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NDA Syllabus 2025, Check Math and GAT Subject Wise Syllabus PDF

The NDA syllabus is a critical guide for aspirants aiming to excel in the NDA 2025 exam. It has maintained consistency over the years, and is expected to remain in its current format. The syllabus is divided into two key sections: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). To help candidates prepare effectively, we have outlined the updated NDA Mathematics and GAT syllabus for 2025, highlighting the most relevant and trending topics that are crucial for success in the examination.

NDA Syllabus 2025

The NDA syllabus 2025 closely follows the Class 12 syllabus, which includes subjects such as Maths, English, History, Politics, Economics, General Science, Physics, and Chemistry. To ensure comprehensive preparation, it is necessary for candidates to thoroughly cover all sections of the syllabus before attempting the main exam. Below is a detailed description of the NDA 2025 syllabus, designed to guide candidates in their exam preparation and help them focus on the key areas needed to excel.

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 exam pattern 2025 is divided into two major sections: Mathematics and General Aptitude Test. Each section evaluates different aspects of the candidate’s abilities, with special focus on problem-solving, reasoning and general awareness. After the written exam, successful candidates are called for SSB test/interview, which further evaluates their personality, leadership and decision-making skills. The table below gives information about the NDA exam pattern 2025.

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 NDA Mathematics syllabus for the National Defence Academy examination is designed to evaluate candidates’ quantitative skills and problem-solving abilities. It encompasses essential topics such as algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and analytical geometry. A solid grasp of these concepts, combined with regular practice, is vital for success.

  1. Algebra
  2. Matrices and Determinants
  3. Trigonometry
  4. Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
  5. Differential Calculus
  6. Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
  7. Vector Algebra
  8. 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.

2. Matrices and Determinants

  • Types of matrices (square, rectangular, row, column, diagonal, scalar, identity, zero, triangular).
  • Operations on matrices (addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, matrix multiplication, transpose, inverse, adjoint).
  • Determinants of matrices (2×2, 3×3, and larger matrices), properties of determinants.
    Applications of matrices: Solving systems of linear equations using Cramer’s rule and matrix method.

3. Trigonometry

  • Angles and their measures (degrees, radians).
  • Trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, cosecant).
  • 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
Sentence correction: Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement

NDA General Knowledge Syllabus 2025 Part-2

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.

NDA GAT Subject Wise Weightage 2025

Section/Subject Percentage of Marks
Section A: Physics 25%
Section B: Chemistry 15%
Section C: General Science 10%
Section D: History/Freedom Movements 20%
Section E: Geography 20%
Section F: Current Events 10%

Syllabus

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FAQs

Who is eligible for NDA exam?

Only unmarried male and female aspirants aged between 16.5 and 19.5 are eligible to apply for NDA.

Is Maths tough in NDA?

The overall difficulty level of the NDA section is considered to be moderate.

How to apply for the NDA Exam?

Candidates who are interested in the NDA Exam can apply online by visiting the official website- upsconline.nic.in

What is the pattern of the NDA exam?

National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is divided into two parts, written examination of 900 marks and the interview of 900 marks.

Are questions repeated in NDA?

Yes, some NDA English Questions are repeated in the exam. Only questions are changed but concepts remain the same.

When will the NDA exam 1 2025 be conducted?

The NDA 1 exam 2025 will be conducted on 13th April, 2025.

What are the subjects required for NDA?

Candidates need to have a background in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics to be eligible for the NDA exam.

Can I join NDA without Maths?

You can join the Indian Army even if you did not study Mathematics in Class 12. However, there are limitations. If you didn't study Mathematics in Class 12, you can only apply for the Army wing of the NDA. You won't be eligible to apply for the Navy or Air Force wings of the NDA without Mathematics.

How many paper are there in NDA ?

There are two paper in NDA exam, the paper 1 is of Mathematics and Paper 2 is of General Ability Test.

What is the syllabus of NDA?

National Defence Academy (NDA) examination comprises two main sections i.e. Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Both sections cover topics like Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions, Assesses grammar, vocabulary, Physics, Chemistry, General Science etc.

How many subjects are there in NDA?

Total 2 sections are there, 1st is Maths and 2nd is GAT, from which General Ability test holds 600 marks and Maths contain 300 marks in the written test NDA exam.

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