NDA Syllabus 2024: Exam Pattern, Subject wise PDF Download
Last Updated :
29 Jan, 2024
NDA Syllabus 2024: The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the training institution for the Indian Armed Forces. Annually, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam, a nationally recognized examination held biannually.
Aspiring individuals, particularly males, compete for many positions as Officers in the Defence Forces through this prestigious examination. Selection into the NDA is based on successful performance in a written test, followed by a Personality Test, a process open to both eligible male and female candidates.
In this article, we have covered the complete NDA Syllabus 2024 along with NDA Exam Pattern 2024 in Detail.
let’s dive right in.
NDA Syllabus 2024 Overview
The following is the brief overview of NDA syllabus 2024:
|
Conducting Organisation
|
Union Public Service Commission or UPSC
|
|
Frequency of the Exam
|
Twice a Year (April & September of 2024)
|
|
Selection Procedure
|
Written Test having Objective Type Questions, Intelligence and a Personality Test (SSB)
|
|
Mode of Examination
|
Offline mode
|
|
Papers in NDA Exam
|
Mathematics and General Ability Test
|
|
Marks Segregation
|
Mathematics: 300 Marks total, GAT: 600 Marks total
|
|
Total No. of Questions
|
Mathematics: 120 questions, GAT: 150 questions
|
|
Negative Marking on answers
|
Mathematics: -0.83, GAT: -1.33 marks
|
|
Total Exam Duration
|
2.5 Hours For Each Paper (total of 5 hours)
|
|
Language of Question Papers
|
English and Hindi (English Language paper is to be attempted in English only)
|
NDA Syllabus for Paper 1
The NDA syllabus for Paper 1 is centred around Mathematics, and it includes various topics and other sub-topics. This section consists of a total of 120 questions, taken from Class 10, 11, and 12 standards. Candidates are given 2.5 marks for every correct response, and an incorrect answer results in the deduction of 0.83 marks which is due to negative marking.
Here is a description of the NDA Syllabus for Paper 1:
| Total Number of Questions |
120 |
| Marks for Correct Answer |
2.5 |
| Marks Deducted for Incorrect Answer |
-0.83 |
| Duration of Mathematics Paper |
2 Hours 30 Minutes |
NDA Syllabus for Paper 2
The NDA syllabus for Paper 2 in 2024 includes the General Ability Test (GAT), which has various subjects and sub-topics. The GAT includes questions from General Knowledge, English, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, General Science, as well as also from the Current Events. In total, there are 150 questions in this paper, and 50 questions of these are dedicated to English and the remaining 100 questions are about General Knowledge. The maximum marks allotted for this section are 600.
Here is a description of the NDA Syllabus 2024 for Paper 2:
| Total Marks for GAT Paper |
600 marks |
| Number of Questions |
150 |
| Total Questions in English |
50 |
| Total Questions in GK |
100 |
| Total Marks for English |
200 |
| Total Marks for GK |
400 |
| Marks for Correct Answer |
4 marks in each section |
| Marks for Incorrect Answer |
-1.33 marks in each section |
| Total Duration of GAT Paper |
2 Hours 30 Minutes |
NDA Syllabus 2024 – Subjectwise
The NDA syllabus 2024 for the different subjects asked in the examination have been explained below.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2024
The NDA Mathematics Syllabus is comprehensively outlined below:
|
Algebra
|
The topics covered include Cube roots, Real no.s, Modulus, Conversion of a no. in Binary system into Decimals, and the vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric, as well as Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations and Linear inequations, Permutations, and Combination, and Logarithms. Sets, Venn diagram, the De Morgan laws, relation, equivalence relation. Complex numbers are also discussed in the context of these mathematical concepts.
|
|
Calculus
|
The concept of a real-valued function, domain, and graph of a function. Composite functions, and inverse functions. Derivatives of sum, and quotient of functions, a derivative of a function concerning another function, the derivatives of composite function. Second-order derivatives also. The notion of limit, Standard limits, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at point, geometrical as well as physical interpretation of a derivative-application.
|
|
Matrices and Determinants
|
Basic properties of determinants, types of matrices, operations on matrices. Adjoint as well as inverse of a square matrix. Applications include solution of system of linear equations in 2 or 3 unknowns using Cramer’s rule as well as the Matrix Method.
|
|
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
|
Integration as the inverse of differentiation, standard integrals including algebraic expressions, trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions. Application – problems of growth and decay. Definition of order and degree of a differential equation. General and particular solutions for differential equations, including solutions of first-order as well as first-degree differential equation.. Evaluation of definite integrals as well as determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves are also covered in this context.
|
|
Trigonometry
|
Angles and their measures in degrees as well as radians. Trigonometric ratios, sum and difference formulae, multiple as well as sub-multiple angles, and also inverse trigonometric functions. Applications include problems related to height and distance, as well as properties of triangles.
|
|
Vector Algebra
|
Vector product or scalar product or dot product of two vectors, scalar multiplication of vector, addition of vectors and unit and null vectors, magnitude. Vectors in two and three dimensions. Applications encompass work done by a force, and problem-solving in geometry.
|
|
Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimensions
|
Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system, The angle between two lines, , Standard forms of parabola, Eccentricity and axis of a conic, distance between 2 points, Equation of a plane and a line in various forms, Equation of a sphere and Angle between 2 lines.
|
|
Statistics and Probability
|
Probability: Random experiment, impossible and certain events. Complementary, and composite events. Union and Intersection of events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical with the examples. Elementary theorems on probability with simple problems. Bayes’ theorem with simple problems. Random variable as a function. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments arising to Binomial distribution.
|
Topic-wise Question Distribution in Maths
The following table gives topic wise question distribution in the maths paper:
|
Calculus
|
20-25
|
|
Quadratic Equation
|
20-15
|
|
Matrices & Determinants
|
30
|
|
Probability
|
10
|
|
Trigonometry
|
30
|
|
Complex Number
|
10-15
|
NDA General Ability Test Syllabus 2024
The General Ability Test includes two sections: English and General Knowledge. The English paper is allocated 200 marks, while the General Knowledge section carries a weightage of 400 marks.
NDA English Syllabus 2024
The English question paper is designed to evaluate the candidate’s proficiency in the English language. The syllabus encompasses various aspects, as outlined below:
|
Spotting Errors
|
5
|
20
|
|
Comprehension
|
6
|
24
|
|
Selecting Words
|
10
|
40
|
|
Ordering of Words in a Sentence
|
9
|
36
|
|
Sentence Improvement
|
10
|
40
|
|
Antonyms
|
5
|
20
|
|
Synonyms
|
5
|
20
|
|
Total
|
50
|
200
|
NDA General Knowledge Syllabus 2024
Given below is the topic-wise distribution of questions and marks:
|
Physics
|
23
|
92
|
|
Chemistry
|
16
|
64
|
|
General Science
|
11
|
44
|
|
History & Freedom Movement
|
16
|
64
|
|
Geography
|
17
|
68
|
|
Current Affairs
|
17
|
68
|
|
Total
|
100
|
400
|
NDA Physics Syllabus 2024
The NDA syllabus for physics includes the following topics:
|
Motion of objects
|
|
Velocity and Acceleration
|
|
Newton’s Laws of Motion
|
|
Force and Momentum
|
|
Gravitation
|
|
Pressure Barometer
|
|
Properties of a Magnet
|
|
Earth as a Magnet
|
|
Conductors and Non-conductors
|
|
Parallelogram of Forces
|
|
Stability and Equilibrium of bodies
|
|
Simple Electrical Circuits
|
|
Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic effects of Current
|
|
Power and Energy
|
|
Measurement of Electrical Power
|
|
Static and Current Electricity
|
|
Ohm’s Law
|
|
Effects of Heat
|
|
Measurement of Temperature and Heat
|
|
Natural and Artificial Magnets
|
|
Simple Electrical Circuits
|
|
Primary and Secondary Cells
|
|
Use of X-Rays
|
|
General Principles
|
|
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 Syllabus 2024– Chemistry
The NDA syllabus for chemistry includes the following topics:
|
Elements
|
|
Physical and Chemical Changes
|
|
Carbon—different forms
|
|
Acids, bases and salts
|
|
Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Carbon Dioxide
|
|
Oxidation and Reduction
|
|
Mixtures and Compounds
|
|
Symbols, Formulae, and simple Chemical Equation
|
|
Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
|
|
Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
|
|
Valency
|
|
Properties of Air and Water
|
|
Fertilisers—Natural and Artificial
|
|
Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gunpowder
|
NDA General Science Syllabus
The NDA syllabus for general science includes the following topics:
|
Topic
|
|
Common Epidemics
|
|
Causes and prevention
|
|
Basis of Life
|
|
Cells, Protoplasms, as well as Tissues
|
|
Constituents of food
|
|
Growth, Reproduction in Plants and Animals
|
|
Balanced Diet
|
|
Elementary knowledge about Human Body and all important organs
|
|
Solar System
|
|
Meteors and Comets
|
|
Eclipses
|
|
Achievements of Eminent Scientists
|
|
Difference between the living and non-living
|
|
Food—Source of Energy for man
|
|
Elementary knowledge of 5 Year Plans in India
|
|
UN, Panchsheel, Panchayati Raj, Democracy, Communism, Socialism
|
|
Role of India in present world
|
|
Co-operatives and Community Development
|
|
Concept of Bhoodan, Sarvodaya
|
|
National Integration as well as Welfare State
|
|
Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi
|
NDA history Syllabus
The NDA syllabus for history includes the following topics:
|
Forces that are shaping the modern world
|
|
Renaissance movement
|
|
The Freedom Movement in India
|
|
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation
|
|
Exploration and Discovery
|
|
French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, as well as Russian Revolution
|
|
American Independence war
|
|
Impact of Science and Technology on Society
|
|
Elementary study of Indian Constitution, Administration
|
|
United Nations (UN)
|
|
Elementary knowledge of 5 Year Plans of India
|
|
Concept of one World
|
|
Panchsheel concept
|
|
Panchayati Raj, Socialism and Communism, Democracy
|
|
Role of India in current world
|
|
Co-operatives as well as Community Development
|
|
Concept of Bhoodan, Sarvodaya
|
|
Welfare State and National Integration
|
|
Basic Teachings of Gandhi ji
|
NDA Geography Syllabus
The NDA syllabus for geography includes the following topics:
|
The Earth, its shape and size
|
|
Ocean Currents and Tides, Atmosphere and its composition
|
|
Major Natural Regions of the World
|
|
Weathering, be it Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes
|
|
Types of Climates
|
|
Regional Geography of the country
|
|
Climate, Natural vegetation as well as Mineral and Power resources
|
|
Origin of Earth, the Rocks and their classification
|
|
Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India
|
|
Main items of Imports and Exports of India
|
NDA Current Affairs Syllabus
The NDA syllabus for current affairs includes the following topics:
|
Topic
|
|
Knowledge of the Important events which have happened in India recently
|
|
Prominent personalities at both the Indian and International levels
|
|
Cultural activities as well as sports activities
|
|
Current and important world events happening
|
NDA Exam Pattern 2024
NDA Mathematics Exam Pattern
| Paper I- Mathematics |
| Total Marks |
300 Marks |
| Total No. of Questions |
120 |
| Marks awarded for Correct answer |
2.5 marks |
| Marks deducted for the wrong answer |
-0.83 |
| Exam Duration |
2.5 Hours |
General Ability Test Exam Pattern
| Paper-II- General Ability Test |
| Total Marks |
600 marks |
| Total No. of Questions |
150 |
| No. of questions in English Section |
50 |
| No. Of questions in General knowledge Section |
100 |
| Maximum Marks for English |
200 marks |
| Maximum Marks for G.K. |
400 marks |
| Marks for Correct Answer |
4 marks in both sections |
| Marks for Incorrect Answer |
-1.33 marks in both sections |
| Exam Duration |
2.5 Hours |
NDA Exam Pattern for SSB Interview
After clearing the written exam of NDA, candidates have to appear for the SSB Interview rounds. The pattern of NDA Interview is as mentioned below:
| NDA – SSB Interview Pattern |
| Stage 1 |
Screening Test |
- Verbal and non-verbal tests.
- PPDT
|
| Stage 2 |
Psychological Test |
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Word Association Test (WAT)
- Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
- Self Description Test (SD)
|
| Group Testing Officers Test |
- GD
- GPE
- PGT
- HGT
- IoT
- Command Task
- Snake race/Group Obstacle Race
- Individual lecture
- FGT
|
| Personal Interview & conference |
– |
NDA SSB Personality Test 2024
The NDA SSB personality test involves the following stages:
Stage I
Stage 1 of NDA SSB personality test involves:
|
Test
|
|
Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
|
|
Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT)
|
Stage II
Stage 2 of NDA SSB personality test involves:
|
Test
|
|
Interview (IO)
|
|
Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO)
|
|
Psychology Tests (Psych)
|
|
Conference
|
The SSB (Services Selection Board) procedure consists of two stages. Only candidates who successfully clear the written exam are permitted to appear for the SSB round. The details of the SSB exam are as follows:
Stage I:
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
- Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT)
Stage II:
- Interview (IO)
- Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO)
- Psychology Tests (Psych)
- Conference
The various tests conducted during the Interview (IO), Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO), and Psychology Tests (Psych) are specifically designed to assess the presence or absence of Officer-Like Qualities and the candidate’s trainability. Candidates are then either Recommended or Not Recommended at the SSB based on their performance in these tests.
Books for NDA Exam 2024
Aspiring candidates preparing for the NDA examination may find the following books as beneficial for their studies.
| Mathematics |
“Mathematics for NDA and NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy” by RS Aggarwal |
|
“Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by RS Aggarwal |
| GAT |
“History of Modern India” by Bipan Chandra |
|
“Science and Technology in India” by Kalpana Rajaram: Spectrum |
|
“Objective General English for Competitive Exams” by S P Bakshi |
|
“Manorama Yearbook” by Mammen Mathew |
How to Prepare for NDA 2024 Exam?
Preparing for the NDA 2024 Exam requires a strategic approach, and the guidelines given below are very important in achieving success in this paper:
- Gain a clear understanding of the exam format and syllabus to make your studies aligned with it and cover all the essential topics.
- Develop a good structured study plan, providing with dedicated times for studying, specific subjects to focus on, and a systematic method for reviewing the progress you are making.
- Make sure you have a solid grasp of the fundamentals of all the disciplines that will be included in the exam before beginning your preparation.
- Improve your preparation by working on PYQ and sample papers to get a feel for the kinds of questions that will probably be on the real test.
- In order to promptly address any obstacles or problems with particular topics or concepts, seek clarification from other specialists.
NDA Salary Structure
Those covered by the NDA receive varying salaries according on their ranks. Starting at Level 10, the monthly compensation for the training term is Rs. 56,100. The table below provides the officers’ detailed salary:
| Lieutenant to Maj |
|
Captain: Level 10 B (61,300-1,93,900) |
|
Major: Level 11 (69,400-2,07,200) |
| Lieutenant Col to Maj Gen |
Lieutenant Col: Level 12A (1,21,200-2,12,400) |
|
Col: Level 13 (1,30,600-2,15,900) |
|
Brig: Level 13A (1,39,600-2,17,600) |
|
Maj General: Level 14 (1,44,200-2,18,200) |
| Lieutenant General to HAG Scale |
Level 15 (1,82,200-2,24,100) |
| HAG+Scale |
Level 16 (2,05,400-2,24,400) |
| VCOAS/ArmyCdr/Lt Gen |
Level 17 (2,25,000) (fixed) |
| COAS |
Level 18 (2,50,000) (fixed) |
Conclusion on NDA Syllabus 2024
In Conclusion, the NDA Syllabus for 2024 shows a thorough and well-thought-out approach to preparing the next generation of defense industry professionals. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from fundamental military training to more general subjects that are essential to cadets’ overall growth.
FAQs on NDA Syllabus 2024
How many stages are there in the NDA exam?
The NDA exam consists of two stages.
How many written papers in the first stage of the NDA exam?
The first stage of the NDA exam includes two written papers, namely Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
How many sections are there in the General Ability Test (GAT)?
The General Ability Test (GAT) consists of two sections.
What is the marks distribution in the NDA exam?
The marks distribution in the NDA exam is as follows:
- Mathematics: 300 Marks
- General Ability Test (GAT): 600 Marks
Will UPSC conduct the NDA exam offline or online?
The UPSC will conduct the NDA exam in offline mode only.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Please Login to comment...