Can You Crack NDA Written Exam in 2 Months? – Realistic Plan
- Surinder Chhabra
- Jul 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 29

The NDA written exam, conducted by UPSC, is one of the toughest competitive exams for defence aspirants in India. With thousands of candidates competing for a limited number of seats, proper planning and preparation are crucial. But what if you have only 2 months left for the exam?
The good news is that yes, you can crack the NDA written exam in 2 months, provided you follow a disciplined approach, use the right resources, and focus on high-scoring areas. In this blog, we will share a realistic 2-month preparation plan to help you succeed.
Is 2 Months Enough to Crack NDA?
While 6–12 months of preparation is ideal for the NDA exam, many aspirants have successfully cleared it with just 2 months of dedicated study. The key is to work smart, not just hard.
In 2 months, you cannot study everything in detail. Instead, you must:
Focus on important topics and scoring areas.
Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern.
Revise frequently and avoid wasting time on low-priority topics.
Understanding the NDA Written Exam
The NDA written exam has two papers:
Mathematics (300 marks, 120 questions) – Tests your problem-solving ability.
General Ability Test (GAT) (600 marks, 150 questions) – Covers English, General Knowledge, Science, and Current Affairs.
The overall cut-off generally lies around 350–400 marks (varies each year). So, if you plan strategically, you don’t need to attempt every single question. Scoring 50–55% is often enough to clear the written exam.
Realistic 2-Month NDA Study Plan
Here’s a week-by-week plan for NDA exam preparation in 2 months.
Week 1 – Analyze and Plan
Understand the NDA syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
Download previous 5 years’ question papers and identify frequently asked topics.
Create a realistic timetable for 6–8 hours of study every day (if you’re not in school/college).
Choose the right books: NCERT (6–10th for basics), Pathfinder for NDA, and a reliable GK/current affairs source.
Weeks 2 to 4 – Core Concept Building
Mathematics: Focus on high-weightage topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, Arithmetic, Geometry, and Probability.
English (GAT): Practice comprehension, grammar rules, synonyms-antonyms, and fill-in-the-blanks daily.
GK & Current Affairs: Revise basics of history, geography, and science from NCERT books. Keep up with current affairs of the last 6–8 months.
Solve at least 30–40 Maths questions daily.
Weeks 5 to 6 – Practice Mode
Start solving full-length mock tests every alternate day.
Analyze your mistakes and revise weak areas.
Work on time management – aim to complete the Maths paper in 2 hours and GAT in 2.5 hours.
Weeks 7 to 8 – Revision & Final Touch
Focus on short notes, formulas, and key facts.
Revise high-scoring topics and previous years’ papers.
Solve 2–3 mock tests per week and aim for 400+ marks.
Keep your current affairs revision crisp and updated.
Daily Timetable for NDA 2-Month Prep
Here’s an example of a daily schedule:
7:00 am – 9:00 am: Mathematics – Focus on 1 topic + problem-solving.
10:00 am – 11:30 am: English – Vocabulary, grammar exercises.
11:30 am – 1:00 pm: GAT Science (Physics/Chemistry/Biology).
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Mathematics (previous year questions).
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm: GK & Current Affairs revision.
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Mock test/quiz practice.
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Analyze mistakes and revise weak points.
Key Tips to Crack NDA in 2 Months
1. Focus on Strengths
If Maths is your strength, ensure you secure maximum marks there. If English and GK are easier for you, use them to build a strong foundation in the GAT paper.
2. Master High-Scoring Topics
Instead of trying to cover everything, focus on 60–70% of the syllabus that carries higher weightage.
3. Solve Previous Year Papers
The NDA exam often repeats question types. Solving at least 10 previous papers will give you an advantage.
4. Revise Formulas and Short Tricks
Make a formula notebook for Maths and revise it daily.
5. Improve English Daily
Spend at least 20 minutes reading newspapers or editorials. It improves comprehension, vocabulary, and GK simultaneously.
6. Take Mock Tests
Mock tests will teach you time management and help you avoid negative marking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2-Month Prep
Starting Without a Plan: Random study will waste time.
Ignoring GAT: Many aspirants focus too much on Maths and lose marks in GAT.
Skipping Revision: Whatever you learn must be revised at least 2–3 times.
Neglecting Time Management: Practicing without timing yourself won’t help in the real exam.
Can Self-Study Work for NDA in 2 Months?
Yes, self-study is possible if:
You have clear basics (especially in Maths).
You follow a strict daily schedule.
You utilize high-quality study material and mock tests.
However, joining a coaching institute can save time by giving you a structured study plan, doubt-clearing sessions, and regular mock tests.
How Cavalier Delhi Can Help You Crack NDA in 2 Months
At Cavalier Delhi (since 2001), we specialize in preparing aspirants for NDA with:
Crash courses designed for 2-month preparation.
Expert faculty for Maths, GAT, and English.
Daily mock tests and previous paper analysis.
Current affairs updates and GK capsules.
Personalized guidance for every student.
With our proven success rate, many aspirants have cracked NDA even with short preparation time.
Conclusion
Yes, cracking the NDA written exam in 2 months is possible, but it demands discipline, focus, and smart preparation. The key is to prioritize important topics, revise consistently, and practice mock tests.
If you’re serious about clearing NDA 2025, don’t waste a single day. Start following this 2-month plan and stay consistent.
Ready to Crack NDA in 2 Months?
Join Cavalier Delhi, India’s No. 1 NDA coaching institute, for our special crash course.
📞 Call 8766375168 or visit C-73, Shardapuri (Marble Mkt.), Rajouri Garden, New Delhi – 110015.
Comments