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NDA Syllabus 2025 is designed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through the National Defence Academy. NDA 2025 exam is conducted twice a year in two stages—Written Test and SSB Interview. The written exam consists of two sections: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks), conducted in offline mode.
The Mathematics syllabus covers Class 11 and 12 topics such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Matrices, Geometry, and Statistics. Key areas include Algebra (40–45% weightage), Trigonometry (20–25%), and Calculus (20–30%). The General Ability Test (GAT) consists of English and General Knowledge sections. English evaluates grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills, while General Knowledge spans Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.
The Physics syllabus includes laws of motion, optics, and electricity, while Chemistry focuses on atomic structure, acids, and properties of gases. General Science covers biology basics, and the History and Geography syllabus highlights Indian culture, world history, and physical geography. Current Affairs emphasizes national and international developments, particularly in defense, politics, and sports.
Candidates who qualify the written exam appear for the SSB Interview, which tests personality, intelligence, and officer-like qualities through OIR tests, psychological assessments, and group tasks.
To prepare for NDA Syllabus 2025, candidates should study NCERT textbooks, follow a structured plan, practice previous year papers, and stay updated with current events.
NDA Syllabus 2025 Highlights
NDA syllabus for 2025 outlines the key components candidates need to focus on to prepare effectively for the exam. The key details for NDA syllabus 2025 are given below:
| Parameters | Details |
| Name of the Exam | National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Frequency | Held twice a year – NDA 1 and NDA 2 |
| Stages of Selection | Written Examination followed by SSB Interview |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper-based test) |
| Number of Papers | Two: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Total Marks | 900 Marks (Maths – 300, GAT – 600) |
| Number of Questions | Mathematics – 120, GAT – 150 |
| Negative Marking | Maths: –0.83 per wrong answer, GAT: –1.33 per wrong answer |
| Duration of Exam | Mathematics – 2 Hours 30 Minutes, GAT – 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
NDA Syllabus PDF 2025
NDA syllabus PDF is a crucial resource for aspirants preparing for NDA 2025 exam. It provides a clear breakdown of the topics included in both the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers, helping aspirants understand what to study and how to plan their preparation effectively.
The syllabus is divided into two main sections—Mathematics and General Ability Test. The GAT portion is further categorized into English and General Knowledge. The General Knowledge section includes topics from Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events, making it important for candidates to cover a wide range of subjects.
To begin your preparation with a complete understanding of the exam content, download NDA syllabus PDF from the link given below.
NDA Syllabus 2025: Important Topics
Candidates should go through the important topics in NDA syllabus before starting their preparation. Focusing on frequently asked topics can significantly improve their score, especially during last-minute revision. The table below lists key subjects and their most important topics for NDA 2025 exam:
| Subject | Important Topics |
| Mathematics | Sets, Venn Diagrams, De Morgan’s Laws, Cartesian Product, Relations, Equivalence Relations, Real and Complex Numbers, Binary to Decimal Conversion |
| Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic Progressions, Quadratic Equations, Linear Inequations, Permutation & Combination, Binomial Theorem | |
| Trigonometry, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Properties of Triangles, 2D and 3D Geometry, Matrices and Determinants, Differential Calculus | |
| English | Spotting Errors, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Usage, Selecting Words, Synonyms & Antonyms, Ordering of Words in Sentences, Idioms and Phrases |
| General Knowledge | Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Social Studies, Geography, Art and Culture, and Current Events |
NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2025
The Mathematics section of NDA 2025 exam follows the syllabus of Class 11 and 12. Candidates can strengthen their understanding by studying NCERT books, as this section evaluates logical thinking and problem-solving skills. The table below outlines the detailed topic-wise NDA Maths syllabus 2025:
| Topic | Sub-Topics |
| Algebra | Logarithms, cube roots, binomial theorem, arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic progressions, Cartesian product, quadratic equations, real and complex numbers, modulus, binary and decimal conversions, De Morgan’s laws, permutation and combination, equivalence relations, sets, linear inequations, Venn diagrams, and relations.. |
| Calculus | Second-order derivatives, limits, domain, real-valued functions, continuity, range, graph, composite functions, inverse functions, applications of derivatives in maxima and minima, derivatives of basic and composite functions. |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices, determinant properties, matrix operations, adjoint and inverse, solving linear equations using matrix method and Cramer’s Rule. |
| Integral Calculus & Differential Equations | Standard integrals, integration by substitution and parts, area under curves, integration as the inverse of differentiation, definite integrals, order and degree of differential equations, formation of first-order equations, solutions of differential equations, applications in growth and decay.. |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric ratios and identities, angles in degrees and radians, inverse trigonometric functions, sum and difference formulas, multiple and sub-multiple angles, practical applications such as height and distance. |
| Vector Algebra | Unit and null vectors, 2D and 3D vectors, vector addition, scalar multiplication, dot and cross product, applications in geometry, force, and moment. |
| Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D) | Line and circle equations, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola, Cartesian system, eccentricity, equations of lines, planes, spheres, points and distances in 3D, direction cosines and ratios, angles between lines and planes. |
| Statistics and Probability | Sample space, basic probability concepts, classical and statistical probability, events (mutually exclusive, complementary, etc.), conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem, binomial distribution, random variables. |
NDA Maths Syllabus Weightage 2025
Analyzing recent NDA question papers reveals the weightage assigned to each topic in the Mathematics section. Candidates should focus their study time accordingly, ensuring strong conceptual clarity and consistent practice to maximize their scores:
| Topic | Estimated Weightage (%) |
| Algebra | 40-45 |
| Matrices and Determinants | 10-15 |
| Trigonometry | 20-25 |
| Analytical Geometry | 30-35 |
| Differential Calculus | 25-30 |
| Integral Calculus | 20-25 |
| Vector Algebra | 15-20 |
NDA GAT Syllabus 2025
NDA GAT Syllabus 2025 (Paper 2) comprising 150 questions—50 in English and 100 in General Knowledge—totaling 600 marks. This section evaluates a candidate's proficiency in English and awareness across subjects like Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events. The detailed syllabus for both English and GK is outlined below.
NDA English Syllabus 2025
NDA English syllabus focuses on evaluating a candidate’s command over the language, including grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary. The questions are generally of easy to moderate difficulty, giving candidates a good opportunity to score well with basic preparation. The key topics for NDA English syllabus 2025 are given below:
- Grammar and correct usage
- Reading comprehension and cohesion
- Identifying grammatical errors in sentences
- Sentence rearrangement (Para jumbling)
- Fill in the blanks with appropriate words
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Word meanings and usage
- Cloze test passages
- Common idioms and proverbs
- Sentence and paragraph completion
- Sentence correction and improvement
NDA Physics Syllabus 2025
The Physics syllabus for NDA exam tests fundamental concepts, practical understanding, and applications of physical principles. Around 23 to 25 questions are asked from this section, covering a broad range of topics. The detailed syllabus is presented below:
| Topics | Topics | Topics |
| Physical Properties and States of Matter | Modes of Transference of Heat | Mass, Weight, and Volume |
| Sound Waves and Their Properties | Simple Musical Instruments | Rectilinear Propagation of Light |
| Density and Specific Gravity | Reflection and Refraction | Principle of Archimedes |
| Spherical Mirrors and Lenses | Pressure and Barometer | Human Eye |
| Motion of Objects | Natural and Artificial Magnets | Velocity and Acceleration |
| Properties of a Magnet | Newton’s Laws of Motion | Earth as a Magnet |
| Force and Momentum | Static and Current Electricity | Parallelogram of Forces |
| Conductors and Non-Conductors | Stability and Equilibrium of Bodies | Ohm’s Law |
| Gravitation | Simple Electrical Circuits | Elementary Ideas of Work |
| Heating, Lighting, Magnetic Effects | Power and Energy | Measurement of Electrical Power |
| Effects of Heat | Primary and Secondary Cells | Measurement of Temperature and Heat |
| Use of X-Rays | Simple Pendulum, 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
NDA Chemistry syllabus includes important foundational concepts essential for understanding chemical reactions and applications. The topics are listed below:
| Topics | Topics |
| Preparation and Properties of common gases | Acids, Bases and Salts |
| Carbon—different forms | Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial |
| Substances used in the manufacturing of items such as soap, glass, ink, paper, cement, paints, safety matches, and gunpowder. | Structure of Atom |
| Atomic, Equivalent and Molecular Weights | Valency |
| Physical and Chemical Changes | Elements |
| Mixtures and Compounds | Symbols, Formulae and Chemical Equations |
| Law of Chemical Combination | Properties of Air and Water |
NDA General Science Syllabus 2025
The General Science section of NDA syllabus focuses on evaluating the candidate's understanding of basic scientific principles and their application in everyday life. The topics are given below:
| Topics | Topics |
| Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention | Food – Source of Energy for man |
| Difference between the living and non-living | Constituents of food |
| Basis of Life – Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues | Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals |
| Balanced Diet | Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its organs |
| The Solar System – Comets and Meteors, Eclipses, and Contributions of Renowned Scientists. | - |
NDA History Syllabus 2025
NDA History syllabus assesses a candidate’s understanding of key historical events, movements, ideologies, and their relevance to India and the world. The following table presents the History topics:
| Topics | Topics |
| Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance | Freedom Movement in India |
| An extensive overview of Indian History, emphasizing cultural aspects. | Impact of Science and Technology on Society |
| Exploration and Discovery | Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration |
| War of American Independence, French, Industrial & Russian Revolutions | Concept of One World |
| Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India | United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism, Communism |
| Panchayati Raj | Role of India in the present world |
| Co-operatives and Community Development | Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration, Welfare State |
| Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi | - |
NDA Geography Syllabus 2025
NDA Geography syllabus covers essential physical and regional geography concepts related to the Earth, its processes, and India's geography. The topics are as follows:
| Topics | Topics |
| Latitudes and Longitudes | Earthquakes and Volcanoes |
| The Earth, its shape and size | Earth’s Functioning: Ocean Currents, Tides, Atmosphere, Temperature, Pressure, Winds, Cyclones, Humidity, Precipitation |
| Ocean Currents and Tides | Types of Climates |
| Concept of time | Major Natural regions of the World |
| International Date Line | Regional Geography of India: Climate, Vegetation, Minerals, Power Resources, Agriculture, Industry |
| Movements of Earth and their effects | Important Sea ports and main sea, land, air routes of India |
| Origin of Earth, Rocks and their classification | Main items of Imports and Exports of India |
| Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical |
NDA Current Affairs Syllabus 2025
NDA Current Affairs syllabus focuses on recent significant events and notable personalities from India and around the world. The topics are provided below:
| Topics | Topics |
| Important events in India from recent years | Prominent Indian personalities |
| Important world events | Prominent international personalities including those linked to culture and sports |
NDA GAT Weightage 2025
NDA GAT 2025 paper consists of two key sections: English and General Awareness. Each topic within these sections carries different mark weightage. Candidates should focus their preparation based on the distribution given below:
| Section | Topics/Subjects | Estimated Mark Distribution |
| English | Grammar and Usage | 25–30 |
| Vocabulary | 20–25 | |
| Comprehension | 40–50 | |
| Cohesion and Coherence | 10–15 | |
| General Awareness | Physics | 25–30 |
| Chemistry | 15–20 | |
| General Science | 25–30 | |
| History and Geography | 20–25 | |
| Current Events | 30–40 |
NDA SSB Interview 2025
Candidates who clear NDA written exam must appear for the SSB Interview, which tests their personality, intelligence, and officer-like qualities through a structured two-stage process:
| Stage | Test Category | Types of Tests |
| Stage I | Screening Test | Verbal and Non-Verbal Tests, Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT) |
| Stage II | Psychological Test | Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT),Situation Reaction Test (SRT), Self-Description Test (SD) |
| Group Testing Officer Tasks | Final Group Task (FGT), Snake Race/Group Obstacle Race, Group Planning Exercise (GPE), Individual Lecture, Individual Obstacles Task (IOT), Command Task, Progressive Group Task (PGT), Half Group Task (HGT), Group Discussion (GD) | |
| Personal Interview | - | |
| Conference | - |
NDA SSB OIR Syllabus 2025
The Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test in NDA evaluates a candidate’s reasoning and mental aptitude through verbal and non-verbal questions. The syllabus is outlined in the table below:
| Verbal Test | Non-Verbal Test |
| Figures | Completion of Series |
| Analogies | Blood Relation |
| Figure Matrix | Shorter and Taller Problems |
| Locating Hidden Figure | Logical Venn Diagram |
| Odd One Out | Jumbled Words |
| Classification of Data | Coding-Decoding |
| Paper Cutting | One Word Substitution |
| Problem on Dice | Problem on Ranks |
| Problem on Cubes | Interchanging Two Signs |
| Visualizing Patterns | Identification of Letters |
| Spatial Ability | Reconstruction of Test |
NDA Preparation Books 2025
To prepare effectively for NDA 2025, candidates should refer to subject-wise recommended books that cover both Mathematics and General Ability sections. The following table lists all the important NDA preparation books will help candidates understand core concepts and practice previous year questions:
| Subject | Book Title | Author / Publisher |
| Mathematics | Mathematics for NDA and NA | RS Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | RS Aggarwal | |
| General Ability (GAT) | History of Modern India (History) | Bipan Chandra |
| Science and Technology in India (Science & Tech) | Kalpana Rajaram (Spectrum) | |
| Objective General English for Competitive Exams | S. P. Bakshi | |
| Manorama Yearbook | Mammen Mathew | |
| Solved Papers / Combo Sets | NDA NA 22 Previous Years Solved Papers | — |
| UPSC NDA/NA 10 Previous Year Solved Papers (PYQs) | — | |
| Shaurya NDA/NA Books Combo | Shaurya | |
| Shaurya NDA/NA Mathematics Book | Shaurya | |
| Shaurya NDA/NA General Ability Science Book | Shaurya | |
| Shaurya NDA/NA General Ability General Knowledge Book | Shaurya | |
| Shaurya NDA/NA General Ability English Book | Shaurya |
How to Prepare for NDA Exam 2025?
To cover NDA Syllabus 2025 effectively, follow these strategies for smart preparation:
- Go through the entire syllabus for both Mathematics and GAT and compile a list of all key topics.
- Understand NDA exam pattern, question distribution, marking scheme, and subject-wise weightage.
- Create a daily study plan that balances all subjects and includes time for mock tests.
- Focus on Mathematics topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and revise formulas regularly.
- Cover Physics concepts such as Motion, Thermodynamics, and Electricity using NCERT books.
- Revise important History, Geography, Polity, and Economy topics from the GAT section.
- Strengthen English skills in grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence formation.
- Stay updated on current events, defense news, awards, and international affairs.
- Practice previous year papers and take mock tests to build accuracy and speed.
- Use NDA Syllabus PDF to track your preparation and ensure all topics are covered
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Yes, NDA syllabus is largely based on the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12, especially for Mathematics and Science subjects. Whether a student is from CBSE, ICSE, or any State Board, it is advisable to prepare using NCERT textbooks. These books provide the foundational concepts that UPSC frequently tests in NDA exam, especially in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. For aspirants from non-NCERT boards, aligning preparation with NCERT content is highly beneficial.
Ans: NDA Mathematics paper consists of 120 objective-type questions carrying a total of 300 marks. On the other hand, the General Ability Test comprises 150 questions carrying 600 marks. Out of these, 50 questions are dedicated to English (worth 200 marks), while the remaining 100 questions test General Knowledge (worth 400 marks). This makes the written exam a 900-mark test, designed to evaluate both technical and general aptitude.
Ans: NDA syllabus is more academic in nature and focused on the school-level curriculum, unlike other UPSC exams such as the Civil Services Examination which tests analytical reasoning, essay writing, and in-depth knowledge of polity, economy, and governance. NDA primarily evaluates a candidate's proficiency in mathematics, science, English, and general awareness—reflecting the practical and academic skills necessary for military training rather than policy-making or administration.
Ans: Currently, the UPSC has not declared any significant updates to NDA syllabus for 2025. The structure remains consistent with previous years—Paper 1 for Mathematics and Paper 2 for General Ability Test. However, UPSC may introduce minor revisions or adjustments in emphasis depending on trends and national requirements. Aspirants are advised to regularly check the official UPSC NDA notification for the latest syllabus and exam pattern updates.
Ans: After clearing NDA written exam, candidates must undergo Physical and Psychological assessments as part of the selection process. These tests evaluate a candidate’s fitness, mental resilience, and suitability for military training. Physical tests include measurements like height, weight, and endurance activities, while psychological evaluations assess personality traits, stress tolerance, and decision-making skills. Clearing these stages is essential to move forward to the final SSB interview and earn admission into NDA training program.
Ans: For Mathematics, books like RS Aggarwal and NCERT textbooks are highly recommended. For the GAT paper, Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi is excellent for English preparation, while NCERT Science and Social Science books help cover Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and History-Geography. Manorama Yearbook and monthly current affairs digests are useful for staying updated on recent events. Solving past year papers and attempting mock tests is also crucial to understanding the exam format and improving speed and accuracy.
Ans: Yes, Current Affairs is an important component of the General Knowledge section in GAT paper. It includes questions about recent developments in politics, sports, awards, science and technology, and international affairs. To prepare effectively, candidates should read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express, follow monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan, and review monthly current affairs PDFs published by reputed coaching institutes. Regular practice through quizzes and revision ensures better retention and performance in this dynamic section.
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