA & NA Exam preparation. However, self-study with the help of quality study materials is also an effective approach.

 


Recent Notifications

  1. UPSC NDA and NA I 2024