NDA II General Ability Test: Complete Year-wise Analysis & Previous Year Papers

Why Practice NDA II General Ability Test Previous Year Papers?

The National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination II, conducted annually in September by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is the ultimate gateway for brave aspirants dreaming of a career in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. While the syllabus remains consistent with the April session (NDA-I), the GAT (General Ability Test) paper is often the deciding factor in the final merit list. As a mentor, my advice is simple: if you want to crack this prestigious exam, your preparation must be anchored in the rigorous analysis of Previous Year Questions (PYQs).

Practicing PYQs is not just about solving old problems; it is about synchronizing your mindset with that of the UPSC paper setters. The GAT paper is a massive 600-mark component covering English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events. By diving into past papers, you demystify the exam’s complexity, helping you transition from a nervous candidate to a confident warrior who knows exactly what to expect on exam day.

Using year-wise analysis is the most strategic way to build your roadmap. Instead of studying aimlessly, look at the shifts in difficulty levels over the last five years. Does the UPSC favor modern history over ancient? Has the weightage of numericals in Physics increased? Year-wise analysis allows you to track these evolutions, ensuring that your study plan is modern, relevant, and focused on the topics that actually yield marks. It helps you identify "high-yield" zones, allowing for better time management during your revision phase.

Furthermore, understanding subject-wise trends is a game-changer for the NDA II GAT. The UPSC often follows a cyclical pattern in its questioning. For instance, you might notice a specific focus on Indian Geography or a recurring theme in English idioms and phrases. By recognizing these trends, you can prioritize your subjects based on your strengths and the exam’s requirements. This targeted approach prevents burnout and ensures you aren't spending too much time on low-probability topics while neglecting the heavy hitters.

To make the most of your PYQ practice, follow these quick, practical tips:

• Simulate Exam Conditions: Always solve past papers within the 2.5-hour time limit to build your speed and accuracy.
• Analyze Your Mistakes: Don’t just check the answer key. Understand why an answer was wrong—was it a conceptual gap or a silly mistake?
• Focus on Options: UPSC often picks future questions from the options of previous ones. Research the incorrect options to broaden your knowledge base.
• Reverse Engineering: If you find a topic difficult, start with the PYQs of that chapter. It will show you the "depth" required, saving you from over-studying.

Remember, the NDA II GAT is as much a test of your strategy as it is of your knowledge. Use this analysis page to sharpen your tools, understand the examiner’s pulse, and march toward your goal of joining the National Defence Academy with unwavering confidence. Your journey to the Khadakwasla begins with a single, well-analyzed question.

Year-wise Question Papers

Click on any year to view detailed analysis, subject distribution, preparation strategies, and practice all questions:

Overall Subject Distribution

Subject-wise question distribution across all years: