About the NDA exam
National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination is one of the better-known exams in India. It is administered by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and attracts a large number of candidates each cycle. The exam is held twice a year.
Format of the real exam: Offline written examination followed by the SSB interview. Practising in the same style is the quickest way to remove surprises on exam day, which is exactly why NDA mock tests matter.
NDA eligibility
Unmarried male and female candidates within the age band in the notification, with Class 12 (Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics for Air Force and Naval wings).
Eligibility rules, age limits and relaxations can change between cycles, so always confirm the details in the latest official notification from Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) before you apply.
NDA exam pattern and marking scheme
Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hours) and General Ability Test (600 marks, 2.5 hours), both objective, with one-third negative marking. Qualified candidates face the five-day SSB interview.
- Subjects and sections: Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science and History, Geography & Current Events.
- Mode of the real exam: Offline written examination followed by the SSB interview.
- Frequency: Twice a year.
NDA syllabus: what to study
The NDA syllabus is organised around 6 main areas. Plan your preparation so that every area gets a revision cycle before your first full-length mock test.
- Mathematics: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- English: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Physics: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Chemistry: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- General Science: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- History, Geography & Current Events: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
How to prepare for NDA
A good NDA plan combines concept study, topic-wise practice and regular full-length mock tests. Use the checklist below as a starting point.
- Revise Class 11 and 12 Mathematics, which is the base of the 300-mark paper.
- Improve English grammar and vocabulary early, since it carries significant marks in the General Ability Test.
- Start physical fitness and communication practice alongside the written preparation for the SSB.
- Analyse every mock test: separate errors into concept gaps, calculation slips and time pressure, and fix one group at a time.
- Keep a short error notebook and revise it weekly, since repeated mistakes cost more marks than new ones.
Why practise NDA mock tests online
Reading and notes build knowledge, but only timed practice builds exam performance. A NDA mock test trains time management, question selection and stress control. Mock Archive gives you instant scoring, subject-wise accuracy, time spent per question and a full answer review the moment you submit.
- Real CBT interface: question palette, section timers and review marking.
- Instant result with accuracy, attempts and a question-by-question review.
- Works on mobile, tablet and desktop, and can be installed like an app.
- Free forever: no login, no signup and no payment.