NDA Entrance Exam 2024: The NDA Syllabus 2024 consists of two sections. The first section is the course outline for paper 1, and the second section is the course outline for paper 2. Students preparing for this examination should have a thorough understanding of the curriculum and its topics.
Successful exam preparation begins with a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum. The first section of the NDA exam is devoted to mathematics. In contrast, the second section of this examination is founded on the General Ability Test. This post contains the comprehensive NDA curriculum for the session 2024-25.
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Overview of the NDA Entrance Exam 2024:
| Name of the Exam | UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) |
| Number of papers | 2 |
| Name of the paper | Mathematics and General Ability Test |
| Authority Releasing the Syllabus | Union Public Service Commission, UPSC |
| Frequency of exam | Twice a year (April and September) |
| Language of Questions | English and Hindi |
NDA Entrance Exam 2024 Pattern:
The examination of UPSC NDA will take place in two papers. The syllabuses and patterns of these two papers are different from one another. Here are the details.
NDA Mathematics Exam Pattern
| Paper – 1 | |
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Type of Questions | MCQs |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Number of questions | 120 |
| Maximum marks | 300 |
| Marks for every correct answer | 2.5 |
| Negative marking for every incorrect answer | -0.83 |
| Duration of exam | 2.5 hours |
NDA General Ability Test (GAT) Exam Format
| Paper – 2 | |
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Type of Questions | MCQs |
| Subject | English and General Knowledge |
| Number of questions | 150 (50 for English and 100 for General Knowledge) |
| Maximum marks | 600 |
| Marks for every correct answer | 4 |
| Negative marking for every incorrect answer | -1.33 |
| Duration of exam | 2.5 hours |
NDA Exam Syllabus for Paper 1 – Mathematics (Code No. 01) – 300 Marks
Listed below is the course outline for Paper 1. Consider downloading the UPSC NDA Syllabus 2023 PDF for future reference.
| Units | Topics |
| Algebra | Concept of set, 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 a decimal system to a binary system and vice-versa, Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions, Quadratic equations with real coefficients, Solution of linear inequalities of two variables by graphs, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem and its applications, Logarithms and their applications |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices, 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 Matrix Method, |
| Trigonometry | Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians, Trigonometric 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, 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, Point in a three dimensional space, distance between two points, Direction Cosines and direction ratios, Equation two points, Direction Cosines and direction ratios, Equation of a plane and a line in various forms, Angle between two lines and 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 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 solution of a differential equation, solution of first order and first degree differential equations of various types . 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 | 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 Binomial distribution. |
600 Marks – NDA Syllabus for Paper – 2 – General Ability Test (Code No. 02)
The NDA Paper 2 syllabus is further divided into the two sections listed below.
| Units | Topics |
| Algebra | Concept of set, 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 a decimal system to a binary system and vice-versa, Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions, Quadratic equations with real coefficients, Solution of linear inequalities of two variables by graphs, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem and its applications, Logarithms and their applications |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices, 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 Matrix Method, |
| Trigonometry | Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians, Trigonometric 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, 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, Point in a three dimensional space, distance between two points, Direction Cosines and direction ratios, Equation two points, Direction Cosines and direction ratios, Equation of a plane and a line in various forms, Angle between two lines and 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 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 solution of a differential equation, solution of first order and first degree differential equations of various types . 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 | 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 Binomial distribution. |
600 Marks – NDA Syllabus for Paper – 2 – General Ability Test (Code No. 02)
The NDA Paper 2 syllabus is further divided into the two sections listed below.
| Part – A | English | 200 Marks |
| Part – B | General Knowledge | 400 Marks |
Section A – English
NDA Entrance Exam 2024: The English examination questions will assess the candidate’s language comprehension and professional vocabulary. To assess the candidate’s English proficiency, the curriculum covers a variety of topics, including Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension, and cohesion in extended text.
Part B – General Education
The General Knowledge examination will contain questions from the following sections:
| Sections | Number of questions in the Paper 2 (Part B) |
| Section A – Physics | 25 |
| Section B – Chemistry | 15 |
| Section C – General Science | 10 |
| Section D – History, Freedom Movement, etc. | 20 |
| Section E – Geography | 20 |
| Section F – Current Events | 10 |
Let’s discuss each section’s topics in depth.
Section A – Physics
Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Archimedes’ Principle, and Pressure Barometer
Stability and equilibrium of bodies, Motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Gravitation, fundamental labor concepts, Power, and Energy. Effects of Heat, Temperature and Heat Measurement, Change of State and Latent Heat, Heat Transfer Methods. Sound waves and their characteristics Uncomplicated musical instruments. Light’s rectilinear transmission, reflection, and refraction. Human eye with spherical mirrors and lenses.
Natural and Artificial Magnets, Magnet Properties, and the Earth’s Magnetism.
NDA Entrance Exam 2024: Static and Current Electricity, Conductors and Nonconductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic Effects of Current, Electrical Power Measurement, Primary and Secondary Cells, and the Use of X-Rays. 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.
Part B – Chemistry
Physical and Chemical modifications. Elements, Mixtures, and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae, and Simple Chemical Equations, and the Law of Chemical Combination (excludes problems). The characteristics of air and water.
Oxidation and Reduction, Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Carbon Dioxide. The chemical elements acids, bases, and salts. Carbon-various forms. Fertilizers, both natural and synthetic. Material utilized in the manufacture of soap, glass, ink, paper, cement, paints, safety matches, and gunpowder. Valency and elementary concepts regarding the structure of the atom, atomic equivalents, and molecular weights.
Section C – Science General
The distinction between living and nonliving things. Basis for Life: Cells, protoplasms, and tissues. The development and reproduction of plants and animals. An elementary understanding of the Human Body and its vital organs. The causes and prevention of epidemic diseases.
Humans derive their energy from food. Components of sustenance, Dietary Balance. Meteors and comets, eclipses, and the Solar System. The Accomplishments of Prominent Scientists.
Section D – History, the Civil Rights Movement, etc.
A survey of Indian history with a focus on Indian culture and civilization. The Independence Movement in India. Introduction to the Indian Constitution and Administration. An elementary understanding of India’s Five Year Plans. Community Development, Panchayati Raj, and Co-Operatives. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, and Mahatma Gandhi’s Fundamental Teachings.
The forces that shaped the modern world; the Renaissance, exploration, and discovery; the American Revolution. The French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the Russian Revolution were all revolutions. Science and technology’s influence on society. One-World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism, and Communism concepts. India’s role in the modern globe.
Chapter E – Geography
NDA Entrance Exam 2024: The Earth’s dimensions and shape. Latitudes and Longitudes, Time Concept. Crossing the International Date Line. Movements of the Earth and their effects; the origin of the planet.
Geology and classification of rocks: Mechanical and chemical weathering, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Currents and Tides of the Sea Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anticyclones, Humidity, Condensation and Precipitation, Climate Types, and the World’s Major Natural Regions. Climate and natural vegetation comprise the regional geography of India. Mineral and energy resources, distribution of agricultural and industrial activities. India’s principal seaports and sea, land, and air routes. Principal Indian imports and exports.
Chapter F – Current Events
Recent knowledge of significant events that have occurred in India. Recent significant global events. Notable personalities, both Indian and international, involved in cultural and sporting activities.
FAQs
Is the UPSC NDA an offline or online examination?
It is a paper-based exam.
How many hours per week must an NDA candidate study?
It depends on the aspirant’s intellect. Generally, three hours of daily study is sufficient.
Is self-study sufficient to pass NDA?
Yes, many individuals have passed the NDA entrance exam through self-study alone.
How many opportunities does NDA provide?
There is no limit to the amount of attempts allowed. However, candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old.
