The NDA (National Defence Academy) written exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and serves as the primary selection method for candidates aiming to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA. The syllabus for the NDA written exam is divided into two main sections: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Below is a detailed breakdown of each section's syllabus:
1. Mathematics Section:
The Mathematics paper is of 300 marks and consists of topics primarily related to school-level mathematics (up to class 12).
Topics in Mathematics:
Algebra
- Concept of sets, Venn diagrams, Union, Intersection, and difference of sets.
- Laws of indices, Surds and Indices, Quadratic equations, and their solutions.
- Arithmetic and geometric progressions.
- Binomial theorem, Matrices, and Determinants.
Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
- Cartesian coordinates, Distance formula, Equation of a straight line, and pair of straight lines.
- Conic sections, i.e., Parabola, Ellipse, and Hyperbola.
- Planes, lines, and the distance between two points in three-dimensional geometry.
Differential Calculus
- Limits and continuity.
- Differentiation and its applications (tangents and normals, maxima and minima).
- Successive differentiation, Euler’s Theorem, and expansion of functions.
Integral Calculus
- Indefinite and definite integrals.
- Properties of definite integrals and applications (areas under curves, differential equations).
Vector Algebra
- Vector addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
- Scalar and vector products, vector equations of lines and planes.
Probability
- Basic probability theory, conditional probability.
- Binomial distribution and its applications.
Trigonometry
- Trigonometric identities, sine, cosine, and tangent.
- Height and distance, inverse trigonometric functions.
Matrices and Determinants
- Properties, inverse of a matrix, system of linear equations.
Statistics and Probability
- Mean, Median, Mode, and standard deviation.
- Probability theory, permutations, and combinations.
2. General Ability Test (GAT):
The General Ability Test (GAT) is divided into two parts, English and General Knowledge, with a total of 600 marks (English – 200 marks, General Knowledge – 400 marks).
Part A: English (200 Marks)
The English section assesses the candidate's ability in:
Comprehension
- Reading comprehension of a passage followed by questions to test the candidate’s understanding.
Vocabulary
- Antonyms and synonyms.
- Correct usage of words.
Grammar and Usage
- Sentence correction, word usage.
- Sentence formation, tenses, and prepositions.
Spotting Errors
- Identifying and correcting grammatical mistakes.
Cloze Test
- Filling in the blanks with appropriate words.
Para Jumbles
- Reordering jumbled sentences to make coherent paragraphs.
Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
The General Knowledge section is divided into several sub-sections. Here is the detailed breakdown of the topics:
Physics
- Units and measurements, mechanics, laws of motion, work, energy, and power.
- Properties of matter, gravitation, thermodynamics, and optics.
- Waves, sound, electricity, and magnetism.
Chemistry
- Physical chemistry (atomic structure, states of matter, acids, and bases).
- Organic chemistry (hydrocarbons, biomolecules, and polymers).
- Inorganic chemistry (periodic table, acids, and salts).
General Science
- General properties of living organisms, diseases and their prevention, and biology basics.
- Environmental science and ecology.
History
- Ancient and Medieval Indian history.
- Modern Indian history from the 18th century to the present.
- Freedom movement, the constitution, and important political events.
Geography
- Physical geography (landforms, weather, climate, and natural vegetation).
- Indian geography (resources, rivers, states, and capitals).
- Map reading and understanding geographical features.
Current Events
- National and international events, sports, and cultural affairs.
- Awareness of current affairs, particularly related to defense, politics, economy, and science.
Polity
- Indian political system, Constitution of India, governance, and judicial system.
- Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and political parties.
Economics
- Basic economics, budgeting, national income, and Indian economy.
- International economic organizations (IMF, World Bank, WTO).
Miscellaneous
- Awards, honors, and important events.
- Books and authors, capitals of countries, major international organizations.
Marking Scheme and Exam Pattern:
Total Marks: 900
- Mathematics: 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks (English – 200 marks, General Knowledge – 400 marks)
Duration:
- Mathematics: 2.5 hours
- General Ability Test (GAT): 2.5 hours
Negative Marking:
- There is a penalty for wrong answers, with 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question being deducted for each wrong answer.
Preparation Tips for NDA Written Exam:
- Create a study plan: Given the broad syllabus, it is essential to create a structured timetable and stick to it.
- Focus on NCERT books: Especially for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Practice previous years' papers: This helps in understanding the exam pattern, the types of questions, and the difficulty level.
- Focus on current affairs: Regular reading of newspapers and magazines is crucial for the General Knowledge section.
- Revise regularly: Revision of topics is important to retain key concepts, formulas, and facts.