The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) organizes the NDA/NA Exam annually for admissions into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy Courses (INAC). The written examination for the National Defence Academy includes two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Simply knowing the subject names isn’t sufficient for thorough preparation; a complete understanding of the updated NDA Syllabus and Exam Pattern is essential. The selection process for eligible male and female candidates is based on the written test, followed by the SSB Interview. This article provides a detailed subject-wise NDA/NA syllabus along with other crucial exam information.
NDA Syllabus 2025
The NDA exam is held twice each year, and the dates for 2025 have already been announced as part of the annual calendar. The NDA 1 exam will be conducted in offline mode on April 13, 2025, while the NDA 2 exam is scheduled for September 14, 2025. Candidates planning to appear for the NDA 2025 exam should start their preparation by thoroughly reviewing the detailed syllabus, which includes the topics, exam pattern, and marking scheme.
National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam Details
| Name of the Exam | National Defence Academy (NDA) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission, UPSC |
| Frequency Of Exam | Twice in a Year (April & September) |
| Selection Process | Written Test consisting of Objective Type Questions Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB) |
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Papers in NDA Exam | Mathematics and 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 Exam Pattern 2025
Before delving into the syllabus, let’s take a look at the NDA Exam Pattern and its marking scheme. The Mathematics paper consists of 120 questions, totaling 300 marks. The General Ability Test (GAT) includes two sections: English, which is worth 200 marks, and General Knowledge (GK), which is worth 400 marks.
Paper I – Mathematics
- Total Marks: 300
- Number of Questions: 120
- Marks for Correct Answer: +2.5
- Marks for Incorrect Answer: -0.83
- Duration: 2.5 hours
Paper II – General Ability Test (GAT)
- Total Marks: 600
- Number of Questions: 150
- English Section: 50 questions
- General Knowledge Section: 100 questions
- Marks for Correct Answer: +4 for both sections
- Marks for Incorrect Answer: -1.33 for both sections
- Duration: 2.5 hours
NDA Syllabus 2025
Candidates must understand the NDA Exam Pattern before delving into the syllabus. The Mathematics section covers topics such as Algebra, Calculus, Matrices, Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, and Analytical Geometry. The General Ability Test (GAT) includes English, Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Affairs.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus
Algebra
- Set theory, operations, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws
- Complex numbers, real numbers, binary and decimal systems
- Arithmetic, Geometric, and Harmonic progressions
- Quadratic equations, linear inequations, permutations, and combinations
Calculus
- Real-valued functions, limits, derivatives, and their applications
- Derivatives of sums, products, and quotients of functions
- Maxima and minima problems
Matrices and Determinants
- Types of matrices and operations
- Solution of linear equations using Cramer’s rule and matrix methods
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Integration and differentiation techniques
- Solutions of first-order differential equations
- Growth and decay applications
Trigonometry
- Trigonometric ratios, identities, and inverse functions
- Applications in height, distance, and triangle properties
Vector Algebra
- Vector operations, scalar and cross products
- Work done by a force, and geometric applications
Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
- Distance formula, equation of lines and circles, conic sections
- Equations of planes and spheres
Statistics and Probability
- Probability theory, random variables, binomial distribution
- Theorems on probability and Bayes’ theorem
NDA GAT Syllabus
The General Ability Test includes two papers: English and General Knowledge. The English section is worth 200 marks, and General Knowledge is worth 400 marks.
English Syllabus
The English paper tests proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and word selection. The syllabus includes:
- Spotting Errors
- Comprehension
- Selecting Words
- Ordering Words in a Sentence
- Sentence Improvement
- Antonyms and Synonyms
General Knowledge Syllabus
General Knowledge covers:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General Science
- History & Freedom Movement
- Geography
- Current Affairs
NDA Physics Syllabus
- Matter and its Properties: States of matter, density, and specific gravity
- Light and Heat: Reflection, refraction, Archimedes’ principle
- Forces and Motion: Newton’s laws, work, and energy
- Electricity: Ohm’s law, circuits, and effects of current
- General Principles: Use of simple machines, thermos flask, periscope, etc.
NDA Chemistry Syllabus
- Elements and Compounds: Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide
- Chemical Reactions: Oxidation, reduction, and acids/bases
- Atomic Structure: Atomic weights, chemical formulas, and valency
- Water and Air Properties: Physical and chemical changes, and water treatment
NDA General Science Syllabus
- Life Sciences: Epidemics, food sources, and human body basics
- Solar System and Achievements: Space science, famous scientists, and their contributions
NDA History and Freedom Movement Syllabus
- World History: Renaissance, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, etc.
- Indian History: Freedom movement, culture, and civilization
- Constitution and Democracy: Basic knowledge of the Indian Constitution, Panchayati Raj, and National Integration
NDA Geography Syllabus
- Physical Geography: Earth’s shape, climate, and natural regions
- Indian Geography: Mineral and power resources, agriculture, and industry distribution
- Weather and Earth Movements: Tides, cyclones, earthquakes, and volcanoes
NDA Syllabus for Current Affairs
- Awareness of significant events that have taken place in India in recent years.
- Key personalities at both national and international levels.
- Developments in cultural and sports activities.
- Major global events that are currently relevant.
NDA SSB Interview: Overview and Pattern
After successfully clearing the written exam for the NDA, candidates must proceed to the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview rounds. The interview process is divided into two stages:
NDA SSB Interview Pattern:
Stage 1: Screening Test
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Tests
- PPDT (Picture Perception and Description Test)
Stage 2: Psychological Test
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Word Association Test (WAT)
- Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
- Self-Description Test (SD)
Group Testing Officer’s (GTO) Test
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
- Progressive Group Task (PGT)
- Half Group Task (HGT)
- Individual Obstacles Test (IoT)
- Command Task
- Snake Race/Group Obstacle Race
- Individual Lecture
- Final Group Task (FGT)
Personal Interview & Conference: The SSB interview is designed to assess the presence or absence of Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) in candidates, as well as their trainability. Based on their performance in the various psychological, GTO, and interview tests, candidates are either Recommended or Not Recommended for further training and selection.
