UPSC NDA Previous Year Papers are one of the most reliable tools for candidates preparing for the upcoming NDA examination. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the next NDA exam on 14th September 2025, and aspirants are now in their final phase of preparation. Solving NDA Previous Year Question Papers will help you understand the exam pattern, improve speed, and focus on important topics as per the syllabus.
In this article, you can download the NDA 1 and NDA 2 Previous Year Papers PDF and learn how to use them effectively for your preparation.
NDA Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Posts / Wings | Army, Navy, Air Force (through NDA) + Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) |
| Vacancies (NDA-2 2025) | 406 (indicative as per notification/press updates) |
| Exam Date (NDA-2 2025) | 14 September 2025 (Sunday) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (NDA-1 & NDA-2) |
| Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper, OMR) |
| Papers & Marks | Mathematics – 300; GAT – 600; Total 900 (written) |
| No. of Questions | Mathematics – 120; GAT – 150 |
| Negative Marking | Maths: −0.83 per wrong answer; GAT: −1.33 per wrong answer (i.e., 1/3rd) |
| Duration | 2.5 hours per paper (5 hours total) |
| Eligibility – Age | 16.5 to 19.5 years (as per dates in official notification) |
| Eligibility – Education | Army: Class 12 pass/appearing (any stream). Navy/Air Force/INA: Class 12 with Physics & Maths |
| Application Fee | ₹100 for Gen/OBC; Female/SC/ST/JCOs/NCOs/ORs – Fee Exempt |
| Official Sites | upsc.gov.in, upsconline.nic.in |
Why Practice NDA Previous Year Question Papers?
Previous year papers act as a mirror of the exam. They give you a clear idea of the question types, topic weightage, and difficulty level. By solving these papers, you can:
- Identify important chapters and topics to prioritize.
- Practice time management during the exam.
- Analyze your strong and weak areas.
- Get familiar with the UPSC NDA exam pattern and marking scheme.
NDA Exam Pattern Overview
The NDA exam consists of two papers:
- Mathematics – 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 marks
- General English
- General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs, etc.)
Total Marks: 900
Exam Duration: 2.5 hours for each paper.
NDA Previous Year Question Papers PDF Download
You can directly download the NDA 1 and NDA 2 question papers from the links below. Use them as mock tests for practice.
| Year & Session | Paper | Download PDF |
|---|---|---|
| NDA/NA (I) 2025 | Mathematics | Download PDF |
| NDA/NA (I) 2025 | General Ability Test | Download PDF |
| NDA/NA (II) 2024 | Mathematics | Download PDF |
| NDA/NA (II) 2024 | General Ability Test | Download PDF |
| NDA/NA (I) 2024 | Mathematics | Download PDF |
| NDA/NA (I) 2024 | General Ability Test | Download PDF |
| NDA/NA (II) 2023 | Mathematics | Download PDF |
| NDA/NA (II) 2023 | General Ability Test | Download PDF |
How to Download NDA Previous Year Papers from UPSC Website
If you want to get the official papers directly from UPSC, follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website – upsc.gov.in
- Click on the “Examination” tab in the menu.
- Select “Previous Year Question Papers”.
- In the search bar, type “National Defence Academy” and click “Apply”.
- A list of year-wise NDA papers will appear – click on the PDF link to download.
Selection Procedure (Stage-wise)
| Stage | What Happens | Key Components |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 – Written Exam | Two objective papers on the same day | Mathematics (300) + GAT (600); MCQs; offline OMR; negative marking as above |
| Stage 2 – SSB Interview | 5-day assessment conducted in two parts | Stage-I: OIR Test + PP&DT; Stage-II: Psychological Tests, GTO tasks, Personal Interview, Conference |
| Stage 3 – Medical Examination | Defence medical standards check | Detailed medical & physical standards as per service rules |
| Final Merit | Merit list prepared by UPSC | Based on Written (900) + SSB (900), subject to medical fitness and preference |
Tips to Prepare for NDA Using Previous Year Papers
- Start with Syllabus – Go through the UPSC NDA Syllabus before starting PYQ practice.
- Simulate Exam Conditions – Solve papers in the same 2.5-hour time limit.
- Analyze Mistakes – Mark incorrect answers and revise the related topics.
- Track Progress – Compare your scores after every test to see improvement.
- Revise Frequently – Re-attempt old papers before the final exam.
Final Advice
The NDA examination is a gateway to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force through the National Defence Academy. The competition is tough, but with consistent practice and smart planning using NDA Previous Year Question Papers, your chances of clearing the exam will improve significantly.
Regular revision, mock tests, and solving these papers will make your preparation more effective. Start today and stay disciplined until exam day.
I write about what matters most to today’s aspirants — from cracking competitive exams to staying updated with the latest current affairs. Whether it’s Government Job preparation strategies, detailed exam guides, or national-level updates, I simplify complex topics so you can focus on what truly counts: success. Currently working with the Government of India, I bring first-hand insight and authentic information to help you stay ahead in your preparation journey.