“How to prepare for NDA exam after 10th,” The answer to this question can be daunting, as this test is quite popular and opens up a variety of careers, especially in the Indian Armed Forces. Whether you want to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force, the NDA exam requires, apart from hard work, a smart skill planning schedule, a clear understanding of the subject matter, and an understanding of the exam pattern.
👉Here we are providing you with pro tips and guidance on “how to prepare for NDA exam after 10th” and boost your confidence and enhance your performance. Succeed in your NDA journey!
1. Understanding the NDA Exam: How to prepare for NDA exam after 10th?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Through this exam, you can join the Indian Armed Forces. This exam acts as a door to the prestigious NDA exam, where candidates receive high-level training and become army officers. Through this exam, candidates can join the Air Force and Army from various fields.
2. Understanding the Structure, Syllabus, and Eligibility Criteria:
The NDA exam is divided into two main parts:
1. A written examination in mathematics and a general ability test, and
2. An interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB), which tests the personality, skills, leadership qualities, and intelligence of the candidates.
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The NDA exam consists of a written exam and an interview for all candidates. Each paper carries 900 marks.
The written exam is divided into two papers:
- Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
- Questions related to English and general knowledge.
- ➡️Mathematics: 120 questions, 300 marks.
- ➡️General Ability Test (GAT): 150 questions, 600 marks.
- ➡️ English: 50 questions, 200 marks.
- ➡️ General Knowledge 100 questions, 400 marks
Marking Scheme:
- Mathematics: +2.5 marks for each correct answer and -0.83 marks for each wrong answer.
- GAT: +4 marks for each correct answer and -1.33 marks for each incorrect answer.
SSB Interview:
The SSB Interview is conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB), which is worth 900 marks. There are two stages of the interview. Stage 1. The Intelligence Test and Psychological Aptitude Test. Stage 2: An additional psychological assessment and interview.

Syllabus:
Eligibility Criteria:
Creating an Effective Study Plan: How to Prepare for NDA Exam after 10th?
Preparing for NDA exam right after 10th grade can be a strategic and rewarding journey, provided you have a well-structured study plan.
- Since the NDA exam primarily tests your knowledge in Mathematics and General Ability, it’s crucial to build a strong foundation in these subjects early on.
- Begin by thoroughly understanding the 10th-grade syllabus, especially focusing on topics like algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry for Mathematics.
- Simultaneously, improve your General Ability section by enhancing your English language skills and staying updated on current affairs, history, geography, and general science.
- Create a daily study schedule allocating dedicated time slots for each subject, ensuring at least 2-3 hours of focused preparation.
- Incorporate regular practice with previous years’ NDA question papers and take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and time management.
- Equally important is maintaining physical fitness, as the NDA selection process includes a rigorous physical and medical test.
- Balancing academic preparation with physical training, disciplined time management, and consistent revision will not only boost your confidence but also pave the way for success in the NDA exam.
Conclusion:
Preparation for NDA exam after 10th is possible with a well-structured approach and constant effort. Understanding the pattern of the exam will require strengthening Mathematics, the General Ability Test, Science, History, Geography and English. Along with this, logical reasoning and topics related to current affairs should be strengthened. Regular practice of previous year question papers and mock tests, along with time management, can definitely lead to success. Physical fitness plays an important role in NDA entrance exam. Hope you get the answer to your question, “How to prepare for NDA exam after 10th?”
Wishing you good luck!