NDA Syllabus 2024 and Exam Pattern, GAT and Math Syllabus PDF

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam 2 times a year. It is conducted to select candidates to join the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). UPSC releases the NDA Syllabus 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 SSB Interview.

NDA Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024

The upcoming NDA 2 exam is to be conducted in offline mode on 1st September 2024. NDA written examination comprises two papers Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The boys and girls who are seeking to apply for NDA 2024 must begin their preparation for the written exam by following the detailed NDA Syllabus, including topics, patterns and marking scheme.

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

NDA Syllabus 2024- Key Points
Name of the Exam	National Defence Academy (NDA)
Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission, UPSC
Frequency Of Exam	Twice in a Year (April & September 2024)
Selection Process	Written Test consisting of Objective Type Questions Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB)
Mode of exam	Offline
Papers in NDA Exam	Mathematics General Ability Test
Marks Segregation	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	2.5 Hours For Each Paper (5 hours total)
Language of Question Paper	English & Hindi English Language paper has to be attempted in English.

NDA 2 Questions Paper 2024 - Click to Check

NDA 2 Answer Key 2024 - Click to Check

NDA Exam Pattern 2024

Before getting into the NDA Syllabus let us have a look at the NDA Exam Pattern and marking scheme. 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 Marks	300 Marks
Total No. of Questions	120
Marks awarded for Correct answer	2.5 marks
Marks deducted for the wrong answer	-0.83
Exam Duration	2.5 Hours

General Ability Test Exam Pattern

Paper-II- General Ability Test
Total Marks	600 marks
Total No. of Questions	150
No. of questions in English Section	50
No. Of questions in the General Knowledge Section	100
Maximum Marks for English	200 marks
Maximum Marks for G.K.	400 marks
Marks for Correct Answer	4 marks in both sections
Marks for Incorrect Answer	-1.33 marks in both sections
Exam Duration	2.5 Hours

UPSC 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 maths covers questions from Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension, Statistics and Probability and the GAT syllabus comprises topics from English, Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Affairs.. The subject-wise Syllabus is discussed below.

NDA Mathematics Syllabus

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

Mathematics
Topic	Topic-wise Syllabus
Algebra	Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Real numbers, Complex numbers, Modulus, Cube roots, Conversion of a number in a Binary system to Decimals, and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations, Linear inequations, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem, and Logarithms.
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, 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 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.
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 differential equations, solution of the first order, and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay.
Trigonometry	Angles 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 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.
Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension	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 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 Probability	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.

The topic-wise question distribution in Maths

Topic	Questions
Calculus	20-25
Quadratic equation	20-15
Matrices & Determinants	30
Probability	10
Trigonometry	30
Complex number	10-15

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 English Syllabus

The question paper in English will be designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English. It covers various aspects like : Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English. The syllabus covers various topics as given below:

Topic	No. of Questions	No. of Marks
Spotting Errors	5	20
Comprehension	6	24
Selecting Words	10	40
Ordering of Words in a Sentence	9	36
Sentence Improvement	10	40
Antonyms	5	20
Synonyms	5	20
Total	50	200

NDA General Knowledge Syllabus

The question paper on General Knowledge will broadly cover the subjects: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Affairs. Check the topic-wise number of questions, mark distribution, and subject-wise syllabus topics.

Topic	No. of Questions	No. of Marks
Physics	23	92
Chemistry	16	64
General Science	11	44
History & Freedom Movement	16	64
Geography	17	68
Current Affairs	17	68
Total	100	400

NDA Physics Syllabus

NDA Syllabus For Physics

Physical Properties and States of Matter
Modes of transference of Heat
Mass, Weight, Volume, Sound waves and their properties
Simple musical instruments
Rectilinear propagation of Light
Density and Specific Gravity
Reflection and refraction
Principle of Archimedes
Spherical mirrors and Lenses
Pressure Barometer
Human Eye
Motion of objects
Natural and Artificial Magnets
Velocity and Acceleration
Properties of a Magnet
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Earth as a Magnet
Force and Momentum
Static and Current Electricity
Parallelogram of Forces
Conductors and Non-conductors
Stability and Equilibrium of bodies
Ohm’s Law
Gravitation
Simple Electrical Circuits
Elementary ideas of work
Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic effects of Current
Power and Energy
Measurement of Electrical Power
Effects of Heat
Primary and Secondary Cells
Measurement of Temperature and Heat
Use of X-Rays
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 Chemistry Syllabus

NDA Syllabus For Chemistry

Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction.
Acids, bases and salts.
Carbon— different forms
Physical and Chemical Changes
Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial
Elements
Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gunpowder
Mixtures and Compounds
Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom
Symbols, Formulae, and simple Chemical Equation
Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
Valency
Properties of Air and Water

NDA General Science Syllabus

NDA Syllabus For General Science

Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention
Difference between the living and non-living
Food—Source of Energy for man
Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues
Constituents of food
Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals
Balanced Diet
Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs
The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists

NDA Syllabus for History, Freedom Movement

NDA Syllabus For History

Forces shaping the modern world;
Renaissance
Exploration and Discovery;
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation
Freedom Movement in India
French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and Russian Revolution
War of American Independence,
Impact of Science and Technology on Society
Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration
Concept of one World
Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India
United Nations,
Panchsheel,
Panchayati Raj, Democracy, Socialism and Communism
Role of India in the present world
Co-operatives and Community Development
Bhoodan, Sarvodaya,
National Integration and Welfare State
Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi

NDA Syllabus for Geography

NDA Syllabus For Geography

The Earth, its shape and size
Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition
Latitudes and Longitudes
Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones, and Anticyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation
Concept of time
Types of Climate
International Date Line
Major Natural Regions of the World
Movements of Earth and their effects
Regional Geography of India
Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources;
Location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities
Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification
Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India
Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes
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.

Read NDA Previous Year Question Paper PDFs

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 1	Screening Test	Verbal and non-verbal tests. PPDT
Stage 2	Psychological Test	Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) Word Association Test (WAT) Situation Reaction Test (SRT) Self Description Test (SD)
	Group Testing Officers Test	GD GPE PGT HGT IoT Command Task Snake Race/Group Obstacle Race Individual lecture FGT
	Personal Interview & 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.

NDA Syllabus 2024- FAQs

There are two stages in the NDA exam i.e. Written Exam and SSB Interview. 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 questions in NDA exam will be based on the 10+2 standards and covers topics from English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, History and General Knowledge including the latest current affairs.

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.