How to Prepare for NDA Current Affairs

The preparation for the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination is a path full of discipline, and the Current Affairs section is frequently considered the best factor that distinguishes the winners from the losers. Mathematics and English have their syllabuses, but Current Affairs is always shifting, thus demanding a tactical and persistent effort.

The following guide draws a complete map on how to handle NDA Current Affairs for the 2026 exams preparation coming up next.

Understanding the Weightage and Pattern

The Current Affairs category is included in the NDA written exam and is assigned to Part B (General Knowledge) of the General Ability Test (GAT).

• Number of Questions: 10-15 questions.
• Total Marks: 40-60 marks (4 marks for each question).
• Negative Marking: 1.33 is the penalty for each incorrect answer.

Apart from the written exam, current happenings are the core of the SSB Interview, mainly for Group Discussions (GD), Lecturettes, and the Personal Interview.

Key Topics to Focus on While Preparing for NDA Current Affairs 2026

UPSC has a specific approach to news, and the NDA examination does not deviate from that, as there is still a lot of emphasis placed on national security and India’s position in the world to solve the NDA current affairs questions.

A. Defence and Security (Highest Priority)

This is the most important sub-section for all defence aspirants.

• Military Exercises: Common drills like Yudh Abhyas, Garuda Shakti, and Milan.
• New Inductions: Characteristics of the new fighter jet (Tejas Mk2), submarines (INS Vaghsheer), and weapons (Agni-V, Pralay).
• Appointments: Commanders of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
• DRDO and ISRO: Missile testing, satellite launching (Gaganyaan mission progress), and self-reliant technology.

B. International Relations (IR)

• Summits and Organisations: G20, BRICS, QUAD, and ASEAN outcomes.
• Global Conflicts: Understanding the geopolitical context of ongoing world crises (e.g., Middle East or Eastern Europe).
• Treaties: Major bilateral agreements signed by India.

C. National News and Governance

• Government Schemes: Initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, Make in India 2.0, and Project NAMASTE.
• Economy: Key highlights of the Union Budget 2026, GDP growth rates, and inflation trends.
• Awards: Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, Nobel Prizes, and Gallantry Awards.

D. Sports and Culture

• Major Events: Olympics, Asian Games, and ICC tournaments.
• UNESCO Sites: Recent additions to the World Heritage list in India.

Best Sources for Preparation

To avoid information overload, stick to a few reliable sources:

• Newspapers: The Hindu or The Indian Express. Focus on the Front Page, Editorial, and Science/Tech sections.
• Monthly Magazines: Pratiyogita Darpan or Competition Success Review (CSR).
• Government Portals: PIB (Press Information Bureau) is the most authentic source for government schemes and defence updates.
• YouTube Channels: Follow dedicated defence channels like Centurion Defence Academy or SSBCrack for daily capsules.

Month-wise Preparation Strategy

For the NDA 1 2026 exam (scheduled for April 12, 2026), you should ideally cover news from July 2025 to March 2026.

Practical Tips For Retention

• Maintain a Dedicated Notebook: Divide it into sections like “Defence,” “Awards,” and International. This makes last-minute revision seamless.
• Use Mind Maps: For complex topics like International Relations or the Union Budget, use diagrams to link causes and effects.
• Quiz Yourself: Take daily current affairs quizzes on apps like Inshorts or Testbook to test your recall speed.
• Connect with Static GK: When you read about a new missile test in Odisha, quickly revise the geography of the Wheeler Island (Abdul Kalam Island).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the Newspaper: Relying solely on monthly PDF capsules can leave you blank during the SSB interview, where a deep understanding is required to solve the NDA current affairs questions.
• Over-studying Politics: UPSC rarely asks about regional political bickering. Focus on policy, not politics.
• No Revision: Information without revision is forgotten within 48 hours. Ensure you revisit your notes every Sunday.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for NDA Current Affairs 2026 is about consistency over intensity. Spending 45 minutes daily is far more effective than cramming for 10 hours before the exam. By focusing on defence updates and national issues, you not only secure marks in the NDA current affairs questions but also build the Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) needed to ace the SSB.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many months of current affairs should I cover for the NDA 1 2026 exam? 

Aspirants should focus on events from the last 6 to 12 months, specifically covering major national and international developments from July 2025 up to March 2026.

Which are the most important topics in current affairs for the NDA written exam? 

The highest-weightage topics include recent Indian Defence updates (missile tests, military exercises, and appointments), international summits (G20, QUAD), and major sports or award ceremonies.

Can I clear the NDA current affairs section without reading a daily newspaper? 

While monthly magazines help with revision, reading daily newspapers like The Hindu is recommended to build the deep conceptual understanding required for the SSB Interview and GAT section.

What is the best way to revise current affairs just before the NDA exam? 

The most effective strategy is to use handwritten one-liner notes and monthly Current Affairs Capsules to quickly recap dates, names, and venues in the final 15 days.

Are questions about international conflicts relevant for the NDA exam? 

Yes, UPSC frequently asks about major global geopolitical issues and India’s diplomatic stance or humanitarian aid in those regions, as these reflect a candidate’s global awareness.