NDA II General Ability Test 2015: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy

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Subject-wise Distribution

SubjectQuestionsPercentage
Science & Technology4848%
Geography1818%
History & Culture1313%
Economy66%
Polity & Governance66%
Environment & Ecology44%
Miscellaneous & General Knowledge33%
International Relations & Global Affairs22%

Topic-wise Breakdown

SubjectTopicQuestions
Science & TechnologyBasic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)43
GeographyWorld Physical Geography9
History & CultureModern India (Pre-1857)5
History & CultureNational Movement (1857–1947)4
Science & TechnologyBiotechnology & Health4
GeographyIndian Economic Geography4
GeographyIndian Physical Geography3
EconomyAgriculture & Rural Economy2
Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSports, Games & Awards2
EconomyExternal Sector & Trade2
GeographyMaps & Locations2
International Relations & Global AffairsInternational Organisations & Groupings2
Polity & GovernanceConstitutional Basics & Evolution2
History & CultureMedieval India2
Environment & EcologyBiodiversity & Protected Areas2

Mastering the NDA II 2015 General Ability Test: A Comprehensive Strategic Blueprint

The National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination remains one of the most prestigious yet challenging hurdles for young aspirants dreaming of a career in the Indian Armed Forces. Among its various components, the General Ability Test (GAT) is the true "make or break" section. In this deep-dive analysis, we are dissecting the NDA II 2015 GAT paper—a landmark exam that set several precedents for how the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) evaluates future officers. For an aspirant, looking at 2015 is not just a history lesson; it is a masterclass in understanding the examiner's mindset and the evolution of the UPSC pattern.

The NDA II 2015 GAT paper consisted of 150 questions in total (50 for English and 100 for General Knowledge/Science). With 4 marks awarded for every correct answer and a penalty of 1.33 marks for every wrong response, the stakes were incredibly high. This paper was particularly noted for its heavy tilt toward the sciences and its nuanced approach to Geography and History. Analyzing this specific year helps us identify the "core" areas that UPSC consistently revisits, allowing you to prioritize your preparation effectively.

Subject-wise Deep Dive: Decoding the 2015 Blueprint

The 2015 paper was a testament to the fact that while UPSC is unpredictable, it follows a logical weightage system. Let’s break down the subjects that defined this year.

Science & Technology (48% of the Paper)

With 48 questions, Science was the undisputed king of NDA II 2015. Out of these, 43 questions were rooted in Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), while 4 focused on Biotechnology and Health. This indicates that for an NDA aspirant, the 10th and 12th-grade science curriculum is the most valuable asset.

  • Topics Covered: Mechanics, Optics, Electricity (Physics); Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Acids and Bases (Chemistry); Cell Biology, Human Anatomy, and Diseases (Biology).
  • Recommended Books: NCERT Science textbooks from Class 9 to 12. For Physics, H.C. Verma (Concept of Physics) can be used for conceptual clarity, though NCERT remains the primary source.
  • Common Mistakes: Many aspirants ignore the "Application" part of science. In 2015, questions weren't just about definitions; they were about how a principle works in real life. Avoid rote memorization; focus on "why" and "how."

Geography (18% of the Paper)

Geography contributed 18 questions, making it the second most important pillar. The focus was heavily skewed toward World Physical Geography (9 questions) and Indian Economic Geography (4 questions).

  • Topics Covered: Latitudes/Longitudes, Earth’s interior, Ocean currents, and Monsoon patterns. Indian Geography focused on resources and agriculture.
  • Recommended Books: NCERT Class 11 (Fundamentals of Physical Geography) and Class 12 (India: People and Economy). G.C. Leong’s "Certificate Physical and Human Geography" is essential for the World Geography portion.
  • Common Mistakes: Neglecting Map-based study. UPSC often hides Geography questions within current events or location-based queries.

History & Culture (13% of the Paper)

History saw 13 questions, with a significant emphasis on Modern India and the National Movement. Interestingly, the Pre-1857 era saw 5 questions, while the 1857–1947 period saw 4.

  • Topics Covered: The advent of Europeans, Socio-religious reform movements, and the Gandhian Era.
  • Recommended Books: "A Brief History of Modern India" by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) is a goldmine. For Ancient and Medieval, the Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 textbook is highly recommended for its concise nature.
  • Common Mistakes: Getting bogged down in dates. UPSC focuses on the "cause and effect" of historical events rather than just the year they occurred.

Polity & Economy (12% Combined)

Both subjects had 6 questions each. While the numbers seem low, these are "high-yield" areas because the syllabus is defined and questions are often straightforward.

  • Topics Covered: Fundamental Rights, Preamble, and the President (Polity); Agriculture, Rural Economy, and External Trade (Economy).
  • Recommended Books: M. Laxmikanth for Polity (selective reading) and NCERT Class 11 (Indian Economic Development) for Economy.
  • Common Mistakes: Trying to read the whole of Laxmikanth. For NDA, you only need to cover the first 25-30 chapters.

Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis

The 2015 paper revealed an emerging trend: The Interdisciplinary Approach. We observed that the examiner was no longer keeping subjects in tight compartments. For instance, a question on Agriculture (Economy) often overlapped with Soil Types (Geography). This requires an aspirant to develop a holistic understanding rather than studying in silos.

Another major trend was the shift toward Biotechnology and Health. With 4 questions dedicated to this sub-sector, it signaled UPSC's interest in modern scientific advancements and public health—a trend that has only strengthened in recent years. Furthermore, the dominance of World Physical Geography over Indian Physical Geography in this specific year challenged the conventional wisdom that Indian Geography is always more important. It taught us that "Physical Geography" is the foundation upon which all other geographical knowledge is built.

In comparison to general UPSC Civil Services patterns, the NDA II 2015 paper was more "fact-heavy" but required the same level of conceptual "logic." The mindset of the examiner was clearly to test the candidate's grasp of the fundamentals taught in school, while also checking if they are aware of the world around them through Miscellaneous and Current Affairs questions.

Preparation Strategy: A Multi-Dimensional Approach

To tackle a paper like NDA II 2015, your strategy must be balanced. You cannot afford to be a specialist in one subject and a novice in another. Here is how you should allocate your energy:

Subject-wise Resource List

  • Polity: Focus on M. Laxmikanth for the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. Use Subhash Kashyap’s "Our Constitution" for a simpler narrative if Laxmikanth feels too dense.
  • History: Bipin Chandra’s "India’s Struggle for Independence" is great for stories, but for exam-oriented facts, stick to Spectrum.
  • Geography: NCERTs are your bible. Supplement them with Goh Cheng Leong for chapters on climate and vegetation. Use an Oxford Student Atlas daily.
  • Economy: Don't read Ramesh Singh cover-to-cover. Focus on the Economic Survey’s highlights and basic terms like GDP, Inflation, and Repo Rate.
  • Environment: Shankar IAS is the standard, but for NDA, the biology NCERT’s last four chapters on Ecology are usually sufficient.
  • Current Affairs: Read The Hindu or Indian Express. Focus on defense deals, new technology, and international summits.

The Power of PYQs (Previous Year Questions)

Analyzing the 2015 paper is useless unless you practice it under exam conditions. PYQs help you identify "Theme Repetition." While questions are rarely repeated word-for-word, themes like "The Governor's Power" or "Refraction of Light" appear almost every year. Use PYQs to "reverse engineer" the syllabus.

Answer Elimination Techniques: The Art of Intelligent Guessing

No one knows all 100 questions in the GAT section. The toppers are those who master the art of elimination. In the 2015 paper, several questions could be solved even with partial knowledge.

1. The 50-50 Rule

If you can confidently eliminate two options, you must take the risk. The probability of getting it right is 50%, and over 10 such questions, the mathematical expectation of your score is positive, even with negative marking.

2. Extreme Word Elimination

In statement-based questions, words like "Only," "Always," "Never," and "All" are often red flags. In the context of Polity or Geography, exceptions usually exist. Be wary of these "extreme" statements.

3. Match the Following Logic

In 2015, "Match the Following" questions were "low-hanging fruit." Usually, if you knew just one pair correctly, you could identify the right option among the four. Always start with the pair you are 100% sure about.

4. The "None of the Above" Trap

Statistically, in UPSC exams, "None of the Above" or "All of the Above" are rarely the correct answers unless the question is very straightforward. Use this as a last resort for guessing.

Current Affairs Integration: Linking Static to Dynamic

In the 2015 paper, even the static questions often had a "Current Affairs" trigger. For example, a question on a specific treaty or a geographical location usually appears because it was in the news in the preceding six months.

How to build the habit:

  • Monthly Magazines: Use Pratiyogita Darpan or Yojana. They provide a consolidated view of the month's events.
  • PIB (Press Information Bureau): Check the PIB website for official government announcements regarding defense exercises and awards.
  • Notes Making: Don't write long paragraphs. Use bullet points. If you read about a new missile test, note down its range, type (surface-to-air), and the manufacturing agency (DRDO).

Smart Preparation Tips for Different Timelines

Your approach depends on how much time you have left before the exam.

The 6-Month Plan (The Ideal Window)

  • Months 1-3: Focus on NCERTs and building a foundation in Science and Geography. Start reading the newspaper daily.
  • Months 4-5: Move to standard reference books like Laxmikanth and Spectrum. Start solving subject-wise MCQs.
  • Month 6: Dedicated to revision and full-length mock tests. Analyze every mistake.

The 1-Year Plan (The Comprehensive Route)

  • Spend the first 4 months purely on understanding concepts without worrying about MCQs.
  • Integrate your NDA preparation with your Board exams (if applicable), as the Science syllabus overlaps significantly.
  • Develop a hobby in Sports or Games, as 2015 saw questions in this category, and it helps in the SSB interview later.

Revision: The Rule of 3

Read a topic today, revise it in 7 days, and then again in 30 days. This moves information from short-term to long-term memory. Use mind maps for Geography and flowcharts for History.

Key Takeaways & Action Items

The NDA II 2015 analysis proves that the exam is not just a test of memory, but a test of prioritization. You don't need to know everything; you need to know what matters most.

Summary of Priority Topics

  1. Science: Physics (Optics/Electricity) and Chemistry (Daily life chemistry).
  2. Geography: Physical Geography and Map-work (World).
  3. History: Indian National Movement (1857-1947).
  4. Polity: Fundamental Rights and Duties.

Top 5 Books to Prioritize

  • NCERT Science (Class 9 & 10)
  • NCERT Geography (Class 11 - Fundamentals of Physical Geography)
  • Spectrum - Modern India by Rajiv Ahir
  • M. Laxmikanth - Indian Polity
  • G.C. Leong - Physical Geography

Immediate Next Steps

Your first step after reading this analysis should be to download the NDA II 2015 Original Paper and attempt the GAT section without looking at the answers. Time yourself. This will give you a "baseline" of where you stand. Identify which of the 48 Science questions you missed—was it a lack of knowledge or a conceptual error? Use this analysis as your North Star, and remember: in the NDA exam, consistency beats intensity. Start today, and let the 2015 pattern guide your path to Khadakwasla.

Complete Question Index - NDA II General Ability Test 2015

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

Q#SubjectPractice Link
1Science & TechnologySolve Question 1
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2Science & TechnologySolve Question 2
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3Science & TechnologySolve Question 3
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4GeographySolve Question 4
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