Previous year NDA question papers serve as one of the best ways to crack this prestigious entrance exam. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam twice yearly. Candidates face two sections – Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), with total marks adding up to 900.
Students preparing for the NDA 1 2026 exam on April 12, 2026 can substantially boost their speed and accuracy by practicing these papers. The exam structure has stayed consistent over time. Mathematics accounts for 300 marks while the General Ability Test makes up 600 marks. The Mathematics portion contains 120 questions, and the GAT section presents 150 questions. Each wrong answer leads to a deduction of 1/3rd mark.
NDA Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2010–2025)
NDA previous year question papers give you a competitive advantage in your exam preparation. These papers from 2010 to 2025 cover Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) sections. They help you learn about the exam pattern and commonly tested concepts.
You can download authentic NDA previous year question papers as PDFs from the UPSC official website. Several reliable study resources also compile these papers with detailed solutions to boost your understanding.
Quick links to download NDA previous papers:
| Year | Mathematics Paper | General Ability Test Paper |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2024 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2023 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2022 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2021 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2020 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2019 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2018 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2017 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2016 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2015 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2014 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
| 2013-2010 | [Download Now] | [Download Now] |
Several publications offer detailed books with 21 years of previous questions and explanations. These books break down complex questions and provide chapter-wise and topic-wise analysis to improve your preparation.
Regular practice with these papers under timed conditions will help you measure your progress against real-life exam patterns.
NDA Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The NDA exam pattern knowledge helps you better understand previous year question papers. You need to clear two main stages: the Written Exam and the SSB Interview. Each stage carries 900 marks.
The written examination has two papers:
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 hours | 2.5 | 0.83 |
| 2 | GAT | 150 | 600 | 2.5 hours | 4 | 1.33 |
General Ability Test (GAT) has two sections:
- English: 50 questions worth 200 marks
- General Knowledge: 100 questions worth 400 marks
The marking scheme has a negative marking system that deducts one-third of the question’s marks for wrong answers. You should practice with previous year papers to reduce penalties.
Mathematics works as a qualifying paper. Your GAT score won’t count if you fail in Mathematics. This makes practicing both sections of previous year question papers vital for complete preparation.
You won’t lose marks for questions you don’t attempt. It’s better to leave doubtful questions than make random guesses.
Why You Should Solve NDA Previous Year Papers?
NDA previous year question papers are the secret weapon of successful candidates. We used these papers to get comfortable with the actual exam environment, which helps reduce test-day anxiety.
Regular practice with NDA previous year papers gives you many advantages:
- Reveals question patterns – You’ll see topics and concepts that show up repeatedly over the years
- Improves time management – You’ll learn how to finish all 270 questions within the strict time limits
- Expresses strengths and weaknesses – You can spot areas where you need to improve
- Reduces careless mistakes – NDA’s negative marking makes accuracy a vital part of success
These papers expose you to various question types and complexity levels that enhance your analytical and logical reasoning skills. Most candidates don’t realize how important consistent practice is, yet it builds both speed and accuracy.
You should solve at least 10 years of NDA previous year question papers during your preparation. This works especially when you have topics that take more time, so you can focus on challenging areas.
The familiarity you get through repeated practice builds confidence—a vital factor on exam day. A careful analysis of these papers helps you find alternative and shortcut methods to solve complex problems.
How Doon Defence Dreamers Helps You Crack NDA?
For aspirants preparing seriously for the NDA examination, Doon Defence Dreamers provides structured guidance that perfectly complements the practice of previous year question papers. Our NDA preparation program focuses on concept clarity in Mathematics, strategic approach for GAT, and smart handling of negative marking through regular mock tests and PYQ-based practice sessions. With experienced mentors, exam-oriented study plans, and continuous performance analysis, Doon Defence Dreamers helps students convert hard work into results and move one step closer to joining the National Defence Academy.
Conclusion
Regular practice with NDA previous year question papers is the life-blood of effective exam preparation. These papers are a great way to get experience with actual exam conditions and question types during your prep time. Students who solve these papers consistently perform better than those who just stick to textbooks.
You need both subject knowledge and the right strategy to crack the NDA examination. The marking scheme plays a significant role when you practice with previous year papers under timed conditions. Note that Mathematics is a qualifying paper, so you must master this section before moving to the General Ability Test.
Your performance depends heavily on time management skills. Previous papers help you practice time allocation for each section, which reduces exam day pressure. These papers also reveal common patterns and important topics that show up year after year.
The negative marking system makes the NDA exam tough. Previous year papers teach you to make smart choices about which questions to attempt – a strategy that affects your final score by a lot.
The path to joining the National Defence Academy needs dedication, discipline, and methodical preparation. Solving NDA previous year question papers from 2010 to 2025 will enhance your analytical abilities and make you more confident. Begin your preparation now. Focus on understanding concepts instead of memorizing them. Let these question papers guide you toward your dream of serving the nation through the armed forces.
Key Takeaways
Master your NDA exam preparation with these essential insights from analyzing previous year question papers and exam patterns:
• Practice 10+ years of previous papers – Solve NDA question papers from 2010-2025 to identify recurring patterns and build familiarity with exam format
• Mathematics is qualifying, GAT determines rank – You must pass Mathematics (300 marks) to have your GAT score (600 marks) considered for final selection
• Master negative marking strategy – With 1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers, learn when to attempt questions versus leaving them blank
• Time management is crucial – Practice completing 120 Math questions in 2.5 hours and 150 GAT questions in 2.5 hours under exam conditions
• Focus on high-weightage topics – Previous papers reveal frequently tested concepts, helping you prioritize study areas for maximum impact
Regular practice with authentic previous year papers builds both speed and accuracy while reducing exam anxiety. The consistent exam pattern since 2010 makes these papers highly relevant for upcoming NDA exams, giving you a strategic advantage in your preparation journey.
FAQs
Q1. How many previous year question papers should I solve for NDA exam preparation?
Experts recommend solving at least 10 years’ worth of NDA previous year question papers. This practice helps you gain familiarity with the exam format, question types, and frequently tested topics.
Q2. What is the marking scheme for the NDA exam?
The NDA exam consists of two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks). Each correct answer in Mathematics is worth 2.5 marks, while in GAT, it’s 4 marks. There’s a negative marking of 1/3rd of the allotted marks for incorrect answers.
Q3. Is the Mathematics paper important in the NDA exam?
Yes, the Mathematics paper is crucial as it serves as a qualifying paper. If you fail in Mathematics, your GAT score won’t be considered for final selection, regardless of how well you perform in that section.
Q4. How can solving previous year papers improve my NDA exam performance?
Solving previous year papers helps improve time management skills, reveals question patterns, highlights your strengths and weaknesses, and reduces careless mistakes. It also builds confidence and familiarizes you with the exam environment.
Q5. What is the duration of the NDA written exam?
The NDA written exam consists of two papers, each lasting 2.5 hours. The Mathematics paper contains 120 questions, while the General Ability Test (GAT) has 150 questions. Both papers must be completed within their respective time limits.
