The General Ability Test (GAT) is the most scoring and highest-weightage paper in the NDA 2026 examination, carrying 600 out of 900 marks in the written exam. A strong performance in English and General Knowledge (GK) can significantly boost your overall NDA score—even if Maths is average.
This article provides a comprehensive, beginner-friendly, and SEO-optimised guide to NDA 2026 GAT preparation, covering English and GK preparation tips, study plans, smart strategies, common mistakes, and FAQs.
NDA 2026 GAT – Exam Overview
| Section | Marks | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| English | 200 | ~50 |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 400 | ~100 |
| Total GAT | 600 Marks | 150 Questions |
Time Duration: 2.5 Hours
Negative Marking: –1.33 marks per wrong answer
Why GAT is Crucial for NDA 2026
Highest weightage (67% of written exam)
Easier to score than Maths
Helps balance average Maths performance
Strong GAT score improves final merit rank
Part A: NDA 2026 English Preparation Tips
English tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Regular practice makes it one of the easiest scoring sections.
1. NDA English Syllabus (Quick Recap)
Grammar & Usage
Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)
Error Spotting
Sentence Improvement
Idioms & Phrases
Comprehension Passages
Cloze Test
2. Step-by-Step English Preparation Strategy
Build Grammar Basics
Parts of Speech
Tenses
Articles
Prepositions
Active & Passive Voice
Direct & Indirect Speech
📌 Strong grammar = fewer mistakes.
Improve Vocabulary Daily
Learn 10–15 new words daily
Focus on synonyms, antonyms, and usage
Revise regularly
Practice Comprehension
Read newspapers/editorials daily
Practice one passage every day
Improve speed and understanding
English Daily Study Plan (30–45 Minutes)
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Grammar practice | 15 min |
| Vocabulary | 10 min |
| Reading/Comprehension | 15 min |
English Score Target
Safe Score: 120–150 marks
Accuracy matters more than attempts
Part B: NDA 2026 GK Preparation Tips
GK contributes 400 marks, making it the most decisive section.
1. NDA GK Syllabus Overview
Physics
Motion, Laws of Motion
Work, Energy & Power
Heat, Light & Sound
Electricity & Magnetism
Chemistry
Acids, Bases & Salts
Metals & Non-Metals
Fuels & Combustion
Physical & Chemical Changes
General Science
Human Body & Diseases
Plants & Animals
Environment & Ecology
History
Ancient, Medieval & Modern India
Freedom Struggle
Important Movements
Geography
Physical Geography
Indian Geography
Climate & Natural Resources
Polity
Indian Constitution
Fundamental Rights & Duties
Parliament, Judiciary
Current Affairs
National & International Events
Defence News
Sports, Awards, Appointments
2. Smart GK Preparation Strategy
Study Concept-Based
Read NCERT Class 9–10 for Science
Understand concepts instead of memorising facts
Daily Current Affairs
Read newspapers
Make short notes
Revise weekly
Static GK Focus
Polity, History, Geography are high-scoring
Revise frequently
GK Daily Study Plan (60–90 Minutes)
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Static GK | 45 min |
| Science | 20 min |
| Current Affairs | 15–20 min |
GK Score Target
Safe Score: 220–260 marks
GAT Attempt Strategy (English + GK)
Attempt questions you are sure about
Avoid blind guessing
English → high accuracy
GK → balanced attempts with logic
🎯 Ideal Attempts: 95–110 questions
Common Mistakes to Avoid in GAT
❌ Ignoring English practice
❌ Memorising GK without understanding
❌ Skipping revision
❌ Guessing answers blindly
❌ Ignoring current affairs
Last-Month GAT Preparation Strategy
Revise English grammar rules
Practice comprehension daily
Revise static GK
Focus on last 6–8 months current affairs
Solve full-length GAT mock tests
Why This GAT Strategy Works
High weightage focus
Balanced English & GK preparation
Beginner-friendly approach
Proven scoring methods
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is GAT more important than Maths in NDA?
Yes, GAT carries 600 marks, making it more important in scoring.
Q2. How much time should I give to GAT daily?
At least 1.5–2 hours daily is recommended.
Q3. Are NCERT books enough for NDA GK?
NCERT covers basics, but current affairs and practice questions are essential.
Q4. Can I crack NDA with strong GAT and average Maths?
Yes, provided you clear Maths cut-off.
Q5. How many months of current affairs are needed?
Minimum 6–8 months before the exam.
Conclusion
A smart NDA 2026 GAT preparation strategy for English & GK can be the game-changer in your selection journey. With regular practice, conceptual clarity, and proper revision, scoring 350+ marks in GAT is absolutely achievable.
