Official PYQ Paper
NDA NDA 1 2026 General Ability Solved PYQ Paper
Year: 2026
Session: NDA 1
General Ability
Below are the first 5 questions from the UPSC NDA 2026 (NDA 1) General Ability paper. Practice each question below, check your answers, and read the step-by-step explanations written by our subject matter experts.
Question 1 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The JatakaTales present moral narratives in the form of allegories.
Step-by-Step Solution:
✓
1. Correct Answer
Option D is correct. Parables are short fictional stories that teach moral or spiritual lessons through allegories.
📖 Core Concept
Parables are narrative stories designed to illustrate a particular lesson or insight through metaphorical concepts, often used to convey moral teachings.
💡 3. Explanation
Allegories are narrative devices in which characters and events symbolize deeper moral or spiritual meanings. Parables, specifically, are succinct stories that use allegory to impart a moral lesson, particularly prominent in spiritual or religious texts.
❌ 4. Option Analysis
- •Option A: Aphorisms are concise statements expressing a general truth or principle.
- •Option B: Adages are traditional sayings highlighting common experiences or observations.
- •Option C: Enjambments refer to poetic devices where a sentence or phrase runs onto the next line without a pause.
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NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Remember that parables are like "parable lessons" since they teach lessons through simple stories.
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5. Key Takeaways
Allegories symbolize deeper meanings; parables use them to deliver moral teachings.
Question 2 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
He was upbraided for appearing in court in a state of inebriation.
Step-by-Step Solution:
✓
1. Correct Answer
Option B is correct. "Intoxication" is synonymous with "inebriation".
📖 Core Concept
This question tests the understanding of vocabulary, specifically synonyms for the term "inebriation".
💡 3. Explanation
"Inebriation" refers to the state of being drunk or affected by alcohol. In this context, both "inebriation" and "intoxication" imply the influence of alcohol, thus making them synonymous. Intoxication describes a similar altered mental state due to substance overconsumption, primarily alcohol.
❌ 4. Option Analysis
- •Option A: "Ululation" is a loud wailing or howling sound, often for expressing grief, not related to alcohol.
- •Option C: "Confabulation" refers to talking or engaging in conversation, unrelated to intoxication.
- •Option D: "Sublimation" is a psychological defense mechanism, unrelated to alcohol consumption.
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NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Remember: "Intoxi" in "inebriation" sounds like "intoxication". Associate being "inebriated" with the "toxic" effects of alcohol to remind you of its synonym: intoxication.
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5. Key Takeaways
"Inebriation" and "intoxication" both refer to the effects of alcohol consumption.
Question 3 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The obstreperous behavior of the students inside the classroom drew the attention of the Principal.
Step-by-Step Solution:
✓
1. Correct Answer
Option D is correct. "Disorderly" is nearest in meaning to "obstreperous."
📖 Core Concept
"Obstreperous" describes noise and difficulty to manage, implying unruly behavior often seen in disorderly environments.
💡 3. Explanation
The term "obstreperous" specifically refers to noisiness and a lack of control, similar to "disorderly." In contrast, "obnoxious" might refer to offensive behavior but does not inherently mean unruly or hard to manage. "Compliant" and "inconspicuous" are direct opposites, meaning willing to follow rules and not noticeable, respectively.
❌ 4. Option Analysis
- •Option A: "Compliant" means willing to agree, which is the opposite of being unruly.
- •Option B: "Obnoxious" signifies being unpleasant but not necessarily implying noise or disorder.
- •Option C: "Inconspicuous" means being unnoticeable, contrasting the loud nature of "obstreperous."
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NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Remember "Obstreperous = Out of Order" to quickly link it to "disorderly."
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5. Key Takeaways
"Obstreperous" is synonymous with "disorderly," emphasizing loud and uncontrollable behavior.
Question 4 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
These were based primarily in Himachal Pradesh, where the treks were as gruelling as the terrain
Step-by-Step Solution:
✓
1. Correct Answer
Option A is correct. 'Rigorous' is a synonym for 'gruelling'.
📖 Core Concept
This question tests vocabulary skills, specifically understanding of synonyms. 'Gruelling' means extremely tiring and demanding, similar to 'rigorous'.
💡 3. Explanation
The word "gruelling" refers to being extremely tough and exhausting. It is synonymous with "rigorous", which is used to describe the demanding nature of the treks and terrain in the sentence provided.
❌ 4. Option Analysis
- •Option B: 'Egregious' means outstandingly bad, inappropriate for this context.
- •Option C: 'Unctuous' refers to excessive flattery, unrelated here.
- •Option D: 'Ominous' implies something threatening, not fitting the context of difficulty.
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NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Remember "GRUELLING is ROUGH", both start with "R", prompting 'Rigorous'.
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5. Key Takeaways
Vocabulary questions rely on context to determine accurate synonyms.
Question 5 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
I think they would wish for some more adornment around the school campus for the special function.
Step-by-Step Solution:
✓
1. Correct Answer
Option B is correct. "Adornment" is synonymous with "decoration."
📖 Core Concept
Understanding synonyms enhances vocabulary and helps in identifying terms with similar meanings in sentences.
💡 3. Explanation
"Adornment" refers to adding beauty or decorative value to something. The corresponding synonym among the choices is "decoration," which aligns precisely with the concept of enhancing aesthetics.
❌ 4. Option Analysis
- •Option A: "Subsummation" refers to including under a broader category, not a synonym of adornment.
- •Option C: "Coloration" relates specifically to color application rather than decoration as a whole.
- •Option D: "Inoculation" is a medical term related to vaccination, irrelevant to the concept of adornment.
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NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Remember the "D" in "Adornment" and "Decoration" as both convey enhancement, aiding quick recall for similar questions.
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5. Key Takeaways
Building a strong vocabulary improves comprehension and helps in quickly identifying word meanings.
Question 6 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The travel company tried to identify destinations that were off the beaten track .
Step-by-Step Solution:
✓
1. Correct Answer
Option B is correct. "Unfrequented" means not visited by many people.
📖 Core Concept
The phrase "off the beaten track" refers to locations that are remote or less known to tourists, hence not commonly visited.
💡 3. Explanation
The phrase "off the beaten track" suggests destinations that are not frequently visited or popular among tourists. Hence, "unfrequented" is the synonym closest in meaning within the context.
❌ 4. Option Analysis
- •Option A: "Untenanted" means not occupied by tenants, not relevant to visitation frequency.
- •Option C: "Unattended" means not being taken care of, not about being visited.
- •Option D: "Untoward" means unexpected or inappropriate, not related to visitation.
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NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Remember that "off the beaten track" refers to places less traveled, hence "unfrequented" fits the context.
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5. Key Takeaways
"Off the beaten track" = Unfrequented (less visited or remote).
Question 7 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
Women gather in the community park on a regular basis to chant prayers for the benefit of all.
Step-by-Step Solution:
✓
1. Correct Answer
Option D is correct. The word 'recite' closely matches the meaning of 'chant'.
📖 Core Concept
Understanding how words are used in context is crucial for selecting the appropriate synonym.
💡 3. Explanation
Chanting is typically associated with the rhythmic or musical repetition of words, particularly in religious or ceremonial contexts. The term 'recite' involves repeating something from memory, such as prayers or verses, making it synonymous with 'chant'.
❌ 4. Option Analysis
- •Option A: "Confound" means to confuse and does not relate to chanting.
- •Option B: "Inculcate" is about instilling ideas or habits, which is unrelated to chanting.
- •Option C: "Indite" refers to composing text, not suitable for describing "chant".
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NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Remember: "Chant" rhymes with "recite", aiding recall of their connection in repetitive speech.
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5. Key Takeaways
Chanting involves rhythmic repetition of text, often aligning closely with the term "recite".
Question 8 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The HR Manager was able to utilize the specific skills of each member of the team assembled for the project.
Step-by-Step Solution:
✓
1. Correct Answer
Option A is correct. Utilize means to make practical use of, similar to harness.
📖 Core Concept
Understanding the synonyms of the word "utilize" is crucial in vocabulary-based questions.
💡 3. Explanation
The word "utilize" is synonymous with "harness" as they both mean to make effective use of resources. This is evident in the context of using team skills effectively for a project.
❌ 4. Option Analysis
- •Option B: "Harbor" means to shelter or hold, not necessarily to make active use of.
- •Option C: "Harangue" refers to lengthy and aggressive speech, irrelevant to utilizing skills.
- •Option D: "Herald" means to announce or signal the onset of a change, not directly related to making use of skills.
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NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Remember "harness" is often linked with "utilize" since to harness is to make effective use of something, similar to the function of a harness in controlling a horse.
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5. Key Takeaways
"Utilize" and "harness" both imply making practical and effective use of something.
Question 9 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The oppressive pollution was noticed to have abated after the unseasonal rainfall.
Step-by-Step Solution:
✓
1. Correct Answer
Option A is correct. "Mitigated" is nearest in meaning to "abated."
📖 Core Concept
The question is about finding the synonym of the word "abated" which means to reduce in intensity or amount.
💡 3. Explanation
The word "abated" refers to a reduction in intensity. Therefore, the correct synonym is "mitigated" as it also means to lessen in force or severity. The other options do not reflect this meaning.
❌ 4. Option Analysis
- •Option B: "Enhanced" means to increase or improve, opposite to abate.
- •Option C: "Discontinued" means to stop entirely, which is different from simply lessening in intensity.
- •Option D: "Suppressed" means to forcibly put an end to or prevent the development of something, not exactly synonymous with abated.
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NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Link "abate" with "amend" -> both imply making something lesser or less severe.
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5. Key Takeaways
Mitigate and abate both convey the reduction in intensity or severity.
Question 10 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
Often, the context and structure of an ambiguous statement is difficult to discern.
Step-by-Step Solution:
✓
1. Correct Answer
Option C is correct. 'Cryptic' is the closest synonym for 'ambiguous'.
📖 Core Concept
The term 'ambiguous' refers to a statement or communication that has more than one possible interpretation, making it unclear or uncertain.
💡 3. Explanation
Ambiguous statements are those that can be puzzling or confusing due to the presence of multiple meanings. The word 'cryptic' similarly conveys something that is mysterious or difficult to understand, making it the most suitable synonym among the options provided.
❌ 4. Option Analysis
- •Option A: 'Absolutistic' is related to unsurpassed or ultimate power, not ambiguity.
- •Option B: 'Explicit' means clear and detailed, the opposite of ambiguous.
- •Option D: 'Solipsistic' relates to the philosophical idea that only one's mind is sure to exist, irrelevant to a statement's clarity.
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NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut
Remember: 'Ambiguous' leads to unclear or obscure meanings. 'Cryptic' offers the same notion of mystery or puzzle.
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5. Key Takeaways
'Ambiguous' is best matched with 'cryptic' for its shared essence of obscurity.
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