NDA Syllabus 2025: For prospective officers in the Indian Armed Forces, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the fiercely competitive National Defense Academy (NDA) admission exam. Given the relatively low selection ratio, it takes careful preparation and a deep comprehension of the NDA syllabus and exam format 2025 to pass the NDA exam. We have put up an extensive resource that covers the NDA Syllabus 2025, exam pattern, marking scheme, and other crucial information to help applicants on their path to success. This post will give you the knowledge you need to ace the test, whether your goal is NDA 1 or NDA 2.
Table of Contents
NDA Syllabus 2025
An important tool for those hoping to ace the NDA 2025 exam is the NDA Syllabus 2025. It is anticipated that the syllabus will stay in its current shape since it has stayed constant over time. The General Ability Test (GAT) and mathematics are its two main areas of emphasis. The areas that are currently popular in the test are highlighted in our updated NDA Math and NDA GAT syllabuses for 2025.
NDA Syllabus 2025: Overview
Mathematics, English, History, Polity, Economics, General Science, Physics, and Chemistry are among the disciplines included in the NDA Syllabus 2025, which largely resembles the Class 12 curriculum. To guarantee thorough coverage of the subject, students studying for the NDA exam must attempt every component in its entirety. Therefore, before taking the main exam, NDA candidates should finish their NDA Syllabus 2025 in its whole. An outline of the NDA 2025 syllabus pdf can be seen below.
| NDA Syllabus 2025 |
|---|
| Name of the Exam: NDA I & II 2025 |
| Exam Conducting Body: UPSC |
| Mode of Exam: Offline |
| Total Papers in NDA Exam: |
| – Paper 1: Mathematics |
| – Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Total Marks for NDA Exam: 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 |
| Official Website: upsc.gov.in |
NDA Exam Pattern 2025
To remain motivated and engaged during their preparation, defense candidates should have a thorough understanding of the NDA Exam Pattern 2025. A written exam and a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview are the two primary components of the exam. The written exam consists of two papers: the General Ability Test (GAT), which takes two and a half hours and is worth 600 marks, and Mathematics, which takes two and a half hours and is worth 300 marks. After passing the written exam, candidates move on to the five-day SSB interview, which is graded on a scale of 900. To effectively prepare and answer any questions applicants may have during their study, it is imperative that they comprehend the NDA Math and NDA GAT syllabuses.
| Subject | Duration | Total Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2½ Hours | 120 | 300 |
| General Ability Test | 2½ Hours | 150 | 600 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 900 | |
| Total | 1800 | ||
NDA Math Syllabus 2025
The National Defence Academy exam’s NDA Mathematics curriculum is intended to assess applicants’ aptitude for problem-solving and quantitative reasoning. It covers fundamental subjects like calculus, algebra, trigonometry, and analytical geometry. Regular practice and a firm understanding of these ideas are essential for success. The NDA Maths syllabus 2025, which corresponds with the most recent NDA tests, is available to candidates. The following are the most crucial subjects for the 2025 NDA Math Exam:
- Algebra
- Matrices and Determinants
- Trigonometry
- Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
- Differential Calculus
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Vector Algebra
- Statistics and Probability
Candidates can refer to the detailed NDA Math Syllabus 2025. The Important topics are elaborated with sub topics that are important for the examination point of view.
1. Algebra
- Sets and Relations: Concept of sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan’s laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation.
- Real Numbers: Representation on a number line, complex numbers (properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity), binary system, conversion between decimal and binary systems.
- Sequences and Series: Arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic progressions.
- Quadratic Equations: Quadratic equations with real coefficients, solution of linear equations of two variables by graphs.
- Permutations and Combinations: Counting principles, permutations, combinations, binomial theorem, and its applications.
- Logarithms: Properties of logarithms, solving equations involving logarithms.
2. Matrices and Determinants
- Types of matrices (square, rectangular, row, column, diagonal, scalar, identity, zero, triangular).
- Operations on matrices (addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, matrix multiplication, transpose, inverse, adjoint).
- Determinants of matrices (2×2, 3×3, and larger matrices), properties of determinants.
Applications of matrices: Solving systems of linear equations using Cramer’s rule and matrix method.
3. Trigonometry
- Angles and their measures (degrees, radians).
- Trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, cosecant).
- Trigonometric identities (sum and difference formulae, multiple and sub-multiple angles, inverse trigonometric functions).
- Applications of trigonometry (height and distance problems, properties of triangles).
4. 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 general form.
- Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola, eccentricity, and axis of a conic.
- Point in three-dimensional space, distance between two points, direction cosines and direction ratios.
- Equation of a plane and a line in various forms, angle between two lines and two planes, equation of a sphere.
5. Differential Calculus
- Concept of a real-valued function (domain, range, graph).
- Composite functions, one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions.
- Limits and continuity of functions.
- Derivatives of functions (sum, product, quotient, composite functions).
- Higher-order derivatives, increasing and decreasing functions.
- Applications of derivatives (maxima and minima problems).
6. Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Integration as the inverse of differentiation.
- Integration by substitution and by parts.
- Standard integrals (algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, hyperbolic functions).
- Definite integrals and their applications (area under curves).
- Differential equations: order, degree, formation, general and particular solutions, first-order and first-degree equations.
- Applications of differential equations (growth and decay problems).
7. Vector Algebra
- Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction.
- Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector.
- Scalar product (dot product) and vector product (cross product) of two vectors.
- Applications of vectors (work done by a force, moment of a force, geometrical problems).
8. Statistics and Probability
- Statistics: Classification of data, frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution, graphical representation (histogram, pie chart, frequency polygon), measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), variance, standard deviation, correlation, and regression.
- Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, 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), elementary theorems on probability, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem, random variables, binomial distribution.
NDA Marking Scheme For Maths
The NDA mathematics marking method is set up to efficiently assess applicants throughout the test. Candidates receive 2.5 marks for each right response on the NDA exam. However, a penalty of 0.83 marks is subtracted for each wrong response, mirroring the negative marking component of the NDA grading scheme 2025, in order to discourage haphazard guessing. Candidates have two hours and thirty minutes to finish the exam’s 120 questions in the mathematics segment, which is worth 300 points. Aspirants must comprehend this grading method since it affects how they approach the test.
| Subject | No of Questions | Total Marks | Time Duration | -ve Marks | + ve Marks |
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2 Hrs 30 Min | -0.83 | +2.5 |
NDA GAT Syllabus 2025
The General Ability Test (GAT), which covers a wide range of subjects like General Knowledge (GK), English, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, General Science, and Current Events, is part of the NDA Paper 2 syllabus. There are 150 questions in this paper, 50 of which are about English and 100 of which are about general knowledge. The total score is 600. The themes and topics that candidates need to study in order to adequately prepare for the NDA exam are listed in the NDA GAT syllabus 2025. Aspirants must comprehend the NDA Paper 2 syllabus 2025 in order to guarantee thorough study and exam accomplishment.
| Subject | No of Questions | Total Marks | Time Duration | -ve Marks | + ve Marks |
| English | 50 | 200 | 2 Hrs 30 Min | -1.33 | +4 |
| GK | 100 | 400 | |||
| Total | 150 | 600 |
NDA English Syllabus 2025 Part-A
The NDA exam’s English component assesses applicants’ knowledge of English grammar, usage, vocabulary, and comprehension. The purpose of the questions is to evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in written English and clear communication. The purpose of this section is to assess applicants’ ability to understand and evaluate information delivered in a variety of formats by testing their competency with lengthy text.
| Topics | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Grammar and Usage | Parts of speech: Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Verb, Adverb, Conjunction, Preposition, Interjection |
| Subject-verb agreement | |
| Tenses: Present, Past, Future | |
| Active and passive voice | |
| Coherence and unity: Theme, Idea, Paragraph, Sentence Structure | |
| Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms and Phrases, Words often confused | |
| Comprehension | Comprehension of a given passage |
| Drawing of inferences | |
| Use of vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms and Phrases, Words often confused | |
| Expression | Simple sentence structure |
| Punctuation: Comma, Full stop, Question Mark, Exclamation Mark, Apostrophe | |
| Conjunctions: Coordinating, Subordinating | |
| Adverbs and Prepositions | |
| Direct and indirect speech | |
| Comparison: Degrees of comparison | |
| Articles: Definite and Indefinite Articles | |
| Verbs: Auxiliary, Modal, Regular and Irregular verbs | |
| Sentence correction: Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement |
NDA General Knowledge Syllabus 2025 Part-2
Candidates should thoroughly prepare for the six areas that make up the 2025 NDA GAT (General Ability Test) syllabus. Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs are some of these sections. In order to ensure a thorough evaluation of applicants’ understanding in Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events, the question paper will cover a wide range of themes from these fields. To succeed on the test, one must have a firm grasp of each subject.
NDA Physics Syllabus 2025 (Section A)
Newton’s laws of motion, mass, weight, volume, pressure, and other subjects are the subjects of the physics section’s questions. The full list of subjects from which the NDA exam questions are drawn is provided below.
- Physical Properties and States of Matter
- Mass, Weight, Volume, Density, and Specific Gravity
- Principle of Archimedes
- Pressure Barometer
- Motion of Objects, Velocity, and Acceleration
- Newton’s Laws of Motion
- Force and Momentum
- Parallelogram of Forces
- Stability and Equilibrium of Bodies
- Gravitation
- Elementary Ideas of Work, Power, and Energy
- Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature, and Heat
- Change of State and Latent Heat
- Modes of Transference of Heat
- Sound Waves and Their Properties
- Simple Musical Instruments
- Rectilinear Propagation of Light, Reflection, and Refraction
- Spherical Mirrors and Lenses
- Human Eye
- Natural and Artificial Magnets
- Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet
- Static and Current Electricity
- Conductors and Non-Conductors
- Ohm’s Law
- Simple Electrical Circuits
- Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic Effects of Current
- Measurement of Electrical Power
- Primary and Secondary Cells
- Use of X-Rays
- General Principles in the Working of: 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 Chemistry Syllabus 2025 (Section B)
The NDA exam’s Chemistry section includes questions on elements, mixtures and compounds, acids, bases and salts, properties of matter, and other subjects. To obtain an idea of the subjects from which the questions are derived, look at the table below.
- Physical and Chemical Changes
- Elements, Mixtures, and Compounds
- Symbols, Formulae, and Simple Chemical Equations
- Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
- Properties of Air and Water
- Preparation and Properties of: Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide
- Oxidation and Reduction
- Acids, Bases, and Salts
- Carbon – Different Forms
- Fertilizers – Natural and Artificial
- Materials Used in the Preparation of: Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, Gunpowder
- Elementary Ideas about the Structure of Atom
- Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
- Valency
NDA General Science Syllabus 2025 (Section C)
Questions about food and a balanced diet, the foundation of life, growth and reproduction, and other general subjects fall within the field of general science. Below are all of the subjects included in the NDA syllabus’s general science section:
| General Science Syllabus For NDA |
| The distinction between the living and the dead.Cells, protoplasm, and tissues are the building blocks of life.Plant and animal growth and reproduction.basic understanding of the human body and its vital organs.Typical epidemics, their causes, and ways to avoid them.Food is the human body’s energy source.food components and a balanced diet.Eclipses, comets, and meteors in the solar system.Prominent scientists’ accomplishments. |
NDA History Syllabus 2025 ( Section D)
Most of the questions in this part are based on historical events, such as diverse movements, the Indian constitution, Indian programs, revolutions, etc. The list of all the topics is provided below:
| History, Freedom Movement, etc. Syllabus For NDA |
| A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation.Freedom Movement in India.Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration.Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India.Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community Development.Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence.French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution.Impact of Science and Technology on Society.Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism.Role of India in the present world. |
NDA Geography Syllabus 2025 (Section E)
The questions in this section are made from the topics like Origin of the earth, latitude and longitudes, rocks, wind, cyclones, etc. Check the list of topics given below to get a better understanding of this section.
| Geography Syllabus For NDA |
| The size and shape of the Earth.Concepts of time, latitudes, and longitudes.Date Line International.Earth’s movements and their consequences.Earth’s origin.categorization of rocks; Earthquakes, volcanoes, and chemical and mechanical weathering.Currents and Tides in the Ocean temperature, atmospheric pressure, planetary winds, cyclones, anti-cyclones, humidity, condensation, precipitation, climate types, and the world’s major natural regions.India’s regional geography: climate and natural vegetation. Resources for minerals and electricity; the dispersion of industrial and agricultural operations.India’s major seaports and air, land, and marine links.India’s primary imports and exports. |
NDA Current Affairs Important Topics ( Section- F)
Awareness of significant events that have occurred recently in India. significant global events that are happening right now. notable individuals, both Indian and foreign, including those involved in sports and cultural pursuits.
NOTE: Out of the maximum marks assigned to part ‘B’ of this paper, questions on Sections ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ will carry approximately 25%, 15%, 10%, 20%, 20%, and 10% weightage respectively.
NDA GAT Subject Wise Weightage 2025
Questions in Sections A, B, C, D, E, and F will receive roughly 25%, 15%, 10%, 20%, and 10% of the total points allotted to Part B of this paper, respectively.
| Section/Subject | Percentage of Marks |
| Section A: Physics | 25% |
| Section B: Chemistry | 15% |
| Section C: General Science | 10% |
| Section D: History/Freedom Movements | 20% |
| Section E: Geography | 20% |
| Section F: Current Events | 10% |
