NDA 2025 Last Minute Preparation Tips, Check Paper-wise Revision Strategy

Apr 9 2025 8:47PM, Mayank Gupta

Vidyarohi

NDA Exam 2025 Last Minute Preparation Tips: The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a gateway to joining the prestigious Indian Armed Forces. With the NDA 2025 exam just around the corner, candidates often feel the pressure of limited time. However, with the right NDA exam last minute preparation strategy, aspirants can significantly enhance their performance and enter the exam hall with confidence. The NDA 2025 session 1 exam is scheduled to be conducted on April 13, 2025. The NDA exam checks the conceptual clarity, general awareness and time management skills of the candidates. With just a few days left, a strategic revision plan and positive mindset can help you crack the exam with ease. In NDA, exam success is not just about hard work—it’s also about working smart in the final days. In this article, we will talk about some expert last minute NDA exam tips to help you prepare smartly and efficiently. Follow these NDA last minute preparation tips and walk into the exam hall with full confidence.

Focus on NDA Exam High-Weightage Topics

In the final days, don’t try to cover everything. Instead, focus on high-scoring and frequently asked topics in both the Mathematics and GAT (General Ability Test) sections.

NDA Exam Mathematics High-Weightage Topics:

  • Algebra
  • Calculus 
  • Trigonometry
  • 3D Geometry

NDA Exam GAT High-Weightage Topics:

  • English
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
  • History
  • Geography

The following table shows the subject-wise weightage of various subjects covered in both papers. It will help candidates focus on high-scoring areas and enable them to plan their preparation accordingly.

Check, NDA 1 Admit Card 2025

Paper Subjects Covered Total Marks Total Questions Subject-wise Marks Subject-wise Questions
Paper 1: Mathematical Mathematics 300 120 300 120

Paper 2: General Ability Test

English

600

150

200 50
Physics 100 25
Chemistry 60 15
General Science 40 10
History 80 20
Geography 80 20
Current Events 40 10

Follow the Right NDA Revision Strategy

Revise all the important formulas and try to remember them well. If you have notes from your past months of study, use them as a quick reference. In the last few days before the exam, it’s better to revise what you’ve already studied instead of starting something new.

Back Your Strengths 

Always back your strengths. Every individual has their own strengths and weaknesses; back your strengths and try to utilise them maximum. For example, if you are very good in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, try to maximise it as each and every mark will increase your chance of clearing this prestigious exam.

Practice NDA Previous Year Papers

Solving NDA Previous Year Papers one week before the exam normally tests the consistency, nerves, intelligence, and all the hard work you have put into your preparations. Treat these PYPs as your last few rehearsals before the actual exam. Manage the sectional time effectively during the test. This practice will help you to utilize the time during the actual test. Always take the complete PYP in that exam time slot only. This will keep your body and brain ready for that particular shift timing and enhance your performance on the exam day. 

Analyse Your Performance

After solving each PYP, analyse your performance and note down the areas of improvement. Identify patterns in your mistakes and work on wiping them out. Time management is crucial for success in the NDA exam, especially in the mathematics paper, so pay attention to it as well. 

Work On Your Mistakes

Focus on the mistakes you’ve made while reviewing your past performance and try to fix them. But don’t start learning any new topics now. Just revise what you’ve already studied and try to avoid making mistakes in those areas. In the exam, you’ll need to do long calculations in a short time, so it’s important to keep your speed and accuracy high. If you’re making calculation errors, work on improving that right away so you don’t lose marks because of it.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Sleep Routine

Your mental sharpness is closely linked to your physical health. So, it's important to follow a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and sleep well to keep both your body and mind fit. Getting enough rest will help you stay relaxed and focused.

Stay Calm, Confident and Motivated

In the final days before the exam, it's very important to manage stress and stay calm, confident, and motivated. Try to stay positive and avoid overthinking. Do things that help you relax- like listening to soft music or spending time on something you enjoy. Keeping your mind at ease will help you stay focused.

NDA Syllabus 2025

The NDA 2025 syllabus is designed to check candidates' aptitude and knowledge across various subjects essential for a career in the armed forces. It comprises two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test. All prospective candidates of the NDA exam must have a clear understanding of key topics and their weightage. Check the detailed NDA Syllabus through the link provided below:

NDA Syllabus 2025; Check Paper-wise Important Topics, Weightage

NDA 2025 Exam Pattern

Apart from understanding the syllabus, aspirants should also be familiar with the latest NDA Exam Pattern 2025. The exam consists of two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Conducted by UPSC in offline mode, the NDA exam comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in both English and Hindi languages.

NDA 2025 Exam Pattern
Exam Pattern

Paper 1: Mathematics
Paper 2: General Ability Test

Mode of Exam Offline
Type of Questions MCQ
Number of Questions

Paper 1: 120 Questions
Paper 2: 150 Questions

Maximum Marks Paper 1: 300
Paper 2: 600
Time Allotted

2.5 hours for each paper

Language of Exam

Hindi and English

Marking scheme

Mathematics: 2.5 marks/Questions
General Ability Test: 4 marks/Questions

Negative Marking

One-third mark will be deducted for each wrong answer