What is the total marks in NDA?

Written 900 (Maths 300 + GAT 600) + SSB 900 = 1800 total marks.

How many days is the SSB interview?

5 days at a Services Selection Board centre. It includes psychological tests, group activities, and personal interview.

What percentage clear SSB screening?

Typically 40-50% of reported candidates clear the Day 1 screening. Of those, about 10-15% are finally recommended.

Is the written exam MCQ?

Yes, both papers are multiple choice (OMR-based). Negative marking of 1/3 applies.

Picture Perception & Discussion Test — you write a story based on a picture shown for 30 seconds, then discuss it in a group.

NDA 2026 Exam Pattern — Written Examination & SSB Interview Structure

Last updated: 7 March 2026

The NDA 2026 Exam Pattern consists of a written examination (900 marks) conducted by UPSC, followed by a 5-day SSB Interview (900 marks) for shortlisted candidates.

Written Examination (900 marks)

Paper I — Mathematics: 120 MCQ questions, 300 marks, 2.5 hours. Negative marking of 1/3 per wrong answer. Covers algebra, trigonometry, calculus, geometry, vectors, and statistics at 12th standard level.

Paper II — General Ability Test: 150 MCQ questions, 600 marks, 2.5 hours. Part A: English (200 marks), Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Polity, Current Events). Negative marking 1/3.

SSB Interview (900 marks, 5 days)

Day 1 — Screening: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test + Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT). About 50% are screened out.

Day 2 — Psychological Tests: Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), Self-Description Test (SD).

Day 3-4 — Group Tasks: Group Discussion (GD), Group Planning Exercise (GPE), Progressive Group Task (PGT), Half Group Task (HGT), Individual Obstacles, Command Task, Final Group Task.

Day 5 — Interview & Conference: Personal Interview by the Interviewing Officer, followed by a Conference where all assessors discuss each candidate.

Final Merit

Written (900) + SSB (900) = 1800 marks total. Final merit list determines admission to NDA Khadakwasla.