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NDA vs ESE
Detailed comparison between National Defence Academy and Engineering Services Examination — question patterns, subjects, and preparation strategies.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | NDA | ESE |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | National Defence Academy | Engineering Services Examination |
| Paper | General Ability Test (GAT) | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude |
| Total PYQs | 1,469 | 684 |
| Years | 2019–2025 | 2020–2026 |
| Answers Available | 50% | 70% |
| Frequency | Twice a year (April & September) | Once a year |
| Eligibility | 12th Pass, Age 16.5-19.5 | Engineering Degree |
| Sessions | Multiple per year | Once/year |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NDA and ESE?▼
NDA (National Defence Academy) requires 12th Pass, Age 16.5-19.5 and is conducted twice a year (april & september). ESE (Engineering Services Examination) requires Engineering Degree and is conducted once a year. Both are conducted by UPSC.
Can I prepare for both NDA and ESE together?▼
Yes, the GK/GA sections of both exams share significant overlap in topics like History, Geography, Polity, and Current Affairs. Practicing PYQs from both exams can strengthen your preparation. However, each exam has its own specific topics and question patterns that need dedicated attention.
Which exam is harder — NDA or ESE?▼
Difficulty comparison depends on the paper. General Ability Test (GAT) has 1469 PYQs in our database, while General Studies & Engineering Aptitude has 684. Compare the question patterns across years using our PYQ database to understand the difficulty trends for each exam.