NDA Previous Year Question Papers (2019–2024)
NDA previous year question papers are essential for aspirants preparing for the National Defence Academy examination. The NDA written exam, conducted by UPSC, has a distinctive pattern with separate Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers. Solving papers from 2019 to 2024 helps candidates understand UPSC's question style and the depth of knowledge required for each section.
The Mathematics paper (300 marks) tests Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, and Statistics at the 12th standard level. The GAT paper (600 marks) covers English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks) including Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.
NDA papers are unique because they test both mathematical ability and broad general knowledge — a combination not found in most other competitive exams. Regular practice with these papers under the 2.5-hour time limit per paper is essential for building exam stamina. Pay special attention to the Mathematics paper, as it carries 300 marks and is often the differentiator in the written exam merit.
NDA Question Papers – Year Wise
| Year | Tier / Set | Download Paper | Answer Key |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | NDA I – Mathematics | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 2024 | NDA I – GAT | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 2023 | NDA II – Mathematics | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 2023 | NDA II – GAT | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 2022 | NDA I – Mathematics | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 2022 | NDA I – GAT | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 2021 | NDA I – Mathematics | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 2020 | NDA I – Mathematics | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 2019 | NDA I – Mathematics | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
How to Use Previous Year Papers
- Understand the exam pattern: Solve papers to get familiar with the question format, marking scheme, and difficulty level before your actual exam day.
- Identify important topics: Analyse which topics and chapters appear most frequently across multiple years to prioritise your preparation effectively.
- Improve time management: Attempt full papers under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy, simulating real exam pressure.
- Track your progress: Compare your scores across different papers to measure improvement and identify weak areas that need more revision.