NDA Syllabus 2025: The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam is a national-level entrance examination conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as a gateway for young aspirants who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces as an officer, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC).
The NDA Exam has two stages: one is the Written Examination, and the second is the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. Candidates must qualify in both stages to clear the NDA exam.
Here’s a detailed overview of the updated NDA Syllabus 2025. We have also attached the NDA Exam Syllabus PDF in each section for your convenience.
NDA MATHS and GAT Syllabus
The NDA Written Exam comprises two papers:
- Mathematics: The duration of the Mathematics paper is 2.5 hours, and it consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, carrying a total of 300 marks.
- General Ability Test (GAT): The duration of the GAT is 2.5 hours, and it consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, carrying a total of 600 marks.
The Mathematics paper tests algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and geometry. The GAT is divided into English and General Knowledge sections, covering physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography, and current events. Both papers are objective type and conducted offline.
Category | Topics |
---|---|
NDA Maths | Algebra |
Trigonometry | |
Analytical Geometry | |
Differential Calculus | |
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations | |
Vector Algebra | |
Statistics and Probability | |
NDA GAT | English |
Physics | |
Chemistry | |
General Science | |
History | |
Geography | |
Current Affairs | |
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NDA Math Syllabus
The NDA Math syllabus includes fundamental concepts, covering topics such as the number system, trigonometry, geometry, and algebra. Students learn coordinate geometry, vectors, and conic sections, along with calculus topics like differentiation, integration, and their applications. Statistics covers mean, median, mode, and probability fundamentals. There is also emphasis on sequences, series, permutations, and combinations, as well as matrices and determinants.
Download NDA Math Syllabus PDF >>
Chapter Name | Subtopics |
---|---|
Fundamentals of Mathematics | Number System, Rational System, H.C.F. and L.C.M., Inequality, Wavy Curve Method, Modulus Function |
Trigonometry | Quadrants and Angle Conversion, Compound Angles, Transformations, General Solution, Formulas |
Inverse Trigonometric Function | Basics and Properties |
Application of Trigonometry | Height and Distance, Triangle Properties |
2-D Geometry | Coordinates, Equation of Line, Foot of Perpendicular, Pair of Straight Lines |
3-D Geometry | Basics, Equation of Plane, Angle between Plane and Line |
Vector | Types, Dot Product, Cross Product, Properties |
Conic Section | Hyperbola, Ellipse, Parabola |
Circle | General Equation, Tangent |
Logarithms | Basics, Exponential Form |
Complex Number | Basics, Power of iota, Modulus, Conjugate, Polar Form, Euler Form, Locus |
Sequence and Series | Arithmetic Progression (A.P.), Geometric Progression (G.P.), Harmonic Progression (H.P.), A.G.P. |
Statistics | Mean, Median, Mode, Depression Measures, Correlation, Regression |
Binomial Theorem | Expansion, Coefficient Properties, General Term, Special Expansions |
Quadratic Equation | Basics, Roots, Graph, Transformation, Location of Roots |
Permutation & Combination | Factorials, Permutations, Circular Permutations, Combinations, Group Formation |
Matrices | Basics, Types, Operations, Adjoint |
Determinants | Minor, Cofactor, Properties |
Functions | Basics, Domain, Range, Types, Graphs |
Set | Basics, Operations, Cardinality |
Relation | Basics, Types |
Differential Equation | Order, Degree, Formation, Solutions |
Limit | Basics, L’Hôpital’s Rule |
Continuity & Differentiability | Basics, Rules, Logarithmic Differentiation |
Derivatives | Fundamental Rules, Applications (Rate, Maxima/Minima, Tangent/Normal) |
Indefinite Integration | Basics, Formulas, Methods (Substitution, Parts, Partial Fractions) |
Definite Integration | Basics, Properties |
Application of Integration | Maxima/Minima, Tangent, Normal |
Probability | Fundamentals, Conditional Probability, Bernoulli Trial, Bayes’ Theorem |
Binary Number | Complete Binary Number System |
NDA English Syllabus
The NDA English syllabus covers vocabulary, grammar and usage, reading comprehension, error spotting, synonyms and antonyms, sentence improvement, fill in the blanks, para jumbles, cloze tests, and idioms and phrases to enhance candidates’ language proficiency and communication skills.
Category | Main Subjects |
---|---|
NDA English | |
Vocabulary | |
Grammar and Usage | |
Comprehension and Cohesion | |
Spotting Errors | |
Synonyms and Antonyms | |
Sentence Improvement | |
Fill in the Blanks | |
Para Jumbles | |
Reading Comprehension | |
Cloze Test | |
Idioms and Phrases |
NDA Chemistry Syllabus
The NDA Chemistry syllabus covers fundamental concepts, including the physical and chemical properties of matter, states of matter, and mixtures. Key topics include atomic structure, chemical reactions, acids, bases, and salts, along with metals and non-metals and their properties. Organic chemistry introduces carbon compounds, hydrocarbons, and homologous series. Students also explore practical chemistry concepts, such as solutions, colloids, and basic metallurgy.
Download NDA Chemistry Syllabus PDF >>
Chapter | Subtopics |
---|---|
Is Matter Around Us Pure | Matter – physical nature & characteristics, States of matter & properties Change of state |
Latent heat Evaporation & factors Pure Substance, Elements Compound Mixture Solution I & II | |
Suspension Colloids | |
Atoms and Molecules | Atoms & Molecules I & II Atomic mass Molecular mass Mole concept I, II & III |
Structure of Atoms | Cathode rays Anode rays Thomson’s model & alpha-scattering Rutherford’s model |
Bohr’s atomic model Discovery of neutron | |
Chemical Equation & Reaction | Chemical Reaction Types of Reactions Balancing equations Rancidity |
Acids, Bases, and Salts | Acids – properties Chemical properties Classification & industrial uses Bases |
Basicity pH scale Importance of pH Salts classification I & II | |
Metals & Non-Metals | Metals – physical & chemical properties Non-metals – physical & chemical properties |
Occurrence Metallurgy Corrosion | |
Carbon and Its Compounds | Introduction Allotropes of Carbon Hydrocarbons Homologous Series |
Ethanol & Ethanoic acid properties |
NDA Physics Syllabus
The NDA Physics syllabus emphasizes the principles of matter, mechanics, heat, sound, optics, magnetism, and electricity. Students study properties of matter, motion, Newton’s laws, work, energy, and heat transfer. The syllabus covers sound waves, light reflection and refraction, along with basic magnetism concepts. Current electricity introduces Ohm’s Law and circuit fundamentals. Also included are basic instruments, X-rays, and understanding primary and secondary cells.
Download NDA Physics Syllabus PDF >>
Chapter | Subtopics |
---|---|
Properties of Matter | Physical Properties and states of matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density, Specific Gravity, |
Principle of Archimedes, Pressure, Barometer | |
Mechanics | Motion of Objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, |
Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation, Work, Power, Energy | |
Heat | Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature and Heat, Change of State, Latent Heat, |
Modes of Heat Transfer | |
Sound | Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical instruments |
Optics | Rectilinear propagation of light, Reflection and Refraction, Spherical mirrors and Lenses, |
Human Eye | |
Magnet | Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet |
Current Electricity | Static and Current Electricity, Conductors and Non-conductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Circuits, |
Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic Effects of Current, Measurement of Electrical Power | |
Cells | Primary and Secondary Cells |
X-rays | Use of X-rays |
Instruments | Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, |
Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, | |
Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass, Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses |
NDA General Science Syllabus
Category | Main Subjects |
---|---|
NDA General Science | |
Difference between Living and Non-Living | |
Basis of Life – Cells, Protoplasm, and Tissues | |
Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals | |
Elementary Knowledge of the Human Body and its Organs | |
Common Epidemics, Causes, and Prevention | |
Food – Source of Energy for Humans | |
Constituents of Food, Balanced Diet | |
The Solar System – Meteors, Comets, and Eclipses | |
Achievements of Eminent Scientists |
NDA General Studies (History, Geography) Syllabus
The NDA General Studies syllabus covers a comprehensive range of topics in History and Geography. In Geography, it includes world geography basics, Earth’s structure, climatology, geomorphology, and oceanography. Indian geography explores physical divisions, river systems, climate types, natural vegetation, and resource distribution. History is divided into ancient, medieval, and modern periods, covering major civilizations, empires, religious movements, colonialism, and India’s independence movement.
Download NDA General Studies Syllabus PDF >>
Chapter | Subtopics |
---|---|
World Geography | |
Universe and Solar System | Universe, Solar System, The Sun, The Big Bang Theory |
The Earth | Structure of Earth, Latitudes and Longitudes, Earthquake, Volcanoes |
Geomorphology | Endogenic and Exogenic Forces, Continental Drift, Plate Tectonic Theory |
Climatology | Atmosphere, Temperature Distribution, Pressure and Wind System, Air Masses, Fronts, Cyclones, |
Humidity | |
Oceanography | Division of Ocean Floor, Temperature and Salinity of Oceans, Movement of Ocean Water, |
Ocean Currents, Tides | |
Indian Geography | |
General Introduction of India | India Size and Location, India and its Neighbouring Countries |
Physical Division of India | Himalayas, Deccan Plateau, Western and Eastern Ghats, Indo-Gangetic Plain, Coastal Plains |
Drainage System of India | Different Drainage Patterns, Himalayan Rivers, Peninsular Rivers |
Climate of India | Factors determining Indian Climate, Indian Monsoon, Types of Climate in India, |
Koppen’s Classification of Indian Climate | |
Natural Vegetation and Wildlife | Types of Forests in India, Wildlife Protection Act, Ramsar Convention |
Soils of India | Soil Classification, Soil Erosion, Soil Conservation |
Agriculture | Types of Agriculture in India |
Minerals and Energy Resources | Types of Mineral and Energy Resources, Distribution of Minerals and Energy Resources |
History | |
Ancient History | |
Historical Sources and Pre-Historic Period | Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic |
Indian History | Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), Vedic Civilization |
Religious Movements of 6th Century BCE | Buddhism, Jainism |
Mauryan History | Political History, Administration, Society |
Gupta and Post Gupta Period | Gupta Empire, Harshavardhana Empire |
Sangam Period | Political History, Sangam Literature, Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas |
Medieval History | |
Arab and Turkish Invasion | Muhammad Bin Qasim, Muhammad of Ghazni, Mohammad Ghori |
Delhi Sultanate | Slave Dynasty, Khilji Dynasty, Tughlaq Dynasty, Saiyyed Dynasty, Lodhi Dynasty |
Mughal Dynasty | Political History, Economic and Social Life, Art and Architecture, Paintings, Music |
Sufi and Bhakti Movement | Nayanars, Alvars |
Vijayanagar and Bahmani Kingdom | Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, Aravidu |
Marathas | Rise of Marathas under Shivaji, Revenue Policies, Military Policies |
Conquest of Sikh Empire | First Anglo Sikh War, Second Anglo Sikh War |
Modern History | |
Advent of European Companies in India | Portuguese, Dutch, English, French |
Peasant, Tribal and Trade Union Movements | |
Development of Press and Education System in India | |
Revolt of 1857 | Causes, Consequences |
INM Phase-I [1885 – 1905] | Indian National Congress (INC) |
INM Phase-II [1905 – 1919] | Partition of Bengal, Swadeshi and Boycott Movement |
INM Phase-III [1919 – 1947] | Non-Cooperation Movement, Chauri Chaura Incident, Swarajist Movement, Nehru Report, |
Committee of Nations & Round Table Conference, Dandi March, Gandhi-Irwin Pact, Pune Pact, | |
August Offer, Cripps Mission, Desai-Liaquat Pact, Wavell Plan, Cabinet Mission |
NDA Current Affairs Syllabus
The NDA Current Affairs syllabus focuses on recent national and international events, significant political changes, and major global developments. It covers prominent personalities in India and abroad, especially those influencing cultural activities and sports. Candidates should stay updated on notable events, government policies, and international relations that impact India.
Topic | Details |
---|---|
National Events | Important events in India, government policies, schemes, and initiatives |
International Events | Major global events, international summits, agreements, and India’s relations with other nations |
Political Events | Elections, political changes, and significant political developments in India |
Geopolitical Issues | Border disputes, alliances, conflicts, and other global issues impacting India |
Defence News | Defense technology advancements, acquisitions, defense exercises, and international collaborations |
Economic Affairs | Key economic policies, budget announcements, GST updates, and significant economic indicators |
Sports | Major sporting events, international tournaments, and achievements of Indian athletes |
Awards and Recognitions | Nobel Prizes, national awards, sports awards, and other significant recognitions |
Science and Technology | Innovations, discoveries, and scientific breakthroughs, especially those relevant to India |
NDA Written Exam Marking Scheme
Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 | -0.83 |
General Ability Test (GAT) | ||||
– English | 50 | 200 | 4 | -1.33 |
– General Knowledge | 100 | 400 | 4 | -1.33 |
Total | 270 | 900 |