National Defence Academy syllabus is your blueprint for success—detailing every topic in both the Mathematics and General Ability Test papers you must master. By familiarizing yourself with its structure and weightage, you’ll craft a laser-focused study plan that maximizes high-yield areas and eliminates guesswork.
In this guide, we break down national defence academy syllabus each section, share proven preparation strategies, and equip you with the tools to track your progress and conquer the NDA exam.
Why Understanding the National Defence Academy Syllabus Matters
A crystal-clear grasp of the National Defence Academy syllabus is your first step toward a focused study plan, efficient time management and top marks in both papers. Instead of scattered revision, you’ll know exactly which topics to prioritise, how to allocate practice time and where to find high-yield question banks.
NDA (National Defence Academy syllabus)Exam Pattern at a Glance
- Conducting Body: UPSC (twice a year)
- Mode: Offline, pen-and-paper
- Papers:
- Mathematics – 120 questions, 300 marks, 2½ hours
- General Ability Test (GAT) – 150 questions, 600 marks, 2½ hours
- Language: English and Hindi (Mathematics bilingual; GAT English section in English only)
- Total Marks: 900
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer
Detailed National Defence Academy syllabus
Mathematics (300 Marks)
Covers Class 11 & 12 fundamentals. Key topics include:
- Algebra • Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan’s laws • Complex numbers, binomial theorem, sequences & series
- Matrices & Determinants • Matrix operations, inverse, Cramer’s rule
- Trigonometry • Trig identities, heights & distances, inverse functions
- Analytical Geometry • 2D: Straight lines, circles, parabolas, ellipses, hyperbolas • 3D: Planes, lines, spheres, direction cosines
- Differential Calculus • Limits, continuity, derivatives, applications to maxima/minima
- Integral Calculus & Differential Equations • Indefinite/definite integrals, area under curve, basic ODEs
- Vector Algebra • Dot/cross products, applications in mechanics
- Statistics & Probability • Measures of central tendency, random variables, Bayes’ theorem
General Ability Test (600 Marks)
A. English (200 Marks)
- Grammar & Usage: Sentence correction, fill-in-the-blanks
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms & phrases
- Comprehension: Passages with inference-based questions
- Cohesion & Cohesion: Para jumbles, sentence completion
B. General Knowledge (400 Marks)
- Physics – Mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, modern physics
- Chemistry – Physical chemistry, inorganic basics, organic reactions
- General Science – Biology, human physiology, environmental science
- History & Freedom Movement – Ancient to modern India, key events
- Geography – Physical, economic, India-specific topics, maps
- Current Affairs – National/international events, awards, sports, defence
How to Craft a Winning Study Plan
Topic Prioritisation:
- Identify your weak units via a quick diagnostic test.
- Allocate 2–3 days per major Maths chapter and 4–5 days for combined GAT sections.
Timetable Structure:
- Morning (2 hrs): Mathematics drills with OMR-style practice.
- Afternoon (1.5 hrs): Grammar/vocabulary exercises.
- Evening (2 hrs): Science & social-studies revision—rotate daily.
Mock Tests & Revision:
- Weekly full-length mock: simulate exam timing and OMR bubbling.
- Post-test analysis: maintain an Error Log with Topic, Question, Mistake, Correct Concept.
Resource Balance:
- Maths: Objective NCERT + dedicated NDA Maths guide.
- GAT English: High-frequency vocabulary lists + comprehension workbook.
- GK: Monthly current-affairs capsule + NCERT History/Geography.
FAQs on National Defence Academy Syllabus
Q1: How many sections are in the NDA syllabus?
Two papers—Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks), split into English and GK.
Q2: What’s the best sequence to study the syllabus?
Start with Maths fundamentals, then alternate daily between English, Physics, Chemistry, History and Geography to ensure balanced coverage.
Q3: Is the NDA syllabus the same for NDA 1 and NDA 2?
Yes, both sessions follow an identical syllabus and exam pattern; only exam dates differ.
Q4: How do I handle negative marking?
Attempt only confident answers. Use elimination tactics on tougher MCQs to reduce guesswork penalties.
