What is the syllabus for NDA 2025?

NDA (National Defence Academy) exam generally covers two papers - Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The GAT includes sub-sections like English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, and Current Affairs.

Is NDA maths tougher than IIT?

The difficulty of the NDA mathematics paper compared to the IIT exam is subjective and depends on individual strengths and weaknesses.

Can I join NDA without maths?

Yes , you are eligible for NDA examination without maths but only for army and not for navy and Airforce.

Can a 10th pass apply for NDA?

No, candidates need to be at least 10+2 (Class 12) pass to be eligible for the NDA exam.

What percentage is required for NDA in 12?

No, To appear in nda exam, you only need to pass 12th board exam with any % of marks.

Can 11th pass students apply for NDA?

No, candidates need to be at least 10+2 (Class 12) pass to be eligible for the NDA exam.

NDA Syllabus 2025, Download Maths and English Syllabus PDF

Table of Contents

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam twice annually to choose candidates for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. With NDA 1 and NDA 2 being held in 2025, candidates must familiarize themselves with the updated NDA Syllabus 2025, particularly for major subjects such as Mathematics and English.

Here in this article, we will share a comprehensive NDA syllabus for 2025, particularly for Mathematics and English, and a direct link to download the PDF syllabus.

NDA Syllabus 2025

UPSC NDA Syllabus 2025 is divided into two subjects Maths and GAT. NDA Maths Syllabus contains questions from Algebra, Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Matrices and Determinants, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, and Statistics Probability. It is based on the class 12 curriculum. The NDA General Ability Tests Syllabus consists of topics from Physics, English, Social Studies, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, and Current Events. It holds the maximum weightage in the UPSC NDA Syllabus 2025.

Overview
Name of the Exam	National Defence Academy, NDA
Exam Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission, UPSC
Frequency of NDA Exam	Two times a year NDA 1 NDA 2
Selection Process	Written Test consisting of Objective Type Questions Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB)
Mode of exam	Offline
Total Papers in NDA Exam	Mathematics General Ability Test (GAT)
Total Marks for NDA Exam	Total: 900 Marks 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

Asprinsts can check NDA Salary Here!

NDA Syllabus For Paper 1

NDA Paper 1 is a written exam consisting of 120 questions of Maths of 10+2 level. In this exam, candidates will get 2.5 marks for each correct answer and there is also a negative marking of 0.83 marks deducted for each incorrect answer. The NDA syllabus for Paper 1 includes Mathematics topics which are provided in detail in the section below.

NDA Syllabus for Paper 1
Total Marks	300 Marks
Total No. of Questions	120
Correct Answer	2.5 marks
Marks deducted for the wrong answer	– 0.83
Total duration of Mathematics Paper	2 Hours 30 Minutes

NDA Maths Syllabus 2025

The Mathematics section of the NDA exam holds a significant weightage, comprising Paper 1 with a maximum of 300 marks. Achieving success here demands consistent practice and dedicated efforts. Candidates need to prioritize accuracy and speed to tackle the diverse range of topics within the allocated time. Below is a concise breakdown of the NDA Maths Syllabus :

Algebra

Topics	Description
Set theory	Basic principles of sets and their operations.
Venn diagrams	Visualization of set relationships.
De Morgan laws	Rules governing set complements.
Relations and Cartesian product of equivalence	Understanding relationships and combining sets.
Real numbers on a line	Representing real numbers visually.
Modulus, argument, and cube roots of complex numbers	Properties and operations involving complex numbers.
Binary number system	Understanding and converting numbers between binary and decimal systems.
Progressions in geometry	Arithmetic and geometric progressions.
Real-coefficient quadratic equations	Solutions and properties of quadratic equations with real coefficients.
Graph-based solutions to two-variable linear equations	Solving linear equations using graphical methods.
Combination and permutation	Counting and arranging elements.
Binomial theorem and its uses	Expanding binomials and applications.
Applications for logarithms	Practical uses of logarithmic functions.

Matrices and Determinants

Topics	Description
Matrix types and operations	Basic matrix operations and types.
Characteristics of determinants	Understanding determinant properties.
Matrix determinant	Calculating determinants of matrices.
Inverse and adjoint of a square matrix	Finding inverses and adjoints.
Applications (Cramer’s rule, Matrix method)	Solving systems of linear equations using Cramer’s rule and Matrix method.

Trigonometry

Topics	Description
Angles and their measurements	Measurement units and concepts.
Trigonometric ratios	Sine, cosine, tangent, etc., and their relationships.
Sum and difference formulas	Formulas for the sum and difference of trigonometric identities.
Multiple angles and sub-multiple angles	Trigonometric operations involving multiple and sub-multiple angles.
Inverse trigonometric operations	Functions like arcsin, arccos, arctan, etc.
Applications (height and distance, triangular properties)	Practical applications in geometry.

Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions

Topics	Description
Cartesian coordinates	Basics of rectangular coordinates.
Distance calculation	Calculating distances between points.
Equations of lines	Various forms and properties.
Equations of conic sections (circle, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola)	Standard forms and characteristics.
Equations involving planes and lines	Relationships between planes and lines in 3D space.
Equations of a sphere	Characteristics of spheres.

Differential Calculus

Topics	Description
Real-valued functions	Concepts of domain, range, and function graphs.
Limits	Understanding the limit concept and standard limits.
Continuity and derivatives	Operations on continuous functions and derivatives.
Derivatives of composite, one-to-one, and inverse functions	Differentiation techniques for various functions.
Derivatives of second order	Calculating second-order derivatives.
Applications (maxima and minima)	Using derivatives in maxima and minima problems.

Integral Calculus and Differential Equations

Topics	Description
Standard integrals (algebraic, trigonometric, exponential)	Basic integration techniques.
Integration techniques (substitution, parts)	Methods like substitution and integration by parts.
Applications (area under curves, definite integrals)	Practical applications of integration.
Differential equations	Concepts of order, degree, and constructing differential equations.
Solutions to differential equations	General and specific solutions, first-order equations, and various forms.
Applications (growth and decay problems)	Real-world applications of differential equations.

Vector Algebra

Topics	Description
Vectors in two and three dimensions	Properties of vectors, magnitude, and direction.
Vector operations (addition, scalar multiplication)	Basic operations on vectors.
Dot and cross-products	Scalar and vector products of two vectors.
Applications (work done, moments, geometrical problems)	Practical applications in physics and geometry.

Statistics

Topics	Description
Data classification	Organizing data into categories.
Frequency distribution and cumulative frequency distribution	Displaying data distribution.
Graphical representation (frequency polygons, histograms, pie charts)	Visualizing data using different charts.
Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)	Statistical measures representing data center.
Variance and standard deviation	Measures of data spread.
Correlation and regression	Analyzing relationships and trends in data.

Probability

Topics	Description
Basics (random experiment, events, sample space)	Fundamentals of probability theory.
Events (mutually exclusive, exhaustive, impossible, certain)	Different types of events.
Probability rules (intersection, union, complementary)	Fundamental probability rules.
Probability theorems (conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem)	Advanced probability concepts and theorems.
Random variables	Introduction to random variables and their applications.
Binomial distribution	Probability distribution for specific experiments.

Question Disturbance for Math’s Subject in given table:-

Topic	Questions
Calculus	20-25
Quadratic equation	20-15
Matrices & Determinants	30
Probability	10
Trigonometry	30
Complex number	10-15

Candidate can solve the NDA Previous Year Question Paper Here!

NDA Syllabus For Paper 2

General Ability Test (GAT) is the next paper in the written exam, which includes the topics like General Knowledge (GK), English, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, General Science, and Current Events. The NDA syllabus for Paper 2 includes 150 questions in total including 50 questions from English and the remaining 100 questions from General Knowledge which includes other subjects and current affairs. The basic overview of the NDA syllabus for Paper 2 is as follows:

NDA Syllabus for Paper 2
Total Marks for GAT Paper	600 marks
Total No. of Questions	150 Questions
Total questions in English	50 Questions
Total Questions in GK	100 Questions
Total Marks for English	200 marks
Total Marks for GK	400 marks
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

Candidates can check NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025 Here!

NDA English Syllabus 2025

English is the Part A of Paper 2 General Ability Test (GAT) in the written exam of NDA 2025. To increase their scores in the English section, candidates should read newspapers on a daily basis. They should also highlight any difficult or new words and find their definitions to improve their vocabulary and also improve to solve the reading comprehension section questions. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the candidates’ command of the English language and their capacity for formal word usage.

Reading Comprehension & cohesion Questions.
Cloze Test Questions
Spotting the Error Questions.
Fill in the Blanks Questions.
Synonyms & Antonyms and Vocabulary Questions.
Idioms and Phrases Questions.
Sentence Arrangement or Para Jumbled Questions.
Ordering of words in a Sentence Questions.
Sentence Improvement or Sentence Correction Questions.
Grammar and their usage type Questions

Question Disturbance for English Subject in given table:-

Topic	No. of Questions	No. of Marks
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 2025

The General Knowledge section, Part B of Paper 2 (General Ability Test), is a crucial component of the NDA 2025 written exam. It encompasses diverse disciplines, including Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events. The syllabus is designed to cover a broad spectrum of topics. While the list is not exhaustive, candidates must exhibit a comprehensive understanding of the subjects. Here’s a concise overview of the NDA Syllabus for Paper 2 General Knowledge:

General Knowledge Syllabus for NDA 2025
Physics
Chemistry
General Science
Social Studies
Geography
Current Events

NDA Physics Syllabus 2025

Topics	Description
Physical characteristics	Properties of matter and its states.
Archimedes principle	Buoyant force and its application.
Newton’s Laws of Motion	Principles governing the motion of objects.
Gravitation	Law of universal gravitation and its effects.
Work, Power, and Energy	Basic concepts and their interrelations.
Heat	Effects of heat, temperature, and heat transfer.
Light and Sound	Properties of light, reflection, refraction, sound waves, and musical instruments.
Magnetism and Electricity	Earth as a magnet, electrical power, conductors, Ohm’s Law, magnetic effects of current.
Simple Machines and Tools	Principles and functions of various tools and machines.

NDA Chemistry Syllabus 2025

Topics	Description
Chemical and physical changes	Characteristics of changes in matter.
Law of Chemical Combination	Fundamental principles of chemical combinations.
Elements, Mixtures, and Compounds	Basics of substances and their compositions.
Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide	Preparation, properties, and reactions of gases.
Salts, Bases, and Acids	Properties and reactions of common chemicals.
Carbon Varieties	Different forms of carbon.
Materials Manufacturing	Production of various substances such as soap, glass, ink, and paints.
Atomic Structure and Valency	Basics of atomic structure, molecular weights, and valency.

NDA General Science Syllabus 2025

Topics	Description
Living and Non-living Things	Distinctions between living and non-living entities.
Basis of Life	Tissues, protoplasm, and cells.
Human Body Organs	Major organs and their functions.
Epidemics and Food	Causes and prevention of common epidemics, human dietary components.
Solar System and Scientists	The Solar System, comets, meteors, eclipses, and contributions of renowned scientists.

NDA History Syllabus 2025

Topics	Description
Indian History	Comprehensive examination focusing on culture, civilization, and the Indian Freedom Movement.
Indian Government and Constitution	Basic understanding of the Indian government and constitution.
Social and Political Movements	Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, and modern world influences.
World History	Renaissance, exploration, and revolutions, including the Industrial Revolution, Russian Revolution, and French Revolution.
Science and Technology Impacts	Social effects of science and technology.
Global Concepts and India’s Role	United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism, Communism, and India’s role in the modern world.

NDA Geography Syllabus 2025

Topics	Description
Earth’s Dimensions and Movements	Size, shape, movements, consequences, and genesis of the Earth.
Rocks and Weathering	Classification of rocks, weathering processes, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
Climate and Natural Regions	Climate types, natural regions, ocean currents, atmospheric phenomena, and India’s regional geography.
India’s Resources and Trade Routes	Resources, industrial and agricultural activities, important seaports, and trade routes.

NDA Current Events Syllabus 2025

Topics	Description
India and Global Developments	Knowledge of significant current events in India and worldwide.
Prominent Figures	Recognition of important personalities in sports, culture, and global affairs.

Question Disturbance for General Knowledge Subject in the given table:-

Topic	No. of Questions	No. of 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 Syllabus 2025 PDF Download

The official NDA Syllabus has been provided below for candidates preparing for the NDA Exam. Only those who succeed in the written exam are eligible for the SSB Interview stage. The applicants will benefit from this article’s thorough explanation of the syllabus and will be one step closer to achieving their objectives.