Is NDA MCQ-based?

The Union Public Service Commission popularly known as UPSC NDA exam, is a pathway to one of the most prestigious careers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force and is taken by millions of young aspirants every year. It is a gateway for students aspiring to be officers in the armed forces, and hundreds of thousands of students prepare for it every year.

But, before entering the process of preparation, one frequently asked question by first-time aspirants is: “Is the NDA exam MCQ-based?”

In short: yes. The Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) written papers of the NDA are fully objective and consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

This article will explain in detail the examination pattern, marking scheme, subjects involved, preparation tips, recommended books for NDA examination, and the smart strategies required to clear an MCQ-based NDA exam.

What Type of Exam is NDA?

The NDA examination is a pen and paper-based joint written examination which has multiple-choice questions.

There are two papers in the exam:

• Mathematics (paper-1): 120 questions ; 300 Marks

• General Ability Test (paper-2): 150 ; 600 Marks

Combined, they form the 900 marks written exam, after which SSB/Interview/Medical takes place. All the questions in the written exam consist of MCQ-type questions in which the candidate is required to select the appropriate option.

Also, as it is MCQ-based with negative marking, apart from knowledge, the most important thing is to attempt accurately and be strategic in taking the exam.

NDA Exam Pattern 2025

The UPSC clearly defines the NDA exam pattern. Here’s a summary of the structure:

NDA Marking Scheme

Understanding the marking scheme helps you avoid unnecessary negative scores.

Paper 1: NDA Mathematics (300 Marks)

The mathematics paper is MCQ-based and covers the majority of the Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus.

It contains 120 questions and addresses:

• Algebra

• Trigonometry

• Matrices & Determinants

• Calculus

• Probability & Statistics

• Vectors

Right answers award you +2.5 marks, while wrong attempts penalize you for –0.83 marks. This paper requires much more than simple memorization; it requires an understanding of mathematics and the ability to apply it while under time pressure.

Mathematics is usually a screening tool in the NDA examination; hence, a conceptually sound base coupled with regular practice, can lead students to have an obvious advantage. This type of performance contributes to a higher overall score, but also helps build the confidence to approach the remaining parts of the exam accurately.

Read More: How to Score 150 in NDA English?

Paper 2: General Ability Test (600 Marks)

The GAT is an assessment of both general knowledge and English proficiency.

English (200 Marks)

• Grammar & Usage

• Vocabulary & Comprehension

• Error spotting & Sentence improvement

General Knowledge (400 Marks)

• Physics, Chemistry, Biology

• Geography & History

• Current Affairs

There are 150 MCQs in the paper. Correct answers score +4 points and wrong answers score -1.33 points. The GAT requires a finely tuned approach. On the other hand, the English section awards good grammar, vocabulary, and reading and comprehension skills, which can be developed and strengthened through regular and continuous reading and practice of the language.  

The General Knowledge section is much broader and covers science, social studies, and current events on a daily basis, so constant awareness and revision are necessary. This paper is double weighted with Mathematics, so if you prepare well, it can dramatically improve your overall average and could mean the difference between making the cutoff or not making it.

How to Prepare for an MCQ-Based NDA Exam

The most effective approach to NDA exam prep is a simple study, practice, and review cycle…

• First, focus on your basics from the NCERTs as they form the foundation for Mathematics and GAT. Once your basics are clear, start solving a couple of MCQs daily from a standard NDA maths book and GAT reference book to enhance problem-solving speed.
  
  

• Next, get into the habit of solving 8-10 years of previous years' solved papers.You can find them in any good NDA previous year solved paper book. Practicing like this will help you to recognize the pattern and topics that are often repeated. To construct exam temperament, take full-length mocks under exam conditions once a week, as this prepares one in terms of time management and stamina.
  
  

• The last and most important step is to review your errors: review every mistake made, know where you went wrong, and ensure that you don’t make the same error twice. When you follow this cycle, you gradually increase accuracy, confidence, and you remain above the cut-off.

Recommended Books for NDA Examination

Choosing the appropriate books is among the smartest choices when preparing for the NDA. Because the exam is 100% based on MCQs, aspirants should have a combination of study materials to reinforce concepts as well as practice resources. Here are a few to start with:

General NDA Books

• Oswaal General Knowledge for NDA/NA & Other Competitive Exams

NDA Maths Book

• Oswaal NDA‑NA 12 Years Chapter‑wise & Topic‑wise Solved Papers (2014–2025) – Mathematics

• Oswaal NDA‑NA 16 Previous Solved Papers (2017–2025) – Mathematics

NDA Reference Book (for GAT)

• Oswaal NDA-NA (National Defence Academy / Naval Academy) 12 Solved Papers (2017-2023) General Ability Test - General Studies For 2024 Exam

• Oswaal NDA‑NA 11 Years' Chapter‑wise & Topic‑wise Solved Papers (2014–2024): GAT General Studies 

NDA Previous Year Solved Paper Book

• Oswaal NDA Free Mock Test Sample Papers | For 2025 Exams

• Oswaal NDA-NA (National Defence Academy/Naval Academy) 16 Previous Solved Papers| Year-wise 2017-2025 

With these resources, candidates will be able to achieve comprehensive coverage of concepts, hone problem-solving skills, and gain practical experience with real exam-level MCQs.

Smart Tips for NDA MCQs

It is not just knowing the subject matter but also knowing how to act smart while attempting to clear an MCQ-based exam like NDA. Here are some ways to help out:

• Avoid Blind Guessing: With negative marking in place, random attempts can reduce your score.

• Eliminate Options: Rule out obviously wrong choices to improve your odds of selecting the right answer.

• Manage Time Wisely: Don’t get stuck on a single tough question; move ahead and return later if time allows.

• Maintain Revision Notes: Keep quick notes for formulas, grammar rules, and GK facts for last-minute review.

• Read Daily: Regular reading sharpens comprehension skills and keeps you updated for the GAT section.

Final Thoughts

So, is the NDA exam MCQ-based? Yes, both the Mathematics and GAT papers of the NDA exam are MCQ-based and have negative marking.

Candidates must also have strong conceptual clarity, which can be achieved through NCERTs and NDA reference books, strong problem-solving skills, and exam familiarity, which can be gained from solving NDA previous‑year papers and taking mock tests.

Ultimately, consistent practice, accuracy, and the right strategy not only boost scores but also prepare candidates to confidently clear the written stage and advance toward the SSB interview. The gateway to a career as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.

FAQs

Q1. Is the NDA exam MCQ-based or descriptive?

The NDA exam is completely MCQ-based. Both Mathematics and GAT papers follow the objective format.

Q2. Does NDA have negative marking?

Yes. In Mathematics, 0.83 marks are deducted per wrong answer, and in GAT, 1.33 marks are deducted.

Q3. Which books are best for NDA preparation?

Books like Oswaal’s NDA-NA (National Defence Academy/Naval Academy) 16 Previous Solved Papers| Year-wise 2017-2025  or any other targeted  NDA previous year solved paper book are highly recommended.

Q4. How many questions are there in the NDA exam?

The NDA written exam has 270 questions in total, 120 in Mathematics and 150 in GAT.