The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam every year. It is conducted twice a year. UPSC has released the NDA Syllabus 2024 PDF through its official notification. Candidates should check the UPSC NDA Syllabus and exam pattern to understand the subject-wise topics that must be studied to crack the NDA exam. The selection of eligible male and female candidates for the NDA exam will be done based on the written test followed by the Personality Test. 

NDA Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024

NDA written examination is divided into two papers namely Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The boys and girls who are seeking to apply for NDA 2023 must begin their preparation for the written exam by following the detailed NDA Syllabus 2024 which has been discussed in this article. The NDA 1 and NDA 2 Exam is to be conducted in offline mode.

NDA Syllabus 2024- Overview

Check the important points of the NDA 2024 Syllabus and Exam Pattern in the table below.

NDA Syllabus 2024- Overview
Name of the ExamNational Defence Academy (NDA)
Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission, UPSC
Frequency Of ExamTwice in a Year (April & September 2024)
Selection Process
  1. Written Test consisting of Objective Type Questions
  2. Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB)
Mode of examOffline
Papers in NDA Exam
  1. Mathematics
  2. General Ability Test
Marks Segregation
  1. Mathematics: 300 Marks
  2. GAT: 600 Marks
Total No. of Questions
  1. Mathematics: 120
  2. GAT: 150
Negative Marking
  1. Mathematics: -0.83
  2. GAT: -1.33 marks
Exam Duration2.5 Hours For Each Paper (5 hours total)
Language of Question PaperEnglish & Hindi English Language paper has to be attempted in English.

NDA Exam Pattern 2024

Before getting into the NDA Syllabus let us have a look at the NDA Exam Pattern. The mathematics paper has 120 questions for 300 marks and the General Ability Test (GAT) will have English and GK Papers of 200 & 400 marks respectively.

NDA Mathematics Exam Pattern

Paper I- Mathematics
Total Marks300 Marks
Total No. of Questions120
Marks awarded for Correct answer2.5 marks
Marks deducted for the wrong answer-0.83
Exam Duration2.5 Hours

General Ability Test Exam Pattern

Paper-II- General Ability Test
Total Marks600 marks
Total No. of Questions150
No. of questions in English Section50
No. Of questions in General knowledge Section100
Maximum Marks for English200 marks
Maximum Marks for G.K.400 marks
Marks for Correct Answer4 marks in both sections
Marks for Incorrect Answer-1.33 marks in both sections
Exam Duration2.5 Hours

NDA Syllabus 2024

After getting to know the NDA Exam Pattern it is important for the candidates to know the Syllabus of the NDA Exam. The NDA Syllabus is discussed below.

NDA Mathematics Syllabus

The chapters covered for the NDA Maths Syllabus are given in the table below.

Mathematics
TopicTopic-wise Syllabus
AlgebraSets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Real numbers, Complex numbers, Modulus, Cube roots, Conversion of a number in Binary system to Decimals, and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations, Linear inequations, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem, and Logarithms.
CalculusConcept 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, Continuity of functions, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative-application. Derivatives of sum, product, and quotient of functions, a derivative of a function concerning another function, the derivative of a composite function. Second-order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima
Matrices and DeterminantsTypes 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.
Integral Calculus and Differential EquationsIntegration 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 differential equations, solution of the first order, and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay.
TrigonometryAngles and their measures in degrees and radians. Trigonometric ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.
Vector AlgebraVectors 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.
Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three DimensionRectangular 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 a 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.
Statistics and ProbabilityProbability: 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.

The topic-wise question distribution in Maths

TopicQuestions
Calculus20-25
Quadratic equation20-15
Matrices & Determinants30
Probability10
Trigonometry30
Complex number10-15

NDA GAT Syllabus 2024

The NDA GAT (General Ability Test) comprises two papers English and General Knowledge. The English paper consists of 200 Marks while the General Knowledge is of 400 Marks.

NDA Syllabus- English

The question paper in English will be designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English. The syllabus covers various aspects as given below:

TopicNo. of QuestionsNo. of Marks
Spotting Errors520
Comprehension624
Selecting Words1040
Ordering of Words in a Sentence936
Sentence Improvement1040
Antonyms520
Synonyms520
Total50200

NDA Syllabus- General Knowledge

Check the topic-wise number of questions and marks distribution in the table below.

TopicNo. of QuestionsNo. of Marks
Physics2392
Chemistry1664
General Science1144
History & Freedom Movement1664
Geography1768
Current Affairs1768
Total100400

NDA Syllabus- Physics

NDA Syllabus For Physics 
  1. Physical Properties and States of Matter
  2. Modes of transference of Heat
  3. Mass, Weight, Volume, Sound waves and their properties
  4. Simple musical instruments
  5. Rectilinear propagation of Light
  6. Density and Specific Gravity
  7. Reflection and refraction
  8. Principle of Archimedes
  9. Spherical mirrors and Lenses
  10. Pressure Barometer
  11. Human Eye
  12. Motion of objects
  13. Natural and Artificial Magnets
  14. Velocity and Acceleration
  15. Properties of a Magnet
  16. Newton’s Laws of Motion
  17. Earth as a Magnet
  18. Force and Momentum
  19. Static and Current Electricity
  20. Parallelogram of Forces
  21. Conductors and Non-conductors
  22. Stability and Equilibrium of bodies
  23. Ohm’s Law
  24. Gravitation
  25. Simple Electrical Circuits
  26. Elementary ideas of work
  27. Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic effects of Current
  28. Power and Energy
  29. Measurement of Electrical Power
  30. Effects of Heat
  31. Primary and Secondary Cells
  32. Measurement of Temperature and Heat
  33. Use of X-Rays
  34. General Principles in the working of 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.

NDA Syllabus- Chemistry

NDA Syllabus For Chemistry
  1. Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction.
  2. Acids, bases and salts.
  3. Carbon— different forms
  4. Physical and Chemical Changes
  5. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial
  6. Elements
  7. Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gunpowder
  8. Mixtures and Compounds
  9. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom
  10. Symbols, Formulae, and simple Chemical Equation
  11. Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
  12. Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
  13. Valency
  14. Properties of Air and Water

NDA Syllabus- General Science

NDA Syllabus For General Science 
  1. Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention
  2. Difference between the living and non-living
  3. Food—Source of Energy for man
  4. Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues
  5. Constituents of food
  6. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals
  7. Balanced Diet
  8. Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs
  9. The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists

NDA Syllabus- History, Freedom Movement

NDA Syllabus For History 
  1. Forces shaping the modern world;
  2. Renaissance
  3. Exploration and Discovery;
  4. A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation
  5. Freedom Movement in India
  6. French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and Russian Revolution
  7. War of American Independence,
  8. Impact of Science and Technology on Society
  9. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration
  10. Concept of one World
  11. Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India
  12. United Nations,
  13. Panchsheel,
  14. Panchayati Raj, Democracy, Socialism and Communism
  15. Role of India in the present world
  16. Co-operatives and Community Development
  17. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya,
  18. National Integration and Welfare State
  19. Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi

NDA Syllabus- Geography

NDA Syllabus For Geography 
  1. The Earth, its shape and size
  2. Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition
  3. Latitudes and Longitudes
  4. Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones, and Anticyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation
  5. Concept of time
  6. Types of Climate
  7. International Date Line
  8. Major Natural Regions of the World
  9. Movements of Earth and their effects
  10. Regional Geography of India
  11. Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources;
  12. Location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities
  13. Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification
  14. Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India
  15. Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes
  16. Main items of Imports and Exports of India

Current Events

NDA Syllabus For Current Affairs
Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years.
Prominent personalities of both Indian and International level
Cultural activities and sports activities
Current important world events.

NDA 1 Admit Card 2024 Download Link

NDA Previous Year Question Paper PDFs- Click to Download

NDA SSB Interview

After clearing the written exam of NDA, candidates have to appear for the SSB Interview rounds. The pattern of the NDA Interviews is as mentioned below:

NDA – SSB Interview Pattern
Stage 1Screening Test
  1. Verbal and non-verbal tests.
  2. PPDT
Stage 2Psychological Test
  1. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
  2. Word Association Test (WAT)
  3. Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
  4. Self Description Test (SD)
Group Testing Officers Test
  1. GD
  2. GPE
  3. PGT
  4. HGT
  5. IoT
  6. Command Task
  7. Snake race/Group Obstacle Race
  8. Individual lecture
  9. FGT
Personal Interview & Conference

Intelligence and Personality Test

The SSB procedure consists of two stages. Only those candidates who clear the written exam are permitted to appear for the SSB round. The details of SSB exam are given below:

NDA SSB Personality Test
Stage I
  1. Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
  2. Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT).
Stage II
  1. Interview (IO)
  2. Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO)
  3. Psychology Tests (Psych)
  4. Conference

The various tests of IO, GTO, and Psychological 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.

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NDA Syllabus 2024- FAQs

There are two stages in the NDA exam. Each stage has a subdivision you can check the details in the article.

There are two papers in the first stage of the NDA exam. Candidates have to appear for the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers.

The General Ability Test have is designed to test the general ability of the candidate. There are two sections English and General Knowledge.

The NDA written exam is of 900 marks. The mathematics is of 300 marks whereas the GAT exam is of 600 marks.

The UPSC is going to take the NDA exam in offline mode only.

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