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

Explore More

Subject-wise Distribution

SubjectQuestionsPercentage
Science & Technology4848%
Geography2020%
History & Culture1010%
Economy77%
Polity & Governance66%
International Relations & Global Affairs55%
NA22%
Miscellaneous & General Knowledge11%
CUL11%

Topic-wise Breakdown

SubjectTopicQuestions
Science & TechnologyBasic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)48
GeographyIndian Physical Geography9
GeographyWorld Physical Geography9
History & CultureNational Movement (1857–1947)4
International Relations & Global AffairsIndia's Bilateral & Regional Relations4
History & CultureMedieval India3
EconomySchemes, Inclusion & Social Sector3
History & CultureModern India (Pre-1857)2
Polity & GovernanceParliament2
EconomyGrowth, Development, Poverty & Employment2
NANA2
GeographyIndian Economic Geography2
History & CultureAncient India1
International Relations & Global AffairsInternational Organisations & Groupings1
Polity & GovernanceFundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties1

Decoding NDA II 2024: A Masterclass in General Ability Test Strategy

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination remains one of the most prestigious yet challenging gateways for young aspirants dreaming of a life in uniform. The NDA II 2024 General Ability Test (GAT) has once again proven that while the syllabus remains constant, the UPSC’s approach to testing an aspirant's temperament and conceptual depth is constantly evolving. As a mentor who has watched decades of UPSC patterns, I can tell you that the 2024 paper was not just a test of memory; it was a test of "Scientific Temperament" and "Applied Knowledge."

The GAT paper consists of 150 questions in total (50 English and 100 General Studies), carrying a weightage of 600 marks. With +4 for every correct answer and a penalty of -1.33 for every wrong one, the stakes are incredibly high. In this comprehensive analysis, we will deconstruct the 100 questions of the General Studies section to understand where the UPSC is heading and how you can stay two steps ahead of the competition.

Subject-wise Deep Dive: Where the Battle Was Won

The 2024 paper saw a significant tilt towards certain domains while maintaining the classic UPSC unpredictability in others. Let’s break down the core pillars of the GAT section.

Science & Technology: The Powerhouse (48% of the Paper)

With 48 questions, Science & Technology didn't just lead the paper; it dominated it. The focus remained heavily on Basic Science—Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. In Physics, the emphasis was on Optics, Electricity, and Mechanics. Chemistry saw questions on everyday chemical compounds and atomic structure, while Biology focused on Cell biology and Human Physiology.

  • Recommended Books: NCERT Class 9th and 10th (Science) are your bibles. For Physics, refer to selected chapters of Class 11th and 12th (Optics and Current Electricity).
  • Reference Sources: Lucent’s General Science for quick revision of factual data.
  • Common Mistakes: Aspirants often ignore the "Application" part. Don't just learn Ohm's Law; understand why your household appliances are connected in parallel and not series.

Geography: The Spatial Navigator (20% of the Paper)

Geography maintained its status as the second most important pillar with 20 questions. The distribution was perfectly balanced between Indian Physical Geography (9 questions) and World Physical Geography (9 questions). We saw questions on monsoon patterns, drainage systems, and tectonic plates.

  • Recommended Books: NCERT Class 11 (Fundamentals of Physical Geography) and Class 12 (India: People and Economy). Goh Cheng Leong’s Certificate Physical and Human Geography is essential for understanding climatic regions.
  • Reference Sources: Oxford Student Atlas is non-negotiable.
  • Common Mistakes: Studying Geography without a map. If you are reading about the Himalayan rivers, your eyes must be on the map tracing the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.

History & Culture: The Chronological Puzzle (10% of the Paper)

History contributed 10 questions, with a heavy leaning towards the National Movement (1857–1947) and Medieval India. The UPSC is moving away from rote-learning dates to understanding the "Why" behind historical movements.

  • Recommended Books: Bipin Chandra’s History of Modern India or Rajiv Ahir’s Spectrum. For Medieval India, NCERT (Old) by Satish Chandra is highly effective.
  • Reference Sources: Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 and 12 History books are goldmines for factual clarity.
  • Common Mistakes: Over-focusing on Ancient India and neglecting the socio-religious reform movements of the 19th century.

Economy, Polity, and IR: The Dynamic Trio (18% Total)

Economy (7), Polity (6), and International Relations (5) together formed the "Current-Static" hybrid zone. In Polity, the Parliament remained the favorite topic. In Economy, the focus was on Social Sector schemes and Growth/Development metrics. International Relations focused heavily on India’s bilateral ties.

  • Recommended Books: M. Laxmikanth for Polity (selective reading) and Ramesh Singh or NCERT Class 11 (Indian Economic Development) for Economy.
  • Reference Sources: PRS India for legislative updates and the PIB (Press Information Bureau) for government schemes.

Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis: The Examiner’s Mindset

Analyzing the NDA II 2024 paper reveals a "Back to Basics" trend coupled with "Conceptual Application." The dominance of Science (48%) suggests that the UPSC wants officers who possess a strong analytical and logical foundation. This isn't just about memorizing formulas; it's about understanding the world through the lens of logic.

Another emerging trend is the Integration of Geography and International Relations. Questions about border regions or strategic islands aren't just Geography questions; they are IR questions in disguise. This tells us that the examiner expects you to connect the dots. For instance, if there is a conflict in the Red Sea, you should know the surrounding countries (Geography) and India’s trade interests in that route (IR/Economy).

Compared to previous years, the 2024 paper was slightly more "Science-heavy." In earlier iterations, History and Polity used to carry more weight. This shift indicates that the NDA is prioritizing technical aptitude, perhaps reflecting the increasingly high-tech nature of modern warfare.

Preparation Strategy: A Roadmap to Success

To conquer a paper like NDA II 2024, your preparation must be surgical. Here is how you should allocate your time and resources:

1. Subject-wise Time Allocation

  • Science (40% of your time): Since it carries nearly half the marks, spend 2 hours daily on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Focus on NCERT exemplars.
  • Geography & History (30% of your time): Focus on visualization. Use flashcards for History timelines and blank maps for Geography.
  • Polity, Economy & CA (30% of your time): These require regular updates. Dedicate 1 hour daily to a newspaper and 30 minutes to static Polity/Economy.

2. The "Ultimate Resource List"

Success in UPSC doesn't come from reading 10 books once, but from reading one book 10 times. Stick to these:

  • Polity: M. Laxmikanth (Focus on Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, and Parliament).
  • History: Spectrum (Modern), Tamil Nadu Board (Ancient/Medieval).
  • Geography: NCERT Class 11 (Physical & Indian).
  • Economy: NCERT Class 11 and "Mrunal Patel" notes for conceptual clarity.
  • Current Affairs: Monthly "Pratiyogita Darpan" or "Major Kalshi" compilations.

3. Using PYQs as a Compass

Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are the only way to "see" the examiner's mind. Don't just solve them; analyze the options. If a question asks about the 'Fundamental Rights', and the options include 'DPSP' and 'Fundamental Duties', go back and study those two topics as well. UPSC often picks options from previous years to form questions for the next year.

Answer Elimination Techniques: Winning the MCQ War

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

1. The Method of Exclusion

In Science questions, often two options are diametrically opposite (e.g., "Increases" vs "Decreases"). Usually, one of these is the correct answer. Eliminate the "neutral" options first.

2. Statement-Based Strategy

For "Which of the following are correct?" questions: Find the one statement you are 100% sure is WRONG. If statement 2 is wrong, eliminate all options containing '2'. Often, this leaves you with the correct answer immediately.

3. The "Extreme Word" Trap

In Polity and Economy, statements containing words like "Only," "Always," "Never," or "All" are statistically likely to be incorrect. UPSC nuances are rarely black and white.

4. When to Guess?

Only guess if you can eliminate at least two options. If you are down to a 50-50 choice, the mathematical probability (Expected Value) favors taking the risk. If you have no idea about any option, skip it. Discipline is the hallmark of a soldier.

Current Affairs Integration: The Bridge to Static Knowledge

The 2024 paper showed that Current Affairs (CA) isn't a separate subject; it’s a layer over static topics. If a new scheme for farmers is launched, UPSC might ask a static question about the "Minimum Support Price" (Economy) or "Soil types in India" (Geography).

  • The Daily Habit: Spend 45 minutes with The Hindu or The Indian Express. Don't read Bollywood news. Focus on National News, Science & Tech, and International Summits.
  • Magazines: Use Yojana for a deep dive into government schemes. It helps not just in GAT but also in your SSB Interview later.
  • Digital Tools: Follow the PIB YouTube channel and the "News on AIR" summaries. They are concise and authentic.

Smart Preparation Tips: 6 Months to Victory

If you are aiming for the next NDA cycle, follow this phased approach:

The 6-Month Plan

  • Months 1-3 (Foundation): Finish all NCERTs from Class 9 to 12 for Science and Social Sciences. Make short, bulleted notes.
  • Months 4-5 (Reference Books & PYQs): Move to Laxmikanth, Spectrum, and G.C. Leong. Start solving 10 years of PYQs.
  • Month 6 (Mocks & Revision): Give 2 full-length mock tests every week. Analyze your mistakes. Are you losing marks due to lack of knowledge or silly mistakes?

Revision Techniques: The 1-3-7 Rule

To move information from short-term to long-term memory, revise what you studied today after 1 day, then after 3 days, and finally after 7 days. This "Spaced Repetition" is the most scientifically proven way to ace competitive exams.

Mock Test Analysis

After every mock, create a "Mistake Diary." Note down the topic of the question you got wrong. If you consistently miss questions on "Optics," you know exactly where your weakness lies. Don't just look at the score; look at the "Accuracy Rate."

Key Takeaways & Action Items

The NDA II 2024 paper is a reminder that the UPSC rewards the "Serious Generalist." You don't need to be a PhD in Physics, but you must understand how a rainbow forms. You don't need to be a Historian, but you must know why the Non-Cooperation movement was called off.

Your Top 5 Priority Books:

  1. Science: NCERT Class 9 & 10 (Complete).
  2. Geography: Fundamentals of Physical Geography (Class 11 NCERT).
  3. History: Spectrum by Rajiv Ahir.
  4. Polity: M. Laxmikanth (Selected Chapters).
  5. Current Affairs: Monthly Compilations (Focus on Defense news).

Immediate Next Steps:

  • Download the NDA II 2024 Question Paper and solve it under exam conditions (even if you haven't prepared yet) to see your baseline.
  • Identify the "Low Hanging Fruit"—topics like "Parliament" or "Human Diseases" that appear every year.
  • Start a "Map-a-Day" habit. Spend 10 minutes locating countries, seas, and mountains in the news.

Remember, the NDA exam is as much about psychological endurance as it is about knowledge. The General Ability Test is designed to see if you can stay calm while processing a vast amount of information. Stay consistent, stay disciplined, and keep your eyes on the goal. The olive green uniform isn't just a career; it's a calling. Prepare like your life depends on it, because one day, others' lives will depend on your preparation.

Complete Question Index - NDA II 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
54Science & TechnologySolve Question 54
55Science & TechnologySolve Question 55
56Science & TechnologySolve Question 56
57Science & TechnologySolve Question 57
58Science & TechnologySolve Question 58
59Science & TechnologySolve Question 59
60Science & TechnologySolve Question 60
61Science & TechnologySolve Question 61
62Science & TechnologySolve Question 62
63Science & TechnologySolve Question 63
64Science & TechnologySolve Question 64
65Science & TechnologySolve Question 65
66Science & TechnologySolve Question 66
67Science & TechnologySolve Question 67
68Science & TechnologySolve Question 68
69Science & TechnologySolve Question 69
70Science & TechnologySolve Question 70
71Science & TechnologySolve Question 71
72Science & TechnologySolve Question 72
73History & CultureSolve Question 73
74History & CultureSolve Question 74
75EconomySolve Question 75
76EconomySolve Question 76
77EconomySolve Question 77
78GeographySolve Question 78
79GeographySolve Question 79
80GeographySolve Question 80
81GeographySolve Question 81
82GeographySolve Question 82
83GeographySolve 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
91Science & TechnologySolve Question 91
92Science & TechnologySolve Question 92
93Science & TechnologySolve Question 93
94Science & TechnologySolve Question 94
95Science & TechnologySolve Question 95
96Science & TechnologySolve Question 96
97Science & TechnologySolve Question 97
98Science & TechnologySolve Question 98
99History & CultureSolve Question 99
100History & CultureSolve Question 100
101Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 101
102History & CultureSolve Question 102
103History & CultureSolve Question 103
104History & CultureSolve Question 104
105GeographySolve Question 105
106GeographySolve Question 106
107GeographySolve Question 107
108GeographySolve Question 108
109GeographySolve Question 109
110GeographySolve Question 110
111GeographySolve Question 111
112GeographySolve Question 112
113Science & TechnologySolve Question 113
114Science & TechnologySolve Question 114
115Science & TechnologySolve Question 115
116NASolve Question 116
117Science & TechnologySolve Question 117
118Science & TechnologySolve Question 118
119Science & TechnologySolve Question 119
120Science & TechnologySolve Question 120
121Science & TechnologySolve Question 121
122Science & TechnologySolve Question 122
123NASolve Question 123
124Science & TechnologySolve Question 124
125Science & TechnologySolve Question 125
126History & CultureSolve Question 126
127History & CultureSolve Question 127
128Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 128
129Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 129
130Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 130
131Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 131
132Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 132
133International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 133
134History & CultureSolve Question 134
135GeographySolve Question 135
136GeographySolve Question 136
137GeographySolve Question 137
138GeographySolve Question 138
139GeographySolve Question 139
140GeographySolve Question 140
141EconomySolve Question 141
142EconomySolve Question 142
143CULSolve Question 143
144International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 144
145Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 145
146EconomySolve Question 146
147International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 147
148International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 148
149International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 149
150EconomySolve Question 150

Explore More