The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam 2026, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of the most prestigious defence entrance examinations in India. Understanding the latest NDA exam pattern 2026 and marks distribution is crucial for aspirants targeting the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.
This article provides a complete, detailed, and SEO-optimised explanation of the NDA Exam Pattern 2026, including written exam structure, subject-wise marks, time duration, negative marking, and SSB interview details, followed by an FAQ section.
NDA Exam Pattern 2026 – Overview
The NDA selection process consists of two main stages:
Written Examination
SSB Interview (Personality Test)
Only candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the SSB interview.
| Stage | Mode | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | Offline (Pen & Paper) | 900 Marks |
| SSB Interview | Psychological & Personality Tests | 900 Marks |
| Total | — | 1800 Marks |
NDA Written Examination Pattern 2026
The NDA written exam consists of two objective-type papers conducted on the same day.
Paper-wise Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 Marks |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 600 Marks |
| Total | — | 5 Hours | 900 Marks |
NDA Mathematics Paper Pattern 2026
Total Questions: 120
Marks per Question: 2.5
Negative Marking: –0.83 marks for each wrong answer
Maximum Marks: 300
Mathematics Topics Covered
Algebra
Matrices & Determinants
Trigonometry
Analytical Geometry
Differential Calculus
Integral Calculus
Vector Algebra
Statistics & Probability
👉 Mathematics requires strong conceptual clarity and regular practice.
NDA General Ability Test (GAT) Pattern 2026
The GAT paper tests a candidate’s general awareness, reasoning, and language skills.
Total Questions: 150
Marks per Question: 4
Negative Marking: –1.33 marks for each wrong answer
Maximum Marks: 600
Section-wise Marks Distribution (GAT)
| Section | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension | 200 |
| General Knowledge | Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Polity, Current Affairs | 400 |
| Total | — | 600 Marks |
NDA Written Exam – Important Instructions
Objective-type questions (MCQs)
Medium of paper: English & Hindi (except English section)
No sectional time limit
OMR-based answer sheet
Calculators and electronic devices are not allowed
NDA SSB Interview Pattern 2026
Candidates clearing the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, conducted over 5 days.
SSB Marks Distribution
| Stage | Test Type | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Screening Test (OIR & PPDT) | Qualifying |
| Stage II | Psychology Tests | — |
| Stage II | Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks | — |
| Stage II | Personal Interview | — |
| Total SSB Marks | — | 900 Marks |
⚠️ Stage I is qualifying in nature; marks are not added to the final merit list.
Final NDA Merit List 2026
The final merit list is prepared based on:
Written Exam Marks: 900
SSB Interview Marks: 900
👉 Total: 1800 Marks
Candidates must also clear medical standards prescribed by the armed forces.
Why Understanding NDA Exam Pattern 2026 is Important
Helps in smart study planning
Ensures balanced preparation for Maths & GAT
Avoids excessive negative marking
Improves time management strategy
Boosts final selection chances
NDA Exam Pattern 2026 – Key Highlights
Two papers: Mathematics & GAT
Objective-type questions
Negative marking applicable
Equal weightage to Written Exam & SSB
No sectional cut-off officially declared
Merit-based final selection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the total marks for NDA Exam 2026?
The total marks are 1800, including 900 for written exam and 900 for SSB interview.
Q2. Is there negative marking in NDA 2026?
Yes. Negative marking applies to both Mathematics and GAT papers.
Q3. How many papers are there in the NDA written exam?
There are two papers – Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
Q4. Is the NDA exam conducted online or offline?
The NDA exam is conducted in offline (pen and paper) mode.
Q5. What are the qualifying marks for NDA written exam?
UPSC does not officially declare qualifying marks; it varies each year based on difficulty and competition.
Q6. Is SSB interview tougher than the written exam?
SSB tests personality, leadership, and officer-like qualities, making it equally important as the written exam.
Q7. Can I qualify NDA with strong GAT but weak Maths?
Both papers must be cleared individually, so basic qualification in Mathematics is mandatory.
Conclusion
A clear understanding of the NDA Exam Pattern 2026 with marks distribution is the foundation of a successful preparation strategy. Aspirants should focus equally on Mathematics, GAT, and personality development to secure a place in the National Defence Academy.
