The NDA Exam Pattern 2026 is designed to assess a candidate’s academic knowledge, logical thinking, and overall personality in a structured way. The complete selection process is divided into two main stages — the written examination and the SSB Interview — and each stage carries 900 marks. This means the total evaluation is out of 1800 marks. The written exam checks a student’s understanding of Mathematics and General Ability, while the SSB evaluates qualities like leadership, communication, confidence, and decision-making. Understanding the exam pattern in detail helps candidates plan their preparation strategically and manage their study routine more effectively.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026 Details

Exam Mode	Offline
Number of papers	GAT and Mathematics
Duration of test	GAT: 2 ½ hoursMathematics: 2 ½ hours
Exam time	GAT: 10 am to 12.30 pmMathematics: 2 pm to 4.30 pm
Number of questions	GAT: 150Mathematics: 120
Language of question paper	English and Hindi
Total marks	Written Exam: 900 (600 for GAT and 300 for Mathematics)SSB Interview: 900
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1) Go to the Official Website

Open: https://upsconline.nic.in
(or open https://upsc.gov.in and follow the application link)

👉 Always fill the form only on the official website — avoid fake or duplicate sites.

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2) User Registration / New User

If you are applying for the first time, click on “One Time Registration ” or “Register”.

Enter basic details:

• Full name
• Email ID
• Mobile number

Verify using OTP.

You will receive a Registration ID / Username and Password.
Keep this information saved safely — you will get it on email/SMS too.

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3) Login to Your Account

Login using your Registration ID and password.

Go to your Dashboard → find “Apply Online” → look for NDA Notification/Link.

Open the NDA Application Form.

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4) Read the Official Notification

Before filling the form, carefully read the full NDA notification:

• Eligibility
• Important dates
• Fee details
• Documents required
• Photo & signature specifications

If something is confusing, follow the Instructions section in the notification.

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5) Start Filling the Form – PART I (Basic Information)

Fill the required details:

• Father’s name
• Mother’s name
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Category
• Nationality
• Address

Choose exam centre preferences (usually 1–6 options).
Choose carefully — changing later is difficult.

Save the form as you proceed (there is no auto-save).

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6) Upload Documents (Photo & Signature)

You will need:

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Signature
• In some years, thumb impression

UPSC photo rules are strict. Follow specifications from the notification:

• Recent color photo
• White/light background
• Clear signature

Accepted file types: JPG/JPEG/PNG
Upload will fail if the size or dimensions don’t match.

Tip: Keep your images ready beforehand.

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7) PART II – Education & Additional Details

Fill your educational information:

• Class 10 details
• Class 12 details (board, roll number, passing year)

If applicable, fill sections like:

• NCC
• School details
• Preference details

After submission, only limited fields can be corrected.

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8) Preview & Verify Everything

Click on Preview and carefully check:

• Name spelling
• Date of Birth
• Category
• Exam centre
• Email & mobile
• Uploaded documents
• Full form entries

Move to next step only when everything is correct.

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9) Pay the Application Fee

Your application is accepted only after fee payment.

Payment modes:

• Net Banking
• Debit/Credit Card
• UPI (if allowed in that year)

Fee varies by category — check the notification.

Save the transaction ID and take a screenshot of the receipt.

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10) Final Submit & Print the Form

After successful payment, click Final Submit.

You will receive:

• Application Number / Acknowledgement

Take a screenshot and print the form (preferably 2 copies).
You may need it during the exam or SSB.

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11) Correction Window (If Released)

UPSC sometimes provides a short correction window.
Only limited details can be changed — do not miss this chance.

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12) Admit Card & Updates

UPSC will release the admit card before the exam.

Download from:
➡️ upsconline.nic.in → Login → Download Admit Card

Keep checking your email & SMS regularly for updates.

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Quick Checklist — Keep These Ready

• Aadhaar Card / ID proof
• 10th & 12th certificates
• Recent photograph (as per UPSC specs)
• Signature image
• Active email & mobile
• Debit/credit card or net banking
• Category certificate (if applicable)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Submitting multiple applications
❌ Wrong photo/signature size
❌ Wrong exam centre choice
❌ Incorrect DOB or spelling
❌ Not saving payment proof

NDA Exam Pattern 2026 for Written Exam Details

Papers	Subject	Maximum marks	Duration
Paper 1	Mathematics	300	2 ½
Paper 2	GAT	600	2 ½
Total		900	5 hours

NDA Maths Exam Pattern

The Mathematics paper in the NDA exam includes 120 objective-type questions carrying a total of 300 marks. This section tests how well candidates understand basic to advanced mathematical concepts that are usually taught in school. The questions come from topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics, and Matrices & Determinants. Since the Maths paper is based on both conceptual clarity and speed, candidates need regular practice to improve accuracy. The level of questions is moderate to high, so solving previous year papers becomes very helpful in understanding the type of questions asked.

NDA GAT Exam Pattern

The General Ability Test (GAT) carries 150 questions worth 600 marks, making it the most scoring part of the written exam. The GAT paper is divided into two key areas — English and General Knowledge. The English section focuses on grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and reading ability, ensuring candidates can communicate effectively. The General Knowledge portion covers a wide range of subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs, and more. This paper checks how aware and informed a candidate is about the world. Regular reading, practicing comprehension, and staying updated with news can help candidates score well in this section.

Sections		Maximum marks
Part A – English		200
Part B – General Knowledge	Physics	100
	Chemistry	60
	General Science	40
	History, Freedom Movement, etc.	80
	Geography	80
	Current Events	40
	Total	600

NDA Marking Scheme 

There are NDA negative markings for incorrect answers, 1/3 of the marks allotted to each question are deducted for the incorrect answer. There is no deduction in marks for unanswered questions.

Subject	NDA Negative Marking
GAT	-1.33
Maths	-0.83

NDA Exam Duration

NDA exam duration is 5 hours, each paper is held for 2 ½ hours. NDA shift timings are given below.

Shift	NDA Exam Timing
Morning	10.00 am to 12:30 pm
Afternoon	2.00 pm to 4:30 pm

NDA Exam Pattern 2026 for SSB Interview

Students can check the pattern of the SSB Interview.

1	Screening Test
2	Psychological Test
	Group Testing Officers Test
	Personal Interview
	Conference