NDA Syllabus 2024: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) National Defence Academy (NDA) includes the topics from GAT and Mathematics. Some of the important topics are Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Differential Calculus, Trigonometry, Algebra Matrices, analytical Geometry, Statistics, Probability, etc. All interested and eligible aspirants should adhere to the latest syllabus and reshape their preparation techniques accordingly.
Along with the UPSC NDA exam syllabus, candidates should analyse the NDA exam pattern to get insights into the exam structure, the number of questions, maximum marks, and the marking scheme prescribed by the commission. So, candidates should keep the latest UPSC NDA syllabus handy before starting the preparation.
In this blog, we have compiled NDA syllabus 2024 PDF, including the UPSC NDA exam pattern, preparation strategy, and best books.
Also Check - NDA Previous Year Question Paper
NDA Syllabus 2024
Before starting the preparation for the NDA 2 examination, the candidate should familiarise themselves with the latest syllabus, which will help them understand the important topics and subtopics, which further helps in preparing their unique strategy. The written exam syllabus for NDA exam is divided into two subjects, i.e. Mathematics and General Ability Test which includes topics such as Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Differential Calculus, Trigonometry, Algebra Matrices, analytical Geometry, Statistics, Probability, etc.
Attempt UPSC NDA Mock Test based on latest syllabus and exam pattern
NDA Syllabus 2024 Overview
Here is the major overview of the UPSC NDA syllabus and exam pattern 2024 provided below for the candidates aspiring for the upcoming exam.
| Event | Details |
| Name of the Exam | National Defence Academy Exam |
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission, |
| Frequency of NDA Exam | Two times a year (NDA 1 & NDA 2) |
| Selection Process | Written Test Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB) |
| Mode of exam | Offline (Pen and Paper mode) |
| Total Papers in NDA Exam | Mathematics General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Total Marks for NDA Exam | Mathematics: 300 Marks GAT: 600 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 |
NDA Syllabus 2024 PDF
Aspirants must download the UPSC NDA syllabus 2024 PDF from the link shared below to know the topics that can be asked in this upcoming defence exam. Get the direct link to download the UPSC NDA 1 syllabus below:
| UPSC NDA Syllabus 2024 PDF |
UPSC NDA Syllabus 2024: Important Topics
The UPSC NDA syllabus includes subjects such as mathematics and general aptitude tests. The topics that are included in mathematics are of class 12 level, such as Matrices and Determinants, Algebra, Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions, Trigonometry, Differential Calculus, etc. whereas the important topics in GAT are English, Physics (class 12th level), chemistry, History, Freedom Movement, Geography, general science, etc.
NDA Syllabus 2024 for Mathematics
The UPSC NDA Paper I syllabus for mathematics is subdivided into various topics, i.e. algebra, differential calculus, trigonometry, matrices, vector algebra, etc. Check out the list of important topics included in the NDA syllabus 2024 for the mathematics section shared below.
| Subject | UPSC NDA Syllabus 2024 |
| Algebra | Concept of sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity. Binary system of numbers conversion of a number in the decimal system to the binary system and vice-versa. Arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations with real coefficients. Solution of linear equations of two variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its applications. Logarithms and their applications. |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices and operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by the Matrix Method. |
| Trigonometry | Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometrical ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles. |
| Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions | Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate System. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. The angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. A point in a three-dimensional space, distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equations of a plane and a line in various forms. The angle between two lines and the angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere. |
| Differential Calculus | Concept of a real valued function–domain, range, and graph of a function. Composite functions, one to one, onto, and inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits—examples. Continuity of functions—examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative—applications. Derivatives of sum, product, and quotient of functions; derivative of a function with respect to another function; derivative of a composite function. Second order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima. |
| Integral Calculus and Differential Equations | Integration as the inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves—applications. Definition of order and degree of a differential equation; formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solutions of differential equations, solutions of first order and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay. |
| Vector Algebra | Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems. |
| Statistics and Probability | Statistics: Classification of data, Frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution—examples. Graphical representation—Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon— examples. Measures of Central tendency—Mean, median and mode. Variance and standard deviation—determination and comparison. Correlation and regression. Probability: random experiment, outcomes and associated 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—examples. Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binominal distribution |
NDA Syllabus 2024 for General Aptitude Test
The UPSC NDA Paper II syllabus for the general ability test comprises two parts, i.e. English and general knowledge. The NDA GK question paper is subdivided into various subjects, i.e. Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events. Check the list of important topics included in the NDA syllabus 2024 for the Paper II section shared below.
| Subject | UPSC NDA Paper II Syllabus 2024 |
| English | Spotting Errors Ordering of Words in a Sentence Selecting Words Comprehension Synonyms Sentence Improvement Antonyms |
| Physics | 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, and Earth as a magnet. Static and Current Electricity, conductors and Nonconductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, and Use of X-Rays. General Principles in the Work of the Following: Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Syphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass, Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses. |
| Chemistry | 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 and Carbondioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon—different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial. Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and Gun-Powder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency. |
| General Science | Difference between the living and non-living. Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms, 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. |
| History, Freedom Movement, etc | 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 |
| Geography | 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 |
| Current Events | Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years. Current important world event. Prominent personalities—both Indian and international—including those connected with cultural activities and sports. |
UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2024
Candidates must be familiar with the UPSC NDA exam pattern 2024 to understand the exam structure, number of subjects and marking scheme prescribed by the commission. The written exam comprises objective-type questions for 200 marks. A negative marking of 1/3rd marks is applicable for each incorrect answer. The NDA exam pattern 2024 for the written exam is shared below.
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| Mathematics | 2½ Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test | 2½ Hours | 600 |
| Total | 900 | |
| SSB Test/Interview | 900 | |
UPSC NDA Interview 2024
The SSB procedure consists of two stage Selection process - stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. Check the table below stage I and stage II selection processes
| UPSC NDA Syllabus 2024 for SSB | |
| Subject | Important Topics |
| Stage I | Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests, Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT) |
| Stage II | Interview Group Testing Officer Tasks Psychological Tests and Conference. |
How to Cover UPSC NDA Syllabus 2024?
UPSC NDA 2024 exam is one of the popular defence exams in the country. Lakh aspirants apply for this exam against limited vacancies, but only a few are declared successful in this exam. Hence, candidates should check the latest UPSC NDA syllabus to cover all the aspects of the exam. Here is the preparation strategy to ace the UPSC NDA 2024 exam in one attempt.
- Analyse the UPSC NDA syllabus 2024 to identify the exam-relevant topics and requirements prescribed by the officials.
- Pick expert-recommended books and online resources to learn the fundamentals of all the topics that can be asked in the exam.
- Attempt mock tests and UPSC NDA previous year's question papers to analyse their performance.
- Revise all the topics, formulas, and short-cut techniques regularly to remember concepts for a definite period.
Best Books for UPSC NDA Syllabus 2024
Candidates should check the latest edition of the books that cover all the topics prescribed in the UPSC NDA syllabus 2024. Some of the best UPSC NDA books for top-notch preparation are shared below:
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- General Knowledge 2023 by Manohar Pandey
- Physics NCERT Book for Class 11th
- Chemistry NCERT Book for Class 12th
- Mathematics for NDA/NA by R.S. Aggarwal
Also Read,
| UPSC NDA 2 Apply Online 2024 |
| UPSC NDA 2 Eligibility Criteria 2024 |