The National Defence Academy (NDA) is one of India’s most challenging competitive exams, with the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) administering it annually in two sessions. A large number of hopefuls want to become NDA cadets; however, very few are qualified to do so on their first attempt. If you are wondering how to crack NDA, this guide is designed to assist you with planning, practicing and executing your goal.
In order to effectively guide candidates through the process for successfully passing the NDA examination with the guidance of an expert coach and consistent support, students can rely on the Trishul Defence Academy. We guide students step by step on how to crack NDA in first attempt with a proper strategy and expert coaching.
NDA Selection Process
The NDA selection process is extremely competitive and has a stringent procedure each year, where hundreds of thousands of students apply to be admitted to the Officers Training Academy, but only a small percentage of candidates actually receive offers to become officers.
 The NDA selection process consists of four stages:
- Written examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates must begin the NDA selection process by concentrating on how to clear the NDA exam by scoring well in the written examination, to continue in the selection process.
NDA Written Exam Pattern
The NDA written test includes two papers:
- Mathematics, consisting of a total of 120 questions, with a maximum score of 300, and deductions of 1/3 point for incorrect responses.
Mathematics has proven to be one of the more difficult sections of the NDA exam. To how to crack NDA successfully, aspirants should aim to solve at least 60–70 questions correctly. Daily practice, reviewing and using formulas, and completing previous year’s questions are essential to how to clear NDA in first attempt.
- General Ability Test (GAT), which consists of a total of 150 questions with a total of 600 points, including English and General Knowledge, as well as Science, History, Geography, Polity, Economics and Current Events.
Doing well on the GAT is very important for a candidate to have a high score; to achieve this, concentrate on the following areas:
- Science: Physics, Chemistry and Biology will give you an approximate score of 120 points.
- General Studies: Geography, NCERT Class 11, Polity, M. Laxmikant, and History (modern history is the highest priority) will be the basis of your general knowledge scores.
- Current Affairs: To conserve time and to keep yourself current on information, read a current events website that is reliable, such as Trishul Defence Academy.
By following this approach, you can know how to pass NDA exam with confidence, with scores of 120 to 150 in mathematics, 100 to 120 in science and English, and 80 to 100 in General Studies. By implementing this strategy, you will exceed the General Safe Cut-Off of 350 and reach the highest possible ranks.
Strategy: How to Crack NDA Exam in First Attempt
- Plan a Study Schedule – Separating Subjective Areas of Strength & Weakness
- Mathematical Training – Everyday daily practice with problems + formula and theorem improvement.
- Concentrate on the GAT sections – The GAT Sections of English, Science, and General Studies need consistent work to improve.
- Use Expert Counsel – Follow mentor and teacher guidance to determine important topics; Plan, Rehearse and take Practice Tests to Increase Speed, Accuracy, and Confidence.
When preparing for your First Attempt on the NDA Exam, Trishul Defence Academy offers: Small Batch Sizes of Students; A retired Defence Officer as a Mentor; Digital Learning Tools; and all of these make it easier and more effective for students who want to how to crack NDA in the first attempt.
Why Join Trishul Defence Academy for NDA Coaching
Trishul Defence Academy is among the Best NDA Coaching Institutes available because:
- They Provide Individual Attention to Each Student in a Small Batch Size
- The Teaching Staff consists of Many Experienced Retired Army Officers.Â
- The Academy Provides Up-to-Date and Devoted Study Material
- Digital Learning Boards Help Students Learn by Illustrating InformationÂ
- An Online Application Facility Allows Students to View Recorded Lectures
With these resources, aspirants can confidently follow the roadmap on how to clear NDA in first attempt and increase their chances of success.
Final Thoughts
Wondering how to crack NDA? It can be tough, but not impossible, to get through the NDA exam on your first try if you have a good plan, work hard, and have access to guidance from qualified professionals. Concentrate on building your foundation in Mathematics and GAT by doing plenty of practice tests and working with your mentor to learn which areas of study are the most beneficial. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much time one should spend studying, generally speaking, the key is to consistently prepare through thoughtful and strategic planning rather than solely focusing on studying for a large amount of time at once.Â
With focus, commitment, and the right type of guidance from a resource such as Trishul Defence Academy, you can learn how to crack NDA and move closer to achieving your goal of serving in the defence forces.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to crack NDA in first attempt?
Yes, completing the NDA on your first attempt is possible if you engage in consistent preparation, follow a strategic approach, and have guidance from trained mentors.
2. How many marks are required to crack the NDA exam?
Although a score of 350 marks would be considered the safe borderline for passing, if you can obtain a score of between 400 and 500 marks, you will enhance your chances of passing and being a strong candidate.
3. Can a weak student crack NDA?
An underachieving student who commits, establishes their plan, receives focused support, and develops their skill set can learn how to succeed in the NDA exam.
4. Can I crack NDA without coaching?
It is possible to clear NDA without coaching, but by enrolling at a good institute like Trishul Defence Academy, you would receive structured learning, proper guidance from professionals, and be better prepare with NDA exam.
5. Can we clear NDA in 15 days?
At best, clearing the NDA after 15 days is a tough task. To clear the NDA exam successfully would take time, persistence, and continuous practise and revisions of the entire NDA syllabus.



