NDA Exam Pattern, Syllabus, SSB and Cutoff

Written examination

NDA exam pattern and marking

The written total is 900 marks. The question papers are objective. Mathematics and the General Knowledge part of GAT are set in Hindi and English. UPSC does not permit calculators in the objective papers.

Negative marking: the cited notification deducts one third of the marks assigned to a question for an incorrect answer. A blank answer has no penalty. Practise accuracy as well as speed, and check the instructions in your own examination notice.

Paper I

What is in the NDA Mathematics syllabus?

The official syllabus covers eight broad areas. Use the notification to see the precise subtopics rather than relying on a shortened coaching checklist.

• Algebra, including sets, equations, sequences, permutations and combinations
• Matrices and determinants
• Trigonometry and its applications
• Two and three dimensional analytical geometry
• Differential calculus
• Integral calculus and differential equations
• Vector algebra
• Statistics and probability

A useful study method is to learn one concept, solve graded questions, attempt timed practice and revisit every error. Students studying in Classes 11 and 12 should coordinate this with their school syllabus rather than neglecting Board preparation.

Paper II

What is in the NDA General Ability Test?

The official General Knowledge syllabus is indicative, not an exhaustive list of every possible question. Build a weekly cycle for science fundamentals, history, geography, reading and current affairs. Revise with previous question papers and review mistakes by subject.

For a focused language routine, use the NDA GAT English preparation plan for Class 11–12. For science, use the NDA GAT Physics, Chemistry and General Science plan. For the remaining General Knowledge areas, follow the NDA GAT History, Geography and Current Affairs plan.

Selection board

How does the NDA SSB process work?

According to the UPSC notice, SSB selection has two stages. Only candidates who clear Stage I proceed to Stage II.

The Interviewing Officer, Group Testing Officer and psychologist assess the candidate as a whole. Develop clear communication, fitness, awareness, teamwork and honest self-reflection; memorised answers are a weak substitute for real habits. For the full procedure, follow the official SSB references in the UPSC notification.

Explore our SSB training in Pune for preparation guidance alongside written examination study.

Qualifying marks

What is the NDA cutoff?

A cutoff is the minimum score reported for a particular examination and selection stage; it is not one permanent number for every NDA attempt. UPSC publishes examination-specific cutoff documents, including written-stage and final-stage information where applicable. The Commission can also set qualifying marks in individual subjects.

Do not plan around a claimed “guaranteed cutoff.” Check the exact NDA I or NDA II year on the UPSC official cutoff marks page, read the notes in that PDF, and compare like with like. A written cutoff is not the same thing as a final selection score after SSB. Cutoff marks do not replace eligibility, medical standards or merit requirements.

Practical preparation

A sensible weekly plan

• Study Mathematics concepts and solve timed questions on several days each week.
• Read English daily, then practise grammar and comprehension.
• Rotate GAT science, history, geography and current events.
• Take a full or sectional mock and analyse wrong answers, including negative marking.
• Keep physical activity, rest, communication and school academics in the timetable.

For younger aspirants, read our guide to NDA preparation after Class 10. Families comparing study and residential options can also explore NDA coaching in Pune and our 11th and 12th integrated programme.