The NDA syllabus consists of two sections for the written exam, General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. GAT aims to test the candidate’s basic knowledge of History, GK, Current Affairs of National and International Events, English, Science, and Geography. The Mathematics paper of NDA is based on 10+2. The GAT paper has the maximum weightage in the UPSC NDA syllabus of 600 marks while the Mathematics section is for 300 marks.
We have provided information about the detailed syllabus for the UPSC NDA 2024 exam.
Before knowing the NDA syllabus 2024, they must get an idea about its pattern, frequency, and other relevant details.
Name of the Exam |
National Defence Academy, NDA |
Exam Conducting Body |
Union Public Service Commission, UPSC |
Frequency of NDA Exam |
Two times a year (NDA 1 & NDA 2) |
Selection Process |
Written Test consisting of Objective Type Questions Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB) |
Mode of exam |
Offline (Pen and Paper mode) |
Total Papers in NDA Exam |
Mathematics General Ability Test (GAT) |
Total Marks for NDA Exam |
Total: 900 Marks - Mathematics: 300 Marks - GAT: 600 Marks |
Total No. of Questions |
Mathematics: 120 GAT: 150 |
Negative Marking |
Mathematics: -0.83 GAT: -1.33 marks |
Exam Duration |
Mathematics: 2 Hours 30 Minutes GAT: 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
Aspirants can download the official NDA syllabus PDF for their exam preparation and prepare a study plan accordingly. They can download the UPSC NDA syllabus for different subjects of Paper 1 and 2.
☛ UPSC NDA Syllabus PDF - Download Here
There are 120 questions of Mathematics of 10+2 level in the Paper 1 of the NDA written exam. The NDA syllabus for Paper 1 consists of Mathematics topics which are provided in detail in the section below. Examinees will get 2.5 marks for each correct answer and there is also a negative marking of 0.83 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
NDA Syllabus Overview for Paper 1 |
|
Total Marks |
300 Marks |
Total No. of Questions |
120 |
Correct Answer |
2.5 marks |
Marks deducted for the wrong answer |
- 0.83 |
Total duration of Mathematics Paper |
2 Hours 30 Minutes |
Candidates must have a good knowledge of the formulas and concepts of all the important topics. Here is the list of topics and subtopics included in the NDA Maths syllabus PDF.
Name of Topic |
NDA Maths Syllabus |
Algebra |
Set concept, Sets operations, Venn diagrams, Laws of De Morgan, Cartesian product, Relations, Equivalence relation, Real number representation on a line, Complex numbers - basic properties, module, argument, cube roots, Binary number system, Conversion to the binary system of a number in the decimal system and vice versa, Progressions in arithmetic, geometry, and harmony, Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem and its applications, Logarithms and their applications. |
Matrices and Determinants |
Matrix types, Operations, The determinant of a matrix, Determinants' properties, Application-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by the Cranmer's Rule and by the Matrix method, etc. |
Angles and their degree and measurements, Trigonometric ratios, Sum of trigonometric identities and formulas, Multiple angles and sub-multiples, Trigonometric functions & their inverse, Applications-Height and Distance, Triangle Properties. |
|
Analytical geometry of two and three dimensions |
The Cartesian Rectangular Coordinate System, Formula of distance, Equation of a line in different shapes, Two lines of angle, A point's distance from a line, Standard and general equation of a circle, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola, A conic's eccentricity and axis, Point the distance between two points in a three-dimensional space, Cosines of direction and ratios of direction, Two points of the equation, Cosines of direction and ratios of direction, A plane equation and a line in different forms, Two lines of the angle between two planes, Sphere's equation, etc. |
Differential calculus |
Concept of a valued function - a function's domain, range, and graph, Composite functions, one by one, on, and vice versa, Limit notion, default limits — examples, Continuity of functions— examples, Continuous functional algebraic operations, Function derivative at a point, geometric and physical interpretation of an application derivative, Summary derivatives, product, and function quotient derivatives, function derivatives for another function, 20 composite function derivatives, Derivatives of the second order. Increasing and diminishing functions, Application of derivatives in maxima and minima problems, etc. |
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations |
Differentiation and integration, standard integrals with algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential, and hyperbolic functions.Definite integrals — determination of areas of curved plane regions — applications, General and particular solutions of differential equations, Solutions of the first order, and 1st-degree differential equations of various types—examples, Applications in problems of growth and decay. |
Vector Algebra |
2D and 3D vectors, vector magnitude, and direction, Unit and null vectors, vector adding, scalar-vector multiplication, scalar product or dot product, vector product, or cross product, Applications — work done through force and moment of force and in geometric problems. |
Statistics & Probability |
Statistics: data classification, distribution of frequencies, the cumulative distribution of frequencies — examples, Examples of graphic representation— histogram, pie chart, polygon frequency. Central tendency measurements — mean, median, and mode. Variance and deviation of standard — determination, and comparison, Correlation and regression, Sample space, events, exhaustive events & mutually exclusive, impossible and certain events associated with random experiments, results and associated, Union and events intersection, Complementary, composite, and elementary events, Probability, Bayes Theorem, Random variable on a sample space as a function, Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments, the binomial distribution. |
The next paper which is the General Ability Test (GAT) includes the following topics: General Knowledge (GK), English, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, General Science, and Current Events. The NDA syllabus for Paper 2 consists of 150 questions in total including 50 questions from English and the remaining 100 questions from General Knowledge which includes other subjects and current affairs. The basic overview of the NDA syllabus for Paper 2 is as follows:
NDA Syllabus Overview for Paper 2 |
|
Total Marks for GAT Paper |
600 marks |
Total No. of Questions |
150 Questions |
Total questions in English |
50 Questions |
Total Questions in GK |
100 Questions |
Total Marks for English |
200 marks |
Total Marks for GK |
400 marks |
Marks for Correct Answer |
4 marks in each section |
Marks for Incorrect Answer |
-1.33 marks in each section |
Total Duration of GAT Paper |
2 Hours 30 Minutes |
The NDA GAT syllabus has the maximum weightage in the written exam which is why this should be thoroughly prepared to answer a maximum number of questions for the NDA General Ability Test Paper. Check the NDA syllabus for GAT of History, Geography, English, Current Affairs, Physics, GK, Chemistry, and General Science below section-wise.
We have provided the NDA English Syllabus below which must be checked by the aspirants of the upcoming exam. 50 questions will be asked from this section to test the basic proficiency in the English Language and Comprehension of the candidates. As per the feedback received, the questions range from easy to moderate in the difficulty level which means more questions can be attempted in less time.
● Grammar & usage
● Comprehension & cohesion
● Spotting of errors
● Para Jumbling
● Fill in the blanks
● Synonyms & Antonyms
● Vocabulary
● Cloze Test
● Idioms & Proverbs
● Completion of Sentence & Para
● Sentence Correction & Improvement
The important topics of the NDA Physics Syllabus are listed below containing all suggested by the UPSC. Around 23-25 questions on Physics in the GAT paper.
● Properties of Mass, Weight, Volume, and Sound waves
● Properties and States of Matter
● Heat and its effects
● Barometer
● Rectilinear propagation of Light
● Density and Specific Gravity
● Human Eye
● Electrical Circuits
● Spherical mirrors and human eye lenses
● Reflection and Refraction of Light
● Velocity/Acceleration
● Motion of objects
● Natural and Artificial Magnets
● Archimedes’ Principle
● Properties of a Magnet
● Newton’s Laws of Motion
● Earth as a Magnet
● Force and Momentum
● Static and Current Electricity
● Parallelogram of Forces
● Ohm’s Law
● Power and Energy
● Primary and Secondary Cells
● Use of X-Rays
● Elementary ideas of work
● Magnetic effects of Current
● Gravitation
● Conductors and Non-conductors
● Measurement of Temperature and Heat
● Working of Simple Pendulum, Pulleys, Levers, Periscope, Siphon, Balloon, Pumps, Gramophone, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Lightning Conductors, Telegraphs, Telephone, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass, Safety Fuses.
The NDA Chemistry Syllabus is provided below containing topics on the 10+2 level. There are around 15 to 16 questions on Chemistry topics in the GAT paper.
● Changes in physical and chemical conditions.
● Chemical Combination Law.
● Air and water properties.
● Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide preparation and properties, oxidation, and reduction. Acids, bases, salts, etc. Carbon— various forms. Fertilizers— Artificial and Natural.
● Material used in the preparation of substances such as Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Gun-Powder and Safety Matches.
● Basic ideas on Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights structure, Valence.
NDA syllabus for General Science tests the basic knowledge of the candidate on science and environment.
● Living and non-living differences
● Life basis — cells, protoplasms, tissues
● Plant and animal growth and reproduction
● Human Body's basic knowledge and its important organs
● Common epidemics, causes, and prevention of them
● Food — man's energy source
● Food constituents, balanced diet
● Meteors and Comets Solar System, Eclipses.
● Eminent Scientists' achievements
The NDA History syllabus includes topics on Culture and Civilization, the Freedom Movement in India, American Independence, French Revolution, etc. About 16 questions will be asked about these topics in the General Ability Test.
● A comprehensive survey of Indian History, focusing on culture and civilization
● Freedom movement
● Indian Constitution and Administration elementary study
● India's Five Year Plans
● Panchayati Raj, Community Development Co-operatives
● Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, Mahatma Gandhi's Basic Teachings, National Integration and Welfare State
● Modern world forces; Renaissance, Exploration, and Discovery
● American Independence War
● French Revolution, Russian Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution
● Impact on society of science and technology
● One World Concept, UN, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism, and Communism
● India's role in today's world
The authorities will ask around 17 questions on Geography topics to assess the candidate’s knowledge about Earth and its resources and environment.
● The shape and size of the Earth
● Lattitudes, Longitudes, Time Concept
● Date-Line International
● Earth's movements and effects
● Earth's origin
● Rocks and their classification; mechanical and chemical weathering, earthquakes, and volcanoes
● Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and their composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones, and Anti-cyclones; Humidity; Condensation 23 and Precipitation; Climate Types, World's Major Natural Regions
● India's regional geography— climate, natural vegetation.
● Resources for minerals and power; location and distribution of agricultural and industrial activities
● Important seaports and major seaports, land, and air routes
The NDA Current Affairs syllabus consists of topics on the latest current affairs events of India and the world. Candidates should study the current affairs of the last 8 to 12 months thoroughly to prepare well for the exam.
● Knowledge of major events that have occurred in India over the past few years
● Important exercises conducted between countries worldwide with special reference to India
● Current major events in the world
● Latest appointments
● Important personalities around the world including those related to cultural and sports activities
Aspirants of the upcoming exam must check for the tips and strategies which they can follow to prepare the NDA syllabus effectively in less time. This will cover the entire NDA syllabus strategically:
● Check the latest NDA Exam Pattern and the section-wise weightage.
● Have a thorough knowledge of the UPSC NDA syllabus and pattern based on the latest notification.
● Download the previous year's papers to acquaint yourself with the important topics and the change in the trend of questions over a period of time.
● Attempt as many NDA Mock Tests as possible to keep up the time management skills.
● Make an effective revision plan before the exam.
Aspirants can as well go through the important topics of the NDA syllabus first, and then prepare other concepts.
● English: Reading Comprehension, Synonyms-Antonyms, Spotting errors, Vocabulary, Idioms and Phrases, etc.
● NDA Maths Syllabus: Matrices and Determinants, Sets, Venn Diagram, Trigonometry, 2D and 3D Geometry, Differential calculus, etc.
● General Knowledge: History, Chemistry, Current Affairs, Art and Culture, Physics, Chemistry, Basic Science, etc.
Aspirants should study the best books which will help them to quickly complete the NDA syllabus in order to start their preparation. The books will not only help them understand their topics, but will also provide them with tips for answering questions quickly.
Name of Book |
Author & Publication |
Objective GK |
Sanjiv Kumar (Lucent Publication) |
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy |
R S Aggarwal |
Objective General English |
S. P. Bakshi (Arihant Publication) |
Wren & Martin’s High School English Grammar & Composition |
S. Chand |
NCERT 11th and 12th Books |
NCERT |
☛ NDA Syllabus 2024 PDF - Download Here
NDA Maths syllabus covers the topics from higher secondary Mathematics on Trigonometry, Algebra, Differential Calculus, 2D and 3D Geometry, Matrix and Determinants, etc. A total of 120 questions will be there from the Maths section carrying a maximum of 300 marks. Candidates must clear their basics and focus on learning simple tricks to get answers easily in less time to score well in this section.
There are mainly three sections containing various NDA subjects, and those are Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge. The NDA syllabus for the General Ability Test divides into English, History, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Current Events, and Geography.
Yes, all the questions asked in the written exam are objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs). In the Maths section of the NDA syllabus, each correct answer carries 2.5 marks and there is a negative marking of 0.83 for every wrong answer. In the GAT paper, candidates get 4 marks for each right answer, while 1.33 marks are deducted for incorrect answers.
It is suggested to give 6 months for NDA Preparation, but with sheer dedication and the right approach, one can clear the exam in 2 months of preparation as well. Go through the important topics in the NDA syllabus first, and then prepare other concepts. Check and attempt previous year's papers and mock tests regularly to improve time management skills.
NDA syllabus for GAT includes questions on History, Physics, Geography, Chemistry, General Science, Current Affairs, and English. A total of 150 questions carrying a maximum of 600 marks are there in the GAT paper out of which 50 questions are from the English section.
Five to six months of preparation is enough for the NDA syllabus 2024. Candidates must start by going through the subject-wise syllabus of NDA, followed by learning tricks to attempt questions faster. Before the exam, NDA Previous Year Question Papers and mock tests must be attempted to get a real-time experience of attempting the paper.
120 questions will be there from the NDA Maths syllabus on the following concepts: Trigonometry, Real and Complex numbers, Sets and Venn diagrams, Different number systems, Permutation and Combination, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometric functions, Coordinate System, Differential calculus, Relations and Functions, etc.
The subject-wise important topics in the UPSC NDA syllabus are as follows:
● Maths: Trigonometric ratios and functions, Inverse, Matrix and Determinants, Relations and Functions, Set theory, etc.
● English: Synonyms and Antonyms, Correction of Sentences, Error spotting, Vocabulary, Comrepehesion, etc.
● General Knowledge: Indian and World History, Freedom Movement, Physics, Geography, Current Affairs, Famous Personalities, etc.
The Union Public Service Commission prescribes the NDA syllabus every year along with the recruitment notification. It helps candidates to focus on the preparation of each subject properly. The topics covered in the syllabus of NDA can be segregated based on the priority to formulate a study plan.
The best books to prepare NDA syllabus are Objective GK by Sanjiv Kumar (Lucent Publication), National Defence Academy and Naval Academy by R S Aggarwal, Objective General English by S. P. Bakshi (Arihant Publication), Wren & Martin’s High School English Grammar & Composition by S. Chand, etc.
Buy Prime membership and unlock all test.
Buy Prime membership and unlock all test.
Buy Prime membership and unlock all test.
Buy Prime membership and unlock all test.
Buy Prime membership and unlock all test.
Buy Prime membership and unlock all test.