Skip to main content
Launch offer has ended. Unlock any exam for ₹399 / 3 months — free tests are still available.View plans
ExamguruX — Practice, Prepare, Succeed
Defence entrance · officer entry after Class 12 · Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

NDA & NA Mock Tests, Syllabus & Complete Exam Guide

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (UPSC). Practise 35 full-length mock tests on the official pattern, drill every topic, and get the eligibility, syllabus, cut-off, rank and college details you need — all in one place.

Start a free mock testExplore topic tests

NDA & NA at a glance

Papers
Maths · General Ability Test
Written
900 marks · two papers of 2.5 hrs
Marking
One-third negative in both papers
Stages
Written → SSB Interview → Medical
ModeOffline pen-and-paper · Written exam → SSB Interview → Medical
FrequencyTwice a year (NDA I and NDA II)
LanguagesEnglish & Hindi
By the ExamguruX Editorial TeamReviewed for pattern accuracy against Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)Last updated 2 October 2026

NDA & NA full-length mock tests

Attempt 35 full-length NDA & NA mock tests built on the official 52-question pattern. The first mock is free — every test comes with instant results and a step-by-step solution for each question.

NDA & NA Full Mock Test 01

Free
52 Qs · 104 marks60 min19.1K attemptsModerate
Start free

NDA & NA Full Mock Test 02

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min23.1K attemptsHard
Unlock

NDA & NA Full Mock Test 03

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min27.2K attemptsModerate
Unlock

NDA & NA Full Mock Test 04

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min31.2K attemptsHard
Unlock

NDA & NA Full Mock Test 05

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min35.3K attemptsEasy
Unlock

NDA & NA Full Mock Test 06

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min39.3K attemptsHard
Unlock

NDA & NA Full Mock Test 07

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min43.4K attemptsEasy
Unlock

NDA & NA Full Mock Test 08

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min47.4K attemptsModerate
Unlock

NDA & NA Full Mock Test 09

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min51.5K attemptsEasy
Unlock

Unlock all NDA & NA tests

Try the first full-length mock free. Get the complete NDA & NA mock library, every topic test and all available languages for 3 months — a one-time ₹399 / 3 months.

NDA & NA — full access

₹399/ 3 months
  • Every full-length mock test
  • All topic-wise tests, every subject
  • All available languages
  • Step-by-step solution for every question
  • Indicative marks-to-rank & cut-offs

Secure payment by Razorpay · one-time ₹399 for 3 months

NDA & NA topic-wise tests & syllabus

120 topic tests across 4 subjects — a focused set of 15 tests for every topic in the NDA & NA syllabus, tagged with approximate exam weightage so you practise where the marks are.

120 topic-wise tests · 15 per topic across 4 subjects. Pick a subject, expand a topic, and start drilling.

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 01

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min120K attemptsModerate
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 02

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min149K attemptsEasy
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 03

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min177K attemptsHard
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 04

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min205K attemptsModerate
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 05

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min234K attemptsEasy
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 06

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min262K attemptsHard
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 07

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min290K attemptsModerate
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 08

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min18.8K attemptsEasy
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 09

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min47.2K attemptsHard
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 10

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min75.5K attemptsModerate
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 11

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min104K attemptsEasy
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 12

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min132K attemptsHard
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 13

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min161K attemptsModerate
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 14

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min189K attemptsEasy
Unlock

Algebra, Matrices & Trigonometry — Test 15

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min217K attemptsHard
Unlock

NDA & NA sample questions

A few real NDA & NA questions with answers and step-by-step solutions, in the exact style of the full mock tests.

MathematicsSample 1

If A = {2, 3, 5, 7} and B = {1, 2, 3, 4}, then A intersection B is:

  • A.{5, 7}
  • B.{2, 3}
  • C.{1, 4}
  • D.{2, 3, 5, 7}

Solution: The intersection contains only the elements common to both sets, namely 2 and 3.

General Ability: EnglishSample 2

Choose the word closest in meaning to 'Candid'.

  • A.Deceitful
  • B.Frank
  • C.Timid
  • D.Careless

Solution: 'Candid' means open and honest in expression, so it is closest to 'frank'.

General Ability: Physics & ChemistrySample 3

A body of mass 5 kg is acted upon by a net force that gives it an acceleration of 4 m/s^2. The magnitude of the force is:

  • A.9 N
  • B.1.25 N
  • C.20 N
  • D.0.8 N

Solution: By Newton's second law, F = m x a = 5 x 4 = 20 N.

General Ability: History, Geography & Current EventsSample 4

Who founded the Arya Samaj in 1875?

  • A.Swami Dayananda Saraswati
  • B.Raja Ram Mohan Roy
  • C.Swami Vivekananda
  • D.Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

Solution: The Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement, was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875.

About the NDA & NA exam

A national entrance exam for unmarried 10+2 candidates seeking admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and to the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy — the gateway to a permanent commission as an officer in the Armed Forces.

What is the NDA & NA exam?

The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year — NDA I and NDA II — to select unmarried 10+2 candidates for the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy. It is one of the most sought-after routes to becoming a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces straight after Class 12.

Selection has three parts: a written examination of 900 marks, the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview of 900 marks, and a medical examination. The written exam has two papers — Paper I Mathematics (300 marks) and Paper II the General Ability Test (600 marks, split into English and General Knowledge). Because both papers carry one-third negative marking, accuracy matters as much as coverage. Cadets who clear all stages train at the NDA before moving to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy or Air Force Academy for their pre-commission training.

How to clear the NDA

Mathematics is worth 300 of the 900 written marks, so it is the single biggest lever — master 10+2 algebra, matrices and determinants, trigonometry, calculus, coordinate geometry, vectors and probability until problems are quick and accurate. The General Ability Test rewards broad, steady preparation: strong English grammar and comprehension for the 200-mark English section, and reliable Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and current-affairs knowledge for the 400-mark General Knowledge section.

Because every wrong answer costs one-third of the marks, disciplined attempting beats blind guessing — solve what you know and eliminate before you commit. Full-length timed mocks build the stamina the two 2.5-hour papers demand and reveal weak sections early. Clearing the written exam is only half the journey: the SSB Interview tests officer-like qualities over about five days, so build physical fitness, communication and awareness of defence and current affairs well in advance.

NDA & NA eligibility & exam pattern

Check whether you meet the NDA & NA eligibility criteria and understand exactly how the paper is structured and marked before you plan your preparation.

Eligibility criteria

Nationality
Indian citizen, or a candidate belonging to the other categories specified in the UPSC notification.
Marital status
Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply and to join the academy.
Gender
Open to both men and women for all wings, as notified by UPSC.
Age
Generally 16.5 to 19.5 years as on the reference date given in the notification.
Qualification
Passed 10+2 (Class 12) from a recognised board — Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 are required for the Air Force, Navy and the 10+2 Naval Academy entry.
Physical & medical
Candidates must meet the physical and medical fitness standards, including height, vision and general health, prescribed for the Armed Forces.

Exam pattern & marking

SubjectQuestionsMarks
Paper I — MathematicsAlgebra, matrices, trigonometry, calculus, coordinate geometry, vectors, probability (10+2 level)120300
Paper II — General Ability: EnglishGrammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence improvement50200
Paper II — General Ability: General KnowledgePhysics, Chemistry, General Science, History & Freedom Movement, Geography, Current Events100400
SSB InterviewPsychological tests, group tasks and personal interview over about five days—900
TotalNaN900

The NDA & NA written examination is worth 900 marks across two papers, each of 2.5 hours. Paper I, Mathematics, has 120 objective questions for 300 marks; a correct answer earns 2.5 marks and a wrong answer loses one-third of that (about 0.83). Paper II, the General Ability Test, has 150 questions for 600 marks, split into English (50 questions, 200 marks) and General Knowledge (100 questions, 400 marks covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History and the Freedom Movement, Geography and Current Events); each correct answer earns 4 marks and each wrong answer loses one-third (about 1.33). Both papers therefore apply one-third negative marking. Candidates who clear the written cutoff are called for the SSB Interview (900 marks) held over about five days, followed by a qualifying medical examination; final merit is out of 1800 marks. On ExamguruX the engine scores +1 for a correct answer and −1/3 for a wrong one — the same one-third negative ratio as the real exam — and every question carries a worked solution.

Duration: 5 hours (two papers of 2.5 hours).

How to prepare for NDA & NA

A fresher-friendly NDA & NA roadmap — understand the paper first, follow a month-by-month plan, build a weekly routine and peak with reviewed full-length mocks.

Beginner-friendly roadmap

Your NDA & NA plan: first day to exam day

Start with the paper structure, build concepts in layers, then use timed practice and review to turn preparation into a repeatable score.

Coverage4 subjects
Exam clock5 hours (two papers of 2.5 hours)
MarkingThe NDA & NA written examination is worth 900 marks across two papers, each of 2.5 hours. Paper I, Mathematics, has 120 objective questions for 300 marks; a correct answer earns 2.5 marks and a wrong answer loses one-third of that (about 0.83). Paper II, the General Ability Test, has 150 questions for 600 marks, split into English (50 questions, 200 marks) and General Knowledge (100 questions, 400 marks covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History and the Freedom Movement, Geography and Current Events); each correct answer earns 4 marks and each wrong answer loses one-third (about 1.33). Both papers therefore apply one-third negative marking. Candidates who clear the written cutoff are called for the SSB Interview (900 marks) held over about five days, followed by a qualifying medical examination; final merit is out of 1800 marks. On ExamguruX the engine scores +1 for a correct answer and −1/3 for a wrong one — the same one-third negative ratio as the real exam — and every question carries a worked solution.

The first 12 weeks

A plan a fresher can actually follow

  1. Month 1

    Understand the paper and build your base

    Read the official pattern first, then make a realistic subject map for 4 subjects. Begin with Mathematics, General Ability: English, General Ability: Physics & Chemistry. Focus on concepts before speed.

    Take one diagnostic topic test. Its purpose is to find gaps, not to judge your score.
  2. Month 2

    Finish the core syllabus through practice

    Cover the remaining syllabus, including General Ability: History, Geography & Current Events, while revising Month 1 every week. Move from untimed questions to short timed sets.

    Keep a single error log: concept missed, why it happened and the correct method.
  3. Month 3

    Build exam temperament with mocks

    Use the real exam time limit (5 hours (two papers of 2.5 hours)) in full-length practice. Review every mock longer than it took to attempt it; the review is where improvement happens.

    Turn each weak area from your error log into a 30–45 minute repair session.

Your repeatable week

The study loop that makes revision stick

  1. 1
    Learn

    Read one focused concept block and make a short revision sheet.

  2. 2
    Solve

    Immediately answer topic questions; do not wait until you have ‘finished’ the syllabus.

  3. 3
    Review

    Log mistakes by concept, not just by score. Revisit them after 2–3 days.

  4. 4
    Simulate

    Use a timed section or mock to practise decisions under the clock.

Mock-test ladder

Don’t start with a full mock every day

  • Month 1: topic tests after each completed concept.
  • Month 2: one timed sectional test each week, plus error-log revision.
  • Month 3: one or two full mocks weekly under the real 5 hours (two papers of 2.5 hours) clock.

NDA & NA-specific priorities

What to focus on as you move through the plan

  1. 1

    Make Mathematics your strength

    Paper I is worth 300 marks. Drill 10+2 algebra, matrices and determinants, trigonometry, calculus, coordinate geometry, vectors and probability until they are fast and accurate — this is the biggest scoring lever.

  2. 2

    Cover the General Ability Test widely

    Paper II spans English plus Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and current events. Read regularly and revise static facts so the 600-mark paper is broad and reliable rather than patchy.

  3. 3

    Sharpen English fundamentals

    The English section carries 200 marks. Practise grammar, vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms, sentence improvement and comprehension for quick, accurate marks.

  4. 4

    Respect the one-third negative marking

    Both papers penalise wrong answers by one-third. Attempt when you can eliminate to a confident choice and leave questions you genuinely cannot judge.

  5. 5

    Take full-length timed mocks

    Each paper runs 2.5 hours. Simulate the real clock and marking to build stamina, learn section balance and review the worked solution for every question you miss.

  6. 6

    Prepare early for the SSB and medical

    The written exam is only the first stage. Build physical fitness, communication skills and defence and current-affairs awareness ahead of the five-day SSB Interview and the medical examination.

Final 7 days

Revise your short notes and error log; do not begin major new topics.

Take only the number of mocks you can properly review; protect sleep and routine.

Confirm the official admit-card instructions, reporting time, centre and permitted items.

Want personal support?

Request an online trainer for your NDA & NA preparation.

Get help with your study plan, difficult concepts and mock-test review, subject to trainer availability.

Request a trainer

NDA scoring & selection

Use this practice benchmark to understand score ranges, qualifying cut-offs and the selection stages for NDA & NA. The conducting authority sets official merit and appointments.

NDA & NA marks vs. rank

Score rangeStageWhat it takes
Strong Mathematics scorePaper I300-mark Maths paper is the biggest scoring lever
Broad General AbilityPaper IIEnglish + General Knowledge across 600 marks
Clear the written cutoffWrittenReach the SSB Interview stage of selection
SSB Interview: OLQsSSBOfficer-like qualities over about five days (900 marks)
Medical: fit categoryMedicalQualifying — meet the Armed Forces fitness standards

Indicative stage requirements

Written (Paper I + Paper II)Decisive

Indicative marks: Clear the aggregate written cutoff set by UPSC

SSB Interview900 marks

Indicative marks: Psychological tests, group tasks and interview over ~5 days

Medical examinationQualifying

Indicative marks: Meet vision, height and fitness standards of the Armed Forces

Wing allotmentMerit-based

Indicative marks: Army, Navy or Air Force by merit, choice and vacancies

Final meritOut of 1800

Indicative marks: Written 900 + SSB 900, subject to the medical board

The NDA & NA pattern here — the two-paper 900-mark written exam (Paper I Mathematics 300 marks and Paper II General Ability Test 600 marks), one-third negative marking, and the SSB Interview and medical stages — reflects UPSC's recent published scheme. Exact vacancies, cutoffs, dates, age limits and physical and medical standards change with each notification; always confirm current specifics in the official UPSC notification at upsc.gov.in.

Academies and services in the NDA pathway

Candidates who clear the NDA & NA written exam and the SSB Interview join the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla (or the Indian Naval Academy for the 10+2 cadet entry), and after training are commissioned into the Army, Navy or Air Force through their respective pre-commission academies. The wing you enter depends on your merit, choices, medical category and vacancies — the outline below shows the training path, not fixed cutoffs.

AcademyWingCommissionEntry / wing
National Defence Academy, KhadakwaslaArmy / Navy / Air ForceTri-service cadet trainingFirst stage after selection
Indian Military Academy (IMA), DehradunArmy wingPermanent Commission — ArmyPost-NDA training
Indian Naval Academy (INA), EzhimalaNavy wingPermanent Commission — NavyPost-NDA / 10+2 cadet entry
Air Force Academy (AFA), DundigalAir Force wingPermanent Commission — Air ForcePost-NDA flying training
Indian ArmyLand forcesCommissioned officerMerit, choice & vacancies
Indian NavyNaval forcesCommissioned officerMerit, choice & vacancies
Indian Air ForceAir forcesCommissioned officerMerit, choice & medical category
10+2 Naval Academy entryIndian Naval AcademyCadet Entry SchemePhysics & Maths at 10+2 required

A representative set of institutes that admit through NDA & NA. Many more academys participate in the counselling process.

NDA & NA important dates

The typical NDA & NA recruitment timeline, from notification to result and document verification. Dates are tentative until the official notice is released.

  1. NDA & NA (I) 2027 notification

    2 December 2026

  2. Last date to apply

    22 December 2026

  3. NDA (I) 2027 written exam

    Sunday, 11 April 2027

  4. Written result

    Expected a few weeks after the exam

  5. SSB Interview

    After the written result

  6. Medical & final merit

    After the SSB, before the course begins

NDA & NA news & guides

The latest dates, notices and preparation guides for NDA & NA, checked against official sources.

NDA & NA — frequently asked questions

Quick, reliable answers to the questions NDA & NA aspirants ask most.

What is the NDA & NA selection process?

Three stages: a written examination of 900 marks (Paper I Mathematics and Paper II General Ability Test), the SSB Interview of 900 marks held over about five days, and a qualifying medical examination. Final merit is out of 1800 marks.

What is the NDA exam pattern?

Two papers of 2.5 hours each. Paper I, Mathematics, has 120 questions for 300 marks. Paper II, the General Ability Test, has 150 questions for 600 marks, split into English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and current events). The paper is set at the 10+2 level.

Is there negative marking in NDA?

Yes. Both papers use one-third negative marking: in Maths a correct answer earns 2.5 marks and a wrong one loses about 0.83, while in the General Ability Test a correct answer earns 4 marks and a wrong one loses about 1.33. There is no penalty for unanswered questions.

Who is eligible for the NDA exam?

Unmarried candidates who have passed or are appearing in 10+2, generally aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years. Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 are required for the Air Force, Navy and the 10+2 Naval Academy entry. Candidates must also meet the physical and medical standards.

How many times is the NDA exam held?

The UPSC conducts it twice a year — NDA I and NDA II — so a candidate has two chances in a year within the age window. The written exam leads to admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA and to the Indian Naval Academy.

How should I use these mock tests?

Take full-length timed mocks to build speed and section balance under the real marking, and review the worked solution for every question. Use the topic tests to drill Mathematics, English, Physics and Chemistry, and History, Geography and current events until each becomes a reliable source of marks.

Start your NDA & NA preparation today

Take your first full-length mock free, see your predicted rank, and let the analysis show you exactly what to fix next.

Start free
Devaseelan

Devaseelan

Cleared NEET