NDA 2025 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
One of the most important admission exams in India is the National Defense Academy (NDA) exam, which is administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This competitive exam must be passed by prospective applicants who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Understanding the most recent NDA 2025 syllabus and exam format is essential for success. This blog offers a thorough summary of the most recent revisions to the NDA 2025 syllabus and test format.
NDA 2025 Exam Pattern
The NDA exam consists of two main papers:
1. Mathematics
| Mathematics | |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Number of Questions | 120 |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Marking Scheme |
|
2. General Ability Test (GAT)
General Ability Test (GAT) |
|
| Total Marks | 600 |
| Number of Questions | 150 |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Marking Scheme | English Section: +4 marks for each correct answer, -1.33 marks for each incorrect answer |
| General Knowledge Section: +4 marks for each correct answer, -1.33 marks for each incorrect answer | |
SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the written exam proceed to the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, which carries 900 marks. The interview assesses intelligence, personality, and leadership qualities.
NDA 2025 Syllabus
1. Mathematics
- Algebra: Set theory, Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions, Quadratic equations, Logarithms, and Complex numbers
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric identities, Inverse trigonometric function, Heights and distances, and Applications
- Analytical Geometry: Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system, Distance formula,Standard forms of parabola, ellipse & hyperbola, Eccentricity and axis of a conic, Direction Cosines and direction ratios, and Equations
- Calculus: Differentiation and Integration
- Probability and Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, and Permutations
- Matrices and Determinants: Types, Operations, and Inverse matrices
- Vector Algebra: Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector, Unit and null vectors, and Applications
2. General Ability Test (GAT)
English Section
- Grammar and Usage
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension & Cohesion
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Sentence Correction
- Fill in the blanks
- Jumbled Sentences
General Knowledge Section
- Physics: Laws of motion, Work, Energy, & Power, Effects of Heat, Rectilinear propagation of Light, Waves and their properties, magnets, electricity and general principles.
- Chemistry: Atomic structure, Chemical reactions, Acids & bases and Periodic table
- Biology: Human body systems, Food & Nutrition, and Diseases
- History: Freedom Struggle, Important wars, and Constitutional developments
- Geography: Physical geography, Climate, and Resources
- Current Affairs: National & International events, Defense-related news
Key Updates for NDA 2025
- The syllabus remains mostly unchanged but includes some new topics in English section.
- Increased emphasis on science in the General Knowledge section.
- The difficulty level is expected to be moderate to high, requiring consistent practice.
- Mission NDA book along with NCERT books (Class 10–12) remains the best resources for preparation.
