NDA General Ability Test PYQ: Important Questions with Solutions

NDA General Ability Test PYQ: Important Questions with Solutions

Solving a selected set of NDA general test PYQ helps learners to comprehend the framing of questions, to understand the weightage of subjects and to develop speedy problem solving techniques. The article includes must-do practice questions, analytical insights and strategic preparation frameworks.

NDA General Ability Test PYQ and Exam Pattern

The General Ability Test paper comprises 150 objective type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).The paper is of total 600 marks. Paper II is of 2.5 hours duration and the candidate has to attempt it with speed and accuracy to avoid penalty marks. any correct answer will get 4 Marks and any incorrect option will result in negative deduction of 1.33 marks.

According to the official UPSC NDA examination notification, the General Ability Test is of 600 points including 200 marks for English and 400 marks for General Knowledge. The candidates can grasp the examination format and organize their practice accordingly by reviewing the official exam pattern along with PYQ sets.

Analyzing official test patterns shows how the 600-mark distribution breaks down across various academic domains:

Component

Sub-Sections

Number of Questions

Total Marks

Part A: English

Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension

50 Questions

200 Marks

Part B: General Knowledge

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Current Affairs

100 Questions

400 Marks

Aspirants can find out the repeated trends of questions in sentence correction, physical laws, freedom movements and physical geography by studying past papers. Regular practice from a reputable PYQ database also ensures that the learners focus on high-yielding chapters vs. low-weightage themes, and score the most possible in limited time.

NDA General Ability Test PYQ for English With Answers and Explanations 

Part A tests fundamental grammar rules, vocabulary range, and contextual comprehension. Candidates who build a strong command over basic syntax and word roots routinely secure high marks in this 200-mark segment.

Spotting Errors & Grammar Mechanics

  • Question 1: Identify the segment containing a grammatical error in the sentence: Neither the team leader nor the members was present at the brief meeting.

  • Option A: Neither the team leader

  • Option B: nor the members

  • Option C: was present

  • Option D: at the brief meeting.

  • Correct Answer: Option C

  • Explanation: When two subjects are joined by 'neither...nor', the verb must agree with the subject nearest to it. Here "members" is plural thus the verb should be modified to "were present".

  • Question 2: Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence: The brave soldier refused to succumb ___ the pressure of the enemy forces.

  • Option A: with

  • Option B: to

  • Option C: by

  • Option D: against

  • Correct Answer: Option B

  • Explanation: The verb "succumb" is followed by the fixed preposition "to".

Vocabulary: Synonyms and Antonyms

  • Question 3: Select the word most similar in meaning to the underlined word: The commander gave a cogent explanation during the operational debriefing.

  • Option A: Vague

  • Option B: Convincing

  • Option C: Lengthy

  • Option D: Controversial

  • Correct Answer: Option B

  • Explanation: "Cogent" means clear, logical, and convincing.

  • Question 4: Select the word opposite in meaning to the underlined word: His ephemeral enthusiasm for the task surprised everyone.

  • Option A: Permanent

  • Option B: Short-lived

  • Option C: Weak

  • Option D: Fierce

  • Correct Answer: Option A

  • Explanation: "Ephemeral" refers to something lasting for a very short time; therefore, "Permanent" is its exact antonym.

Practicing authentic NDA GAT PYQs reveals how vocabulary questions test contextual understanding rather than isolated memorization.

NDA General Ability Test PYQ for Physics and Chemistry 

Part B incorporates conceptual science problems based on Class 9 to Class 12 fundamentals. Mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, and everyday chemical reactions dominate this section.

Physics Practice Questions

  • Question 5: A spherical mirror forms an erect image that is three times the size of the object. If the object distance is 10 cm, what is the nature of the mirror and its focal length?

  • Option A: Convex mirror with focal length 15 cm

  • Option B: Concave mirror with focal length 15 cm

  • Option C: Concave mirror with focal length 30 cm

  • Option D: Convex mirror with focal length 30 cm

  • Correct Answer: Option B

  • Explanation: An erect, magnified image in a spherical mirror can only be produced by a concave mirror when the object lies between the pole and the focus. Using m=-vu, 3=-v-10, so v=30cm. Applying the mirror formula 1f=1v+1u gives 1f=130-110=-230=-115, giving f=-15cm.

  • Question 6: Which of the following physical quantities remains constant when a body undergoes uniform circular motion?

  • Option A: Velocity

  • Option B: Acceleration

  • Option C: Speed

  • Option D: Displacement

  • Correct Answer: Option C

  • Explanation: In the case of uniform circular motion the direction of motion is always changing and so the velocity and acceleration also change; the magnitude of the velocity, that is the speed, does not change.

Chemistry Practice Questions

  • Question 7: Which of the following compounds is commonly used as a neutralizing agent for hyperacidity in human stomach treatments?

  • Option A: Sodium hydroxide

  • Option B: Calcium chloride

  • Option C: Magnesium hydroxide

  • Option D: Copper sulfate

  • Correct Answer: Option C

  • Explanation: Milk of magnesia is composed of magnesium hydroxide, a weak base, and is used as an antacid to neutralise the excess stomach acid.

  • Question 8: What is the result when dry slaked lime reacts with chlorine gas?

  • Option A: Plaster of Paris is formed

  • Option B: Bleaching powder is produced

  • Option C: Washing soda precipitates

  • Option D: Gypsum is created

  • Correct Answer: Option B

  • Explanation: The reaction between dry slaked lime, Ca(OH)2, and chlorine gas, Cl2, produces bleaching powder, CaOCl2, along with water.

Reviewing authentic NDA General Ability Test questions ensures that candidates grasp both numerical and theoretical dimensions of basic science subjects.

NDA General Ability Test PYQ for History Geography and General Knowledge 

Social science questions in Paper II evaluate candidate awareness of Indian heritage, physical geography, and environmental systems.

History Solved Questions

  • Question 9: Who among the following historical figures founded the Atmiya Sabha in 1815 to promote socio-religious reforms in India?

  • Option A: Swami Vivekananda

  • Option B: Raja Ram Mohan Roy

  • Option C: Dayananda Saraswati

  • Option D: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

  • Correct Answer: Option B

  • Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy established the Atmiya Sabha in Kolkata in 1815 to campaign against social evils and promote monotheism.

  • Question 10: The historic Lucknow Pact of 1916 was signed between which two important groups?

  • Option A: The British Government and the Indian National Congress

  • Option B: The Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League

  • Option C: The Moderates and the Extremists within Congress

  • Option D: The Swaraj Party and the British Crown

  • Correct Answer: Option B

  • Explanation: The Lucknow Pact was an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League to put out shared political demands to the British authorities.

Geography Solved Questions

  • Question 11: Which layer of the Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer that absorbs harmful solar ultraviolet rays?

  • Option A: Troposphere

  • Option B: Stratosphere

  • Option C: Mesosphere

  • Option D: Thermosphere

  • Correct Answer: Option B

  • Explanation: The ozone layer is present in the stratosphere region, which is present approximately 15 km to 35 km above the earth’s surface.

  • Question 12: Which Indian river system includes the famous tributaries Zaskar, Nobra, Shyok, and Hunza?

  • Option A: Ganga River System

  • Option B: Brahmaputra River System

  • Option C: Indus River System

  • Option D: Godavari River System

  • Correct Answer: Option C

  • Explanation: These high-altitude rivers serve as crucial northern tributaries of the Indus river system in the Ladakh region.

Solving past papers exposes students to multi-statement questions that test precision and conceptual clarity.

How to Solve NDA General Ability Test PYQ Step by Step 

If you work on papers without a strategy, you tend to work slowly and make avoidable mistakes. Following a methodical regimen helps you to progress steadily in your mock attempts.

Here are some practical strategies to turn test sessions into measurable score gains:

  • Simulate Real Conditions: Solve question sets within the exact 2.5-hour timeframe without external interruptions.

  • Keep an Error Log: Have a separate notebook to write down each of your wrong answers and its main idea.

  • Negative Marking Analysis: Control Guessing behaviors by calculating accuracy ratios after every simulated test.

  • Topic wise grouping: Group past questions by topics so you can work systematically on weak academic areas.

Curated NDA GAT previous year papers help enhance exam stamina and improve operational control in timed testing.

NDA General Ability Test PYQ Topic-Wise Weightage and Revision Plan 

Prioritizing study hours according to historical question distribution prevents wasted effort on low-impact chapters. The table below illustrates typical subject-wise question allocations based on historical data:

Subject Area

Focus Topics

Average Questions

Recommended Study Strategy

English

Error Spotting, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, Sentence Reordering

50

Daily vocabulary review and grammar rule drills

Physics

Optics, Motion, Electricity, Work & Energy, Sound Waves

22–25

Formula memorization and Class 9–12 numerical practice

Chemistry

Acids & Bases, Metals/Non-Metals, Carbon Compounds, Physical Changes

12–15

NCERT reaction listings and everyday chemical applications

General Science

Cell Structure, Human Physiology, Plant Kingdom, Health & Diseases

10–12

Labeled diagrams, biological systems, and nutrition facts

History

Freedom Struggle (1857–1947), Ancient Empires, Social Reforms

18–20

Chronological timeline mapping and movement milestones

Geography

Physical Geography, Indian Rivers, Climate Belts, Agriculture

18–20

Map-based study and physical feature summaries

Current Events

Defence Exercises, National Awards, Summits, Sports Achievements

10–12

Monthly current affairs consolidation notes

Studying NDA GAT solved questions with detailed explanations ensures candidates master core theories while learning efficient option-elimination techniques.

NDA General Ability Test Practice With Timed Mock Tests 

Building the psychological resilience to do well on the competition is a move from passive reading of the textbook to timed problem solving.

To enhance performance on full-length paper attempts:

  • Focus on High-Yield Topics: Focus revision on English, Physics and Geography to fast pick up baseline grades.

  • Don’t Guess Speculatively: Don’t select answers based on partial memory to save on negative marks.

  • Develop Your Elimination Skills: First cross out the clearly wrong alternatives. This will boost your likelihood on the hard questions.

  • Weekly Reviews: Go through previous solved papers to strengthen formulas, dates and grammatical exceptions.

A well planned NDA GAT practice set added to your weekly study plan, translates raw academic information into speed, accuracy and dependable test execution.

How to Use NDA General Ability Test PYQ PDFs for Exam Preparation 

You will avoid last minute study stress if you keep your study stuff clean and orderly. Having offline access to arranged sets helps applicants revise formulas, timelines and vocab rules in fewer revision blocks.

Clear benefits of structured study methods that make preparing easier:

  • Categorized Subject Sections: They save time lost in sorting through mixed unstructured paper files.

  • Solution Keys for Validation: It gives detailed step-by-step solutions to numerical and analytical problems.

  • Chapter Weightage Charts: Shows the important themes based on last 5 years paper trends.

  • Error Tracking Checklists: Allows you to analyze your performance on a number of practice tests.

A well-organized NDA GAT question paper PDF library allows for continuous and flexible preparation, helping candidates stay on pace to clear the written milestone.

NDA General Ability Test PYQ FAQs

What is the marking scheme for the General Ability Test in the NDA exam?

GAT paper comprises 150 questions for a total of 600 points. Correct answer will carry 4 marks each . Negative marking rule : For each wrong answer 1.33 marks will be deducted .

How many questions appear from the English section in Paper II?

There are 50 objective questions in the English part for 200 marks. It tests grammar, mechanics, vocabulary range, error detection, and reading comprehension.

What standard of science is tested in the NDA General Ability Test?

The questions asked in the exam under Science are from fundamental ideas in Physics, Chemistry and General Biology of standards 9 to 12. The questions are more about how to use it and how to understand the concepts , not on deriving complicated stuff .

How does practicing previous year papers reduce negative marking?

Doing prior papers will allow applicants to identify typical patterns of questions, and help them gage their own accuracy rates. Through consistent practice, applicants learn to skip questions they are not sure about to avoid unnecessary penalty deductions.

Are both English and Hindi languages available for the GAT question paper?

Yes General Knowledge part (Part B) is printed in bilingual i.e. English & Hindi. However, Part A (English) is offered in English only to test language skills.

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