NDA Syllabus 2025 – Mathematics & GAT Topics, Exam Pattern & PDF Download
Explore the complete NDA Syllabus 2025 including detailed topics for Mathematics and General Ability Test (English, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs), exam pattern, marking scheme, and a direct PDF download link.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is one of the most prestigious defence entrance exams in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force appear for this exam twice a year. To crack the NDA exam, having a complete understanding of the NDA syllabus 2025 is crucial.
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In this guide, you’ll find a complete subject-wise NDA syllabus, topic-wise marks distribution, recommended books, syllabus PDF download, and expert preparation tips to help you plan your success path.
The NDA exam is a gateway to join the Indian Armed Forces as an officer through the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Candidates are selected through a written examination, followed by SSB Interview, and Medical Test.
NDA Exam Overview 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy (NDA) |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (NDA I & NDA II) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper Based) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Selection Process | Written Test → SSB Interview → Medical |
| Duration | 2.5 Hours for each paper |
| Total Marks | 900 (Written) + 900 (SSB) = 1800 |
| Eligibility | 10+2 passed/appearing (Physics + Maths for Navy & Air Force) |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
NDA Written Exam Pattern
| Paper Name | Subjects Covered | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Mathematics | Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, etc. | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| Paper 2: GAT | English and General Knowledge (Science, History, Polity, Geography, Current Affairs) | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | – | 5 Hours | 900 |
NDA Syllabus 2025 – Subject-wise Detailed Topics
NDA Mathematics Syllabus (Paper I)
| Topic | Topic Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | Operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, quadratic equations, complex numbers, binomial theorem | 80 |
| Matrices & Determinants | Matrix operations, inverse of a matrix, solving linear equations | 40 |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric identities, angles, heights & distances, inverse functions | 40 |
| Analytical Geometry | Cartesian system, distance formula, equation of a line, conic sections | 40 |
| Differential Calculus | Functions, limits, derivatives, maxima and minima | 30 |
| Integral Calculus | Integration methods, definite integrals, applications | 25 |
| Vector Algebra | Magnitude and direction, scalar and vector product | 15 |
| Statistics & Probability | Mean, median, mode, probability theorems, binomial distribution | 30 |
| Total | – | 300 |
NDA General Ability Test (Paper II)
Part A: English (200 Marks)
| Topic | Topic Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar and Usage | Spotting errors, fill in the blanks, sentence improvement | 50 |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, word meanings | 40 |
| Comprehension | Passage reading and interpretation | 50 |
| Sentence Rearrangement | Para jumbles, sentence ordering | 30 |
| Cloze Test | Fill in the blanks based on grammar and logic | 30 |
| Total (English) | – | 200 |
NDA Part B: General Knowledge (GAT) – Complete Syllabus Table
| Subject | Topic Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Units & measurements, motion laws, energy, elasticity, thermodynamics, optics (reflection/refraction), wave motion, sound, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, modern physics | 100 |
| Chemistry | Matter & its nature, atomic structure, periodic table, bonding, acids & bases, metals/non-metals, carbon compounds, reactions, environmental chemistry | 60 |
| General Science | Human anatomy & physiology, nutrition, reproduction, plant & animal biology, hygiene, immunity, genetics, environmental science, biotechnology innovations | 40 |
| History & Freedom Movement | Ancient India (Indus Valley, Maurya, Gupta), Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughals), Modern India (British Rule, 1857 revolt), Freedom movement (INC, Gandhi, Nehru, Bose) | 80 |
| Geography | Earth structure, latitudes/longitudes, climate, rivers, landforms, resources (soil, minerals, forests), economic geography, world geography, map reading | 80 |
| Current Affairs | National & international events, government schemes, international organizations, awards, sports, science-tech developments, economy, important days | 40 |
| Total (GAT) | – | 400 |
NDA Syllabus PDF Download
Download the complete NDA Syllabus 2025 PDF here:
Click to Download NDA Syllabus PDF
Recommended Books for NDA 2025 Preparation
| Subject | Book Title | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | NDA/NA Entrance Exam Mathematics | RS Aggarwal |
| General Ability | NDA/NA General Ability Manual | Manohar Pandey (Arihant) |
| English | Objective General English | SP Bakshi (Arihant) |
| Physics | NCERT Class 11 & 12 Physics | NCERT |
| Chemistry | NCERT Class 11 & 12 Chemistry | NCERT |
| History & Polity | Indian Polity, Spectrum Modern History | M. Laxmikanth, Spectrum |
| Geography | Certificate Physical & Human Geography | G.C. Leong |
| Current Affairs | Pratiyogita Darpan, Lucent’s GK, Newspapers | – |
NDA Preparation Tips 2025
- Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
Break it down into daily targets for better execution. - Make a Study Schedule
Focus on both Maths and GAT sections and revise regularly. - Solve Previous Year Papers
Helps in understanding exam trends and question types. - Refer to NCERTs
Particularly helpful for Science and GK topics. - Take Mock Tests
Improve speed, accuracy, and time management. - Prepare for SSB Interview
Practice group tasks, psychology tests, and general awareness.
NDA Specialization Post-Selection
After clearing NDA and training at Khadakwasla, candidates undergo further specialized training:
| Armed Force | Specialized Academy | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Army | Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 1 Year |
| Indian Navy | Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 1 Year |
| Indian Air Force | Air Force Academy (AFA) | 1.5 Years |
Key Highlights of NDA Syllabus 2025
| Key Point | Topic Details |
|---|---|
| Total Written Exam Marks | 900 Marks (Maths + GAT) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (1/3rd deduction for wrong answers) |
| SSB Interview Marks | 900 |
| Total Marks for Merit | 1800 |
| Medium of Exam | English & Hindi (except English section) |
| Level of Questions | 10+2 Standard |
Conclusion
Preparing for the NDA 2025 exam requires dedication, discipline, and smart strategy. With a deep understanding of the NDA syllabus, proper resources, and consistent effort, you can secure your place in the National Defence Academy and take your first step toward serving the nation.
Start early, stay focused, and trust your preparation. The NDA uniform awaits you!
