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The UPSC NDA 2 Question Paper 2025 has officially been released after the exam was conducted on 14th September 2025. This paper is a key resource for aspirants who are preparing for upcoming NDA exams. By solving it, candidates get clarity about the exam’s difficulty level, distribution of questions, and important areas to focus on. It also helps in assessing time management and accuracy, which are crucial for success in a competitive exam like NDA.
UPSC NDA 2 Question Paper 2025 Overview
The NDA 2 exam is held twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission for entry into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and for the Naval Academy. This year, the exam took place in two shifts on 14th September 2025. Mathematics was conducted in the morning, while the General Ability Test was held in the afternoon. Around 5–6 lakh candidates registered, and nearly 2–2.5 lakh appeared for the exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Date | 14th September 2025 |
| Shifts | Mathematics: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM • GAT: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Registered Candidates | 5–6 lakh (approx) |
| Appeared Candidates | 2–2.5 lakh (approx) |
UPSC NDA 2 Mathematics Question Paper 2025 PDF
The NDA 2 Question Paper 2025 is now available in PDF format for Mathematics. Candidates can download the memory-based and official question papers to analyze the structure and difficulty of the exam. Having the PDF makes it easy to practice in a timed manner, which replicates the real test environment. It also serves as an important revision tool while preparing for future attempts.
UPSC NDA 2 Mathematics Question Paper 2025 PDF
UPSC NDA 2 General Ability Test (GAT) Question Paper 2025 PDF
The UPSC NDA 2 General Ability Test (GAT) Question Paper 2025 PDF is now available for candidates who appeared in the exam. It includes 150 questions from English, General Knowledge, and Science. Downloading and practicing the GAT paper helps aspirants analyze question trends, improve accuracy, and strengthen preparation for future NDA exams.
UPSC NDA 2 General Ability Test (GAT) Question Paper 2025 PDF
Steps to Download UPSC NDA 2 Question Paper 2025
Downloading the NDA 2 Question Paper 2025 is a simple process that allows aspirants to access both Mathematics and GAT papers. First, candidates need to visit the official UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in and follow the steps shared below.
- Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
- Go to the Examinations section on the homepage.
- Click on the Previous Question Papers option.
- From the list, select NDA & NA Examination (II) 2025.
- Choose the subject – Mathematics or General Ability Test (GAT).
- Click on the download link to get the PDF of the question paper.
- Save the file and use it for practice and exam analysis.
Important Topics in UPSC NDA 2 Question Paper 2025
The NDA 2 exam covers a wide range of subjects, but certain topics carry more weightage and are repeatedly asked. In Mathematics, important topics include Algebra, Calculus, Probability, Trigonometry, and Matrices. In English, grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension questions are essential. The General Knowledge part includes History, Geography, Polity, Current Affairs, and Science. A focused approach on these areas helps maximize score potential.
UPSC NDA 2 Exam Pattern 2025
The NDA 2 exam pattern provides candidates with clarity about marks distribution, number of questions, and time allocation. This year’s paper included 270 questions in total across two sections: Mathematics and the General Ability Test. Mathematics carried 300 marks and had to be completed in 150 minutes. The GAT carried 600 marks and was also given 150 minutes. Overall, the exam lasted for 5 hours with negative marking for wrong answers.
| Paper | Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 150 minutes |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 150 minutes |
| Total | – | 270 | 900 | 300 minutes (5 Hours) |
UPSC NDA 2 Booklist 2025
Choosing the right books makes NDA preparation more structured and effective. For Mathematics, NCERT books of Class 11 and 12 along with RD Sharma’s Objective Mathematics are considered highly useful. For English, Wren & Martin and Objective General English by SP Bakshi help strengthen grammar and comprehension. For General Knowledge, Lucent’s GK and NCERT Science textbooks are important. Keeping up with newspapers and current affairs magazines is also essential.
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | NCERT 11th & 12th Maths, RD Sharma Objective Mathematics |
| English | Wren & Martin High School Grammar, Objective General English by SP Bakshi |
| General Knowledge | Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook |
| Science | NCERT Physics, Chemistry & Biology (Class 9–12) |
| Current Affairs | Daily Newspapers, Monthly Current Affairs Magazines |
UPSC NDA 2 Success Rate
The success rate in NDA exams is very low due to the high level of competition. Lakhs of candidates apply, but only a small percentage manage to clear the written test and qualify for the SSB interview. On average, less than 0.1% of the total applicants finally get recommended. This shows the importance of thorough preparation, time management, and consistent practice to stand out among lakhs of aspirants.
| Year | Registered | Appeared | Qualified Written | Recommended after SSB | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6.5 lakh | 5.7 lakh | 8,600 | 520 | 0.09% |
| 2023 | 7 lakh | 6.2 lakh | 9,000 | 538 | 0.08% |
| 2024 | 7.5 lakh | 6.5 lakh | 9,200 | 550 | 0.08% |
| 2025 | 6 lakh (approx) | 2–2.5 lakh | Data awaited | Data awaited | To be updated |
Preparation Tips for UPSC NDA 2 Exam 2025
Preparation for NDA requires a balance between academic learning and practical problem-solving. Here are some tips to help candidates:
- Focus on NCERTs of Class 9–12 for Maths, Science, and Social Studies.
- Solve previous years’ question papers to identify trends and important topics.
- Practice mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Stay updated with daily current affairs and practice English comprehension daily.
- Revise formulas, theorems, and grammar rules frequently.
- Balance written exam preparation with physical fitness for SSB.
- Maintain a study schedule and practice under timed conditions.
UPSC NDA 2 Question Paper 2025 FAQ
Q1. When was UPSC NDA 2 2025 conducted?
It was held on 14th September 2025 in two shifts – Mathematics in the morning and GAT in the afternoon.
Q2. How many questions are there in NDA 2 Question Paper 2025?
There were a total of 270 questions – 120 from Mathematics and 150 from GAT.
Q3. What is the marking scheme for NDA 2 Exam?
Mathematics carries 300 marks and GAT carries 600 marks, making a total of 900 marks. Negative marking applies for incorrect answers.
Q4. How many candidates appeared for NDA 2 2025?
Out of around 5–6 lakh registered candidates, about 2–2.5 lakh appeared for the exam.
Q5. Is NDA 2 a tough exam?
Yes, NDA is one of the toughest defence exams with a success rate of less than 0.1%. Consistent practice, conceptual clarity, and strong basics are essential to clear it.
