NDA Exam Pattern 2026: Marks, Questions and Marking Scheme

The NDA exam pattern is set by UPSC (upsc.gov.in) and stays largely the same from one exam to the next. The written exam has two objective papers, Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT), for a total of 900 marks. Candidates who qualify then take the SSB interview for another 900 marks. This page explains the NDA exam pattern 2026, the marking scheme and the rules to know before NDA I 2027 on 11 April 2027.

Table of Contents

NDA Exam Pattern 2026 at a Glance

For NDA II 2026, Mathematics was held in the morning session and GAT in the afternoon, on the same day.

NDA Marking Scheme

UPSC deducts one-third of the marks of a question for each wrong answer. Marking more than one answer to a question counts as a wrong answer.

Key Rules of the NDA Exam

• Objective questions only: Every question has four options.

• Language: Mathematics and the GK part of GAT are set in Hindi and English. The English part is in English only.

• OMR sheet: Answers are marked on an OMR answer sheet with a black ball pen. Pencils and ink pens are not allowed.

• No calculator: Calculators and mathematical or log tables are not permitted.

• No scribe: Candidates must write the papers in their own hand.

• Qualifying marks: UPSC can set minimum qualifying marks in each subject. In recent exams, candidates needed at least 25% in each paper.

SSB Stage

Candidates who clear the written exam are called for a five-day SSB interview, held in two stages. Stage I includes the Officer Intelligence Rating test and the Picture Perception and Description Test. Stage II covers psychology tests, group tasks, a personal interview and a conference. Air Force candidates also take the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS). The final merit list adds written and SSB marks, out of 1,800.

How to Use the Exam Pattern in Your Preparation

• Plan your time: In Mathematics, you have about 75 seconds per question. In GAT, you have one minute per question.

• Play to the weightage: GAT carries 600 marks, twice as much as Mathematics. Do not neglect English and GK.

• Watch negative marking: Three wrong answers in Mathematics cancel one full correct answer, so avoid blind guesses.

• Practise on OMR sheets: Filling bubbles takes time. Include it in your mock test practice.

Timed mock tests on the same pattern are the best way to get used to the time limits. On Testkart, educators publish online tests for defence exams that you can use for timed practice.

The NDA exam pattern has two 2½-hour papers for 900 marks, one-third negative marking and an SSB interview for another 900 marks. Know the marking scheme, clear the minimum marks in both papers, and practise under exam conditions before NDA I 2027.