NDA II General Ability Test 2018: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy
Subject-wise Distribution
| Subject | Questions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | 50 | 50% |
| Geography | 19 | 19% |
| History & Culture | 10 | 10% |
| Polity & Governance | 9 | 9% |
| Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | 5 | 5% |
| Environment & Ecology | 3 | 3% |
| International Relations & Global Affairs | 2 | 2% |
| CUL-01 | 1 | 1% |
| Economy | 1 | 1% |
Topic-wise Breakdown
| Subject | Topic | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 49 |
| Geography | Maps & Locations | 8 |
| Geography | World Physical Geography | 8 |
| History & Culture | National Movement (1857–1947) | 4 |
| History & Culture | Modern India (Pre-1857) | 3 |
| Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Sports, Games & Awards | 2 |
| Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Important Days, Places & Events | 2 |
| History & Culture | Medieval India | 2 |
| Polity & Governance | Fundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties | 2 |
| Polity & Governance | Constitutional & Statutory Bodies | 2 |
| CUL-01 | CUL-01 | 1 |
| Geography | Indian Physical Geography | 1 |
| Geography | Indian Economic Geography | 1 |
| International Relations & Global Affairs | International Organisations & Groupings | 1 |
| Geography | World Human & Economic Geography | 1 |
Mastering the NDA II 2018 General Ability Test: A Strategic Blueprint for Defense Aspirants
The National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination is more than just a test of knowledge; it is a test of temperament, precision, and strategic depth. Among the various papers, the General Ability Test (GAT) stands as the ultimate gatekeeper. In this comprehensive analysis, we dive deep into the NDA II 2018 GAT paper—a benchmark year that redefined how aspirants perceive the balance between static knowledge and conceptual clarity. Whether you are a first-time candidate or a seasoned aspirant looking to refine your strategy, understanding the nuances of this specific paper is crucial for cracking the UPSC code.
1. Introduction & Exam Overview
The NDA II 2018 General Ability Test was conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as the second phase of the year’s recruitment cycle for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. For the uninitiated, the GAT paper is the second paper of the day, following the Mathematics section. It carries a massive weightage of 600 marks out of the total 900 marks in the written stage.
In the 2018 iteration, the General Studies portion (Part B) consisted of 100 questions, each carrying 4 marks. This means a single correct answer propels you forward by 4 points, while a wrong move costs you 1.33 marks through negative marking. With a duration of 2.5 hours, the pressure is not just on "knowing" the answer, but on "selecting" the right one under time constraints. This analysis focuses on the 100 questions covering Science, Humanities, and Current Affairs, which constitute the backbone of the GAT score.
Why does the 2018 analysis matter today? Because 2018 marked a shift where the UPSC began blending traditional "rote-learning" questions with "application-based" queries. By dissecting this paper, we uncover the examiner’s mindset—moving away from trivial facts toward a holistic understanding of the world around us.
2. Subject-wise Deep Dive
To conquer the GAT, one must understand that not all subjects are created equal. The 2018 paper provided a clear hierarchy of importance that remains relevant for future aspirants.
Science & Technology: The Powerhouse (50% of the Paper)
With 50 questions dedicated to Science, this section was the undisputed king of NDA II 2018. The distribution was heavily tilted toward Basic Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- What appeared: Questions focused on fundamental principles like Optics (refraction/reflection), Electricity (circuits and resistance), and Mechanics in Physics. Chemistry saw a focus on everyday substances, acids, bases, and salts. Biology revolved around cell structure and human physiology.
- Recommended Books: NCERT Class 9th and 10th Science textbooks are your Bible. For advanced Physics concepts, refer to NCERT Class 11th (selected chapters like Work, Energy, and Power). Lucent’s General Science is an excellent tool for quick revision of facts.
- Common Mistakes: Aspirants often over-study complex 12th-grade derivations while ignoring 10th-grade conceptual applications. In 2018, the questions were "simple but tricky"—failing to read the units or the word "NOT" in a statement was the biggest pitfall.
Geography: The Spatial Navigator (19% of the Paper)
Geography took the second spot with 19 questions. The focus was split between World Physical Geography and Indian Geography, with a significant emphasis on Maps and Locations.
- What appeared: 8 questions were dedicated to Maps and Locations, testing candidates on their grasp of Indian rivers, mountain ranges, and global straits. World Physical Geography covered atmospheric layers and plate tectonics.
- Recommended Books: Fundamentals of Physical Geography (NCERT Class 11) and India: Physical Environment (NCERT Class 11). For mapping, the Oxford Student Atlas is indispensable. Supplement this with G.C. Leong’s Certificate Physical and Human Geography for conceptual clarity on climate zones.
- Common Mistakes: Ignoring the map-based approach. Many students memorize the names of rivers but fail to identify their tributaries or the states they pass through.
History & Culture: The Narrative of India (10% of the Paper)
History contributed 10 questions, with a heavy leaning toward the National Movement (1857–1947).
- What appeared: The Indian National Congress sessions, the role of Mahatma Gandhi, and the socio-religious reform movements were central. Medieval India also saw representation through 2 questions regarding administrative systems.
- Recommended Books: A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) is the most concise resource. For Ancient and Medieval, the Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 textbook provides a much better narrative flow than standard NCERTs for competitive exams.
- Common Mistakes: Getting bogged down in dates. UPSC cares more about the "Why" and "How" of an event rather than just the "When."
Polity & Governance: The Rules of the Land (9% of the Paper)
Polity was represented by 9 questions, focusing on the core pillars of the Indian Constitution.
- What appeared: Fundamental Rights, DPSP, and the structure of Constitutional bodies. There was a clear emphasis on the functional aspect of the Parliament.
- Recommended Books: M. Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity. You don't need to read the whole book; focus on the first 25 chapters. Our Constitution by Subhash Kashyap is also great for understanding the spirit of the document.
- Common Mistakes: Confusing the powers of the President with those of the Governor, or mixing up the articles of Fundamental Rights.
3. Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis
The NDA II 2018 paper revealed several emerging trends that have since become staples in UPSC examinations. First and foremost was the dominance of Basic Science. By allocating 50% of the General Studies section to Science, the examiner sent a clear message: Technical competence is non-negotiable for a future officer. However, these weren't "lab-based" questions; they were "life-based." For instance, understanding why a diamond sparkles or how a fuse wire works.
Another trend was the Micro-topic Focus in Geography. Instead of asking broad questions about the "monsoon," the paper delved into specific locations and map-based identifiers. This indicates a shift toward "spatial awareness"—a key trait for military leadership.
In History, the paper moved away from the "Kings and Battles" trope of the 90s. Instead, it focused on Institutional History—how the British administrative machinery worked and how Indian resistance organized itself into a cohesive movement. This aligns with the broader UPSC pattern seen in Civil Services exams, where the "evolution of ideas" is prioritized over "chronology of events."
The examiner’s mindset in 2018 was clearly geared toward Elimination over Selection. The questions were framed with multiple statements (1 only, 2 and 3 only, etc.), forcing the candidate to have a comprehensive understanding rather than a superficial one. If you knew only 50% of the facts about a topic, you were likely to fall into the trap of a wrong option.
4. Preparation Strategy
Success in NDA is not about studying 18 hours a day; it’s about studying the right things for 6 hours. Based on the 2018 pattern, here is your roadmap:
Subject-wise Time Allocation
- Science (40% of time): Since it carries half the marks, it deserves half your attention. Spend 2 hours daily on Physics and Chemistry concepts.
- Geography & History (30% of time): Focus on high-yield areas like Modern India and Physical Geography.
- Polity & Current Affairs (20% of time): These are scoring areas that require regular updates rather than heavy lifting.
- Revision & Mock Tests (10% of time): Never skip the feedback loop.
Strategic Resources
- Polity: Stick to Laxmikanth. Focus on the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and the Judiciary.
- History: Use Spectrum for Modern India. For Ancient/Medieval, stick to the Old NCERTs or Tamil Nadu Board books.
- Geography: G.C. Leong is a must for physical geography. For Indian geography, rely on Class 11 NCERT and a good Atlas.
- Economy: NDA rarely asks deep economic theory. Focus on "Current Economy"—Budget highlights and basic terms like GDP, Inflation, and Repo Rate. Ramesh Singh is too heavy; use Mrunal Patel’s handouts or videos for basics.
- Environment: Shankar IAS is the gold standard, but for NDA, only the first 5-6 chapters (Ecology basics) are necessary.
The Power of PYQs (Previous Year Questions)
Don't just solve the 2018 paper; reverse-engineer it. If a question was asked about the "Quit India Movement," research the "August Offer" and the "Cripps Mission" as well. UPSC tends to orbit around specific themes. If they asked about the "Right to Education" in 2018, they might ask about "Fundamental Duties" in the next cycle.
5. Answer Elimination Techniques
In a paper like NDA II 2018, where negative marking is high, your "guessing" must be "educated."
The "Extreme Words" Rule
In statement-based questions, be wary of words like "All," "Always," "Only," or "Never." For example, a statement saying "All rivers in India flow into the Bay of Bengal" is factually incorrect because of the Narmada and Tapi. Extreme statements are often (though not always) false.
The 50-50 Strategy
If you can eliminate two out of four options, you must take the risk. Mathematically, over 10 such questions, you are likely to net a positive score even if you get half of them wrong. However, if you cannot eliminate even one option, skip the question entirely.
Match the Following Hacks
Usually, finding just one correct pair in a "Match the Following" question allows you to eliminate three out of four options. In the 2018 Geography section, knowing the location of just one mountain pass could lead you to the correct answer for the entire list.
Contextual Clues
Sometimes the answer is hidden in the question itself. Look for etymological roots in Science questions or historical context in Polity. If a question asks about a "Constitutional Body," and one of the options is the "NITI Aayog," you can immediately eliminate it because NITI Aayog is an executive body.
6. Current Affairs Integration
Current Affairs in NDA II 2018 weren't just about "who won what award." They were deeply integrated with static subjects. For instance, a question on a specific island might be asked because it was in the news due to a naval exercise.
Building the Habit
- The Daily Grind: Read The Hindu or The Indian Express. Don't read the Bollywood news or local crimes. Focus on the Editorial, National, and International pages.
- Monthly Magazines: Pratiyogita Darpan or Exam 360 are good, but for UPSC, Yojana helps build a perspective on government schemes, which is vital for Polity and Economy questions.
- Defense-Specific News: Since you are aspiring for the military, keep a close eye on PIB (Press Information Bureau) for news regarding new inductions (Rafale, S-400), joint military exercises (Malabar, Surya Kiran), and gallantry awards.
In 2018, the "Miscellaneous" section (5%) covered Sports and Important Days. These are low-hanging fruits. A simple monthly compilation can help you secure these 20 marks with minimal effort.
7. Smart Preparation Tips
The Timeline
- 6-Month Plan: Spend the first 3 months on conceptual clarity (NCERTs). The next 2 months should be for standard reference books and subject-wise tests. The final month is strictly for Full-Length Mocks (FLTs) and Revision.
- 1-Year Plan: You have the luxury of depth. Read the newspapers daily and build a "Static + Current" notebook where you link news events to their historical or geographical roots.
Revision: The 1-3-7-30 Rule
To move information from short-term to long-term memory, revise what you learned today after 1 day, then 3 days, then 7 days, and finally after a month. For the Science section of 2018, where formulas and chemical names are frequent, this technique is a lifesaver.
Mock Test Analysis
Most students give a mock and look at the score. That’s a mistake. You must analyze:
- Silly Mistakes: Did I misread the question?
- Knowledge Gaps: Did I never study this topic?
- Logical Errors: Was my elimination logic flawed?
8. Key Takeaways & Action Items
The NDA II 2018 GAT paper serves as a reminder that while the syllabus is vast, the path to success is narrow and well-defined. It rewards those who have a solid foundation in Science and a keen eye for India’s Geography and Modern History.
Top 5 Books to Prioritize:
- NCERT Science (Class 9 & 10): Non-negotiable for 200 marks.
- M. Laxmikanth (Indian Polity): For guaranteed accuracy in Polity.
- Spectrum (Modern India): To cover the 1857-1947 period effectively.
- NCERT Geography (Class 11 - both books): The foundation of 19% of the paper.
- Oxford Student Atlas: For the crucial 8-10 map questions.
Immediate Next Steps:
- Step 1: Download the NDA II 2018 GAT original paper and attempt it under a 2.5-hour timer without any help.
- Step 2: Grade yourself honestly. Identify if your weakness lies in Science (50%) or the Humanities side.
- Step 3: Start with the NCERTs of your weakest subject today. Don't wait for a "perfect time."
- Step 4: Begin a daily 30-minute map-pointing exercise. Locate one river system or one mountain range every day.
The journey to the Khadakwasla academy is paved with discipline. The 2018 paper proves that the UPSC doesn't want geniuses; they want candidates with clarity, awareness, and the ability to apply knowledge under pressure. Master these, and the uniform is yours.
Complete Question Index - NDA II General Ability Test 2018
Click on any question number to practice and view detailed explanation:
| Q# | Subject | Practice Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 1 |
| 1 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 1 |
| 2 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 2 |
| 2 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 2 |
| 3 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 3 |
| 3 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 3 |
| 4 | CUL-01 | Solve Question 4 |
| 4 | CUL-01 | Solve Question 4 |
| 5 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 5 |
| 5 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 5 |
| 6 | Geography | Solve Question 6 |
| 6 | Geography | Solve Question 6 |
| 7 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 7 |
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| 28 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 28 |
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| 46 | Geography | Solve Question 46 |
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| 53 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 53 |
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| 64 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 64 |
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| 65 | Geography | Solve Question 65 |
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| 70 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 70 |
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| 73 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 73 |
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| 74 | History & Culture | Solve Question 74 |
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| 77 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 77 |
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| 78 | History & Culture | Solve Question 78 |
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| 80 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 80 |
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| 82 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 82 |
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| 84 | Geography | Solve Question 84 |
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| 85 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 85 |
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| 87 | History & Culture | Solve Question 87 |
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| 88 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 88 |
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| 89 | Economy | Solve Question 89 |
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| 90 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 90 |
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| 92 | History & Culture | Solve Question 92 |
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| 93 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 93 |
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| 94 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 94 |
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| 95 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 95 |
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| 97 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 97 |
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| 98 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 98 |
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| 99 | History & Culture | Solve Question 99 |
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