NDA I General Ability Test 2024: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy

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Subject-wise Distribution

SubjectQuestionsPercentage
Science & Technology5050.5%
Geography2020.2%
History & Culture1515.2%
Polity & Governance44%
International Relations & Global Affairs33%
Miscellaneous & General Knowledge33%
CUL11%
Economy11%
Environment & Ecology11%
NA11%

Topic-wise Breakdown

SubjectTopicQuestions
Science & TechnologyBasic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)47
GeographyWorld Physical Geography15
History & CultureAncient India5
History & CultureMedieval India4
History & CultureNational Movement (1857–1947)3
GeographyIndian Physical Geography3
International Relations & Global AffairsIndia's Bilateral & Regional Relations2
GeographyIndian Economic Geography2
Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeImportant Days, Places & Events2
Science & TechnologySpace & Defence Technology2
CULCulture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy1
History & CultureCulture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy1
History & CultureArt & Architecture1
History & CultureModern India (Pre-1857)1
International Relations & Global AffairsInternational Organisations & Groupings1

The National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination remains one of the most prestigious and challenging gateways for young aspirants dreaming of a career in the Indian Armed Forces. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA-I 2024 examination has once again set a high benchmark for academic excellence and mental agility. While the Mathematics paper tests your calculative speed, the General Ability Test (GAT) is the true decider of your merit rank. It is a diverse landscape covering everything from the laws of thermodynamics to the intricacies of India’s freedom struggle.

The NDA-I 2024 GAT paper consisted of 150 questions in total (including English), but our focus today is on the 99 core General Studies and Science questions that formed the backbone of this year’s assessment. With 4 marks awarded for every correct answer and a penalty of 1.33 for every wrong one, the stakes are incredibly high. This analysis is not just a post-mortem of what happened; it is a strategic blueprint for what you must do next. Understanding the "anatomy" of the 2024 paper is the first step toward conquering the 2025 cycle.

2. Subject-wise Deep Dive

To master the GAT, you must stop looking at it as a single subject and start viewing it as a conglomerate of distinct disciplines. Here is how the 2024 paper distributed its weight across the spectrum.

Science & Technology (50 Questions | 50.5%)

Science remains the undisputed king of the NDA GAT paper. In 2024, more than half of the General Studies section was dedicated to Science. The focus was heavily tilted toward Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), which accounted for 47 out of the 50 questions.

  • Key Topics: Optics, Electricity, and Mechanics in Physics; Chemical reactions and Periodic Table in Chemistry; and Human Physiology and Cell Biology in Biology. Interestingly, 2 questions specifically targeted Space & Defence Technology, reflecting India’s growing prowess in these sectors.
  • Recommended Books: NCERT Class 9th and 10th (Science) are your bibles. For Physics, refer to Class 11th and 12th (selected chapters like Optics and Modern Physics). Lucent’s General Science is excellent for quick revision.
  • Mistakes to Avoid: Ignoring the conceptual "Why" behind phenomena. UPSC has moved away from rote memorization to application-based questions. Don't just memorize the formula for refractive index; understand how it changes in different media.

Geography (20 Questions | 20.2%)

Geography took the second spot, with a massive emphasis on World Physical Geography (15 questions). This is a significant shift that aspirants must note.

  • Key Topics: Geomorphology, Climatology, and Oceanography dominated. Indian Physical Geography and Economic Geography saw fewer questions (3 and 2 respectively), but they remained high-yield areas for conceptual clarity.
  • Recommended Books: NCERT Class 11th (Fundamentals of Physical Geography) and Class 12th (India: People and Economy). For mapping, the Oxford School Atlas is mandatory. G.C. Leong’s 'Certificate Physical and Human Geography' is the gold standard for World Geography.
  • Mistakes to Avoid: Studying Geography without a map. Every mountain range, river, or ocean current mentioned in the news should be located on your atlas immediately.

History & Culture (15 Questions | 15.2%)

History in 2024 was a balanced mix. Interestingly, Ancient India (5 questions) and Medieval India (4 questions) saw a resurgence, while the National Movement (1857–1947) accounted for 3 questions.

  • Key Topics: Indus Valley Civilization, Buddhism, Jainism, and the administrative structures of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughals. The National Movement focused on the Gandhian Era and constitutional developments.
  • Recommended Books: Tamil Nadu State Board History books (Class 11 & 12) are exceptionally concise for Ancient and Medieval. For Modern History, 'A Brief History of Modern India' by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) is more effective for NDA than Bipin Chandra.
  • Mistakes to Avoid: Getting bogged down in dates. UPSC cares more about the "Impact" and "Sequence" of events than the exact day a battle was fought.

Polity, IR, and Others

Polity was relatively quiet this year with only 4 questions (4%), while International Relations (IR) contributed 3 questions. Economy and Environment were represented by 1 question each. This suggests that while these subjects have lower weightage, they are "low-hanging fruits" where basic knowledge can net you easy marks.

  • Polity Source: M. Laxmikanth (Selected chapters: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, President, Judiciary).
  • IR Source: Follow India’s bilateral visits and major summits (G20, SCO, BRICS) via PIB or major newspapers.

3. Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis

The 2024 paper reveals a clear "back to basics" trend. The dominance of Science (50.5%) suggests that UPSC wants candidates with a strong analytical foundation. However, the depth of the questions has increased. We are seeing a move toward Statement-Based Questions even in the Science section, where you must evaluate the correctness of two or three statements rather than picking a single fact.

In Geography, the shift toward World Physical Geography indicates that the examiner expects you to understand global phenomena like El Niño, plate tectonics, and atmospheric circulation. This aligns with the "Officer Like Quality" (OLQ) of having a global perspective. In History, the focus on Ancient and Medieval India suggests that the "Modern-only" strategy is now risky. You must have a holistic view of Indian heritage.

Compared to the Civil Services Examination (CSE), the NDA-I 2024 paper remains more factual, but the gap is narrowing. The "mindset" of the examiner is to test your retention under pressure and your ability to link static knowledge with current developments. For instance, a question on a specific island might be linked to a recent naval exercise or a diplomatic dispute.

4. Preparation Strategy

To crack the next NDA exam, your preparation must be surgical. Here is a subject-wise allocation and resource guide:

The "Big Three" Strategy

  1. Science (Physics/Chemistry/Biology): Allocate 40% of your study time here. Focus on NCERTs. Solve every back-of-the-chapter exercise. For Physics, practice numericals involving basic formulas of motion, work, and energy.
  2. Geography: Allocate 25% of your time. Start with the Class 11 NCERT 'Fundamentals of Physical Geography'. It is a difficult book; read it at least three times. Supplement it with G.C. Leong for chapters on climate and vegetation.
  3. History: Allocate 15% of your time. Focus on the Spectrum for Modern History. For Ancient and Medieval, stick to the themes in NCERT or the Tamil Nadu Board books.

The "Subsidiary Four" Strategy

  • Polity: Don't read the whole Laxmikanth. Focus on the first 25 chapters. Understand the powers of the President vs. the Governor and the writ jurisdiction of courts.
  • Economy: Focus on "Macro" concepts—GDP, Inflation, Repo Rate, and Budgetary terms. The Economic Survey's "Highlights" are usually enough.
  • Environment: Shankar IAS is the standard, but for NDA, the last four chapters of the Class 12 Biology NCERT are usually sufficient.
  • Current Affairs: Spend 45 minutes daily on 'The Hindu' or 'Indian Express'. Focus on "Defence in News," "Awards," "Sports," and "Summits."

The Power of PYQs

Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are not just for practice; they are for pattern recognition. Analyze the last 10 years of NDA papers. You will notice that certain themes (like the Indian Drainage System or the 1857 Revolt) repeat every two years. Use PYQs to identify your "weak zones" and "strike zones."

5. Answer Elimination Techniques

In a paper with negative marking, what you don't mark is as important as what you do. Use these strategies:

  • The 50-50 Rule: If you can eliminate two options, you must take the risk. Mathematically, over 10 such questions, you are likely to come out with a positive score.
  • Extreme Keywords: In statement-based questions, look for words like "Only," "Always," "Never," or "Entirely." These are often (though not always) incorrect. UPSC prefers nuanced, moderate statements.
  • Match the Following: Often, knowing just one correct pair allows you to eliminate three out of four options. Always start with the pair you are 100% sure about.
  • The "Odd One Out" in Science: In Chemistry questions about properties, if three options describe a metal and one describes a non-metal, the odd one is usually the answer or the key to the solution.

6. Current Affairs Integration

The NDA-I 2024 paper showed that Current Affairs (CA) acts as a "trigger" for static questions. If there is a volcanic eruption in Iceland, UPSC might ask a static question about the types of volcanoes. This is called Static-Current Linkage.

How to Build the Habit:

  • Daily: Read the newspaper. Use the PIB (Press Information Bureau) website for authentic government data.
  • Monthly: Refer to a consolidated magazine like 'Pratiyogita Darpan' or 'IDSA' for defence-specific news. While 'Yojana' and 'Kurukshetra' are great for CSE, they might be too deep for NDA; stick to their summaries.
  • The "Defence" Angle: Always keep a separate notebook for new weapon systems, joint military exercises (like Exercise Surya Kiran or Malabar), and appointments of Chiefs of Staff.

7. Smart Preparation Tips

Revision Techniques: Use the 1-3-7-30 rule. Revise what you learned today after 1 day, then after 3 days, 7 days, and 30 days. This moves information from short-term to long-term memory.

Mock Test Analysis: Don't just look at your score. Analyze why you got a question wrong. Was it a "Silly Mistake" (misreading the question), a "Knowledge Gap" (never read the topic), or a "Logical Error" (wrong elimination)? Maintain a "Mistake Log" and review it before every new mock test.

Time Management: In the exam hall, divide the GAT paper into three rounds.

  • Round 1: Questions you are 100% sure about (The "Sure-Shots").
  • Round 2: Questions where you can eliminate two options.
  • Round 3: Questions that require deep thinking or calculation.
Never spend more than 1 minute on a question in the first round.

8. Key Takeaways & Action Items

The NDA-I 2024 analysis proves that while the syllabus is vast, the path to victory is through Science and Geography. These two subjects alone accounted for over 70% of the General Studies section. If you master these, you are halfway to Khadakwasla.

Your Immediate Action Plan:

  1. Prioritize the Top 5 Books: NCERT Science (9-10), NCERT Physical Geography (11), Spectrum Modern History, M. Laxmikanth (Polity), and a standard Atlas.
  2. Master the Basics: Spend the first 3 months of your 6-month plan solely on NCERTs. Do not touch reference books until your basics are rock solid.
  3. Defence Focus: Dedicate one day a week to "Defence Knowledge"—ranks, commands, aircraft, and missiles. This helps in both GAT and the SSB interview.
  4. Weekly Mocks: Starting today, solve at least one PYQ paper every Sunday in a timed environment.

The road to the Indian Armed Forces is paved with discipline, not just intelligence. The NDA-I 2024 paper was a test of that discipline. Use this analysis as your compass, your books as your weapons, and your consistency as your shield. See you at the academy!

Complete Question Index - NDA I General Ability Test 2024

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

Q#SubjectPractice Link
51Science & TechnologySolve Question 51
52Science & TechnologySolve Question 52
53Science & TechnologySolve Question 53
55Science & TechnologySolve Question 55
56Science & TechnologySolve Question 56
57Science & TechnologySolve Question 57
58Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 58
59Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 59
60International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 60
61EconomySolve Question 61
62History & CultureSolve Question 62
63History & CultureSolve Question 63
64Science & TechnologySolve Question 64
65Science & TechnologySolve Question 65
66Science & TechnologySolve Question 66
67Science & TechnologySolve Question 67
68Science & TechnologySolve Question 68
69GeographySolve Question 69
70GeographySolve Question 70
71GeographySolve Question 71
72GeographySolve Question 72
73GeographySolve Question 73
74GeographySolve Question 74
75GeographySolve Question 75
76GeographySolve Question 76
77Science & TechnologySolve Question 77
78Science & TechnologySolve Question 78
79Science & TechnologySolve Question 79
80Science & TechnologySolve Question 80
81Science & TechnologySolve Question 81
82Science & TechnologySolve Question 82
83Science & TechnologySolve Question 83
84Science & TechnologySolve Question 84
85Science & TechnologySolve Question 85
86Science & TechnologySolve Question 86
87Science & TechnologySolve Question 87
88Science & TechnologySolve Question 88
89Science & TechnologySolve Question 89
90Science & TechnologySolve Question 90
91History & CultureSolve Question 91
92History & CultureSolve Question 92
93History & CultureSolve Question 93
94History & CultureSolve Question 94
95History & CultureSolve Question 95
96History & CultureSolve Question 96
97History & CultureSolve Question 97
98Science & TechnologySolve Question 98
99Science & TechnologySolve Question 99
100Science & TechnologySolve Question 100
101NASolve Question 101
102Science & TechnologySolve Question 102
103Science & TechnologySolve Question 103
104Science & TechnologySolve Question 104
105Science & TechnologySolve Question 105
106Science & TechnologySolve Question 106
107Science & TechnologySolve Question 107
108GeographySolve Question 108
109GeographySolve Question 109
110GeographySolve Question 110
111GeographySolve Question 111
112GeographySolve Question 112
113GeographySolve Question 113
114GeographySolve Question 114
115GeographySolve Question 115
116GeographySolve Question 116
117GeographySolve Question 117
118GeographySolve Question 118
119GeographySolve Question 119
120Science & TechnologySolve Question 120
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129Science & TechnologySolve Question 129
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131Science & TechnologySolve Question 131
132Science & TechnologySolve Question 132
133Science & TechnologySolve Question 133
134History & CultureSolve Question 134
135CULSolve Question 135
136History & CultureSolve Question 136
137History & CultureSolve Question 137
138History & CultureSolve Question 138
139History & CultureSolve Question 139
140History & CultureSolve Question 140
141Science & TechnologySolve Question 141
142International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 142
143Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 143
144Environment & EcologySolve Question 144
145Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 145
146Science & TechnologySolve Question 146
147Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 147
148Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 148
149International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 149
150Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 150

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