NDA Syllabus 2024 (Released) - Download NDA 2 Syllabus PDF here

NDA Syllabus 2024 (Released) - Download NDA 2 Syllabus PDF here

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Sep 01, 2024 09:36 AM IST | #NDA

Union Public Service Commission releases the NDA syllabus 2025 in the official notification. Aspirants can download the UPSC NDA exam syllabus 2025 at upsc.gov.in. According to the NDA syllabus pdf, there are two sections in the written exam of UPSC NDA which are the General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. Candidates who are planning to appear for the NDA exam must go through the NDA exam syllabus and exam pattern before starting their preparation. With the help of the NDA syllabus 2025, aspirants can analyze their weaker and stronger sections and prepare better. Candidates must practice with NDA 2025 question papers to know the difficulty level and type of questions asked in the NDA exam.

NDA Syllabus 2025 - Section-wise

Students must go through the detailed syllabus of NDA 2025 for both sections. The NDA questions paper will be designed based on the latest exam pattern and NDA syllabus 2025.

Other NDA Articles:

NDA Syllabus 2025 Mathematics

For the mathematics section of the NDA syllabus 2025, candidates must have their basic concepts clear. With a better understanding of the NDA exam syllabus, students can easily solve the NDA questions in the stipulated time. Check the previous year's NDA mathematics syllabus in the table given below.

NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2025

1. 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 decimal system to binary system and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations with real coefficients. Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its applications. Logarithms and their applications.

2. 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.

3. TRIGONOMETRY: Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometrical ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.

4. ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS: Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. The 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, the 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. The angle between two lines and the angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere.

5. DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS: Concept of a real-valued function - domain, range and graph of a function. Composite functions, one-to-one, onto and inverse functions. The 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 derivative applications. Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, the derivative of a function with respect to another function, the derivative of a composite function. Second-order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima.

6. 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 solutions of differential equations, solution of the first order and first-degree differential equations of various types - examples. Application in problems of growth and decay.

7. VECTOR ALGEBRA: Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, the 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.

8. STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY:

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 Binominal distribution.

Analyse UPSC Prelims Solved Paper-1 2016 to 2020 with Ans. & Explanation

NDA Syllabus 2025 - General Aptitude Test (GAT)

For the NDA GAT syllabus 2025, candidates must have knowledge of basic English, Environmental Studies and Science and Technology subjects. Students need to have an understanding of all the topics of the NDA GAT 2025 syllabus to crack the GAT sections. To know the previous year's NDA GAT syllabus, check the details mentioned in the table that is given below.

NDA GAT Syllabus 2025

Section A (Physics): Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer. The 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, Siphons, Levers, Balloons, Pumps, Hydrometers, Pressure Cookers, Thermos Flasks, 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 Carbon dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon different forms. Fertilizers Natural and Artificial. 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 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.

Section D (History, Freedom Movement, etc.): A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilization. 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.

Note: Out of maximum marks assigned to part ‘B’ of this paper, questions on Sections A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ will carry approximately 25%, 15%, 10%, 20%, 20% and 10% weightage respectively.

SSB Interview Process - Intelligence and Personality Test

The SSB procedure consists of a two-stage Selection process - stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. The details are :

(a) Stage I comprises of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception * Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on the combination of performance in the OIR Test and PP&DT.

(b) Stage II Comprises of Interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over 5 days. The details of these tests are given on the website - joinindianarmy.nic.in.

The personality of a candidate is assessed by three different assessors viz. The Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist. There is no separate weightage for each test. The marks are allotted by assessors only after taking into consideration the performance of the candidate holistically in all the tests. In addition, marks for Conference are also allotted based on the initial performance of the Candidate in the three techniques and decisions of the Board. All these have equal weightage.

The various tests of IO, GTO, and Psych are designed to bring out the presence/absence of Officer Like Qualities and their trainability in a candidate. Accordingly, candidates are Recommended or Not Recommended at the SSB.

Also Read:

NDA Exam Pattern 2025

UPSC provides the NDA exam pattern along with the NDA syllabus 2025 pdf. According to the paper pattern, there are two papers - Mathematics and GAT consisting of a total number of 120 questions and 150 questions respectively. The total time duration for each paper of NDA 2025 is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Check the brief exam pattern in the table that is given below.

NDA exam pattern

Papers

Subject

Mark per question

No. of Questions

Maximum marks

Duration

Paper 1

Mathematics

2.5 marks

120

300

2 hours 30 minutes

Paper 2

GAT

4 marks

150

600

2 hours 30 minutes

Total

270

900

5 hours

NDA Question Paper 2025

UPSC will release the NDA 2025 question paper after the completion of the exam. Candidates can understand the NDA syllabus and level of question better with the help of the previous year's papers. Aspirants can download the previous years NDA question paper which is available on the official website.

Also Read: How to Join NDA after 12th?

How to Prepare for NDA 2025?

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for the NDA for candidates appearing for it. First of all, cover the entire NDA syllabus 2025 to score well in the exam.

  • Make short notes for last minute revision

  • Prepare study plan to allot equal time to all the topics

  • Practice previous year NDA question papers 2025

  • Study from best books to prepare for NDA

How to join the NDA after 12th?

NDA is one of the most popular recruitment exams for those candidates who want to join the National Defence Academy. Aspirants need to qualify the two staged recruitment process which is an NDA written exam followed by the SSB interview. Since last year, UPSC has allowed female candidates to join NDA after being intervened by the Supreme Court of India. Students must cover the NDA syllabus to get qualified in the NDA written exam.

NDA Syllabus - People Are Also Interested In:

What are the subjects in NDA?

As per the NDA syllabus, there are four subjects Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, General Studies and English.

What is the main syllabus of NDA?

The main syllabus of NDA is Maths and General Ability.

Can I join NDA without maths?

No, Maths and Physics are compulsory subjects for Airforce and Navy wing of NDA.

Is PCM compulsory for NDA?

Yes, PCM is necessary. Most of the questions are from PCM only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the NDA 2025 notification be released?

The NDA 1 2025 notification will be released on December 11, 2024 at upsc.gov.in.

2. Do I need to appear for both the NDA 2025 and EKT?

No, it is not mandatory. If you are applying for a non-technical post, there is no need to appear for the EKT paper.

3. How can I prepare for the NDA 2025 exam?

Candidates can plan their study as per preparation tips of NDA 2025 to crack the NDA exam.

4. Is the NDA syllabus updated every year?

No, NDA syllabus is almost the same every year. However, candidates are advised to check the syllabus of NDA 2025 thoroughly for any updates.

5. Are the NDA syllabus 2025 for both papers different?

Yes, the NDA syllabus for both papers is different. Check the above article for details about the syllabus of NDA 2025.

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Questions related to NDA

Have a question related to NDA ?

Hello aspirant,

To get admitted to the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2026, you must be at least the age that the UPSC has specified. Usually, applicants must be between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 at the time of application.

So if you fulfill this eligibility criteria, you are eligible for NDA 2026.

Thank you

First thing about the NDA 1 is that if you were born on February 13, 2008, you are eligible to take the NDA 1 exam and the whole NDA process is of 1 year so when you go for your ssb u need ur 12th passing certificate so if you get your result on time you are eligible for the post if selected. And can fill the form.

Second case is You can fill the form of NDA 1 Even if you don't get result which is just like dummy exam you can give the exam but you are not eligible for the post but the thing is you get experience from the exam for next attempt.

Good luck..

Hello,

No, joining the Indian Navy's logistics branch directly through the National Defence Academy (NDA) route is not possible. Here’s why:

  • NDA Role Limitations : The NDA primarily trains cadets for combat roles in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • Logistics Cadre Recruitment : The logistics branch of the Navy requires specialized skills, typically recruited through direct entries like the Indian Navy's Logistics Cadre recruitment for graduates.
  • Alternative Pathways : To join Navy Logistics, consider entry through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) after graduation or direct recruitment based on professional qualifications (e.g., MBA, BCom).

Here is a detailed guideline of how you can become an Indian Navy officer : https://www.careers360.com/careers/indian-navy-officer

Hope it helps !

Hello aspirant,

You will be eligible to take the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam beginning in 2024 because you were born in June 2006. Generally speaking, applicants are allowed to take the NDA exam as many times as necessary until they meet the age restriction of 19½.

Thank you

Hope it helps you


Hi

According to your DOB November 22, 2006 , you would be eligible for both the NDA 1 and NDA 2 exams in 2026 .

For NDA 1 conducted in April :

Candidates age must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old on the start date of the course , around January 2027 .  you meet this age requirement .

For NDA 2 conducted in September :

The age criteria is similar , but course starts around July 2027 . For this , you again meet age requirement .


For more updates you can check out an article by careers360 , link given below :

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/nda-eligibility-criteria

Hope this information helps you .

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