NDA 2026 75-Day Preparation Strategy, How to Score 500+ Marks

NDA 2026 75-Day Preparation Strategy: The last 75 days before the NDA 2026 exam are extremely important and can make a big difference in your final result. With limited time left, success depends on following a clear and disciplined preparation strategy rather than random study. 

By focusing on high-scoring subjects, understanding the exam pattern, and maintaining a balanced routine of learning, revision, and practice, candidates can significantly improve their performance and aim for a 500+ score in the NDA written examination.

NDA 2026 75-Day Preparation

Preparing for the NDA examination requires a strategic approach, especially in the final 75 days. This provides a focused plan to navigate the two-paper structure: Mathematics (300 Marks) and the General Ability Test (GAT, 600 Marks). Understanding past cut-offs and key subject priorities is crucial for securing a high score and ensuring selection without being merit out.

NDA Exam Pattern and Cut-off Analysis

The NDA written examination comprises two papers:

1. Paper 1: Mathematics (300 Marks)

2. Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT) (600 Marks), which includes English.

It is mandatory to qualify in Paper 1 for Paper 2 to be evaluated.

NDA 1 2025 Cut-off Analysis

Understanding the previous cut-off helps in strategizing effectively.

• Total Seats: 406

• SSB Recommended Candidates: 735

• Final Selections: 406

• "Merit Out" Candidates: Approximately 330 candidates who cleared the SSB but did not make the final merit list.

This data highlights the necessity of a high written score to avoid being merit out. A stronger written performance provides a significant buffer for final selection.

• Written Exam Cut-off: 334 out of 900

• Final Cut-off (Written + SSB): 699 out of 1800

The written cut-off is substantially less than 50% of the total marks, implying that attempting every question is not necessary and could be detrimental.

Key Strategic Takeaway

Avoid blind guessing. If you are not at least 60-65% sure about an answer, it is better to skip the question. This prevents negative marking. The cut-off is low enough that accuracy over a high number of attempts is key for qualification.

Important Subjects and Key Topics

In the remaining time, focus on these critical subjects and topics for maximum impact.

1. Mathematics

Concentrating on these topics can yield approximately 75 questions. Answering 40 of these questions correctly without errors can secure 100 marks, comfortably qualifying the Mathematics paper.

• Matrices & Determinants: 8-10 questions

• Trigonometry: 15+ questions

• Permutation & Combination: 5 questions

• Probability & Statistics: 15+ questions

• Vectors & 3D Geometry: 10 questions

• Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations: 10 questions

• Integral Calculus: 10+ questions

2. English

English proficiency relies on three pillars: Reading, Vocabulary, and Grammar. Consistent reading is fundamental for improving all three.

(Treat reading like brushing your teeth. It should be a regular, daily habit. Pick a book, finish it, and then immediately start another. The goal is consistent practice, not waiting for a special occasion or award.)

Important Topics for Question Practice:

• Ordering of Words: 5 questions

• Word Class / Parts of Speech: 5 questions

• Antonyms: 5 questions

• Synonyms: 5 questions

• Reading Comprehension (Passage): 5 questions

• Sentence Completion: 10 questions

• Idioms & Phrases: 5 questions

• Cloze Test: 10 questions

3. Science (Overall Weightage: 200 Marks)

Science subjects are often accessible, building on knowledge up to the 10th grade. For Biology and Chemistry, 9th and 10th-grade NCERT books are the most important resource, complemented by faculty guidance.

• Physics (Weightage: 25 questions / 100 marks)

• Kinematics

• Newton's Laws of Motion

• Work, Power, & Energy

• Gravitation

• Sound & Waves

• Current Electricity

• Optics (Ray Optics)

• Biology (Weightage: ~12-13 questions)

• Cell

• Common Diseases

• Tissues

• Human Physiology

• Classification of Living Organisms

• Chemistry (Weightage: ~12-13 questions)

• Redox Reactions & Electrochemistry

• Non-metals and their Compounds

• Important Chemical Compounds

• Atomic Structure

• Acids, Bases, and Salts

4. Geography (Weightage: 25 questions / 100 marks)

• Physical Geography: Latitude & Longitude, Rocks, Landforms, Atmosphere (structure and layers), Winds, Clouds, Cyclones, Grasslands.

• Geomorphology & Disasters: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tsunamis.

• Climatology: Köppen's Climatic Classification (A, B, E letters).

• Oceanography: Ocean Currents, Tides, Movement of Ocean Water.

• Indian Geography: Physiographic divisions, Drainage systems, Forests, Soils, Agriculture, Minerals, Population, and Transport.

• World Geography: Key selected topics.

5. History

History is vast. Given the limited time, be selective or focus on more high-yielding subjects.

• Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)

• Buddhism & Jainism

• The Mauryan Empire

• Bhakti & Sufi Movements

• Mughal Period

• Indian Social Reforms

• Major Gandhian Movements

6. Polity

• Features of the Indian Constitution

• Preamble

• Fundamental Rights

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

• Parliament

• Important Constitutional Amendments

7. Economics

This subject allows for confirmed marks by focusing on a few key areas.

• Introduction to Economics & Planning in India (Five-Year Plans). Questions from Five-Year Plans are almost certain to appear.

• Money Market & Banking

• Major Government Schemes (often covered in Current Affairs)

8. Current Affairs

• Defense: Military, Naval, and Air Force exercises.

• International Relations: Agreements and major events.

• Persons & Places in News: Including recent appointments.

• Books, Authors, & Awards.

• Government Schemes.

Recommended 75-Day Study Plan

A structured daily routine is essential for success in the final phase of preparation.

Daily Schedule: 8-Hour Study Plan

• 4 Hours: New Topic Study

• This block includes studying new concepts from any subject.

• Newspaper reading is a mandatory part of this block.

• 2 Hours: Revision

• Focus on revising topics you have already studied.

• 2 Hours: MCQ Practice

• Solve Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to test knowledge and improve time management.

Key Techniques and Resources

• Practice with MCQs: Make extensive use of Previous Year Questions (PYQs), Mock Tests, and Daily Practice Problems (DPPs).

• Revision from Notes: Prioritize revision from your own handwritten notes.

• Newspaper Reading: Reading the newspaper is a must. It improves English, keeps you updated on Current Affairs, and builds knowledge invaluable for the SSB Interview. It helps develop a broader perspective on various subjects.