NDA Previous Year Question Papers (From 2016 to 2025) for 2026 Exam Preparation
The UPSC holds the NDA Written Exam twice a year, and the upcoming NDA 1 & 2 Exams for 2026 are expected to draw a countless number of aspirants. The exam is divided into two papers: Maths and the General Ability Test, or GAT. Solving the NDA Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam.
The NDA Previous Year Question Papers give an idea about the level of difficulty, key topics, and format of questions. The papers also give an idea about your weaknesses as well as strengths, which play a significant role in preparing for an exam.
NDA Previous Year Question Papers PDF
Before proceeding to the preparation part, let’s understand the pattern of the examination. Alongside preparation books for the NDA examination, doing last year’s papers can give you valuable insight into what kinds of questions and what difficulty level are being asked.
Below is a comprehensive list of NDA Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) for GAT and Mathematics.
NDA General Ability Test (GAT) Previous Year Papers
The General Ability Test evaluates your understanding of subjects such as English, general knowledge, history, geography, current affairs, and science. Practising these papers will increase your level of confidence to attempt GK questions.
| Year | NDA PYQs (GAT) | |
| 2025 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT II | PDF Download |
| 2025 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT I | PDF Download |
| 2024 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT II | PDF Download |
| 2024 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT I | PDF Download |
| 2023 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT II | PDF Download |
| 2023 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT I | PDF Download |
| 2022 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT II | PDF Download |
| 2022 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT I | PDF Download |
| 2021 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT II | PDF Download |
| 2021 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT I | PDF Download |
| 2020 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT I & II | PDF Download |
| 2019 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT II | PDF Download |
| 2019 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT I | PDF Download |
| 2018 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT II | PDF Download |
| 2018 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT I | PDF Download |
| 2017 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT II | PDF Download |
| 2017 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT I | PDF Download |
| 2016 | NDA Previous Year Papers GAT II | PDF Download |
NDA Mathematics Previous Year Papers
The Mathematics paper may contain topics like algebra, calculus, and even trigonometry, vectors, statistics, and a lot topics. The papers from the previous year will give you an insight into the kind of trend that has been seen in the types of questions that have been asked.
Year | NDA PYQs (Maths) | |
2025 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths II | |
2025 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths I | |
2024 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths II | |
2024 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths I | |
2023 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths II | |
2023 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths I | |
2022 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths II | |
2022 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths I | |
2021 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths II | |
2021 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths I | |
2020 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths I & II | |
2019 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths II | |
2019 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths I | |
2018 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths II | |
2018 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths I | |
2017 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths II | |
2017 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths I | |
2016 | NDA Previous Year Papers Maths II |
Benefits of Solving NDA Previous Year Papers
Using NDA Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) can transform your preparation if done systematically. Here’s why they are so valuable:
1. Familiarity with Exam Pattern
The NDA exam consists of two papers that are conducted for 2.5 hours each. Mathematics consists of 120 questions, while GAT has 150 questions. PYQs give an efficient and correct idea of how to solve a paper within a limited time and how the marking scheme works, reducing surprises at the examination.
2. Understanding Question Style
The questions in the NDA test your understanding of the concept and problem-solving skills. PYQs lets you understand the types of questions, the difficulty level, the recurring topics, and so on, to help you in attempting the examination with confidence.
3. Identification of Important Topics
Previous year paper analysis gives the high-priority areas, and in Maths, algebra, calculus, and vectors are repeated topics. For GAT, focus on current affairs, general science, and Indian history.
4. Improvement in Time Management
Practising PYQs under a simulated timing condition trains you on how to pace yourself, so that you can complete both papers within the time available.
5. Boost in Problem-Solving Skills
Different types of questions, from simple to complex, help develop analysis techniques and increase the pace of response.
6. Reduction of Exam Anxiety
Familiarity with the exam reduces fear of the unknown. Practice helps develop confidence and a positive attitude.
7. Exposure to Real Exam Conditions
Timed practices work as a simulation for the actual test experience to build endurance for test-taking performance.
Recommended NDA Exam Preparation Books
How to Prepare for NDA 2026 with PYQs
Here is a step-by-step plan to effectively utilise the NDA previous year papers:
- Collect the Right Resources: For this purpose, you will need the PDF files of NDA PYQs for Maths and GAT from 2016 to September 2025.
- Identify Key Areas: This is achieved by analysing previous year question papers to identify areas of repeated questions, which are of higher weightage.
- Establish a Study Routine: Include PYQs in your timetable along with theory learning. Regular revision is key.
- Practice with Purpose: Solve papers under exam conditions to get used to time pressure and question style.
- Review Mistakes Carefully: Mistakes should be carefully analysed to identify the conceptual loopholes.
Target Your Weaknesses: Give more emphasis to those areas in which you face difficulty in understanding.
How Centurion Defence Academy Can Boost Your NDA 2026 Preparation
Although solving previous year papers is a must, expert advice can be a great help. Centurion Defence Academy offers coaching facilities for NDA aspirants to help you learn Maths and GAT effectively.
See how Centurion Defence Academy helps in NDA preparation:
- Expert Mentorship: Get mentored by seasoned teachers with an in-depth understanding of NDA exam trends.
- Structured PYQ Practice: The solutions to the previous year’s questions are accessible, spanning from 2016 to 2025, and are analysed topic-wise.
- Time Management & Exam Strategy: Practice with time constraints to improve accuracy levels.
- Comprehensive Study Material: High-quality study materials, textbooks, and test papers are available to help you ace the NDA examination.
- Personalised Guidance: Point out areas of improvement and provide a personalised recommendation for best performance.
With the help of Centurion Defence Academy’s advice on how to prepare for the NDA 2026 exam and consistent practice on NDA PYQs, you can face the NDA 2026 exam with confidence, clarity, and a winning strategy.
Conclusion
Preparation with NDA previous year papers, ranging from 2016 to September 2025, is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the NDA exam in 2026. With good book study and expert coaching and training from Centurion Defence Academy, it is an ideal way to get confidence, speed, and accuracy to crack the exam with ease.
NDA Previous Year Papers FAQs
What is the NDA exam schedule for 2026?
The NDA exam is held twice a year, generally in April and September. Just be sure to check the dates on the official UPSC website.
How do the NDA Previous Year Papers help in preparation?
They provide clarity about exam patterns, types of questions, and frequently asked topic questions so you can prepare smartly.
Where can I find the NDA Previous Year Papers for 2026 preparation?
You can download PYQs from authentic UPSC websites and trustworthy sites like Centurion Defence Academy. The downloads will be done in PDF form.
Are questions repeated in the NDA exam from previous years?
Exact questions are rarely repeated, but similar concepts and patterns appear frequently.
When should I start solving the NDA previous year papers for 2026?
Begin solving PYQs after completing basic syllabus coverage, ideally 6–8 months before the exam.
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Centurion Defence Academy January 16, 2026
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