The NDA 1 2025 exam, conducted on 13th April 2025 by UPSC, saw thousands of aspiring candidates competing for a spot in the prestigious National Defence Academy. Known for its challenging pattern and intense competition, the NDA exam is the gateway to joining the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the Indian Armed Forces.
Now that the exam is over, let’s dive into the exam analysis, section-wise difficulty, and the much-anticipated expected cut-off. Here’s Warriors Defence Academy’s expert breakdown to help you assess your performance and plan your next move.
NDA 1 2025 Exam Snapshot
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Exam (1) 2025 |
| Conducted By | UPSC |
| Exam Date | 13th April 2025 |
| Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Papers | Mathematics & GAT |
| Total Marks | 900 (Math: 300, GAT: 600) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.83 in Math, 1.33 in GAT) |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 25% in each paper |
NDA-1 2025 Paper Analysis
Mathematics Paper
The Math paper leaned towards moderate to tough, testing conceptual understanding and speed. Key areas included Calculus, Algebra, Trigonometry, and Statistics.
Highlights:
- Heavy on concept-based numericals
- Some questions had tricky or repeated options
- Familiarity with PYQs proved advantageous
Ideal Attempts: 55–65
Recommended Accuracy: 80%+
General Ability Test (GAT)
The GAT paper was moderately difficult, with the English section testing grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. The GK portion covered a broad mix—Science, History, Geography, Polity, Current Affairs, and more.
English Section Focus:
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Spotting
- Idioms & Phrases
General Knowledge Breakdown
| Subject | Question Type |
|---|---|
| Physics | Conceptual, formula-based |
| Chemistry | Balanced, NCERT-centric |
| Biology | Factual, straightforward |
| History | Moderate to tricky |
| Geography | Mostly Indian-focused |
| Polity | Constitution & Governance |
| Current Affairs | Mix of National & International |
Ideal Attempts: 85–95
Recommended Accuracy: 75%+
Difficulty Level Summary
| Subject | Level | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Moderate to Tough | Focused on core concepts and heavy calculations |
| English | Moderate | Grammar and vocabulary driven |
| General Knowledge | Moderate | Factual & conceptual blend, history and CA required precision |
NDA 1 2025 Expected Cut-Off
Based on the paper’s difficulty and previous trends, Warriors Defence Academy projects the following cut-off:
Expected Cut-Off (Out of 900): 300 – 335 Marks
Important: You must score at least 25% marks in both Math and GAT to qualify for the SSB interview round.
Previous Year Cut-Off
| NDA Session | Written Exam Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| NDA 1 2024 | 291 |
| NDA 2 2023 | 292 |
| NDA 1 2023 | 301 |
| NDA 2 2022 | 316 |
| NDA 1 2022 | 360 |
The trend reflects rising competition and the need for accuracy, speed, and consistent preparation.
What’s Next? SSB Interview Preparation
Clearing the written exam is only the first milestone on your journey to becoming an officer. The SSB Interview, also carrying 900 marks, is a rigorous evaluation of your personality, leadership, communication skills, and psychological fitness.
At Warriors Defence Academy, we prepare you to face this challenge with confidence through:
- 🧠 Daily Psychological & GTO Training
- 🗣️ One-on-One Personal Interview Coaching by retired defence officers
- 🏃 Physical Fitness Sessions tailored for outdoor SSB tasks
- 🎯 Mock SSB Simulations with personalized performance feedback
Our holistic training approach ensures you are mentally sharp, physically fit, and psychologically prepared for the 5-day SSB process.
Also Read: PPDT Stories & TAT Stories for SSB Interviews
Final Words from Warriors Defence Academy
The NDA 1 2025 paper was a well-rounded test of intellect, speed, and composure. While some sections posed challenges, consistent practice and a clear strategy would have given focused aspirants the edge.
If your score is in the range of 340–360 with solid accuracy, you’re likely in a competitive position to make it to the next stage. Don’t wait — begin your SSB preparation today with Warriors Defence Academy and let us guide you through the final phase of your selection journey.
Your Uniform Awaits. Prepare Like a Warrior. Succeed Like a Leader.