The General Ability Test (GAT) in the NDA exam carries 600 marks, and the English section alone contributes 200 marks. English is not just a scoring subject but also a confidence booster in the written exam as well as the SSB Interview. For NDA 1 2026 aspirants, mastering English is crucial to secure a high overall score.
In this blog, The Lakshya Academy shares a complete strategy for English preparation in NDA GAT, including topic breakdown, daily routine, and smart tips to help aspirants perform their best.
📌 NDA GAT English Exam Pattern (NDA 1 2026)
- Total Questions: 50
- Total Marks: 200
- Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, –1.33 for wrong answer
- Key Areas Tested: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Usage
👉 Scoring 120+ out of 200 in English gives you a safe margin in the written exam.
📌 1. Important Topics for NDA GAT English
Focus on topics that are most frequently asked:
- Spotting Errors (20–25 marks) – Grammar, tense, subject-verb agreement
- Vocabulary (30–35 marks) – Synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions
- Idioms & Phrases (15–20 marks) – Commonly used expressions
- Sentence Improvement (20–25 marks) – Correct usage of grammar
- Reading Comprehension (25–30 marks) – Passage-based questions
- Fill in the Blanks (15–20 marks) – Prepositions, articles, phrasal verbs
💡 The Lakshya Academy Tip: Maintain a personal vocabulary notebook and revise daily.
📌 2. Daily Study Routine for NDA English
- 30 mins – Vocabulary building (10 new words daily)
- 30 mins – Grammar practice (rules + exercises)
- 30 mins – Reading comprehension & editorials
- 30 mins – Practice PYQs / mock questions
👉 Consistency in small efforts daily leads to big improvements by NDA 1 2026.
📢 Join Our NDA Preparation Community:
👉 [Telegram Channel – t.me/LAKSHYAACADEMYDEFENCE]
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📌 3. Vocabulary Enhancement Techniques
- Read The Hindu / Indian Express editorials daily.
- Note 5–10 new words with meanings & examples.
- Use apps like Quizlet or flashcards for quick revision.
- Learn 5 idioms/phrases every day.
💡 Within 3 months, you can build a strong vocabulary bank of 500+ words.
📌 4. Master Grammar Rules
- Revise parts of speech, tenses, prepositions, conjunctions.
- Focus on subject-verb agreement & modifiers (common error areas).
- Solve spotting errors & sentence improvement questions daily.
👉 Grammar is the foundation of English, without which scoring 120+ becomes difficult.
📌 5. Reading Comprehension Skills
- Practice 1 passage daily from previous year papers.
- Improve reading speed without losing accuracy.
- Focus on identifying the main idea & tone of the passage.
💡 The Lakshya Academy conducts comprehension drills to help aspirants improve both speed and understanding.
📢 Get Expert Guidance from The Lakshya Academy:
👉 [Telegram Channel – t.me/LAKSHYAACADEMYDEFENCE]
👉 [YouTube Channel – youtube.com/@THELAKSHYAACADEMY]
📌 6. Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests
- Solve last 10 years of NDA English PYQs.
- Attempt at least 2 mock tests weekly.
- Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas.
👉 Practicing PYQs ensures you understand the pattern & difficulty level of NDA 1 2026.
📌 7. Smart Exam-Day Strategy
- Attempt vocabulary-based questions first (quick scoring).
- Move to grammar & spotting errors.
- Attempt comprehension passages at the end (time-consuming).
👉 This sequence helps maximize both speed and accuracy.
🎯 Conclusion
For NDA 1 2026, English can be your highest scoring section if prepared systematically. Focus on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and practice of PYQs. Make English a daily habit instead of last-minute preparation.
At The Lakshya Academy, we provide specialized English sessions, doubt-solving, and practice materials designed to help aspirants strengthen their English for both the NDA exam and SSB Interview. With the right strategy, dedication, and guidance, you can easily score 120+ in English and boost your NDA 1 2026 chances.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many months are enough for NDA GAT English preparation?
👉 With consistent study, 4–5 months are sufficient for strong preparation.
Q2. What is the best book for NDA English?
👉 Wren & Martin for Grammar, Word Power Made Easy for vocabulary, and NDA-specific practice books.
Q3. Is English compulsory for NDA SSB as well?
👉 Yes, English communication is important in group discussions, interviews, and overall officer-like qualities.
Q4. Can I score 120+ in English without coaching?
👉 Yes, but guidance from experts like The Lakshya Academy can make preparation faster and more effective.
Q5. How should I balance NDA Maths and English?
👉 Dedicate 3–4 hours for Maths and at least 1.5–2 hours daily for English along with GAT.
