NDA Syllabus
NDA Syllabus 2023: NDA 2 2023 notification has been released on 17th may 2023. Candidate can check the latest NDA syllabus and NDA exam pattern 2023 in this article.
NDA Syllabus 2023
The NDA (National Defence Academy) syllabus is designed to assess the candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and intellectual capabilities. It covers a wide range of subjects to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. The syllabus consists of two main sections: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
The Mathematics section includes topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics, and Calculus. The GAT section covers English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Current Affairs, and basic Mental Ability.
Candidates need to have a thorough understanding of these subjects to excel in the NDA examination. Adequate preparation and a structured study plan are essential to cover the vast syllabus effectively.
NDA Syllabus 2023 – Overview
| Parameters | Details |
| Name of the Exam | National Defence Academy Exam or NDA exam |
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission, UPSC |
| Frequency of NDA Exam | Two times a year (NDA 1 & NDA 2) |
| Selection Process | Written Test Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB) |
| Mode of exam | Offline (Pen and Paper mode) |
| Total Papers in NDA Exam | Mathematics General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Total Marks for NDA Exam | Total: 900 Marks 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 | Mathematics: 2 Hours 30 Minutes GAT: 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
NDA Exam Pattern 2023
| Subject | Paper | Total no. of Questions | Duration of Exam | Maximum Marks |
| Mathematics | 1 | 120 | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2 | 150 | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | 270 | 900 |
NDA Exam Pattern for Paper 1
| Total Marks | 300 Marks |
| Total No. of Questions | 120 |
| Correct Answer | 2.5 marks |
| Marks deducted for the wrong answer | – 0.83 |
| Total duration of Mathematics Paper | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
NDA Syllabus 2023 – Maths
The NDA mathematics syllabus is designed to assess the candidates’ mathematical aptitude and problem-solving skills. It covers a wide range of topics, including Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics, and Probability.
Candidates are expected to have a strong foundation in these mathematical concepts and be able to apply them to solve complex problems. Thorough preparation and practice in these topics are crucial to perform well in the mathematics section of the NDA examination.
Candidates should focus on understanding the concepts, mastering problem-solving techniques, and practicing with a variety of mathematical problems.
| Name of Topic | NDA Maths Syllabus |
| Algebra | Set concept, Sets operations, Venn diagrams, Laws of De Morgan, Cartesian product, Relations, Equivalence relation, Real number representation on a line, Complex numbers – basic properties, module, argument, cube roots, Binary number system, Conversion to the binary system of a number in the decimal system and vice versa, Progressions in arithmetic, geometry, and harmony, Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem and its applications, Logarithms and their applications. |
| Matrices and Determinants | Matrix types, Operations, The determinant of a matrix, Determinants’ properties, Application-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by the Cranmer’s Rule and by the Matrix method, etc. |
| Trigonometry | Angles and their degree and measurements, Trigonometric ratios, Sum of trigonometric identities and formulas, Multiple angles and sub-multiples, Trigonometric functions & their inverse, Applications-Height and Distance, Triangle Properties. |
| Analytical geometry of two and three dimensions | The Cartesian Rectangular Coordinate System, Formula of distance, Equation of a line in different shapes, Two lines of angle, A point’s distance from a line, Standard and general equation of a circle, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola, A conic’s eccentricity and axis, Point the distance between two points in a three-dimensional space, Cosines of direction and ratios of direction, Two points of the equation, Cosines of direction and ratios of direction, A plane equation and a line in different forms, Two lines of the angle between two planes, Sphere’s equation, etc. |
| Differential calculus | Concept of a valued function – a function’s domain, range, and graph, Composite functions, one by one, on, and vice versa, Limit notion, default limits — examples, Continuity of functions— examples, Continuous functional algebraic operations, Function derivative at a point, geometric and physical interpretation of an application derivative, Summary derivatives, product, and function quotient derivatives, function derivatives for another function, 20 composite function derivatives, Derivatives of the second order. Increasing and diminishing functions, Application of derivatives in maxima and minima problems, etc. |
| Integral Calculus and Differential Equations | Differentiation and integration, standard integrals with algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential, and hyperbolic functions.Definite integrals — determination of areas of curved plane regions — applications, General and particular solutions of differential equations, Solutions of the first order, and 1st-degree differential equations of various types—examples, Applications in problems of growth and decay. |
| Vector Algebra | 2D and 3D vectors, vector magnitude, and direction, Unit and null vectors, vector adding, scalar-vector multiplication, scalar product or dot product, vector product, or cross product, Applications — work done through force and moment of force and in geometric problems. |
| Statistics & Probability | Statistics: data classification, distribution of frequencies, the cumulative distribution of frequencies — examples, Examples of graphic representation— histogram, pie chart, polygon frequency. Central tendency measurements — mean, median, and mode. Variance and deviation of standard — determination, and comparison, Correlation and regression, Sample space, events, exhaustive events & mutually exclusive, impossible and certain events associated with random experiments, results and associated, Union and events intersection, Complementary, composite, and elementary events, Probability, Bayes Theorem, Random variable on a sample space as a function, Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments, the binomial distribution. |
NDA Exam Pattern for Paper 2
| Total Marks for GAT Paper | 600 marks |
| Total No. of Questions | 150 Questions |
| Total questions in English | 50 Questions |
| Total Questions in GK | 100 Questions |
| Total Marks for English | 200 marks |
| Total Marks for GK | 400 marks |
| Marks for Correct Answer | 4 marks in each section |
| Marks for Incorrect Answer | -1.33 marks in each section |
| Total Duration of GAT Paper | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
NDA Syllabus 2023 – English
The NDA English syllabus aims to assess the candidates’ language proficiency, comprehension skills, and grammatical knowledge. It covers topics such as grammar rules, vocabulary, comprehension passages, sentence formation, synonyms and antonyms, idioms and phrases, and basic reading comprehension.
Candidates should focus on improving their reading and comprehension abilities, expanding their vocabulary, and practicing grammar rules to excel in the English section of the NDA examination.
| Grammar & usage |
| Comprehension & cohesion |
| Spotting of errors |
| Para Jumbling |
| Fill in the blanks |
| Synonyms & Antonyms |
| Vocabulary |
| Cloze Test |
| Idioms & Proverbs |
| Completion of Sentence & Para |
| Sentence Correction & Improvement |
NDA Syllabus 2023 – Chemistry
The NDA chemistry syllabus includes fundamental concepts of chemistry, covering topics like atomic structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, chemical reactions, acids and bases, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and environmental chemistry. Candidates should have a solid understanding of these concepts and be able to apply them to solve problems and analyze chemical phenomena. Thorough preparation and practice in these areas are essential to excel in the chemistry section of the NDA examination.
| Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. |
| Acids, bases and salts. |
| Carbon— different forms |
| Physical and Chemical Changes |
| Fertilisers—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 Syllabus 2023 – Physics
The NDA physics syllabus covers fundamental principles and concepts in physics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, electromagnetism, modern physics, and nuclear physics. Candidates are expected to have a sound understanding of these topics and apply them to solve problems. Thorough preparation and practice in physics are essential for success in the NDA examination.
| Physical Properties and States of Matter |
| Mass |
| Weight |
| Volume |
| Density and Specific Gravity |
| Principle of Archimedes |
| Pressure Barometer |
| Motion of objects |
| Velocity and Acceleration |
| Newton’s Laws of Motion |
| Force and Momentum |
| Parallelogram of Forces |
| Stability and Equilibrium of bodies |
| Gravitation |
| Elementary ideas of work |
| Power and Energy |
| Effects of Heat |
| Measurement of Temperature and Heat |
| Modes of transference of Heat |
| Sound waves and their properties |
| Simple musical instruments |
| Rectilinear propagation of Light |
| Reflection and refraction |
| Spherical mirrors and Lenses |
| Human Eye |
| Natural and Artificial Magnets |
| Properties of a Magnet |
| Earth as a Magnet |
| Static and Current Electricity |
| Conductors and Non-conductors |
| Ohm’s Law |
| Simple Electrical Circuits |
| Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current |
| Measurement of Electrical Power |
| Primary and Secondary Cells |
| Use of X-Rays |
NDA Syllabus 2023 – General Science
The General Science syllabus for NDA encompasses various scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science. It focuses on fundamental concepts, principles, and applications of these subjects. Candidates are expected to have a basic understanding of scientific principles and their real-world implications. Thorough preparation and knowledge in general science are crucial to perform well in the NDA examination.
| Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention |
| Food-Source of Energy for man |
| Constituents of food |
| Balanced Diet |
| The Solar System-Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists |
| Difference between the living and non-living |
| Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues |
| Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals |
| Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs |
NDA Syllabus 2023 – History
The History syllabus for NDA includes significant events, developments, and personalities from ancient, medieval, and modern history. It covers topics such as ancient civilizations, medieval kingdoms, the Indian freedom struggle, world wars, post-independence India, and global historical events. Candidates should have a comprehensive understanding of these historical aspects to excel in the history section of the NDA examination.
| Forces shaping the modern world: The Renaissance |
| Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution |
| Impact of Science and Technology on Society |
| Concept of one World |
| United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism |
| Role of India in the present world |
| A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation |
| Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi |
| Freedom Movement in India |
| Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration |
| Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India |
| Panchayati Raj |
| Co-operatives and Community Development |
| Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State |
NDA Syllabus 2023 – Geography
The Geography syllabus for NDA covers both physical and human geography. It includes topics such as landforms, climate, natural resources, population, agriculture, industries, transportation, and regional geography. Candidates should have a good grasp of geographical concepts, spatial understanding, and knowledge of various regions to perform well in the Geography section of the NDA examination.
| Latitudes and Longitudes |
| Concept of time |
| International Date Line |
| Movements of Earth and their effects |
| Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification |
| Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes |
| Earth’s Functioning – Ocean Currents, Tides, Atmosphere and its composition, Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anticyclones, Humidity, Condensation and Precipitation |
| Types of Climates |
| Major Natural regions of the World |
| Regional Geography of India—Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities |
| Important Sea ports and main sea, land and air routes of India |
| Main items of Imports and Exports of India |
NDA Syllabus 2023 – Current Affairs
- India’s recent significant events encompassing political, social, and economic developments that have transpired in the country in recent years.
- Prominent bilateral and multilateral exercises involving India with a focus on international cooperation and military partnerships.
- The latest global affairs and major ongoing events of international significance, impacting various regions and nations.
- Recent notable appointments across different sectors, including government, business, and organizations, highlighting key personnel changes.
- Noteworthy figures from the world of culture and sports, encompassing individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields on a global scale.
NDA Syllabus & NDA Exam Pattern – FAQs
Ans. Yes, it is highly recommended to cover the entire syllabus for each subject. The NDA examination is designed to evaluate candidates’ comprehensive knowledge in various subjects. Neglecting any portion of the syllabus may put candidates at a disadvantage during the examination.
Ans. While the NDA syllabus provides the primary framework for preparation, referring to additional study materials can be beneficial. It helps in gaining a deeper understanding of the topics, practicing more questions, and exploring different perspectives. However, it is important to ensure that the additional materials align with the prescribed syllabus to avoid wasting time on irrelevant content.
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