Are you searching for how to prepare for NDA Mathematics? Here are a few tips and tricks to crack Mathematics for the exam. The NDA Maths section carries a total of 120 questions of 300 marks. To ace the Maths paper, candidates must remember the theorem and formulas.
Mathematics is a very important subject for NDA Exam. If you have good command over the subject then you can score well in this section which will help you clear the exam.Candidates who have applied for the exam must check the NDA syllabus and exam pattern to understand the demands of the exam.
The Paper I of NDA comprises questions from Mathematics. The section carries less weight compared to General Ability Test. However, it plays a key role in shortlisting candidates. The Mathematics section of NDA is not a hard nut to crack as the standard of questions is basically of Class 11 and 12 levels. With revision and practice, candidates can secure good marks in the exam. NDA toppers have suggested that candidates must cover the maximum syllabus of Maths. Students must refer to the school-level books in clearing the basic concepts. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to prepare for NDA Mathematics.
Q: How can I prepare for NDA exam?
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.
Q: Is NDA exam tough to crack?
Q: Which is the best book for NDA Preparation?
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
Also Read:
NDA Exam Pattern for Mathematics
The Mathematics section of NDA carries a total of 120 objective-type multiple-choice questions. The total marks allotted to this section are 300. Candidates get two hours and 30 minutes to solve the question paper. For the correct answer, candidates score 2.5 marks while 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers.
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What is the Level of Maths in NDA?
The level of NDA Maths syllabus is for Class 11 and 12 levels. Questions are asked from Algebra, Matrices, Determinants, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability, complex number, and Quadratic equation. The Maths paper carries a total of 300 marks.
Is NCERT Enough for NDA Maths?
NDA exam for Maths consists of questions that are of high school and secondary school level. Candidates need to follow the NCERT books thoroughly to understand all the concepts.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus
NDA syllabus comprises topics from Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of two and three dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra and Statistics and Probability. The detailed syllabus for Maths paper is given below:
Q: What is good score in NDA exam?
The NDA written exam marks will be 900 and NDA SSB marks will be 900. So Final total marks will be 900+900 = 1800 marks. NDA considers a score between 400 and 500 marks to be a secure range and get into the final merit list. Candidates need to pass each subject with a minimum of 25% marks. However, there is no sectional cut-off. The cutoff for the written exam is cumulative of marks of both the subjects (Mathematics and General Ability Test).
Q: Is the NDA exam MCQ type?
According to the NDA Exam Pattern, the NDA Exam will be conducted in offline mode, and all questions will be MCQ type. The exam is given in both English and Hindi. The question paper will consist of two sections: Mathematics and GAT. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks.
Q: Is NDA easy or tough?
Q: Can I crack NDA through self-study?
Q: How many hours should be given to study for NDA?
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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, solutions 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 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. |
| Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction of 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. 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. |
Topic-Wise Distribution of Questions in NDA Maths Paper
The topic-wise distribution of questions in Mathematics is given below:
| Subjects | Number of Question |
|---|---|
| Algebra |
30 |
| Trigonometry |
20 |
| Determinants and matrices |
10 |
| Analytical Geometry |
20 |
| Vector Algebra |
10 |
| Statistics and Probability |
10 |
| Differential calculus and Integral calculus |
20 |
| Total |
120 |
How to Prepare for NDA Mathematics?
Follow the tips and tricks below for the Mathematics section:
- Candidates must have a clear understanding of the NDA syllabus and mark the important topics after analyzing the previous years’ question papers.
- Start preparing the important topics first, and at the same time, delegate time for the difficult topics.
- Solve mock tests to decide how much time to dedicate to each type of question. Also, candidates must solve the previous year's question papers to get an idea about the type of questions asked in the exam.
- Candidates must learn tips, tricks and shortcuts for efficient time management.
- Memorise simple calculations such as squares and cubes.
- Make notes of shortcuts and formulas to refer to during last-minute revision.
- As there is a negative marking in the exam, they should mark the answer only if they are sure about it. Do not guess the answers during the exam.
- Candidates must refer to good Mathematics books for NDA preparation
- During the final phase of preparation, devote at least three hours for going through the formula.
- Do not get confused while converting the numbers from decimal to a binary system.
- Trigonometry can be tricky. So be clear with the concepts such as Properties of Triangles and Inverse Trigonometric functions. Hence, solve such questions at the end.
- Vector Algebra is the most important unit in the syllabus. Practice questions from Vector Product or Cross Product of two vectors.
- The statistics part can be easy to crack but be careful while taking the figures.
- In Probability, the Elementary Theorems, Bayes' Theorem and Binomial Distribution are important.
Best Books for Mathematics
It is important that candidates choose a good book for the Mathematics section of NDA:
- NCERT Class 11 and 12 books
- Mathematics for NDA and NA: National Defense Academy and Naval Academy by R S Aggarwal
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive exam by RS Aggarwal
- NDA and NA examination: Previous solved papers by R Gupta
Also Read: NDA Books
A mass communication and journalism post-graduate, Anangsha has worked as a reporter and sub-editor and enjoys working in the education domain.
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Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
Yes, you are eligible for the NDA 1 exam in 2026. Candidates born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 can apply, and being in the SC category does not affect your eligibility.
K
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
To join the National Defence Academy (NDA) and undergo its rigorous training, candidates must meet specific physical and medical standards. Here's an overview of the key requirements:
Physical Standards:
Height and Weight:
- Male Candidates: Minimum height of 157 cm.
- Female Candidates: Minimum height of 1
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
As per the official notification for NDA 1 2025, the age limit is as follows:
- Date of Birth: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009.
Currently, there is no indication of any changes to this age limit. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has not announced any modificati
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
The application fee for the NDA 2025 exam is as follows:
- General/OBC Candidates: ?100
- SC/ST Candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs/Women: Exempt from fee payment
The application process for NDA 1 2025 has concluded, with the last date for submission being December 31, 2024. The examination is scheduled for
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
Hi Ayush,
For NDA 2025, the age eligibility criteria are as follows:
NDA 1 2025: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009.
NDA 2 2025: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010.
Since your birthdate is February 24, 2006, you are eligible to apply f
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
Hi Chandankumar,
NDA 2 refers to the second session of the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam held each year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The exam is conducted in two sessions:
- NDA 1 (usually in April)
- NDA 2 (usually in September)
Both exams serve as a gateway for candidates to join
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
NDA Application Form 2025
Last Date to Apply: December 31, 2024.
Exam Date: April 13, 2025.
Application Fee: INR 100 (exemptions apply).
Apply at: upsc.gov.in
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
NDA 1 application form 2025 correction window will be available from January 1 to 7, 2025. The Commission has also decided to extend the facility of making correction in any field of the application form for this examination from next day of the closure of the application window of this Examination
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
YES, Humanities student can definately clear the NDA exam. If one wants to clear NDA in first attempt being a humanities student then they had to work really hard as competitors are mainly from Science stream. One must purchase the recommended books of those students who had already passed the NDA
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 weeks ago
UPSC has no provision to refund any fee amount paid by candidates. Banks concerned may be approached for claiming any extra/unsuccessful payments made by the candidates.
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Beginner-Level 4
My DOB is 11th February 2007 and I am in the SC category. Am I eligible for the NDA 1 exam in 2026?