NDA Previous Year Paper – Download PDF

📅 Published on: 12.11.2025

NDA Previous Year Paper

Cracking the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a dream for thousands of aspirants who wish to serve the nation through the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. To turn this dream into reality, understanding the DNA PREVIOUS YEAR PAPER is one of the most powerful strategies.

Solving NDA Previous Year Papers helps candidates analyze question patterns, difficulty levels, and important topics that frequently appear in the exam. It also boosts accuracy, speed, and confidence. In this complete guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about NDA Previous Year Papers — including exam pattern, syllabus, topic-wise analysis, best books, and expert-backed preparation tips.

NDA PYQ

The NDA PYQ (Previous Year Question Paper) refers to the actual question papers from previous NDA exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). These papers are invaluable for candidates preparing for upcoming NDA exams, as they reflect the real UPSC question pattern.

Why You Should Solve NDA Previous Year Papers

  • ✅ Understand the exam structure and distribution of marks.
  • ✅ Identify repeated questions and important chapters.
  • ✅ Improve speed and accuracy through timed practice.
  • ✅ Learn time management for the actual exam.
  • ✅ Build confidence before appearing for the test.

Experts recommend solving at least the last 10 years of NDA Previous Year Papers to understand trends and master question-solving techniques.

NDA Exam Pattern 2025

Before starting preparation, every candidate must know the NDA Exam Pattern. The exam is conducted in two stages — the Written Exam and the SSB Interview.

Stage 1: Written Examination

Paper

Subject

Duration

Marks

Paper I

Mathematics

2 Hours 30 Minutes

300

Paper II

General Ability Test (GAT)

2 Hours 30 Minutes

600

Total

900 Marks

Stage 2: SSB Interview

  • Carried out in two stages, testing personality, leadership, and intelligence.
  • Marks: 900
Marking Scheme
  • ✅ Correct answer: +4 marks
  • ❌ Wrong answer: –1.33 marks
  • ⚪ Unattempted: 0 marks

Practicing NDA Previous Year Paper as per this pattern helps candidates manage time better and reduce negative marking.

Download NDA Previous Year Paper PDF

To make your preparation easier, you can download NDA Previous Year Papers in PDF format from trusted education portals such as:

All files are more then 5MB so please wait For Download because it may takes time

Year

Exam

Mathematics Paper (PDF)

General Ability Test (GAT) (PDF)

2025

NDA 2

Download PDF

Download PDF

2025

NDA 1

Download PDF

Download PDF

2024

NDA 2

Download PDF

Download PDF

2024

NDA 1

Download PDF

Download PDF

2023

NDA 2

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Download PDF

2023

NDA 1

Download PDF

Download PDF

2022

NDA 2

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Download PDF

2022

NDA 1

Download PDF

Download PDF

2021

NDA 2

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Download PDF

2021

NDA 1

Download PDF

Download PDF

2020

NDA 2

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Download PDF

2020

NDA 1

Download PDF

Download PDF

2019

NDA 2

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Download PDF

2019

NDA 1

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Download PDF

2018

NDA 2

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Download PDF

2018

NDA 1

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Download PDF

2017

NDA 2

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Download PDF

2017

NDA 1

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Download PDF

2016

NDA 2

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Download PDF

2016

NDA 1

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Download PDF

2015

NDA 2

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Download PDF

2015

NDA 1

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Download PDF

NDA Syllabus 2026

The NDA syllabus covers topics from Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge — mostly based on Class 10–12 standards.

Mathematics Syllabus

•Algebra

•Trigonometry

•Matrices & Determinants

•Analytical Geometry

•Differential & Integral Calculus

•Vector Algebra

•Statistics & Probability

General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus

Part A – English

•Grammar & Vocabulary

•Reading Comprehension

•Sentence Correction

•Synonyms & Antonyms

•Idioms & Phrases

Part B – General Knowledge

•Physics

•Chemistry

•General Science

•History & Indian Freedom Movement

•Geography

•Current Affairs

The NDA Previous Year Papers follow this exact syllabus pattern. Regular practice of old papers helps identify which topics carry more weight.

Important Topics from NDA Previous Year Papers

Analyzing the last 10 years of NDA PYQs reveals certain topics that appear repeatedly. Here’s a quick overview:

Most Asked Topics in Mathematics

•Trigonometric Identities and Ratios

•Matrices and Determinants

•Probability & Statistics

•Coordinate Geometry

•Quadratic Equations

•Differential Calculus

Most Asked Topics in GAT

•English Grammar Rules

•Vocabulary & Reading Comprehension

•Indian History and Constitution

•Fundamental Physics & Chemistry

•Geography (Earth, Rivers, Climate)

•Defense-related Current Affairs

Focus more on these topics while revising, as they contribute to over 60% of the total marks in most NDA exams.

Best Books for NDA Preparation

Choosing the right study material is equally important as solving NDA Previous Year Papers. Below are the best books recommended by toppers and mentors:

Mathematics

•Pathfinder for NDA & NA by Arihant Publications

•Mathematics for NDA & NA by R.S. Aggarwal

•NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12)

General Aptitude Test

•Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi

•Lucent’s General Knowledge

•NCERT Books (Science, History, Geography – Class 9 to 12)

Combine these books with NDA PYQs for holistic preparation.

Expert Preparation Tips for NDA Exam

1. Build Strong Fundamentals

  • Begin your NDA preparation by mastering the basics from NCERT textbooks (Classes 9–12), especially in Mathematics, Science, and English.
  • The NDA exam questions are mostly concept-based rather than formula-based.
  • Focus on understanding core principles like algebraic formulas, laws of motion, and grammar rules.
  • Create summary notes for key formulas, derivations, and grammar rules for quick revision.
  • Building a strong base ensures you can tackle even the most complex problems confidently in the NDA paper.

2. Solve NDA Previous Year Papers Regularly

  • Practice NDA Previous Year Papers every 2–3 days to understand the real exam pattern and level of difficulty.
  • Solving past papers enhances your time management and boosts accuracy under pressure.
  • Compare your answers with official solutions to identify and correct mistakes.
  • Focus on chapters and question types that are repeated frequently across multiple NDA exams.
  • Treat each NDA PYQ session as a mock test — simulate exam conditions and time yourself strictly for both Maths and GAT sections.

3. Revise Smartly

  • Instead of rereading entire chapters, make short, precise notes of formulas, definitions, and key facts.
  • Use flashcards or sticky notes for quick recall during revision sessions.
  • Schedule weekly and monthly revision sessions to keep previously learned topics fresh.
  • Group related topics together — for example, revise “Trigonometry” and “Coordinate Geometry” on the same day for better connection.
  • Regular revision strengthens memory retention and minimizes last-minute confusion before the NDA exam.

4. Attempt Mock Tests

  • After solving a few NDA Previous Year Papers, begin taking full-length mock tests.
  • Attempt mocks in real exam conditions — use a timer and avoid distractions.
  • Analyze your performance after each test:
    • Identify your weak subjects or question types.
    • Revisit those topics in your study plan.
  • Mock tests help improve question selection strategy — deciding which questions to attempt first and which to skip.
  • Aim to score slightly higher than the previous cut-offs in your practice tests to stay ahead of competition.

5. Time Managementop

  • Create a daily timetable that balances all subjects effectively.
    • 📘 Mathematics: 3 hours daily
    • 📗 GAT (General Ability Test): 3 hours daily
    • 📰 Current Affairs: 1 hour daily
  • Prioritize subjects based on your strength and weakness — allocate extra time to weak areas.
  • Break your study hours into 45–60 minute focused sessions with short breaks.
  • During the NDA exam, divide your 2.5 hours efficiently:
    • Attempt easier questions first to build momentum.
    • Mark difficult ones for review later.
  • Time discipline during preparation directly reflects in better performance in the actual NDA exam.

6. Physical & Mental Fitness

  • The NDA selection process also tests physical strength and mental endurance during the SSB interview stage.
  • Include daily exercise, such as running, push-ups, swimming, and yoga, to build stamina.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and ensure sufficient sleep to keep your mind sharp.
  • Engage in activities like reading, meditation, or playing outdoor games to reduce stress.
  • A calm and confident mindset helps you perform better both in written exams and interviews.

7. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

  • General Knowledge and Current Affairs hold significant weightage in the GAT section of the NDA exam.
  • Read a daily newspaper like The Hindu or Indian Express to stay informed about national and international news.
  • Refer to monthly magazines such as Pratiyogita Darpan, Lucent’s GK, or Manorama Yearbook for defense-related updates.
  • Focus on areas like:
    • Indian defense exercises and operations
    • National and international awards
    • Government schemes and economic developments
    • Science and technology updates
  • Create a short monthly current affairs notebook for last-week revision before the NDA exam.

How NDA Previous Year Papers Help Implement These Tips

  • Practicing NDA PYQs integrates all these strategies effectively.
  • They allow you to test your fundamentals, revision, time management, and accuracy at once.
  • Regularly solving NDA Previous Year Papers builds the confidence needed to face both the written exam and SSB interview stages successfully.

✅ In summary:

A perfect NDA preparation strategy includes a balance of concept clarity, consistent practice, revision, mock testing, physical fitness, and current awareness. Combining these with NDA Previous Year Papers gives you the competitive edge to clear the exam with flying colors.

Conclusion

The NDA Previous Year Paper is not just a practice tool—it’s your roadmap to success. It provides clear insight into question trends, difficulty levels, and important topics. With consistent practice, correct strategy, and disciplined study, any aspirant can crack the NDA exam on the first attempt.

So, start today! Download the NDA Previous Year Papers PDF, analyze every question, and prepare strategically to fulfill your dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces.

FAQs on NDA Previous Year Paper

Q1. Where can I find NDA Previous Year Papers with solutions?

You can download NDA PYQs with solutions from allexamPYQs.com or the official UPSC website.

Aim to solve at least the last 10 years of NDA papers for best results.

Yes. The question pattern remains the same for both exams.

It’s competitive but not impossible. With consistent practice and understanding of NDA PYQs, you can clear it with ease.

Mathematics and English hold the highest scoring potential, followed by General Knowledge and Current Affairs.

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