NDA Syllabus 2025 For 1 and 2 With New Exam Pattern
UPSC has released the notification for NDA 1 2025, including detailed information about the NDA syllabus for 2025. Candidates preparing for the NDA 2025 Exam should have a clear understanding of the syllabus. To help with your preparation, we have outlined the complete syllabus and provided the latest updates on both the NDA Maths and GAT syllabus. This article highlights the most important topics that you should focus on to enhance your chances of success.
NDA Syllabus 2025
The NDA 2025 syllabus has been officially announced on its official website. Covering essential subjects such as Maths, English, History, Politics, Economics, General Science, Physics, and Chemistry, the syllabus provides a comprehensive base for the exam. Candidates are advised to study all sections thoroughly to ensure success. A detailed guide to the syllabus is now available, highlighting the key areas to focus on for effective preparation.
NDA Syllabus 2025
Name of the Exam
NDA I & II 2025
Exam Conducting Body
UPSC
Mode of Exam:
Offline
Total Papers in NDA Exam
Paper 1: Mathematics
Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT)
Total Marks for NDA Exam
Mathematics and GAT 900 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
Official Website
upsc.gov.in
NDA Exam Pattern 2025
The NDA 2025 exam is structured into two primary sections: Mathematics and the General Aptitude Test (GAT). These sections are designed to assess various skills, including problem-solving, reasoning, and general awareness. Candidates who clear the written exam will advance to the SSB interview, a comprehensive evaluation of personality, leadership, and decision-making abilities. Detailed information about the NDA 2025 exam pattern is provided below for your reference.
Subject
Duration
Total Questions
Maximum Marks
Mathematics
2½ Hours
120
300
General Ability Test
2½ Hours
150
600
SSB Test/Interview
5 Days
900
Total
1800
NDA Math Syllabus 2025
The Mathematics syllabus for the NDA examination focuses on assessing candidate's quantitative aptitude and problem-solving skills. It covers key areas like algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and analytical geometry. Mastery of these topics, along with consistent practice, is crucial for achieving success in this section.
Algebra
Matrices and Determinants
Trigonometry
Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
Differential Calculus
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
Vector Algebra
Statistics and Probability
The Important topics are elaborated with sub topics that are important for the examination point of view.
1. Algebra
Sets and Relations: Concept of sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan's laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation.
Real Numbers: Representation on a number line, complex numbers (properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity), binary system, conversion between decimal and binary systems.
Sequences and Series: Arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic progressions.
Quadratic Equations: Quadratic equations with real coefficients, solution of linear equations of two variables by graphs.
Permutations and Combinations: Counting principles, permutations, combinations, binomial theorem, and its applications.
Logarithms: Properties of logarithms, solving equations involving logarithms.
Determinants of matrices (2x2, 3x3, and larger matrices), properties of determinants. Applications of matrices: Solving systems of linear equations using Cramer's rule and matrix method.
Trigonometric identities (sum and difference formulae, multiple and sub-multiple angles, inverse trigonometric functions).
Applications of trigonometry (height and distance problems, properties of triangles).
4. Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
Rectangular Cartesian coordinate system, distance formula, equation of a line in various forms.
Angle between two lines, distance of a point from a line, equation of a circle in standard and general form.
Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola, eccentricity, and axis of a conic.
Point in three-dimensional space, distance between two points, direction cosines and direction ratios.
Equation of a plane and a line in various forms, angle between two lines and two planes, equation of a sphere.
5. Differential Calculus
Concept of a real-valued function (domain, range, graph).
Composite functions, one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions.
Limits and continuity of functions.
Derivatives of functions (sum, product, quotient, composite functions).
Higher-order derivatives, increasing and decreasing functions.
Applications of derivatives (maxima and minima problems).
6. Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
Integration as the inverse of differentiation.
Integration by substitution and by parts.
Standard integrals (algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, hyperbolic functions).
Definite integrals and their applications (area under curves).
Differential equations: order, degree, formation, general and particular solutions, first-order and first-degree equations.
Applications of differential equations (growth and decay problems).
7. Vector Algebra
Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction.
Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector.
Scalar product (dot product) and vector product (cross product) of two vectors.
Applications of vectors (work done by a force, moment of a force, geometrical problems).
8. Statistics and Probability
Statistics: Classification of data, frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution, graphical representation (histogram, pie chart, frequency polygon), measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), variance, standard deviation, correlation, and regression.
Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events, union and intersection of events, complementary, elementary, and composite events, definition of probability (classical and statistical), elementary theorems on probability, conditional probability, Bayes' theorem, random variables, binomial distribution.
NDA Marking Scheme For Maths
The NDA marking scheme for Mathematics is structured to evaluate candidates effectively during the examination. In the NDA exam, candidates earn 2.5 marks for each correct answer. However, to discourage random guessing, a penalty of 0.83 marks is deducted for each incorrect answer, reflecting the negative marking aspect of the NDA marking scheme 2025. The Mathematics section consists of 120 questions, totaling 300 marks, and candidates are allotted 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete this portion of the exam. Understanding this marking scheme is crucial for aspirants as it influences their strategy during the test.
Subject
No of Questions
Total Marks
Time Duration
-ve Marks
+ ve Marks
Mathematics
120
300
2 Hrs 30 Min
-0.83
+2.5
NDA GAT Syllabus 2025
The NDA Paper 2 syllabus, known as the General Ability Test (GAT), covers a wide range of subjects including English, general knowledge (GK), chemistry, physics, geography, general science and current events. The paper consists of 150 questions, of which 50 questions focus on English and 100 questions are devoted to general knowledge, carrying a total of 600 marks. Here is the information about NDA GAT Syllabus 2025.
Subject
No of Questions
Total Marks
Time Duration
-ve Marks
+ ve Marks
English
50
200
2 Hrs 30 Min
-1.33
+4
GK
100
400
Total
150
600
NDA English Syllabus for Part-A
Topics
Subtopics
Grammar and Usage
Parts of speech: Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Verb, Adverb, Conjunction, Preposition, Interjection
Subject-verb agreement
Tenses: Present, Past, Future
Active and passive voice
Coherence and unity: Theme, Idea, Paragraph, Sentence Structure
Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms and Phrases, Words often confused
Comprehension
Comprehension of a given passage
Drawing of inferences
Use of vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms and Phrases, Words often confused
Expression
Simple sentence structure
Punctuation: Comma, Full stop, Question Mark, Exclamation Mark, Apostrophe
Conjunctions: Coordinating, Subordinating
Adverbs and Prepositions
Direct and indirect speech
Comparison: Degrees of comparison
Articles: Definite and Indefinite Articles
Verbs: Auxiliary, Modal, Regular and Irregular verbs
The NDA GAT (General Ability Test) syllabus for 2025 comprises six sections that candidates should thoroughly prepare. These sections include Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. The question paper will broadly encompass topics from these subjects, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of candidates' knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events. A solid understanding of each area is essential for success in the exam.
NDA Physics Syllabus 2025 (Section A)
The questions in the physics section are asked from topics like Mass, Weight, Volume, Pressure, Newton's laws of Motion etc. Given below is the complete list of topics from which the questions are been asked 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
Change of State and Latent 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
General Principles in the Working of: 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.
NDA Chemistry Syllabus 2025 for Section B
The Chemistry segment is the NDA examination and consists of questions from topics like Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Acids, Bases and Salts, Properties of matter, etc. Consider the table given below in order to get a glimpse of the topics from which the questions are been asked.
Physical and Chemical Changes
Elements, Mixtures, and Compounds
Symbols, Formulae, and Simple Chemical Equations
Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
Properties of Air and Water
Preparation and Properties of: Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide
Oxidation and Reduction
Acids, Bases, and Salts
Carbon – Different Forms
Fertilizers – Natural and Artificial
Materials Used in the Preparation of: Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, Gunpowder
Elementary Ideas about the Structure of Atom
Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
Valency
NDA General Science Syllabus for Section C
General Science is the category that consists of general topics like Growth and Reproduction, basis of life, questions on food and balanced diet etc. All the topics from the General science section in the NDA syllabus are given below:
General Science Syllabus for NDA
Difference between the living and non-living.
Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasm's and Tissues.
Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals.
Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its important organs.
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.
NDA Syllabus for History Section D
The Questions in this sections are majorly asked from History like Various movements, Indian constitution, Various plans in India, various revolutions etc. Given below is the list of the complete topics:
History, Freedom Movement, etc. Syllabus For NDA
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation.
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, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Forces shaping the modern world; 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.
NDA Geography Syllabus for Section E
The questions in this section are made from the topics like Origin of the earth, latitude and longitudes, rocks, wind, cyclones, etc. Check the list of topics given below to get a better understanding of this section.
Geography Syllabus For NDA
The Earth, its shape and size.
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.
Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anti-cyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation; Types of Climate, 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 Current Affairs Important Topics (Section- F)
Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports.
NOTE: Out of the maximum marks assigned to part ‘B’ of this paper, questions on Sections ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ will carry approximately 25%, 15%, 10%, 20%, 20%, and 10% weightage respectively.