NDA Exam Pattern
Each stage is checked separately so one stage cannot inherit another stage's scoring rules.
Mathematics
Official 2026 pattern| Questions | 18 |
| Total marks | 45 |
| Duration | 23 minutes |
| Negative marking | 0.83 per wrong answer |
| Sections | Algebra and Trigonometry, Calculus and Vectors, Geometry, Statistics and Probability |
| Test | Qs | Marks | Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Trigonometry | 6 | 15 | — |
| Calculus and Vectors | 6 | 15 | — |
| Geometry, Statistics and Probability | 6 | 15 | — |
Timing: Single composite 23-minute timer for all three sections combined: no sectional lock.
The official UPSC NDA Mathematics paper has 120 questions for 300 marks in 2 hours 30 minutes, each question carrying 2.5 marks with one-third (0.83) deducted per wrong answer. This mock is a TakeMockTest-defined shorter set: 18 questions in 23 minutes across the same syllabus areas in proportion.
Official source · checked 15 August 2026General Ability Test: English
Official 2026 pattern| Questions | 12 |
| Total marks | 48 |
| Duration | 12 minutes |
| Negative marking | 1.33 per wrong answer |
| Sections | Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary and Comprehension |
| Test | Qs | Marks | Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grammar and Usage | 6 | 24 | — |
| Vocabulary and Comprehension | 6 | 24 | — |
Timing: Single composite 12-minute timer for both sections combined: no sectional lock.
The official UPSC NDA General Ability Test (GAT) has 150 questions for 600 marks in 2 hours 30 minutes, split into English (50 questions, 200 marks) and General Knowledge (100 questions, 400 marks covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events), each question carrying 4 marks with one-third (1.33) deducted per wrong answer. This mock covers the English portion only, a TakeMockTest-defined shorter set: 12 questions in 12 minutes across grammar, usage, vocabulary, and comprehension. General Knowledge is not covered, since it depends on science and current-affairs facts that carry higher correctness risk for self-authored content.
Official source · checked 15 August 2026