The NDA 1 exam 2026 is one of the most prestigious gates to join the Indian armed forces as a commissioned officer. Every year, thousands of candidates dream of using uniforms, but only a fraction manage to cross the cut. If you aim to score 500+ marks, you just need more than hard work – you need a proven, calculated, and frequent preparation strategy. In this guide, we’ll break down how to score 500+ in NDA 1 2026.
1. Understanding the NDA Exam Pattern
Before jumping into preparation, you must know where to score big:
Total Marks: Nine hundred for Written Exam + SSB Interview for nine hundred Marks
Target: 500+ in the written exam to secure a strong margin.
2. Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy
A. Mathematics (Target: 220+ marks)
- NCERT Foundation: Master Class tenth, eleventh, and twelve NCERT Maths before anything else.
- Topic priority: algebra, trigonometry, calculus, coordinate geometry, vectors, probability, and statistics.
- Daily practice: Forty–Fifty NDA-level questions, focus on speed and accuracy.
- Shortcut Methods: Learn time-saving tricks for lengthy calculations.
- Mock Tests: Take a full-length NDA Maths test every Sunday to track progress.
B. English in GAT (Target: 160+ marks)
- Spotting errors and sentence improvement are high-scoring topics.
- Learn fifteen to twenty new words daily with synonyms, antonyms, and usage.
- Practice two to three passages daily to improve speed.
- Although NDA has no descriptive English, good grammar helps in comprehension questions.
C. General Knowledge (Target: 120+ marks)
- Read daily newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express. Focus on defence news, science, and important events.
- Focus on the static GK topics such as Polity, History, Geography, Economy, and Defence Knowledge.
- Focus on all the general science topics up to Class 12 level.
- Maintain crisp, point-wise notes for quick review.
3. Time Management for NDA 1 Exam 2026
| Phase | Time Allocation (Daily) |
| Mathematics | 3 hours |
| English | 1.5 hours |
| GK & Current Affairs | 1.5 hours |
| Mock Test/Revision | 1 hour |
- Morning: Maths (Fresh mind for problem-solving)
- Afternoon: English + GK
- Evening: Revision and test practice
4. Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers
- Solve at least ten full NDA papers before the exam.
- Analyse your mistakes and consciousness in susceptible areas.
- Practice beneath real exam situations to build stamina and speed.
5. Extra Tips to score 500+ Marks
- Negative marking is your enemy; avoid random guessing.
- Keep a dedicated formula book for Maths.
- Don’t over-focus on one subject; all three contribute to your score.
- NDA selection doesn’t end at the written exam — physical fitness is equally important.
- Tips to Crack SSB Interview in First Attempt
- Best NDA Coaching in Lucknow, India
- Download the Mobile App of Target Defence Academy
Final Words
If you follow a disciplined, focused strategy, it’s quite viable to attain 500+ marks within the NDA 2 examination 2025. Remember that stability beats intensity. Stick to your plan, conduct regular practice tests, and refine your approach until the concepts become second nature.
With the right approach, your name may be on the profit list, and the dream of joining the National Defence Academy can be your reality.
FAQs for how to score 500+ in NDA 1 2026
Ans. Yes, with a disciplined observation study plan and regular practice, it’s conceivable.
Ans. Prioritise Mathematics for accuracy and GAT for high-volume scoring.
Ans. Aim for 6–8 focused hours with subject-wise targets.
Ans. Absolutely, they improve speed, accuracy, and familiarity with questions.
Ans. Not mandatory, but guided mentorship can speed up your preparation.
Ans. Crucial-allocate fixed minutes per section to avoid guesswork.
Ans. Yes, take at least 15–20 full-length mocks before the exam.
Ans. Yes, especially for GAT’s general knowledge section.
Ans. No, focus on accuracy to avoid negative marking.