SENAPREP
UPSC NDA Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
The UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) examination selection consists of two primary stages: a Written Examination (900 Marks) followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview (900 Marks), making the total selection score 1,800 Marks.
1. Written Examination Structure (900 Marks)
The written exam is conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode) using OMR sheets with multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
| Paper Code | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 120 Questions | 300 Marks | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 Questions | 600 Marks | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| TOTAL WRITTEN EXAM SCORE | 270 Questions | 900 Marks | 5 Hours Total | |
Negative Marking & Penalty Scheme
UPSC applies a strict 1/3rd (one-third) negative marking penalty for every wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry zero penalty.
- Paper I (Mathematics): Each correct answer awards +2.5 Marks. Each wrong answer deducts -0.83 Marks.
- Paper II (GAT): Each correct answer awards +4.0 Marks. Each wrong answer deducts -1.33 Marks.
- Sectional Qualifying Cutoff: Candidates must score at least 25% qualifying marks in each paper independently to be evaluated for final recommendation.
2. Paper II: GAT Subject-Wise Weightage
Paper II (GAT) is divided into Part A (English) and Part B (General Knowledge).
| GAT Section | Subject Domain | Approx. Questions | Marks Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | English (Grammar, Vocab, Comprehension) | 50 Questions | 200 Marks |
| Part B (Physics) | Mechanics, Optics, Electricity, Heat | 23-25 Questions | 100 Marks |
| Part B (Chemistry) | Acids, Bases, Atoms, Reactions, Gases | 15 Questions | 60 Marks |
| Part B (General Science) | Biology, Human Diseases, Health | 10 Questions | 40 Marks |
| Part B (History & Freedom) | Modern History & Indian National Movement | 20 Questions | 80 Marks |
| Part B (Geography) | Indian & World Physical Geography | 20 Questions | 80 Marks |
| Part B (Polity & CA) | Constitution & Defence Current Affairs | 10 Questions | 40 Marks |
3. 5-Day SSB Interview Selection Stage (900 Marks)
Candidates who clear the written exam cutoff are invited to one of the Services Selection Boards (SSB) across India for a 5-day assessment of Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
Day 1: Screening Test (Stage 1)
Includes Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) verbal & non-verbal tests followed by Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT) group story narration. Candidates who fail Stage 1 are screened out on Day 1.
Day 2: Psychological Test (Stage 2)
Written psychometric tests including Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self-Description Test (SD).
Day 3 & Day 4: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks & Personal Interview
Outdoor group activities including Group Discussion (GD), Group Planning Exercise (GPE), Progressive Group Task (PGT), Snake Race/Group Obstacle, Command Task, Individual Obstacles, and One-on-One Interview with the Board Officer.
Day 5: Final Board Conference
All assessors gather to review the candidate's performance. Final recommended candidates proceed to the 5-7 day Special Medical Board examination.