The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is conducting the National Defence Academy (NDA) 1 Exam 2026 on 12 April 2026 . The exam assesses candidates for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA. This analysis focuses on the difficulty level and candidate feedback for the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers.
Exam Structure and Schedule
The NDA 1 Exam 2026 takes place in offline, pen-and-paper format. It is divided into two sessions: Mathematics and the General Ability Test. These sessions are held on the same day. Candidates must report to their designated exam centres before the scheduled start time.
Exam Timings
| Shift | Paper | Exam Time | Reporting Time |
| Shift 1 | Mathematics | 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM | 9:50 AM |
| Shift 1 | GAT | 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM | 1:50 PM |
Paper Analysis and Difficulty
Exam analysis provides candidates with insights into the overall difficulty. It includes the types of questions asked and the important topics covered. This information is based on feedback from students immediately after completing the exam. Understanding the difficulty level helps candidates gauge their performance.
Mathematics Section
The Mathematics paper generally covers topics from Class 11 and 12 syllabi. Common areas include algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and probability. Candidates often report this section as challenging due to its quantitative nature and the time constraint. A good attempt in Mathematics requires strong conceptual clarity and speed.
General Ability Test (GAT) Section
The GAT paper consists of two parts: English and a General Knowledge section. The General Knowledge part includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. Feedback suggests that the GAT can vary in difficulty. The English portion tests grammar and comprehension. The Science and Current Affairs topics require broad knowledge.
Expected Good Attempts
The number of questions considered a "good attempt" varies by section and individual candidate performance. Based on previous exams and early feedback, analysts are identifying target scores. These targets help candidates assess if they are on track for the next stage of the selection process. Accurate answers are crucial for a high score.
Next Steps
Following the exam, candidates will await the official answer key. This key allows for self-evaluation of performance. The UPSC will then release the official results and cut-off marks. Candidates who meet the cut-off will be invited for the SSB interview stage.
