By the ExamguruX Editorial TeamUpdated 2 October 20264 min read
NDA pattern
Two papers of 2.5 hours each, for 900 marks. Wrong answers cost one-third of the question's marks. The SSB interview that follows carries another 900 marks.
- Paper I, Mathematics: 120 questions, 300 marks, at Class 11–12 level.
- Paper II, General Ability Test: 150 questions, 600 marks. English is 200 marks and General Knowledge (physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography, current events) is 400.
CDS pattern
IMA, INA and AFA candidates write three papers (English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics) of 100 marks each, 2 hours each. OTA candidates write only English and General Knowledge. Wrong answers carry a one-third penalty.
A six-month plan
- October–November: Concepts. For NDA, Class 11–12 maths chapter by chapter. For CDS, arithmetic and geometry basics. For both, a daily English slot (grammar rules, vocabulary, one comprehension passage).
- December: Fill in the form in the first week the window opens, then start General Knowledge (history, geography, polity and science) in a fixed daily block.
- January–February: Sectional tests every week, with an error log. Start reading defence and current-affairs news daily.
- March–early April: Full-length mocks twice a week, then revision only in the last ten days.
Start SSB preparation early
The written exam only earns you an SSB call. Fitness and communication take months to build, so start a running routine and practise speaking on current topics now, alongside your written preparation.
Key takeaways
- NDA (I) and CDS (I) 2027: notification on 2 December 2026, applications until 22 December, exam on 11 April 2027.
- NDA: 900 written marks (Maths 300, GAT 600); CDS: 100 marks per paper; −1/3 for wrong answers in both.
- Six months is enough for one full syllabus pass plus mocks. Build SSB fitness alongside.
Sources
Dates and patterns change — always confirm on the official website before applying.
