NDA Sample Papers 2024 and Previous Year Papers

The formula for success is simple, practice in the right direction being positive and persistent. Whether you are a martial artist or an actor, or an aspirant preparing for the NDA exam, practice will take you in the long run. NDA Sample Question Papers and Previous Papers are one such asset for the candidates which always help to cross all the hurdles of written exams.
Year Paper

I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”  – Bruce Lee

See also: How to crack NDA written exam in your First Attempt

NDA Sample Question Papers and Previous Year Papers

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

NDA Online Test

Comparison: Why NDA is Better than IIT?

Without any doubt, the NDA written exam is difficult. The ratio of final selection is very surprising, only 3 out of 4000, or 1 out of every 1333 aspirants are selected. On average, more than 3 lakh aspirants apply, and only 7000 clears the written exam. Ultimately only 370 or so are selected. So, the ratio of final selection comes out to be 0.00123.

The chances of final selection are less than even 1%. And previous year papers and sample papers always prove to be helpful to that 1% of students. For the doubters, it is a fact that questions do repeat each year. If you go through the previous year’s papers, then you will see how crucial they are.

Static And Dynamic

The questions asked in the NDA written exam can be divided into two categories: Static and Dynamic.

Static questions are those which come from textbooks, NCERTs, IGNOU booklets, standard government publications, etc. And dynamic questions are those which are asked from current affairs, daily news, data and figures from the Economic Survey, etc.

As far as the dynamic content is concerned, previous year papers and sample papers will not be very helpful. But, the static content revolves around the previous year paper’s and there are 60% chances of repetition of questions every year. In fact, for the History part, just read those topics properly which you see in last year’s papers, questions will definitely come from those topics.

See also: Best books for NDA

Why Previous Year Papers and Sample Papers?

As the syllabus of the NDA written exam includes almost every subject and is sure to take 14-18 months to complete. Unless you have genius abilities to remember each and everything you study, you will need a great deal of time to revise the earlier topics. By practicing previous year’s papers and sample papers, you can save a lot of time in the revision section.

Meanwhile, you will learn time management. While practicing the papers, you can analyze your answering speed and accuracy. For that to happen, you have to treat the practice papers like mock tests. To know the important questions, mark those which are repeatedly asked in previous year papers, then explore those questions and try to predict the various pattern in which a specific question can be asked.

Important: 5 Life Saving Tips to Crack NDA SSB

Special Methods

Studying questions from different books gives a broader way of thinking, but this does not mean that one should divide attention. In the written exams, lost’s of questions are repeated every year by UPSC, practicing last year’s papers will help you determine those questions.

The following methods will help you practice better :

# Study in chunks

Giving at least 6 to 8 hours a day to study is a non-negotiable condition if you are preparing for NDA. But, don’t forget to give yourself small breaks. Long study hours can lead to a loss of interest in studies, so a timely break is necessary. Remember your school days, when everybody uses to keep staring at the clock waiting for recess.

We all do need small breaks while doing mental work, they are necessary to help reset and refresh the mind and to regain attention. Do stuff that you like during the breaks, like you can have your favorite snacks, or take a small walk, or listen to music, etc.

# Days are for practice and dawns are for learning

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy and wise” these words have a practical meaning to life. According to research, those who develop the habit of waking up early are more successful in comparison to those who sleep and wake up late.

So, start working on this habit if you don’t have it. And if you do, then spend the dawn time learning the concepts. Dawn time is considered the best time to learn something new, so it’s the perfect time to get a hold of topics that you are yet to discover.

However, the daytime should be spent practicing to make preparation strong. This may sound like a very tough routine which indeed it is. But, when you are dreaming of something big, then sacrifices are necessary.

# Stay energetic

While preparing for NDA one has to go through fire and water. While practicing the previous year’s papers and sample papers, the major challenge for the students is to stay active throughout the time while they are studying.

The urge for distraction starts with a fragile feeling, and then one prefers to take a good sleep or a nice get-together with friends and waste that day. In fact, the right way to deal with this padhne ka Mann NHI ho Raha wali feeling is to find creative ways to keep the mind active.

Create a study environment as per your own choice which can help you in avoiding distractions. Control noise levels and study under good light.

# Structure your studies

Make absolutely sure to complete the syllabus at least once, before going to the revision portion. Make a schedule for the whole syllabus, and try to stick with it. It is essential to choose a correct strategy, don’t just rely on previous year papers and sample papers. They are important but only when you have completed the syllabus. Structure your studies, this should be the initial step in achieving your goal.

# Plan ahead

The difference between an average and an excellent candidate is the wholehearted dedication towards a single goal. Planning in advance at least for the next day is a sign of a genius and successful person. It will help you to keep the balance between your daily activities and studies. Secondly, knowing what to do next, keeps the mind focused and works efficiently.

# Helping hand is always needed

The more you learn, the more you will get confused, and those who hesitate to clear their confusion during practice time, suffer later when it’s exam time. So, make it a rule not to move on to the next topic until the current one is not cleared. Don’t wait until the last minute, keep taking help either from books, the internet or from your teachers. No one can advise you better than the aspirants who have already passed the exam. So, if you know someone, then ask him for help.

# Master the art of Observing

The aspirants preparing for the NDA written exam must keep aside the syllabus copy while practicing previous question papers and sample papers. You need to observe that at what points questions have been asked repeatedly. Shortlist such topics. You can also rate them as VVIP(very very important), VIP(very important), and IMP(important). Mark those questions for revision which are there in more than one paper.

# Final Advice

Read NCERT books, become a perfectionist in the standard textbooks, be very well versed with current affairs, and then start solving previous year papers and sample papers. With true efforts and dedication, you’ll surely achieve success. All the very best!

39 Comments
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  1. What are the mandate subjects to be taken in the 11th & 12th for NDA aspirants? Can a commerce and art student qualify for NDA? What are the minimum marks in12th required as pre-qualification?

    1. Prof. Mohan Singh Rawat

      Yes, you can apply for the NDA exam even if you belong to the Arts & Commerce stream but you can only join the army wing of the NDA. Educational qualification for army wing is 12th pass and science is not mandatory. However, you will not qualify for the Indian Navy or Air Force as the requirement is PCM.

  2. Hello sir/mam which board is best for defence exam and which books are necessary for cracking NDA

    1. Prof. Mohan Singh Rawat

      The questions in NDA are based on NCERT syllabus, so, the best board to prepare for NDA is CBSE.

  3. Sir jo student 12th me hai vo nda k liye kaise apply karen?

    1. Prof. Mohan Singh Rawat

      You can apply for NDA, just make sure you satisfy the age limit criteria. If you get selected in NDA, the then at the final stage you will need to produce your 12th mark sheet.

  4. Hi, i want to know that what position (Grade) would be offer in AF, Army or Navy after pass the NDA. is there any other selection procedures to join the forces??

    1. Hello Navdeep, the time when you are applying of NDA, you have to select your preference according to which you get selected in Airforce, Navy or Army.

  5. When I will completed my 12 class and result will be more than 80 % in my 12 class board exam after that will any direct call for ssb interview without giving nda exam written . Is it possible or not ?

    1. Hello Aniket, there is no direct call, instead, you have to apply for TES(Technical Entry Scheme).

  6. hi sir, I had given my 10th exam this year and my fe is 16&half years I want to do NDA as well as diploma after 10th it is possible to do NDA as a diploma student and what education qualification is required to became an a officer by NDA.

    1. Hello Kiran, Yes you can apply for NDA exam when you will be in you last year of diploma but then you can only apply for Indian Army, for Navy and Air force, Physics and Mathematics is must required. But if you do simple 11th and 12th then you can apply in both class 11th and 12th. But if you really passionate and concerned about NDA, you must prepare hard for NDA exam in parallel with your study whether its diploma or 11th-12th. Now which is suitable and looks flexible, you can decide. All the best!!!

  7. Hello Sir / Mam,
    I’m preparing of class 12th. So can I appear in NDA exam?
    And please give me the tips of preparation of NDA exam…

    1. Abhishek, You can appear in NDA exam.
      Check our article on:
      tips of preparation of NDA exam

  8. Hello sir firstly thanks to 4ono for giving very deep details sir i want to know that a nios student can give this exam or not and which subjects i should choose to be in navy and air force

    1. Prof. Rajeev Mehra

      Hello Piyush,
      First of all, thank you for the appreciation. It motivates us that we are able to help in any way possible. Second, you should focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Maths for Air Force and Navy.

  9. I have forgotten nda application date it is closed last can you help me

    1. Hello Suman,
      Please look our article “NDA 2018” in the search box of 4ono. In this article you will get all the important information about NDA dates.

  10. sir mera date of birth 2002 hai. kya mein apply kar sakta hu?

  11. How to open previous year question papers pdf file?

    1. Hello Gaurav,
      You can open the pdf files in any pdf reading application or software. If you do not have software, then you can open them using google chrome.

  12. is the paper of NDA exam too hard sir.

    1. Prof. Rajeev Mehra

      Hello Shivam,
      The difficulty level of the exam depends on your preperation. It is very hard for those who are unprepared, and very easy for those who are well prepared. From personal point of view, i don’t think NDA written exams are very though. The difficulty level is normal (bit above average).

  13. Sir, my date of birth 31aug 1999, what I’m accept in nda exam and also ssb interview which held in 2018.

    1. Hello Akay,
      yes you can apply for nda 2018 exam 1. This means that you can give the written exam as well as ssb interview. So, go for it!

  14. Sir, my name is Rmandeep singh. I passed +2 with 60% marks from pseb board. Can I apply for NDA exam? Please reply.

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Ramandeep.
      Yes, you are eligible to apply for NDA exam as long as you fulfill the age limit criteria which is 16 and half to 19 and half years.

  15. Dear Mam, JAI HIND. My name is Swadhin Dviwedi. I belong to Amethi(U.P.). At present I am studying in class 12th Maths group and also preparing for NDA exam. Mam please suggest me how can I develop OLQs in me as well as excel in academics.

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Swadhin.
      It is good to hear that you are preparing for NDA exam. First of all you need to set a time in such a way that you are able to prepare for board exams and give some extra time to your NDA preparations. You must be aware that the syllabus of NDA written exam consist of GK section for which you have study really hard since it contains questions from history, geography, general science etc. For subjects like Physics Chemistry Maths you need to focus on NCERT books. Keep reminding yourself that nothing is impossible. All you need to do is be dedicated towards your studies. Along with it keep yourself physically fit by taking part in sports. You have understand that no one is born with officer like qualities rather these are developed with time. Time management and discipline are very important. Keep yourself motivated and practice daily because each day counts. For more information on how you should prepare for the written exam of NDA search for ‘7 Effective Steps To Crack NDA Written Exam in Ist Attempt’ in our website. Good luck.

  16. Sir, can a PCB student apply for NDA exam?

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Malik.
      Yes, PCB students can also apply for NDA exam but then you can only join Indian army. For Indian Navy and Indian Air Force you must have studied Physics and Maths in class 11th and 12th.

  17. sir,
    It is very glad to see your kindness towards upcoming candidates for NDA. I am vasu chaudhary and I’m
    a student of 10+2 standard of CBSE board. I am a average student and if I can’t give 6-7 hrs for preparation, than what should I do so, that my dream of being a officer will come true.
    Thank You. I’m very eagerly waiting for my answer.

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Vasu.
      As, you have mentioned that you are a 12th class student so, it is important that you focus on your studies. If your aim is to join Indian army as an officer then you have to be dedicated. NDA exam is considered one of the toughest exam and you cannot clear it if you don’t work hard. Practice as much as you can and be persistent. Since you want to become an officer it is important that you acquire officer like qualities. If you are aware with the NDA selection process then you must know how difficult it is crack SSB. But with hard work everything is possible. At present you have this golden opportunity to prepare for NDA exam. Practice daily and prepare yourself not only physically but mentally too.

  18. Respected Sir
    First of all ,I am heartly thankful to you for providing information about NDA very deeply.
    Sir I am in 12th standard in non medical stream with Punjab State Education Board.Sir I want to know does students with PSEB can Apply for NDA and among the books listed by you for NDA exam preparation which one is the best book.
    With Due Regards.
    Yours Sincerely
    Harpavitar Singh

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Harpavitar. Glad to know that the information provided by us helped you. Yes, a students with PSEB can appear in the NDA examination as there is no such particular subject choice to appear in the exam.
      Actually, all the books mentioned for the preparation are helpful. But still, if you are seeking for the best, choose Pathfinder for NDA NA Entrance Examination. Good luck.

  19. respected sir,
    my name is sachin i am please some tips for nda exam and some topic in exam

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Sachin.
      As, you have mentioned that you are preparing for NDA then first of all make sure that you are ready to give your 100%. NDA exam is really tough and you have to be really dedicated towards your studies to crack it. Study with a strategy so, that you cover all the subjects and topics. Set a timetable and don’t miss a single day if look forward to become an officer.The most challenging part of the exam is SSB for which you have to prepare yourself not only physically but mentally also. You can also search for ‘Train To Crack NDA Written Exam In First Attempt’ in our website where you will find all the information regarding how you can crack the NDA exam.

  20. I am a student who is going to 12th standard and was born in April, 2000.
    When should I appear for the NDA exam by UPSC?

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Dhruv.
      As, you have mentioned you are 12th class student and you are looking forward to give NDA exam which is really impressive. The age limit for NDA exam is 17-19 and half years. The education qualification required is 12th pass and 12th appearing can also apply.

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