| 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 |
PAPER-I: NDA Mathematics
UPSC NDA Syllabus: Paper 1 of the UPSC NDA written exam consists of 120 questions of Mathematics of 10+2 level. The NDA syllabus for Paper 1 includes Mathematics topics which are provided in detail in the section below. In this exam, candidates 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 of Maths (300 Marks)
| Algebra | Matrices & Determinants | Trigonometry |
|---|---|---|
| Differential Calculus | Analytical Geometry 2D & 3D | Integral Calculus |
| Differential Equations | Vector Algebra | Probability |
Check all relevant details on the NDA Paper 1 Syllabus tabulated below in detail:-
| 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. |
| Trigonometry | 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, and 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. |
Paper 2: GENERAL ABILITY TEST
UPSC NDA Syllabus: The next paper in the UPSC NDA written exam is the General Ability Test (GAT) which includes the following topics: General Knowledge (GK), English, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, General Science, and Current Events.
UPSC NDA syllabus for Paper 2 includes 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:
| 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 |
NDA Syllabus General Knowledge (Maximum Marks: 400)
|
Physics
|
Chemistry
|
General Science
|
|---|---|---|
|
History
|
Geography
|
Current Affairs
|
The question paper on General Knowledge will broadly cover the subjects: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events.
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 Non-conductors, 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; Lightening 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 Carbondioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon— different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial. The material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and Gun-Powder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency.
Section ‘C’ (General Science)
Difference between living and non-living. Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals. Elementary knowledge of 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.
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 Anti-cyclones; 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 recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports.
NDA Syllabus English (Maximum Marks: 200)
UPSC NDA Syllabus: The NDA English Syllabus is listed below which must be checked by the candidates preparing for 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.
The UPSC NDA syllabus for English can be prepared in less time to score well in this section. It is found to be easy to moderate the difficulty level as 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
Paper 3: Intelligence and Personality Test
The SSB Round consists of two stages:
- Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II Comprises Interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.
NDA Important Topics in UPSC NDA Syllabus
UPSC NDA Syllabus: If you have less time for preparation, you can go through the important topics of the UPSC NDA syllabus first, and then prepare other concepts. Go through the list of section-wise important topics in the syllabus of the NDA exam below:
- 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.
NDA Notification 2023
Read: NDA Exam Notification 2023 UPSC NDA 1 Exam Date, NDA Application Form Last Date: NDA 1 2023