The General Ability Test (GAT) in the NDA exam is a crucial part of the written paper conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It carries 600 marks and is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge across a wide range of subjects, including English, General Knowledge, Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. Preparing for the GAT section requires a strategic approach and a clear understanding of the important topics. In this article, we break down the most important topics for NDA GAT, based on previous year trends and expert analysis.
NDA GAT Exam Overview
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Frequency of exam | Twice a year (April & September) |
| No. of Questions | 150 |
| Marks | 600 |
| Marks for the correct answer | 4 marks |
| Marks for the Incorrect answer | -1.33 marks |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Official website | www.upsc.gov.in |
NDA GAT Exam Pattern
The GAT Section is divided into two parts, Part 1 English & Part 2 General Knowledge. The General Knowledge section is further divided into sub-sections, including: Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.
| Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | English | 50 | 200 |
| Part B | General Knowledge | 100 | 400 |
| Total | English+Gk | 150 | 600 |
Part A: Important English Topics (200 Marks)
The English section tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Focus on:
Key Topics:
- Spotting Errors
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Improvement
- Reading Comprehension
- Ordering of Sentences (Para Jumbles)
- Vocabulary & Usage
📌 Tip: Daily reading of newspapers, editorials, and novels helps in vocabulary building and comprehension.
Part B: Important General Knowledge Topics (400 Marks)
The General Knowledge section is further divided into sub-sections, including: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Polity & Economics, and Current Affairs.
Physics (22-25 Questions)
- Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy & Power
- Electricity & Magnetism
- Heat, Light & Sound
- Gravitation
- Current & Static Electricity
- Motion & Newton’s Laws
Chemistry (12-15 Questions)
- Physical & Chemical Changes
- Atomic Structure
- Acids, Bases & Salts
- Carbon & Its Compounds
- Metals & Non-metals
- Chemical Reactions
Biology (10-12 Questions)
Human Physiology (Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory systems)
- Plant & Animal Kingdom
- Nutrition in Humans
- Reproduction
- Diseases & Deficiency
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History (15-20 Questions)
- Ancient & Medieval Indian History
- Indian Freedom Struggle
- Important National Movements (1857 Revolt, Non-Cooperation, Quit India)
- Important Freedom Fighters
- Modern Indian History (Post-1857)
Geography (13-15 Questions)
- Physical Geography (Mountains, Rivers, Climate)
- Indian Geography (States, Capitals, Soils, Forests)
- Continents & Oceans
- Natural Resources
- Agriculture & Industries
- World Geography
Polity & Economics (10-12 Questions)
- Indian Constitution: Fundamental Rights, DPSPs
- Parliament & Judiciary
- Elections and Constitutional Amendments
- Economic Terms (GDP, Inflation)
- Banking Basics
Current Affairs (10-12 Questions)
- National & International Events
- Government Schemes
- Defence Exercises & Appointments
- Sports & Awards
- Science & Tech News
📌 Tip: Read newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and stay updated with monthly current affairs magazines.
Our Previous Selections
📌 Preparation Tips for NDA GAT
- Make a Study Schedule: Allocate time to each subject area and revise regularly.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Helps in understanding question trends and time management.
- Use NCERT Books: Especially for Science, History, and Geography (Class 6 to 10).
- Mock Tests & Quizzes: Take regular GAT mock tests to build accuracy and speed.
- Revise Static GK: Don’t ignore facts, dates, and definitions—these are often directly asked.