The National Defense Academy (NDA) exam is a two-part exam that consists of a Mathematics paper and a General Ability Test (GAT) paper. To elaborate further, the Mathematics paper assesses candidates on various topics, including Algebra, Trigonometry, and Differential Calculus. In addition to this, the GAT paper evaluates candidates on two parts – English and General Knowledge. Specifically, the English section of the paper measures grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills, while the General Knowledge section covers diverse subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Social Studies. Furthermore, it is crucial to note that the NDA may update the syllabus periodically. As a result, candidates should check the official NDA website for the latest information on the syllabus.
NDA Syllabus 2023
| Paper | Section | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | – | – |
| Algebra | Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation, and functions. | |
| Matrices and Determinants: Types of matrices, operations on matrices, determinants, and properties of determinants. | ||
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric identities, heights and distances, and inverse trigonometric functions. | |
| Analytical Geometry of two and three dimensions | Cartesian coordinate system, straight lines, circle, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola, and their standard forms, and distance formulae. | |
| Differential Calculus | Limits and continuity, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and applications of derivatives. | |
| Integral Calculus and Differential Equations | Integration by substitution, integration by parts, integration by partial fractions, definite integrals, and differential equations of the first order and their solutions. | |
| Vector Algebra | Scalar and vector products, scalar and vector triple product, and application of vectors in plane geometry. | |
| Statistics and Probability | Statistics, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, skewness and kurtosis, and probability theory, addition and multiplication rules, conditional probability, and Bayes’ Theorem. | |
| General Ability Test | Part A – English | Grammar and usage, vocabulary, and comprehension in extended text. |
| Part B – General Knowledge | Physics: Mechanics, heat, light, sound, and modern physics. Chemistry: Physical and chemical changes, chemical reactions and equations, properties of gases, atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular structure, and chemical thermodynamics. General Science: Scientific laws, principles, and applications in everyday life, and contemporary developments in science and technology. Social Studies: Geography (Physical, Social and Economic), and Civics. Current Events: Current affairs related to national and international events. |
NDA Exam Patterns
The National Defense Academy (NDA) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in two stages:
- Written Exam: The written exam consists of two papers, namely Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The Mathematics paper is of 300 marks, while the GAT paper is of 600 marks. The total duration of the written exam is 5 hours (2.5 hours for each paper).
- SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify for the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. The SSB interview comprises two stages – Stage I and Stage II. Stage I includes Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT). Stage II includes Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.
The final selection of the candidates is based on their performance in the written exam and the SSB interview.
Here are some important points to note about the NDA exam pattern:
- The written exam is objective in nature and is conducted in offline mode.
- Both Mathematics and GAT papers are of 2.5 hours each and are conducted on the same day.
- The GAT paper tests the candidates’ knowledge of English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.
- There is negative marking in the written exam, where 1/3rd of the marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
- The SSB interview is conducted for 5 days and comprises various psychological and physical tests to assess the candidates’ suitability for a career in the Armed Forces.
- The final selection of the candidates is based on their overall performance in the written exam and the SSB interview.
It is important to note that the NDA exam pattern may be subject to change, so candidates should check the official NDA website or contact the NDA admission office for the most updated information on the exam pattern.
Important Topic And Weightage
| Paper | Section | Topics | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Algebra | Equations, Matrices and Determinants | 10-15 marks |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric Functions, Identities, Heights and Distances | 10-15 marks | |
| Analytical Geometry | 2D and 3D Geometry, Lines and Conic Sections | 20-25 marks | |
| Differential Calculus | Functions, Limits, Continuity, Differentiability and Applications | 10-15 marks | |
| Integral Calculus | Integrals, Definite and Indefinite Integrals, Applications | 10-15 marks | |
| Vector Algebra | Vectors, Scalar and Vector Products and Applications | 5-10 marks | |
| Probability and Statistics | Probability, Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, Correlation and Regression, Random Variables, Distributions | 20-25 marks | |
| General Ability Test | English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension | 200 marks |
| General Knowledge | Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Current Events | 400 marks |
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The selection process for NDA comprises a written examination, followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
A: There is no limit on the number of attempts for the NDA exam. However, candidates can apply for the exam only if they meet the eligibility criteria.
A: After completing training at NDA, the candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. They can choose their respective branches and serve the country as officers.
A: The training period at NDA is three years, which is divided into six terms of six months each.
