NDA 1 Exam Analysis 2025; Check Math and GAT Paper Review, Difficulty Level, Good Attempts Here

Apr 16 2025 9:35PM, Mayank Gupta

Vidyarohi

NDA 1 Exam Analysis 2025: The NDA Exam Analysis 2025 offers important insights into the overall difficulty level, subject-wise trends, and expected cut-offs. The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a key milestone for aspirants who dream of becoming officers in the Indian Armed Forces. This year, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is conducting the NDA & NA (I) 2025 exam for admission to the 155th NDA Course and the 117th NA Course on April 13, 2025. Here, we will present a detailed NDA 1 2025 Exam Analysis for both the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers to help candidates assess their performance. This analysis will also serve as a valuable resource for candidates to plan and refine their preparation strategies for the upcoming stages of the selection process. 

NDA 1 2025 Exam Analysis

A detailed NDA 1 2025 exam analysis provides valuable insights into the paper’s difficulty level, subject-wise weightage, expected cut-off, and student feedback. Below, we present a shift-wise review of the NDA exam for each paper.

NDA 1 2025 Mathematics Exam Analysis

In the NDA exam, Paper 1 checks the candidate's mathematical knowledge, problem-solving abilities and conceptual clarity. The NDA Paper 1 syllabus covers key topics such as Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Probability & Statistics, Vectors & 3D Geometry, and Trigonometry. As per the initial feedback from students and experts, the overall difficulty level of the mathematics paper was moderate and largely similar to the previous year's papers. There were few tricky and lengthy questions that required strong conceptual clarity and good time management. Questions from Calculus, Algebra, and Statistics and Probability dominated the paper.

  • Algebra and Calculus had the highest weightage.
  • Questions on integration, differentiation, and continuity required deep conceptual knowledge.
  • Trigonometry, Statistics & Probability were relatively easier and scoring.
  • Many questions were application-based, testing analytical thinking.
  • Good Attempts: 65–75 questions with 90% accuracy
Topic Covered Number of Questions Difficulty Level Number of Good Attempts
Algebra 22 Moderate 10-12
Matrices and Determinants 12 Moderate 6-8
Trigonometry 11 Easy to moderate 7-9
2d and 3d Geometry 15 Moderate to difficult 8-10
Calculus 35 Moderate 25-27
Vector Algebra 7 Moderate to difficult 3-4
Statistics and Probability 18 Easy to moderate 8-10

NDA 1 2025 GAT Exam Analysis

The General Ability Test (GAT) assesses candidates' general knowledge and understanding in various subjects, including English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, History, and Current Events. As per the initial feedback from students and experts, the GAT paper in NDA 1 2025 was overall well-balanced. The English section was easy and scoring, while the General Knowledge part was a bit challenging. Candidates who studied NCERT basics and stayed updated with current affairs likely did well.

  • The English section was mostly simple. Students with basic grammar knowledge and regular reading habits could score well.
  • Physics and Geography included some concept-based questions.
  • Current Affairs mainly covered events from the last 6 to 8 months.
  • General Science was easier compared to other sections and offered good scoring opportunities.
  • Good Attempts: 75–85 questions with 90% accuracy
Topic Covered Number of Questions Difficulty Level Number of Good Attempts
English 50 Easy to moderate 28-30
Physics 25 Moderate 12-15
Chemistry 15 Moderate 7-9
General Science 10 Easy to moderate 6-8
History 20 Moderate 8-10
Geography 20 Moderate 8-10
Current Events 10 Moderate 5-7

NDA 1 2025 Exam Highlights

The NDA Exam is being conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). The selection process includes a written examination followed by the SSB interview for shortlisted candidates. The NDA exam comprises two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), carrying a total of 900 marks. Successful candidates undergo rigorous training at the NDA in Khadakwasla, Pune, to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

Exam Name National Defence Academy (NDA) 1 2025
Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Mode OMR-Based Test
Subjects Covered
  • Mathematics
  • General Ability Test (GAT)
Total Marks
  • Mathematics: 300
  • GAT: 600
Total Questions
  • Mathematics: 120
  • GAT: 150
Exam Duration 2.5 hours for each paper
Marking Scheme
  • Mathematics: +2.5 marks for every correct answer
  • GAT: +4 marks for every correct answer
  • One third mark will be deducted for each incorrect response
Selection Process
  • Written Exam
  • SSB Interview
  • Medical Test
  • Final Merit List