The NDA Syllabus 2024 is divided into two parts. The first part is the syllabus for paper 1 and the second part is the syllabus for paper 2. Those students preparing for this exam should have a proper understanding of the syllabus along with its topics.
Having a good knowledge of the syllabus is the first step of successful exam preparation. The paper 1 of the NDA exam contains topics from Mathematics. On the other hand, paper 2 of this exam is based on the General Ability Test. In this post, we are sharing the complete NDA Syllabus from the session 2024-25.
Overview of NDA Exam Syllabus
| Name of the Exam | UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) |
| Number of papers | 2 |
| Name of the paper | Mathematics and General Ability Test |
| Authority Releasing the Syllabus | Union Public Service Commission, UPSC |
| Frequency of exam | Twice a year (April and September) |
| Language of Questions | English and Hindi |
NDA Examination Pattern 2024
The examination of UPSC NDA will take place in two papers. The syllabuses and patterns of these two papers are different from one another. Here are the details.
NDA Mathematics Exam Pattern
| Paper – 1 | |
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Type of Questions | MCQs |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Number of questions | 120 |
| Maximum marks | 300 |
| Marks for every correct answer | 2.5 |
| Negative marking for every incorrect answer | -0.83 |
| Duration of exam | 2.5 hours |
General Ability Test (GAT) Exam Pattern for NDA
| Paper – 2 | |
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Type of Questions | MCQs |
| Subject | English and General Knowledge |
| Number of questions | 150 (50 for English and 100 for General Knowledge) |
| Maximum marks | 600 |
| Marks for every correct answer | 4 |
| Negative marking for every incorrect answer | -1.33 |
| Duration of exam | 2.5 hours |
NDA Syllabus for Paper – 1 – Mathematic (Code No, 01) – 300 Marks
Given below is the syllabus for Paper 1. You may consider UPSC NDA Syllabus 2023 PDF download for future reference.
| Units | Topics |
| Algebra | Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation, Representation of real numbers on a line, Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity, Binary system of numbers, Conversion of a number in a decimal system to a binary system and vice-versa, Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions, Quadratic equations with real coefficients, Solution of linear inequalities of two variables by graphs, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem and its applications, Logarithms and their applications |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices, operations on matrices, Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants, Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method, |
| Trigonometry | Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians, Trigonometric ratios, Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae, Multiple and Sub-multiple angles, Inverse trigonometric functions, Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles |
| Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions | Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system, Distance formula, Equation of a line in various forms, Angle between two lines, Distance of a point from a line, Equation of a circle in standard and in general form, Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola, Eccentricity and axis of a conic, Point in a three dimensional space, distance between two points, Direction Cosines and direction ratios, Equation two points, Direction Cosines and direction ratios, Equation of a plane and a line in various forms, Angle between two lines and angle between two planes, Equation of a sphere, |
| Differential Calculus | Concept of a real valued function–domain, range and graph of a function. Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits-examples. Continuity of functions – examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative – applications. Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect to another function, derivative of a composite function. Second order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima. |
| Integral Calculus and Differential Equations | Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals-determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves-applications. Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of a differential equation, solution of first order and first degree differential equations of various types . Application in problems of growth and decay. |
| Vector Algebra | Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications – work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems. |
| Statistics | Classification of data, Frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution-examples. Graphical representation-Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon – examples. Measures of Central tendency – Mean, median and mode. Variance and standard deviation – determination and comparison. Correlation and regression. |
| Probability | Random experiment, outcomes and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary and composite events. Definition of probability-classical and statistical-examples. Elementary theorems on probability-simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem-simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution. |
NDA Syllabus for Paper – 2 – General Ability Test (Code No. 02) – 600 Marks
The NDA Paper 2 syllabus is further classified in the following two sections.
| Part – A | English | 200 Marks |
| Part – B | General Knowledge | 400 Marks |
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Part A – English
The English question paper will be designed to assess the candidate’s comprehension of the language and professional vocabulary. The syllabus covers a variety of topics, including Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English.
Part B – General Knowledge
The paper of General knowledge will have questions from the following sections
| Sections | Number of questions in the Paper 2 (Part B) |
| Section A – Physics | 25 |
| Section B – Chemistry | 15 |
| Section C – General Science | 10 |
| Section D – History, Freedom Movement, etc. | 20 |
| Section E – Geography | 20 |
| Section F – Current Events | 10 |
Let’s discuss the topics of each section in detail.
Section A – Physics
Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer
Motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation, elementary ideas of work, Power and Energy. Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature and Heat, change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of Transference of Heat. Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical instruments. Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection and refraction. Spherical mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye.
Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet.
Static and Current Electricity, conductors and Nonconductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, Use of X-Rays. General Principles in the working of the following: Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses.
Section B – Chemistry
Physical and Chemical changes. Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations, Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems). Properties of Air and Water.
Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon-different forms. Fertilisers-Natural and Artificial. Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and GunPowder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency.
Section C – General Science
Difference between the living and nonliving. Basis of Life-Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals. Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs. Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention.
Food-Source of Energy for man. Constituents of food, Balanced Diet. The Solar System-Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists.
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Section D – History, Freedom Movement, etc.
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation. Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration. Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India. Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community Development. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence. French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution. Impact of Science and Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism. Role of India in the present world.
Section E – Geography
The Earth, its shape and size. Latitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects, Origin of Earth.
Rocks and their classification: Weathering-Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anticyclones, Humidity, Condensation and Precipitation, Types of Climate, Major Natural Regions of the World. Regional Geography of India-Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources, location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities. Important Sea ports and main sea, land and air routes of India. Main items of Imports and Exports of India.
Section F – Current Events
Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in the recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an offline exam.
It depends upon the intelligence of the aspirant. Generally, 3 hours of study a day is enough.
Yes, there are many aspirants who have cracked NDA by self-study only.
There is no limit on the number of attempts. However, the age of a candidate should be 16.5 to 19.5 years,
I am in 10th class I want to join air force and I want crack the NDA examination what I will after 10th
Sir my dob is 18.11.2006 at present I am in class eleventh so can I apply for nda after 12.
Can I apply in 2024 for NDA
I lam only 15 year old
After I Getting intermediate memo
I should apply for this NDA exam
Please share your detailed query. Thanks!
My height is 156cm . Can I apply for NDA
Yes you can apply however please confirm all other criteria.
Yes, You Can Apply For NDA Examination
it depends on the region where you belong
Yes why not u can join N D A
Sir abhi hum 2023 ma Inter 2nd year ma phad raha hai kya 2023 ka December ma NDA ka liya form apply kar sakta hai