By SenaPrep Defence Team Updated July 2026 12 min read
Cracking the UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) written examination requires a highly focused preparation timeline. In this comprehensive study guide, our defence education experts analyze the core concepts of NDA current affairs guide, defence news strategy, GAT military exercises, outline high-yield preparation tips, and provide step-by-step examples.
Part 1: Understanding Complete NDA Current Affairs Study & Prep Guide
The written examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is highly competitive. Every year, over 3 lakh candidates compete for less than 400 vacancies. To secure your name in the final recommendation list, you must clear the sectional cutoffs and score highly in both Papers.
Syllabus Breakdown & Marks Allocation
Subject Segment
Total Questions
Weightage (Marks)
Preparation Priority
Paper 1: Mathematics
120 Questions
300 Marks
Critical (Sectional Cutoff)
Paper 2: GAT (English)
50 Questions
200 Marks
High Yield (4 Marks/Q)
Paper 2: GAT (General Knowledge)
100 Questions
400 Marks
High Scoring (Science & GS)
Part 2: Key Revision Strategies for NDA current affairs guide, defence news strategy, GAT military exercises
Success in this topic requires consistent daily practice. Here are the core routines recommended by top defence educators:
Build Foundational Concepts: Rely on Class 11 and 12 NCERT books for math/science topics, and read standard grammar texts for English.
Solve Previous Year Papers (PYQs): Go through at least the last 5-10 years of UPSC question sets to analyze repeat question structures.
Speed & Time Management: Practice mock tests with a timer to improve your answering speed. You have only 75 seconds per math question in the real exam.
Track Weak Areas: Bookmark difficult problems and review your mistake history to continuously raise your score.
Part 3: Practical Questions & Solved Examples
Below is a preview of the type of questions asked by the UPSC. Test your current understanding of NDA current affairs guide, defence news strategy, GAT military exercises and review the step-by-step methods:
Use the interactive test panel below to solve live questions pulled directly from the SenaPrep exam bank.
Interactive Practice Quiz
Test your preparation live! Choose an option for each question to see instant feedback and deep step-by-step explanations.
Question 1 of 5 Live App Practice
Which one of the following statements about ‘REJUPAVE‘ is correct?
Detailed Solution:
ā
1. Correct Answer
Option D is correct. REJUPAVE is an indigenously developed road construction technology at high altitudes.
š Core Concept
REJUPAVE is a specialized road construction technology developed for harsh high-altitude conditions, ensuring durability and accessibility.
š” 3. Explanation
REJUPAVE, developed by CSIR-CRRI, utilizes advanced materials and techniques to create durable bituminous roads in regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh, which face sub-zero temperatures and extreme terrain.
ā 4. Option Analysis
•Option A: Incorrect; REJUPAVE is not associated with organic farming efforts.
•Option B: Incorrect; REJUPAVE is not an aircraft but a road construction technology.
•Option C: Incorrect; REJUPAVE is not involved in women and child development projects.
ā”
NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Remember "REJU - Rugged and Efficient for High-altitude Urban construction" to recall its purpose quickly.
šÆ
5. Key Takeaways
REJUPAVE is vital for building durable roads in India's challenging high-altitude regions.
Question 2 of 5 Live App Practice
Consider the following statements about Cricket player Virat Kohli:
1. He is the only captain to have scored seven double centuries in Test Cricket
2. He is the only Indian cricketer with most centuries as a captain
3. He is the first Indian captain to achieve twin centuries on captaincy debut
4. He holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian in Test Cricket
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Solution:
Correct Answer
ā Option D is correct. All statements about Virat Kohli are accurate.
š Core Anchor Concept
The statements revolve around the achievements of Virat Kohli, an eminent Indian cricketer and former captain of the national team. His records notably encompass double centuries in Test cricket, century milestones as a captain, and his unique debut achievements.
š Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
Seven Double Centuries: Virat Kohli is the only captain to score seven double centuries in Test cricket.
Most Centuries as Captain: He holds the record for the most centuries scored by an Indian cricketer as captain.
Captaincy Debut: Kohli became the first Indian captain to score twin centuries on his captaincy debut.
Most Double Centuries by an Indian: He also holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian in Test cricket.
š Option Analysis
Options A, B, and C fall short as they exclude one or more accurate statements present in Option D.
ā” Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
A mnemonic to remember key records by Kohli: ā7C1Dā ā 7 double centuries, 1 debut with twin centuries.
š Factual Verification & Reference
š Factual Verification & Reference:
Verified against reputable sports records and statistics from ESPN Cricinfo and the International Cricket Council.
Question 3 of 5 Live App Practice
Ethereum, Tether, Solana and Cardano are all forms of
Detailed Solution:
Correct Answer
ā Option A is correct. Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and Cardano are types of cryptocurrencies.
š Core Anchor Concept
Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies utilizing blockchain technology for secure, decentralized transactions.
š Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
Ethereum: Launched in 2015, it introduced smart contracts, allowing automated and transparent transaction execution.
Tether: A stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, launched in 2014, providing liquidity and stability in the crypto market.
Solana: Established in 2020, known for high-speed processing and low fees, enhancing scalability for decentralized applications.
Cardano: Founded in 2017, it emphasizes a research-driven approach to blockchain technology and sustainability.
š Option Analysis
Option B: Artificial Intelligence Startups - Not related to cryptocurrencies.
Option C: Humanoid Robots - No connection to cryptocurrency technology.
Option D: Medical apps - Does not pertain to digital currencies.
ā” Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
Remember the phrase "*EconTies Celebrate*" to recall Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and Cardano as major cryptocurrencies.
š Factual Verification & Reference
š Factual Verification & Reference:
Verified against reputable blockchain and cryptocurrency resources, including whitepapers and educational material.
Question 4 of 5 Live App Practice
The Headquarters of South-Eastern Railway is located at
Detailed Solution:
Correct Answer
ā Option [C] is correct. The headquarters of South-Eastern Railway is in Kolkata.
š Core Anchor Concept
The South Eastern Railway (SER) is one of the major railway zones in India, crucial for connectivity in the eastern region.
š Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
Established in: 1952
Headquarters: Garden Reach, Kolkata, West Bengal
Significance: Connects several important cities and industrial regions in Eastern India
Zone location: Map coordinates approximately 22.5726° N, 88.3639° E
š Option Analysis
A: Bilaspur - Headquartered for the South East Central Railway zone.
B: Secunderabad - Headquarters for South Central Railway zone.
D: Bhubaneswar - Not a railway zone headquarters.
ā” Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
Remember "Kolkata is the key," as Kolkata connects various zones, including the South Eastern Railway.
š Factual Verification & Reference
š Factual Verification & Reference:
Verified against official Indian Railways records and documentation.
Question 5 of 5 Live App Practice
Exercise Desert Knight - 21 is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Air Force of which one of the following countries?
Detailed Solution:
Correct Answer
ā Option B is correct. Exercise Desert Knight-21 is a joint military exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air Force.
š Core Anchor Concept
Exercise Desert Knight-21 emphasizes bilateral cooperation between the Indian Air Force and the French Air Force, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and interoperability.
š Detailed Breakdown & Chronology
- **Duration**: January 20-24, 2021
- **Location**: Jodhpur Air Force Station, Rajasthan, India
- **Objective**: To develop tactics and increase cooperation through exchanging operational best practices.
š Option Analysis
- **A: USA** - Incorrect; the USA participates in other exercises but not Desert Knight-21.
- **C: Britain** - Incorrect; the UK Air Force was not involved in this exercise.
- **D: Israel** - Incorrect; there is no bilateral air exercise named Desert Knight-21 with Israel.
ā” Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic
Remember: **Desert Knight = France + Interoperability.** Use the acronym "D-KIF" (Desert-Knight Indian France) to quickly recall the key participants and purpose.
Want to solve 10,000+ more questions?
Unlock full chapter tests, mock exams, real-time analytics, and our advanced AI doubt solver on the official SenaPrep Android app.