NDA Syllabus 2024: Maths, GAT, English & GK Syllabus PDF Download

NDA syllabus is prescribed by UPSC. The syllabus is mentioned on the notification. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. The standard of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. NDA Maths syllabus comprises topics such as Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and  Probability. NDA GAT syllabus comprises topics such as Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion, Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

The Paper 1 of NDA Maths section carries 300 marks. The exam comprises of 120 questions in maths from Class 12 level. For each correct answer,   candidate get 2.5 marks. Additionally, 0.83 mark is deducted for wrong response. Questions in Maths are asked from Algebra, Calculus,  Matrices and Determinants,  Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry,  Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and  Probability. 

NDA syllabus PDF is provided on this page. The syllabus PDF comprises the important topics related to the exam. Candidates can download the syllabus PDF and start preparing for the exam. With good practice, candidates can ace the exam. 

NDA exam is conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course. CDS exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). NDA and CDS syllabus are different. The level of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. Whereas, the standard of CDS syllabus is of graduation level. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. CDS syllabus is divided into Elementary Maths, English and General Awareness. The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam are 900. The total marks allotted to the written exam of CDS are 300 for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 for OTA. 

NDA syllabus is prescribed by UPSC. The syllabus is mentioned on the notification. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. The standard of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. NDA Maths syllabus comprises topics such as Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and  Probability. NDA GAT syllabus comprises topics such as Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion, Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

Yes, the NDA syllabus is the same as class 12. To crack the NDA exam, candidates must have conceptual clarity for better application while handling tricky and simple questions. Candidates must practice previous years' question papers. For Maths candidates must practice from NCERT Class 11 books. Jot down important Mathematical formulas and concepts. For English, candidates must brush up on the concepts of English. Candidates must clear their basic grammar, improve reading comprehension, and build vocabulary to tackle Antonyms and Synonyms.

NDA syllabus is prescribed by the examination authority. The syllabus comprises the topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam. The first and foremost step towards preparation is going through the syllabus. Knowing the syllabus helps candidates to plan a strategy to ace the exam, thereby, giving them the right direction for preparation. NDA syllabus has two sections for the written exam, General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. GAT aims to test the candidate's basic knowledge of History, GK, Current Affairs of National and International Events, English, Science, and Geography. On the other hand, the Mathematics paper of NDA comprises questions based on Class 12. The GAT paper holds the maximum weightage in the syllabus. 

NDA Maths syllabus covers the topics from higher secondary Mathematics on Trigonometry Algebra Differential Calculus, 2D and 3D Geometry, Matrix and Determinants etc. A total of 120 questions are asked in the Maths section and carry 300 marks. Candidates must clear their basics from Class 10, 11 and 12 Maths books. NDA syllabus for Maths is given below:

Algebra: Sets, 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.

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, 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, 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

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 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 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.

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 in 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. Angle between two lines and 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 important topics for the Probability chapter in NDA Maths paper are 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.

For the Biology section of NDA candidates should cover 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 Human Body and its important organs, The Solar System-Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists, etc. The tips and tricks to prepare the Biology section of NDA exam are given below:

Candidates need to understand the syllabus. They should figure out the important topics for the exam and prepare them accordingly

Candidates must prepare from the standard NCERT books. They can refer to the Classes 8, 9 and 10 NCERT books

Candidates must make notes while studying the chapters. Making notes will help in quick revision

Candidates must practice previous years' question papers to understand the types of questions asked in the exam

Candidates must regularly revise the topic-wise notes prepared for the exam

Candidates for this part can refer to forces shaping the modern world, freedom movement in India, Indian Constitution and Administration, Panchayat Raj, Democracy, Socialism and Communism, etc. The tips and tricks to prepare the History section of NDA are given below:

Before starting the preparation, candidates must understand the exam pattern of NDA. This will help candidates to focus on the important topics and allot time accordingly

Candidates must check the syllabus of NDA for History and make a list of all the topics that are covered. This will help candidates to priortise their preparation

Candidates must start revising the NCERT books of Classes 6 to 12 for History

Candidates must refer to good books like India's Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra for history 

Candidates should practice the previous year question papers to understand the type of questions asked in the exam and identify their strong and weak areas

NDA syllabus mostly comprises the topics/subjects that candidates have studied in Class 12. The preparation for Class 12 and NDA can go hand-in-hand. Some of the preparation tips or NDA exam after 12th are given below:

• Candidates must go through the complete subject-wise syllabus
• Create a proper study plan and dedicate time for each subject
• Be consistent with the study plan Refer to good NDA books
• Candidates must review the fundamentals of each subject. They should consult the books from Classes 6 to 12
• Candidates must read the newspaper daily to enhance their English. Additionally, candidates must practice grammar and learn new words
• Candidates must practice the previous years' question papers to get an idea about the exam structure

The pyschological tests in NDA SSB interview comprises the following:

Thematic Apperception Test: This is similar to the picture test and is hard and intense.

Word Association Test: This is similar to a picture test, but the pictures are replaced by words

Situation Reaction Test:  In this test, candidates will be presented with some situations and then you have to write about your responses to these situations.

Self Description Test: In this test, candidates have to talk about themselves, personal life, etc.

NDA syllabus comprises two papers-GAT and Maths. In GAT, candidates need to prepare well especially the General Awareness section as it is vast and includes physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography and current events. Candidates can check below the suggested subjects.

NDA Syllabus for English

• List of Synonyms and Antonyms

• List of One Word Substitutions

• List of Homophones/Homonyms

NDA Syllabus for Current Affairs

For the current events category, students must be read news related to sports, economics, politics, national and international events.

General Science

• Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention

• Difference between the living and nonliving

• 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 Human Body and its important organs

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

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

Chemistry

• Physical and Chemical Changes

• Acids, bases and salts

• Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction

• Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom

• Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations

• Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights

• Mixtures and Compounds

• Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)

• Properties of Air and Water

• Valency

• Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and Gunpowder

• Fertilizers — Natural and Artificial

• Elements

Physics

• Static and Current Electricity

• Newton’s Laws of Motion

• Earth as a Magnet

• Force and Momentum

• Spherical mirrors and Lenses

• Pressure Barometer

• Human Eye

• Reflection and refraction

• Principle of Archimedes

• 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

• Parallelogram of Forces

• Conductors and Non-conductors

• Stability and Equilibrium of bodies

• Ohm’s Law

• Gravitation

• Simple Electrical Circuits

• Elementary ideas of work

• Motion of objects

• Natural and Artificial Magnets

• Velocity and Acceleration

• Properties of a Magnet

• 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 Maths Syllabus

• Algebra
• Calculus
• Matrices and Determinants
• Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
• Trigonometry
• Vector Algebra
• Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimension
• Statistics and Probability

The GTO test also has multiple steps and they are:

• Group Discussion.

• Group Planning.

• Progressive Group Task.

• Half Group Task.

• Individual Obstacles Task.

• Command Task.

• Snake Race.

• Individual Lecture.

• Final Group Task.

NDA marking scheme is prescribed by UPSC. The marking scheme highlights the marks awarded for correct answers and marks deducted for wrong answers. In Maths 2.5 marks are awarded for correct answers and 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers. In GAT four marks are awarded for correct answers and 1.33 marks are deducted for the wrong answers. The score of the written exam is calculated out of 900 marks. The examination authority calculates the scores of candidates based on the marking scheme. The structure of NDA marking scheme is given below.

NDA is a competitive exam therefore to crack it candidates need to choose the right type of books. NDA books help candidates to ace the exam easily and clear the concepts of each and every topic given in the syllabus. To pass the exam, it is essential to select the right set of NDA books. The standard of the NDA syllabus is for Class 10, 11, and 12 levels. The best books for NDA exam are given below:

Best Maths Books for NDA

• Mathematics for NDA and NA by RS Aggarwal
• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal

Best English Books for NDA

• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
• High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin
• Objective General English by SP Bakshi

Best NDA Books for Physics

• Objective Physics for the NDA and NA by D.C. Pandey
• Concepts of Physics (Part 1 & Part 2) by H.C. Verma

Best NDA Books for History

• History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra
• India's Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra

Best NDA Books for Current Affairs

• Manorama Yearbook by Mammen Mathew
• Pratiyogita Darpan by Upkar Prakashan

The tips and tricks to improve vocabularly for NDA exam are given below:

• To enhance your NDA vocabulary for the exam, start by reading
• Candidates must make a note of the topics they have learned during the exam preparation
• Candidates must learn the orgin of the words
• Candidates must practive questions based on the syllabus 

The good books for NDA Maths are given below: Mathematics for NDA and NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy by RS Aggarwal Quantitative aptitude for competitive examinations by RS Aggarwal. The tips and tricks to prepare NDA Maths paper are given below:

• Know the NDA exam pattern for the written exam to understand the structure of the exam
• Candidates need to be thorough with the NDA syllabus
• Candidates must revise thoroughly the Class 10, 11 and 12 Maths books
• Maintain a separate notebook for the formulas and short tricks for calculation
• Candidates must pratice the previous years' question papers to know the types of questions asked in the Maths section
• Cover the maximum syllabus of Maths
• Understand the basics and question difficulty level.
• Solve mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
• Read the right NDA Books for Maths to develop the concept and build the base
• Make note of the scoring and important topics

The ideal time required for NDA preparation is one year to six months. During the preparation phase, candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. Candidates must consider solving the NDA question papers. They should also attempt mock tests to increase speed and accuracy. Candidates must be thorough with the exam pattern and syllabus. The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam are given below:

• To begin with the preparation, candidates need to understand the syllabus and exam pattern
• Candidates can clear their basic concepts of the topics from the Class 10, 11 and 12 books
• To improve speed and accuracy, candidates can attempt mock tests
• After completing the syllabus, candidates must practice previous years' question papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam
• Candidates must work on improving their weak areas

NDA syllabus mostly comprises the topics/subjects that candidates have studied in Class 12. The preparation for Class 12 and NDA can go hand-in-hand. Some of the preparation tips or NDA exam after 12th are given below:

• Candidates must go through the complete subject-wise syllabus
• Create a proper study plan and dedicate time for each subject
• Be consistent with the study plan Refer to good NDA books
• Candidates must review the fundamentals of each subject. They should consult the books from Classes 6 to 12
• Candidates must read the newspaper daily to enhance their English. Additionally, candidates must practice grammar and learn new words
• Candidates must practice the previous years' question papers to get an idea about the exam structure

Every year thousands of candidates appear for NDA exam. With so much competition, candidates need to have a proper preparation strategy for the exam. Candidates need to be consistent with their study plans. They should devote few hours every day to study. Candidates need to be thorough with the syllabus. Candidates must revise their notes and important formulae every day. Candidates must practise mock tests and previous years' question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus. Candidates must clear their basic concepts of each and every topic given in the syllabus. This will help candidates to solve the questions easily in the exam.

With just three months left for NDA exam, candidates must pull up their socks and start preparing for the exam dedicatedly. The competition for this exam is high and without a good preparation, it is not possible to crack it. Candidates must prepare a proper study plan and follow it diligently. Besides, candidates must solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to get themselves familiar with the actual test and find out the strong and weak areas. 

Also Read: How to prepare for NDA 2023 in 3 months?

NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. Candidates need to secure qualifying marks separately in the written exam and SSB interview. Qualified candidates will be placed in a single combined list on the basis of total marks secure in the written exam and SSB interview. Final allocation is done based on the number of vacancies, eligibility, medical fitness and merit-cum-preference of the candidates. The written exam of NDA is conducted for 900 marks. The sectional cutoff marks for the written exam is 25 per cent. The SSB interview carries 900 marks. The SSB interview is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT) whereas Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.

The SSB procedure consists of two stage Selection process- stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear the 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 combination of performance in OIR Test and PP&DT
(b) Stage II Comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted
over four days. 
The personality of a candidate is assessed by three different assessors viz. The Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist. There are no separate weightage for each test. The mks are allotted by assessors only after taking into consideration the performance of the candidate holistically in all the test. In addition, marks for Conference are also allotted based on the initial performance of the Candidate in the three techniques and decision 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.