NDA I General Ability Test 2022: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy

Explore More

Subject-wise Distribution

SubjectQuestionsPercentage
Science & Technology5050%
Geography1616%
History & Culture1313%
Polity & Governance1010%
NA33%
Miscellaneous & General Knowledge33%
International Relations & Global Affairs22%
Environment & Ecology22%
Economy11%

Topic-wise Breakdown

SubjectTopicQuestions
Science & TechnologyBasic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)46
GeographyWorld Physical Geography7
GeographyIndian Physical Geography7
History & CultureNational Movement (1857–1947)4
NANA3
History & CultureAncient India3
History & CultureModern India (Pre-1857)2
Science & TechnologyBiotechnology & Health2
Science & TechnologySpace & Defence Technology2
Polity & GovernanceJudiciary2
Polity & GovernanceParliament2
Polity & GovernanceConstitutional & Statutory Bodies2
Polity & GovernanceLocal Government1
Polity & GovernancePreamble, Union & Territory, Citizenship1
GeographyWorld Human & Economic Geography1

Navigating the Gateway: A Comprehensive Mentor’s Analysis of the NDA I 2022 General Ability Test

The National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination remains one of the most prestigious and challenging hurdles for young aspirants dreaming of a career in the Indian Armed Forces. Among its two primary papers, the General Ability Test (GAT) is often the "make or break" component. The NDA I 2022 GAT paper was a masterclass in UPSC’s evolving philosophy—balancing traditional rote learning with a deep necessity for conceptual clarity and contemporary awareness. As a mentor, I see this paper not just as a set of 150 questions (50 English, 100 General Studies), but as a roadmap for future success.

In the 2022 iteration, the General Studies section (the 100 questions we are focusing on today) carried a massive 400 marks. With a penalty of 1.33 marks for every wrong answer, the stakes were incredibly high. This analysis goes beyond simple statistics; it delves into the "why" and "how" of the examiner’s mindset, providing you with a strategic blueprint to conquer upcoming examinations.

Subject-wise Deep Dive: Decoding the 2022 Blueprint

Science & Technology: The Uncontested Heavyweight

In 2022, Science & Technology didn't just lead the pack; it dominated it with 50 questions—exactly 50% of the General Studies section. The core focus remained on "Basic Science" (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), which accounted for 46 of those questions. This is a clear signal from the UPSC: they want candidates with a sturdy foundation in fundamental principles rather than just superficial facts.

  • What appeared: Physics dominated with principles of optics, electricity, and mechanics. Chemistry focused on everyday applications and chemical reactions, while Biology touched upon cell structure and human physiology. Interestingly, we saw a nudge toward Biotechnology and Space/Defence Technology (2 questions each), reflecting India’s growing prowess in these sectors.
  • Recommended Books: The NCERT Class 9 and 10 Science textbooks are your Bible. For Physics and Chemistry specifically, the Class 11 and 12 NCERTs (selected chapters like Optics and Organic Chemistry) are vital. Lucent’s General Science is an excellent tool for quick revision.
  • Common Mistakes: Many aspirants ignore the "Application" part. Don't just learn the formula for refractive index; understand why a straw looks bent in water. 2022 rewarded those who understood the 'why' behind the 'what'.

Geography: The Spatial Backbone

With 16 questions (16%), Geography maintained its status as the second most important pillar. The distribution was perfectly symmetrical: 7 questions on World Physical Geography and 7 on Indian Physical Geography.

  • What appeared: Questions ranged from atmospheric layers and ocean currents to the drainage systems of India and soil types. The examiners tested map-reading skills implicitly through questions on mountain ranges and river tributaries.
  • Recommended Books: NCERT Class 11 (Fundamentals of Physical Geography) and Class 12 (India: People and Economy). For mapping and advanced concepts, Goh Cheng Leong’s "Certificate Physical and Human Geography" is indispensable.
  • Standard Sources: Use the Oxford Student Atlas. In 2022, those who could visualize the location of the Western Ghats vs. the Eastern Ghats had a distinct advantage.

History & Culture: From Ancient Roots to Freedom Struggle

History accounted for 13 questions (13%). The National Movement (1857–1947) remained the favorite with 4 questions, but Ancient India (3 questions) and Pre-1857 Modern India (2 questions) also made significant appearances.

  • What appeared: Themes included the socio-religious movements of the 19th century, Quit India Movement specifics, and ancient administrative terms.
  • Recommended Books: For the National Movement, Bipin Chandra’s "History of Modern India" or Spectrum's "A Brief History of Modern India". For Ancient and Medieval sections, the Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 History book is highly recommended for its concise and factual approach.
  • Common Mistakes: Getting bogged down in dates. UPSC now focuses on the "impact" of events and the "roles" of specific personalities rather than just the year a battle was fought.

Polity & Governance: The Rule of Law

Comprising 10 questions (10%), Polity focused heavily on the functional aspects of the Indian state. The Judiciary was a highlight in 2022, with 2 specific questions focused on its powers and structure.

  • What appeared: Fundamental Rights, Preamble, and the working of the Supreme Court/High Courts.
  • Recommended Books: M. Laxmikanth’s "Indian Polity" is the gold standard. For a deeper philosophical understanding of the Constitution, Subhash Kashyap’s "Our Constitution" is a brilliant read.
  • Standard Sources: Always keep a Bare Act of the Constitution handy to read the exact wording of Articles.

Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis: Reading the Examiner’s Mind

The 2022 paper revealed a fascinating trend: the "Conceptual Shift." Historically, NDA was considered a factual exam. However, the 2022 GAT paper moved closer to the Civil Services (IAS) pattern, albeit at a slightly lower difficulty level. The dominance of Basic Science suggests that the NDA wants officers who are technically sound and can handle the sophisticated technology of modern warfare.

Another emerging trend is the integration of Environment and Economy into the mainstream. While they only accounted for 2% and 1% respectively, the questions were "Current-Static" hybrids. For instance, an Economy question might be linked to a recent government scheme. This tells us that the examiner is moving away from compartmentalized subjects and toward a holistic understanding of the world.

The "National Movement" dominance in History is a perennial trend. The UPSC places immense value on an officer candidate’s understanding of the struggle that birthed the nation they are pledged to protect. If you are short on time, focusing on 1857–1947 will always yield the highest ROI (Return on Investment).

Preparation Strategy: A Mentor’s Roadmap

To master a paper like NDA I 2022, your preparation must be surgical. Here is how you should allocate your energy:

1. Subject-Wise Time Allocation

  • Science (40% of your time): Since it’s 50% of the paper, it deserves the lion's share. Spend 2 hours daily on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • Geography & History (30% of your time): Focus on NCERTs. Use weekends for map work and timeline charts.
  • Polity & Current Affairs (20% of your time): Read the newspaper daily and cover Laxmikanth in small, digestible chapters.
  • Miscellaneous (10% of your time): Static GK like firsts in India, awards, and sports.

2. Essential Resources

  • Economy: Don't read heavy volumes. Ramesh Singh is good for reference, but for NDA, the Summary of the Economic Survey and Budget highlights are usually enough.
  • Environment: Shankar IAS is the standard, but for NDA, focus on the last four chapters of the Class 12 Biology NCERT.
  • Current Affairs: The Hindu or The Indian Express. Supplement this with the PIB (Press Information Bureau) website for authentic government data.

3. The Power of PYQs (Previous Year Questions)

Don’t just solve the 2022 paper; dissect it. For every question, look at the three wrong options and research them. UPSC often turns a "wrong option" from one year into a "correct answer" the next year. Practice at least 10 years of PYQs to get into the "rhythm" of the UPSC language.

Answer Elimination Techniques: Winning the MCQ War

In a negative marking environment, knowing what *not* to mark is as important as knowing the right answer. Here are four techniques used by toppers:

1. The "Extreme Word" Filter

In Polity and Science, statements containing words like "Only," "Always," "Never," or "All" are often (though not always) incorrect. For example, "The President always acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers" is a statement that requires careful scrutiny of constitutional exceptions.

2. The 50-50 Logic

If you can confidently eliminate two options, you must take the risk and mark the answer. Statistically, over 10 such questions, the probability of a positive net score is high. However, never guess blindly if you have no clue about any of the four options.

3. Statement-Based Strategy

For "Consider the following statements" questions, find the one statement you are 100% sure is wrong. Eliminate all options containing that statement. Often, this leaves you with the correct answer immediately.

4. Match the Following

These are "gift" questions. Find the one pair you are certain about. Match it with the options. Usually, UPSC designs these so that knowing just one or two pairs leads you to the final answer.

Current Affairs Integration: Connecting the Dots

In the 2022 paper, Current Affairs wasn't just about "who won what award." it was about how current events relate to your static syllabus. If a new missile is tested (Space & Tech), you must know the underlying Physics (Propulsion, Ballistics).

  • The Daily Habit: Spend 45 minutes on the newspaper. Focus on: Editorial Page, National News, and Science/Tech sections. Skip the local/political gossip.
  • Magazines: Yojana and Kurukshetra are excellent for understanding government perspective, though they are more relevant for CDS/IAS. For NDA, a monthly compilation like Pratiyogita Darpan or Focus by specialized coaching institutes works best.
  • Defence Specifics: Keep a separate notebook for Joint Military Exercises, new inductions in the Navy/Air Force/Army, and appointments of Chiefs.

Smart Preparation Tips: 6 Months to Glory

The 6-Month Plan

  • Months 1-3: Foundation building. Finish all NCERTs from Class 9-12 for Science and Geography. Read Laxmikanth once.
  • Month 4: History and Economy. Start practicing 20 MCQs daily.
  • Month 5: Focus on Current Affairs of the last 1 year. Start full-length mock tests.
  • Month 6: Revision and more Revision. Do not pick up new books.

Revision: The 3-2-1 Technique

Revise a topic 3 days after learning it, then 2 weeks later, and finally 1 month later. This moves information from short-term to long-term memory. Use Mind Maps for Geography and Flowcharts for History timelines.

Mock Test Analysis

Don't just check your score. Analyze: Why did I get this wrong?

  • Conceptual error? (Read the topic again)
  • Silly mistake? (Improve concentration)
  • Ran out of time? (Practice speed)

Key Takeaways & Action Items

The NDA I 2022 paper is a testament to the fact that the UPSC values clarity over clutter. To succeed, you don't need to know everything under the sun, but you must know the "Fundamentals" better than anyone else.

Priority Checklist:

  • Physics: Optics, Electricity, Mechanics (NCERT 9-12).
  • Geography: Physical features of India and World Climate zones.
  • History: Indian National Movement (1857-1947).
  • Polity: Fundamental Rights and the Judiciary.
  • Science: Chemical reactions and Human Biology.

Top 5 Books to Prioritize:

  1. NCERT Science (Class 9 & 10)
  2. NCERT Geography (Class 11 - Fundamentals of Physical Geography)
  3. M. Laxmikanth (Indian Polity)
  4. Spectrum (Modern History)
  5. Oxford Student Atlas

Your immediate next step: Take the NDA I 2022 GAT paper, set a timer for 2.5 hours, and solve the GS section. Don't worry about the score; worry about identifying which of the subjects discussed above is your weakest link. Once you identify the "enemy," use the resources mentioned here to neutralize it. The journey to Khadakwasla begins with a single, well-analyzed step. Carry on, Aspirant!

Complete Question Index - NDA I General Ability Test 2022

Click on any question number to practice and view detailed explanation:

Q#SubjectPractice Link
1Science & TechnologySolve Question 1
2Science & TechnologySolve Question 2
2Science & TechnologySolve Question 2
3NASolve Question 3
3NASolve Question 3
4Science & TechnologySolve Question 4
4Science & TechnologySolve Question 4
5Science & TechnologySolve Question 5
5Science & TechnologySolve Question 5
6Science & TechnologySolve Question 6
6Science & TechnologySolve Question 6
7Science & TechnologySolve Question 7
7Science & TechnologySolve Question 7
8Science & TechnologySolve Question 8
8Science & TechnologySolve Question 8
9Science & TechnologySolve Question 9
9Science & TechnologySolve Question 9
10Science & TechnologySolve Question 10
10Science & TechnologySolve Question 10
11Science & TechnologySolve Question 11
11Science & TechnologySolve Question 11
12Science & TechnologySolve Question 12
12Science & TechnologySolve Question 12
13Science & TechnologySolve Question 13
13Science & TechnologySolve Question 13
14Science & TechnologySolve Question 14
14Science & TechnologySolve Question 14
15Science & TechnologySolve Question 15
15Science & TechnologySolve Question 15
16Science & TechnologySolve Question 16
16Science & TechnologySolve Question 16
17Science & TechnologySolve Question 17
17Science & TechnologySolve Question 17
18Science & TechnologySolve Question 18
18Science & TechnologySolve Question 18
19Science & TechnologySolve Question 19
19Science & TechnologySolve Question 19
20NASolve Question 20
20NASolve Question 20
21Science & TechnologySolve Question 21
21Science & TechnologySolve Question 21
22Science & TechnologySolve Question 22
22Science & TechnologySolve Question 22
23Science & TechnologySolve Question 23
23Science & TechnologySolve Question 23
24Science & TechnologySolve Question 24
24Science & TechnologySolve Question 24
25Science & TechnologySolve Question 25
25Science & TechnologySolve Question 25
26Science & TechnologySolve Question 26
26Science & TechnologySolve Question 26
27Science & TechnologySolve Question 27
27Science & TechnologySolve Question 27
28Science & TechnologySolve Question 28
28Science & TechnologySolve Question 28
29Science & TechnologySolve Question 29
29Science & TechnologySolve Question 29
30Science & TechnologySolve Question 30
30Science & TechnologySolve Question 30
31Science & TechnologySolve Question 31
31Science & TechnologySolve Question 31
32Science & TechnologySolve Question 32
32Science & TechnologySolve Question 32
33Science & TechnologySolve Question 33
33Science & TechnologySolve Question 33
34Science & TechnologySolve Question 34
34Science & TechnologySolve Question 34
35Science & TechnologySolve Question 35
35Science & TechnologySolve Question 35
36Science & TechnologySolve Question 36
36Science & TechnologySolve Question 36
37Science & TechnologySolve Question 37
37Science & TechnologySolve Question 37
38Science & TechnologySolve Question 38
38Science & TechnologySolve Question 38
39Science & TechnologySolve Question 39
39Science & TechnologySolve Question 39
40Science & TechnologySolve Question 40
40Science & TechnologySolve Question 40
41Science & TechnologySolve Question 41
41Science & TechnologySolve Question 41
42Science & TechnologySolve Question 42
42Science & TechnologySolve Question 42
43Science & TechnologySolve Question 43
43Science & TechnologySolve Question 43
44Science & TechnologySolve Question 44
44Science & TechnologySolve Question 44
45Science & TechnologySolve Question 45
45Science & TechnologySolve Question 45
46Science & TechnologySolve Question 46
46Science & TechnologySolve Question 46
47NASolve Question 47
47NASolve Question 47
48Science & TechnologySolve Question 48
48Science & TechnologySolve Question 48
49Science & TechnologySolve Question 49
49Science & TechnologySolve Question 49
50Science & TechnologySolve Question 50
50Science & TechnologySolve Question 50
51History & CultureSolve Question 51
51History & CultureSolve Question 51
52History & CultureSolve Question 52
52History & CultureSolve Question 52
53History & CultureSolve Question 53
53History & CultureSolve Question 53
54Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 54
54Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 54
55Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 55
55Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 55
56Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 56
56Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 56
57GeographySolve Question 57
57GeographySolve Question 57
58GeographySolve Question 58
58GeographySolve Question 58
59GeographySolve Question 59
59GeographySolve Question 59
60Science & TechnologySolve Question 60
61Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 61
61Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 61
62History & CultureSolve Question 62
62History & CultureSolve Question 62
63Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 63
63Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 63
64Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 64
64Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 64
65Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 65
65Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 65
66Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 66
66Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 66
67Science & TechnologySolve Question 67
67Science & TechnologySolve Question 67
68GeographySolve Question 68
68GeographySolve Question 68
69GeographySolve Question 69
69GeographySolve Question 69
70GeographySolve Question 70
70GeographySolve Question 70
71History & CultureSolve Question 71
71History & CultureSolve Question 71
72History & CultureSolve Question 72
72History & CultureSolve Question 72
73History & CultureSolve Question 73
73History & CultureSolve Question 73
74History & CultureSolve Question 74
74History & CultureSolve Question 74
75History & CultureSolve Question 75
75History & CultureSolve Question 75
76History & CultureSolve Question 76
76History & CultureSolve Question 76
77International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 77
77International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 77
78History & CultureSolve Question 78
78History & CultureSolve Question 78
79GeographySolve Question 79
79GeographySolve Question 79
80EconomySolve Question 80
80EconomySolve Question 80
81Environment & EcologySolve Question 81
81Environment & EcologySolve Question 81
82Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 82
82Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 82
83GeographySolve Question 83
83GeographySolve Question 83
84GeographySolve Question 84
84GeographySolve Question 84
85GeographySolve Question 85
85GeographySolve Question 85
86GeographySolve Question 86
86GeographySolve Question 86
87GeographySolve Question 87
87GeographySolve Question 87
88GeographySolve Question 88
88GeographySolve Question 88
89GeographySolve Question 89
89GeographySolve Question 89
90GeographySolve Question 90
90GeographySolve Question 90
91History & CultureSolve Question 91
91History & CultureSolve Question 91
92International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 92
92International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 92
93Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 93
93Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 93
94Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 94
94Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 94
95Science & TechnologySolve Question 95
95Science & TechnologySolve Question 95
96GeographySolve Question 96
96GeographySolve Question 96
97Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 97
97Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 97
98Environment & EcologySolve Question 98
98Environment & EcologySolve Question 98
99Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 99
99Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 99
100History & CultureSolve Question 100
100History & CultureSolve Question 100

Explore More