UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus | Latest Paper 1 & 2 Syllabus

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA exam twice a year for male candidates. It selects the candidates for the Nation Defence Academy and Naval Academy for the branch of Army, Navy, and Airforce.

The NDA exam is a one-day offline exam and it is conducted in two shifts, in the first-morning shift Mathematics paper is conducted between 10 AM to 12:30 AM, in the second shift between 2 PM to 4:30 PM General Ability Test (GAT) is conducted.

Scheme of UPSC NDA Exam:

The detailed scheme of the NDA Examination with its timing of the exam, number of questions, and Maximum marks are given below:

Subject	Paper Code	Duration	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks
Mathematics	Paper 1	2hrs. 30min.	120	300
General Ability Test (GAT)	Paper 2	2hrs. 30min.	150	600
Total				900
SSB interview		5 days		900

Paper 1 of Mathematics comprises 120 each question is 2.5 marks so the maximum mark in paper 1 is 300. The paper of General Ability Test (GAT) comprises 150 each question is of 4 marks so the maximum marks in paper 1 are 600. So, the maximum number of marks in the NDA written exam is 900 marks.

The written exam will be of objective nature and questions are asked from the different segments of the syllabus.

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus:

In paper 1 of mathematics the questions asked from the Algebra, Trigonometry, Metrices, and Determinants, Analytical geometry of 2 and 3 dimensions, Integral Calculus & Differential, Differential Calculus, Vector Algebra, and Statistics and Probability. Each of these sections carries equal weightage.

In paper 2 of the General Ability Test (GAT), it is in two parts that is part “A” is of English section which is of 200 marks, and part “B” is of General Knowledge which is of 400 marks. Let’s discuss the detailed analysis of the NDA exam syllabus.

Detailed UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus:

Paper 1: UPSC NDA Exam Mathematics Syllabus

Algebra:

Concept and operation on sets.
Venn diagrams
Cartesian product, De Morgan laws, Relation, and Equivalence relation.
Real numbers representation on a line.
Complex numbers, cube roots of unity, modulus, argument.
Binary system.
Conversion in binary system to the decimal system and vice-versa.
Geometric progressions (GP), Arithmetic progressions (AP), and Harmonic progressions (HP).
Real coefficients Quadratic equations, linear inequations Solution of two variables by graphs.
Combination and Permutation.
Binomial theorem and applications of the Binomial theorem.
Logarithms and applications of logarithms.

Trigonometry:

Angles (in radians and in degrees).
Trigonometrical ratios
Trigonometric identities (difference formula and Sum formula).
Sub-Multiple angles and multiple angles.
Inverse trigonometric functions.
Height and distance
Triangles Properties.

Metrices and Determinants:

Matrices (Types and its Operation).
Determinant matrix.
Determinants (Basic properties).
Square matrix (Adjoint and inverse).
Matrix method and Cramer’s rule solution of Linear Equation system if 2 or 3 unknowns.

Analytical geometry of 2 and 3 dimensions:

Cartesian Coordinate system (Rectangular).
Distance formula.
Equation of a line (different forms).
The angle between two lines.
Point Distance from a line.
Circle Equation (in general form and in standard form).
Standard forms of ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola.
Axis and Eccentricity of a conic.
Distance between 2 points and point in a 3-dimensional space.
Direction ratios and Direction Cosines.
Two points Equations.
Line and Plane equations in different forms.
The angle between 2 planes.
Sphere Equation.

Integral Calculus:

Inverse Integration of differentiation.
integration by parts and by substitution.
Standard integrals involving trigonometric, algebraic expressions, hyperbolic functions, and exponential functions.
Definite Integrals Evaluation—determination of plane regions areas bounded by curves.

Differential Equations:

The Differential equation-Order and Degree.
Differential equations Formation by examples.
Solution of Differential equations (particular solution and general solution).
First-degree and first-order solution of various types differential equations examples.
Application in problems of decay and growth.

Differential Calculus:

Real valued function Concept
Range, domain, and graph of the function.
Composite functions, inverse functions, onto, and one-to-one.
Examples of Standard limits, and Notion of limit.
Continuity of functions and algebraic operations on it.
Applications-Derivative of function at physical interpretation, at a point, and geometrical of a derivative.
Derivatives of product and quotient of functions, sum, composite function derivative, a derivative of a function with another function.
2^nd order derivatives.
Decreasing and Increasing functions.
Derivatives Application in minima and maxima.

Vector Algebra:

Direction and Magnitude of a vector, vectors in 2 and 3-dimensions.
Operations on vectors- addition of vectors, unit and null vectors, scalar multiplication, the dot product, or scalar product of 2 vectors.
Vector product of 2 vectors.
2 vectors cross product.
Applications of vector— a moment of a force, work done by a force, and in geometrical problems.

Statistics and Probability:

Frequency distribution.
Data Classification.
Cumulative frequency distribution.
Graphical representation in Pie Chart, Histogram, frequency polygon.
Central tendency measurement (median, mean, and mode).
Standard deviation and variance (comparison and determination).
Regression and Correlation.

Some Important Links for NDA Exam Preparations

NDA Exam Syllabus	NDA SSB Process
NDA Exam Eligibility Criteria	NDA Exam Previous Years cut-off
NDA Exam Result	NDA Physical & Medical Requirement
How to prepare for NDA Exam	Best Telegram Channel for NDA

Paper 2: UPSC NDA Exam General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus

Paper 2 is basically divided into two sections one is of English and the other is of General Knowledge (GK). Both these sections have their topics, lets discuss the latest syllabus of the paper 2 General Ability Test (GAT) for the NDA exam in detail.

English Syllabus:

The English part of the GAT paper 2 is of a basic nature, it is designed to understand basic English in terms of grammar and vocabulary of the candidates. The questions in the English section are asked from the following topics.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Phrases
Spotting Error
Fill in the blanks with the most suitable word.

General Knowledge Syllabus:

The questions from the General Knowledge sections are broadly asked from the Chemistry, Physics, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Affairs.

Section A: Physics Syllabus:

States of Matter and Physical Properties.
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.
Work.
Power and Energy.
Heat (Measurement of Temperature and Heat)
Latent Heat and Change of State.
Modes of transference of Heat.
Sound waves and their properties.
Simple musical instruments.
Rectilinear propagation of Light
Reflection and refraction.
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.
General working Principles of the following:

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.

Section B: Chemistry Syllabus:

Physical and Chemical changes.
Elements, Mixtures, and Compounds.
Formulae, Symbols, and simple Chemical Equations.
Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems).
Properties of Air and Water.
Properties and Preparation of Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Carbon dioxide.
Oxidation and Reduction.
Acids, bases, and salts.
Carbon—different forms.
Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial.
The material used in the preparation of Glass, Soap, Ink, Cement, Paper, Paints, Gun Powder, and Safety Matches.
Structure of Atom
Molecular Weights and Atomic Equivalent.
Valency.

Section C: General Science Syllabus:

Difference between the non-living and living.
Basis of Life—Cells, Tissues, and Proto plasms.
Reproduction and Growth in Animals and Plants.
Human Body and its organs.
Causes and prevention of Common Epidemics.
Balanced Diet and Food.
Solar System (Eclipses, Meteors, and Comets).
Scientist’s achievements.

Section D: Social Studies Syllabus:

Indian History with the brief of Culture and Civilisation.
Indian Freedom Movement.
Elementary knowledge of Indian Constitution and Administration.
Five-Year Plans of India (Basic knowledge).
Panchayati Raj.
Community Development and Co-operatives.
Bhoodan
Sarvodaya
National Integration.
Welfare State.
Mahatma Gandhi basic Teachings.
Forces shaping the modern world.
Renaissance.
Discovery and Exploration.
American Independence war.
French Revolution.
Industrial Revolution.
Russian Revolution.
Impact of Technology and Science on Society.
One World concept.
United Nations.
Panchsheel.
Democracy.
Socialism and Communism.
India’s role in today’s world.

Section E: Geography Syllabus:

The Earth (shape and size of earth).
Latitudes and Longitudes.
Concept of time.
International Date Line.
Movements of Earth and its effects.
Origin of Earth.
Rocks and their classification.
Weathering (Mechanical Weathering and Chemical Weathering).
Earthquakes and Volcanoes.
Ocean Currents and Tides.
The atmosphere and its composition.
Atmospheric Pressure and Temperature.
Cyclones and Anti-cyclones, Planetary Winds.
Condensation, Humidity, and Precipitation.
Climate and its type.
Major Natural regions of the World.
Indian Geography— Natural vegetation and Climate.
Mineral and Power resources.
Distribution and Location of Industrial activities and Agricultural activities.
Important Seaports.
Land, main sea, and air routes of India.
Main items of Exports and Imports of India.

Section F: Current Affairs Syllabus:

Important events of India.
Important world events in recent years.
Indian and International prominent personalities (from the field of cultural activities and sports).

Note:

In the General Knowledge part every section has its own weightage with respect to marks and number of questions asked these are given below:

Sections	Weightage
Section A	25%
Section B	15%
Section C	10%
Section D	20%
Section E	20%
Section F	10%

FAQ on NDA Syllabus

Q.) If we study only the syllabus of the NDA exam is that possible to crack it?

Ans.) The NDA Exam is not very tough if you understand its nature. So, if you study as per the NDA syllabus you can easily crack the NDA exam because the syllabus is itself very wide, which covers each and every topic which is asked in the exam.

Q.) NDA syllabus physics KA chapter-wise?

Ans.) Here is the list of chapter-wise NDA Syllabus.
• States of Matter and Physical Properties.
• 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
To see the complete syllabus read this full article.

Q.) Flying Branch syllabus in NDA?

Ans.) If you are preparing for the NDA for the flying branch, then your syllabus will also be the same as other candidates. NDA does not give a separate syllabus or paper for the flying branch. So, if you want to go for the flying then you have to fill the Airforce as your first preference while filling the form.

Q.) State syllabus is enough for NDA?

Ans.) As per the official NDA notification, it does not recommend any particular board for the exam. The NDA exam paper is designed in such a way that it does not favour any particular board. So, it is advisable to read as per the NDA syllabus which gives every detail about the topic.