Is NDA 1 Harder than NDA 2?

Lakhs of candidates take the NDA (National Defence Academy) entrance exam that is held twice every year, NDA 1 and NDA 2, by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The question that every aspirant has in mind is: Is NDA 1 more difficult than NDA 2?

So, let us break this down into details by looking at exam trends, difficulty, subject-wise, competition, and psychological factors that can impact the perception of difficulty.

Understanding the Structure of NDA 1 & NDA 2

The syllabus of NDA 1 and NDA 2 exams is the same, the pattern of the exam is the same, and the marks are also equal. Nonetheless, it may vary in the level of competition, trends of questions, cut-off variations, and even season.

Here’s a comparison:

Subject-Wise Difficulty Analysis: NDA 1 vs NDA 2

Mathematics Section

Both NDA 1 and NDA 2 have the same mathematics syllabus, but students often feel NDA 1 Maths questions are a bit lengthier and concept-heavy. NDA 2, on the other hand, usually tests a wider range of topics, with slightly more application-based questions.

Here’s a snapshot comparison of Maths trends:

Practicing from a good NDA maths book and solving previous year questions will help you handle both patterns efficiently.

General Ability Test (GAT)

The GAT part consists of English and General Knowledge (GK). Current affairs, science, history, and geography are normally followed by the GK part. The structure of both exams is similar, yet the GK part of the NDA 2 can be more balanced and current-affairs based.

Using a reliable GK book for NDA is key to staying updated with trending questions.

Competition Level: Is NDA 1 Really More Competitive?

This is where most students feel the pressure in NDA 1. Let’s break it down:

• NDA 1 is conducted in April, just after the 12th board exams. This means:

• Many students appear without full preparation.

• Some take it as a trial attempt.

• A large number of candidates register but fewer are serious contenders.

• NDA 2 is conducted in September, giving students more time post-boards and vacations. Many drop-year aspirants aim for NDA 2, which slightly increases the quality of competition.

So while NDA 1 has more applicants, NDA 2 has more prepared candidates.

Question Trends in Previous Years (Based on NDA PYQ Book Analysis)

Reading a well-selected NDA PYQ book provides an idea about the trend:

• NDA 1 2023 Maths was also regarded as a difficult paper because of the difficult coordinate geometry questions.

• There were a lot of GK questions based on science in the NDA 2 2023 GAT.

• NDA 1 2022 English was friendly in terms of scoring and had direct grammar-based questions.

• NDA 2 2022 GK was loaded with static history and polity.

Therefore, the two tests change every year-there is no set formula that can determine how difficult they are, and it is therefore important to prepare constantly.

Do more students apply for NDA 1 than NDA 2?

Yes. The number of applicants is usually high in NDA 1 because it is the exam right after the board exams. But the seriousness and preparation of candidates may not be as high as in NDA 2. Most of the students take NDA 1 as a trial, whereas NDA 2 would be taken with more revision and seriousness.

Is NDA 1 math more difficult than NDA 2?

According to the tendencies of different years and the professional opinion of the authors of the mock tests and solvers of the examination, NDA 1 Mathematics is usually longer and time-consuming, but not always more difficult. The challenge comes in the form of time pressure and not the type of question. The questions in NDA 2 can be more conceptual and diverse; however, they are usually shorter.

With that said, practicing from an NDA maths book will balance the two styles.

Read More: How to Score 120+ in NDA Maths?

Which NDA exam has a higher cutoff?

Cut-off is different each year according to the complexity of the paper and the number of students who have appeared seriously. However:

• The NDA 2 cutoffs are just a little higher, particularly in the GAT section, because of the overall performance.

• The NDA 1 cutoffs may be lower in case the Maths paper is longer or more difficult.

Nonetheless, there are no significant changes. The range of cutoffs is always within 340-360 marks out of 900.

Psychological Factor: Mindset & External Conditions

One less discussed contributor of difficulty is mental state and environmental conditions.

• NDA 1 is held when the sun is scorching in April, so 5-hour exams are exhausting.

Most of them are fresh out of board exams and are thus mentally fatigued.

Whereas:

NDA 2 takes place after summer vacation, when the weather is moderate.

• The majority of the candidates are rejuvenated, inspired, and attentive.

Therefore, the paper level may be similar, but NDA 1 is more difficult because of physical and mental exhaustion.

Preparation Strategy: Be Confident in Both Exams

Aspirants should rather study for both exams seriously instead of deciding which exam is the easiest. You are in 11th or 12th or even in a drop year, your plan must involve:

1. Regular update of core subjects.

2. Doing NDA PYQ books to solve pattern awareness.

3. Training in numerical speed by use of a good NDA maths book.

4. Keeping yourself abreast of the current affairs and NCERTs through a GK book on NDA.

Final Verdict: Is NDA 1 Harder than NDA 2?

The truth is: Neither is inherently harder.

Difficulty is subjective and depends on:

• Your preparation level

• Question trends that year

• Cut-off fluctuations

• Weather and exam-day mindset

Here’s a summarized verdict:

Hence, NDA 1 may feel harder, but NDA 2 is equally challenging in its way.

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Conclusion

Instead of being concerned about which exam is harder, you need to focus your energy in good subject knowledge, frequent practice, and developing mental stamina. It is NDA 1 or NDA 2, but to pass the exam, you need:

• Smart preparation

• Time management

• Mock practice every day

• Effective utilisation of resources such as NDA PYQ books, NDA maths books, and GK books in NDA

Ultimately, NDA 1 and NDA 2 are nothing but two doors to the same thing- a glorious life in the defence forces. Don't worry about difficulty, worry about consistency.