Practice Papers Available
NDA — General Knowledge
History · Geography · Science · Current Affairs
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CDS — General Knowledge
History · Polity · Geography · Science · Current Affairs
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AFCAT — General Awareness
Air Force Common Admission Test questions
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NDA Exam Pattern
NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC.
- Paper 1 — Mathematics: 120 questions | 300 marks | 2.5 hours
- Paper 2 — General Ability Test: 150 questions | 600 marks | 2.5 hours
- Part A — English: 50 questions | 200 marks
- Part B — General Knowledge: 100 questions | 400 marks (Physics 25Q, Chemistry 15Q, General Science 10Q, History 20Q, Geography 20Q, Current Events 10Q)
- Negative marking: -1/3 per wrong answer
- SSB Interview: 900 marks (5-day psychological and physical testing)
CDS Exam Pattern
CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam is conducted twice a year for graduates.
- IMA, INA, AFA: English (100Q, 100M), General Knowledge (100Q, 100M), Elementary Mathematics (100Q, 100M) — 2 hours each paper
- OTA (Officers Training Academy): English (100Q, 100M), General Knowledge (100Q, 100M) — no Mathematics
- Negative marking: -1/3 per wrong answer
- SSB Interview after written exam
Defence Exam GK Topics
- History: Ancient, Medieval, Modern India, National Movement, World Wars, Cold War
- Geography: Indian rivers, mountains, states and capitals, world geography, climate
- Polity: Indian Constitution, Parliament, fundamental rights, elections
- Science: Physics (motion, electricity, optics), Chemistry (elements, compounds, reactions), Biology (human body, diseases)
- Current Affairs: Defence acquisitions, military exercises, diplomatic relations, sports achievements, national schemes
- Defence Specific: Indian Army/Navy/Air Force ranks, famous military operations, defence organisations (DRDO, HAL, BEL), military exercises with other countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NDA exam pattern?
NDA has 2 papers: Paper 1 (Mathematics) — 120 questions, 300 marks, 2.5 hours. Paper 2 (General Ability Test) — 150 questions, 600 marks, 2.5 hours (English 50Q + General Knowledge 100Q). Negative marking: -1/3 per wrong answer. SSB Interview carries 900 marks.
What is the age limit for NDA?
For NDA, candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age and unmarried. Class 12 pass (or appearing) for Army wing. Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics for Navy and Air Force wings.
What is the NDA salary after training?
NDA officers start as Lieutenant. Basic pay: Rs 56,100/month (Level 10). Total salary with Military Service Pay, DA, HRA and other allowances: approximately Rs 80,000 to Rs 1,10,000 per month.
Is defence exam practice on ExamBharat free?
Yes. All NDA, CDS and AFCAT practice questions on ExamBharat are 100% free with no registration required.
How many times is NDA exam conducted in a year?
NDA exam is conducted twice a year — NDA 1 (notification in December/January, exam in April) and NDA 2 (notification in May/June, exam in September). Both are conducted by UPSC.
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