Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. Among the two papers in the examination, the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), Maths often seals one's chances of selection.
What is a safe score in NDA Maths? It is one of the most common questions among aspirants. This blog will attempt to explain what is termed a safe score, how to reach it, and the books that can help you prepare well.
Understanding the NDA Maths Paper
The Maths paper of NDA is Paper 1 of the written examination. The quick rundown:
• Maximum Marks: 300
• No. of Questions: 120
• Time Duration: 2 and a half hours
• Negative Marking: One mark off for every wrong answer
• Marks Per Question: 2.5
The questions are objective and are selected from a very wide syllabus based on Class 11 and 12.
What is a Safe Score in NDA Maths?
A safe score is the minimum number of marks you should have to have a very strong chance of clearing the written exam and receiving a call for the final SSB (Services Selection Board) interview.
Safe Score in NDA Maths (Based on Past Trends):
|
Exam Attempt |
Total Marks |
Safe Score Range (Maths) |
|---|---|---|
|
NDA 1 & 2 |
300 |
120 – 140 marks |
A score of 120–140 out of 300 is generally considered safe. This means you need to attempt 50–60 questions correctly with minimal negative marking.
Why Is Maths So Important in NDA?
Many candidates perform well in the GAT paper, but Maths poses a hurdle as you must qualify in both papers separately, even with a good GAT score, can lead to disqualification.
Cutoff Marks Trend (Approx.):
-
Written Exam Cutoff: Around 355–370 out of 900
-
Minimum Maths Score to Qualify: 25% (i.e., 75 marks), but this is just the minimum. A safe score is higher, around 120–140
Read More: Is Class 12 Percentage Matter in NDA Exam?
Key Topics to Focus On
To look forward to the NDA Maths paper, for a safe score, major topics are-
|
Topic Name |
Weightage (Approx.) |
|---|---|
|
Algebra |
20–25 questions |
|
Matrices and Determinants |
10–12 questions |
|
Trigonometry |
15–20 questions |
|
Calculus |
10–12 questions |
|
Coordinate Geometry |
10–12 questions |
|
Probability & Statistics |
8–10 questions |
|
Vector Algebra |
5–8 questions |
|
Arithmetic |
10–12 questions |
Practice these topics daily from the NDA Maths book to increase accuracy and speed.
How to Achieve a Safe Score in NDA Maths?
Some smart tips to help you reach the safe range:
1. Select and Work With a Reliable NDA Maths Book
Start with whatever NDA Maths book is well structured with the entire syllabus and solved examples, formulas, and MCQs.
Look for the following:
• Topic-wise explanations
• Practice questions with solutions
• Concept boosters and formula sheets
2. Solve Questions from an NDA PYQ Book
Previous year question papers are like a mirror to the original exam. A good NDA PYQ book helps you:
• Understand the pattern
• Practice real NDA-level questions
• Learn time management
Go ahead and try solving the last 10 years of NDA Maths papers so as to build confidence during the exam.
3. Stick to the Best Book for NDA Preparation
Avoid too many book options; one to two books are just enough. Pick one good book for NDA. That book should encompass Maths, GAT, and previous year papers.
This will save loads of time and keep you away from confusion, all the while strengthening your fundamentals.
4. Daily Practice + Weekly Mock Tests
Finish 30–40 Maths MCQs daily and take full-length mock tests every weekend. Review mistakes, note weaknesses.
Things that mock help me do:
• Increase speed
• Build stamina for longer exams, and restless tiredness
• Track yourself
5. Revise Formulas Regularly
Prepare a notebook with formulas, and revise it every day. Mostly questions are direct formula applications, especially in Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus.
6. Focus on Accuracy
Do not blindly give all questions. Due to negative marks, accuracy is more important than numbers.
If you can confidently solve 60 questions with 90 percent accuracy, then you will easily hit the 130-mark zone, which is your safe score.
Role of GAT & GK in Overall Selection
Although this blog predominantly deals with Maths, GAT carries 600 marks consisting of English, Science, General Knowledge.
It is essential to have a good GK Book for NDA to fare well in GAT. The book should cover:
• History, Geography, Polity, Economy
• Physics, Chemistry, Biology (up to Class 12)
• Current Affairs and Static GK
Balancing your Maths and GK prep will help clear the overall cutoff of 355–370 marks.
Sample Study Plan to Score 130+ in NDA Maths
|
Day |
Topic |
Activity |
|---|---|---|
|
Monday |
Algebra + Practice |
Read theory + 30 MCQs |
|
Tuesday |
Trigonometry |
Solve identities + 20 MCQs |
|
Wednesday |
Coordinate Geometry |
Graph plotting + 25 MCQs |
|
Thursday |
Matrices & Determinants |
Practice sums + mock quiz |
|
Friday |
Calculus |
Solve derivatives + 20 MCQs |
|
Saturday |
Mock Test + Analysis |
Full test + note mistakes |
|
Sunday |
Revision Day |
Go over formulas + PYQs |
Repeat this cycle and adjust based on your strengths.
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FAQs
Q1. Is 100 marks enough in NDA Maths?
Ans. 100 marks is close to the qualifying range, but not always safe. To be confident, aim for 120–140 marks, which is a safer zone.
Q2. What is the minimum cutoff for NDA Maths?
Ans. The minimum required is around 25% (75 marks) in Maths, but the actual safe score is higher due to competition.
Q3. How can a NDA PYQ book help in scoring better?
Ans. It gives you real exam practice, helps identify repeated question types, and builds confidence through familiarity with the paper pattern.
Q4. Which is the best book for NDA Maths preparation?
Ans. A good NDA Maths book should include detailed concept explanations, solved examples, practice questions, and chapter-wise MCQs.
Q5. Should I study GK separately for the NDA exam?
Ans. Yes. Use a dedicated GK book for NDA to prepare History, Geography, Science, and Current Affairs for the GAT paper.
Final Thoughts
The NDA Maths exam isn’t tough if you prepare with the right strategy. Aim for a safe score of 120–140 marks by focusing on important topics, solving previous year questions, and revising regularly.
Choose your resources smartly—stick to a reliable NDA Maths book, an updated NDA PYQ book, and the best book for NDA that covers all subjects. Don't forget your GK book for NDA while preparing for the GAT section.
With smart planning, consistent practice, and a focus on accuracy, you can confidently cross the safe score and clear the written exam. The journey to NDA starts with preparation—and ends with pride.
