WHAT IS NDA EXAM SYLLABUS?

After class 12, individuals who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force must take the NDA National Defence Academy exam, which is administered by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC in India. The NDA I and NDA II exams are administered twice a year.
Pattern of the NDA Exam:
There are two papers on the test:

1. 300 points in mathematics
2. 600 points on the General Ability Test (GAT)
In total, 900 points.

NDA 2025 Complete Syllabus

NDA MATHS SYLLABUS

First Paper: Math (300 points)
Time frame: two and a half hours
Included in the syllabus are:
1. Algebra
Arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic progressions; complex numbers; complex equations; Venn diagrams; De Morgan laws; sets; and the binomial theorem

2. Determinants and Matrix
Different kinds of matrices and operations on them
The inverse of a matrix and its determinant
3. Trigonometry o Inverse trigonometric functions

Height and distance ,Trigonometric ratios & identities
4. Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D)

1.Direction cosines and direction ratios 2.Distance between two points in 3D 3.Straight lines, circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas
5. Differential Calculus -Limits, Differentiability, and Continuity, Derivatives and Their Uses
6. Differential equations and integral calculus ,Integration methods and applications ,Differential equations: general and specific solutions
7. Vector Algebra ,Scalar multiplication and addition of vectors ,Dot and cross product
8. Statistics and Probability ,Basic ideas of probability ,Mean, median, mode, and standard deviation

NDA General Ability Test (GAT) SYLLABUS Paper 2 (600 marks)

Time frame: Two and a half hours separated into two parts:

English Part A (200 marks)
• Synonyms and antonyms; • Grammar and usage; • Comprehension; • Sentence enhancement; • Parajumbles
General Knowledge (400 marks) Part B
There are six sections in this section:
1. Physics: motion, force, work, and energy; heat, light, sound; mechanics; electricity; and magnetism
2. Chemistry Fundamental ideas and chemical formulas Characteristics of matter Acids, bases, and salts Compounds and elements
3. Environmental science Biology: human anatomy, food, and nutrition General science
4. History and Freedom Movement Indian Independence Movement Ancient to Modern History Constitution and Governance

5. Geography The environment and structure of Earth Climate and vegetation
Global and Indian geography
6. Current Events: Both domestic and global Updates on defense, politics, sports, and awards

How To Divide Time For Each Topic In Nda?

Detailed NDA Time Division Plan Time Allotment for the Week (Presuming Six Study Days)

Subject Area Focus Hours/Week
Calculations 12–14 hours high weight, practice is necessary
Five to six hours of English Consistently scoring is simple.
4–5 hours of general science Basics of Biology, Physics, and Chemistry
Politeness and History 3–4 hours GAT-key, but heavily fact-based
Current Events & Geography 4–5 hours Static GK plus daily news
Editing and Practice Exams 4–5 hours Every week, test yourself.

The Study Of Mathematics Weekly Time Breakdown
Topic Hours/Week
Matrices + Algebra Two hours
Trigonometry Two hours
Two hours of Calculus (Diff & Int)
Geometry of Coordinates Two hours
3D and Vector Geometry One hour on statistics and probability One-hour practice exams Two to three hours
Advice: Complete at least 30 to 40 questions on a variety of subjects every day.

Weekly GAT Time Breakdown
English (5–6 hours)
• One hour a day of alternating vocabulary, grammar, and understanding
• Work on improving your sentences, cloze tests, and synonyms and antonyms.
General Science (four to five hours)
1.5 hours for physics and 1.5 hours for chemistry
• Biology: 1 hour History & Etiquette: 3–4 hours
• NCERTs plus Lucent/Pathfinder for summaries; emphasis on modern history and the constitution
Four to five hours of geography and current affairs; two hours of static geography

Daily Schedule (Model for Full-Time Preparation)
Activity for the Time Slot
8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Math (the main subject)
10:30–11:30 a.m. Practice of English
Between 12:00 and 1:00 PM Science (many subjects)
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Geography, Politics, and History
3:30–4:30 p.m. Math (fixing problems)
5:00 to 5:30 p.m. Reading about current affairs
7:00–8:00 p.m. Review or practice exam (different days)

How Much Time Does It Take To Prepare For The GAT Section In NDA?

Time Required for GAT Section Preparation If you’re beginning from the beginning:
• It is best to prepare consistently for 3.5 to 4.5 months.
• About two to three hours a day were devoted solely to GAT.
• 250–300 hours is the total projected prep time.
If you have a solid foundation in science and English:
• Two to three months of diligent practice and revision.
• One to two hours a day can be effective.
• 150–180 hours is the total projected prep time.

Smart GAT Prep Tips:Spend 15 to 20 minutes a day reading current affairs; Use NCERTs (Class 6–10) for geography, science, and history.

• Practice with books like Arihant’s GAT, Pathfinder, or Lucent GK.
• Conduct frequent practice exams to assess memory and time management.
· Pay attention to last year’s question papers; trends recur!

How Much Time Should I Spend Studying for NDA Math?

If You’re Beginning from the Beginning:
• 4–5 months of concentrated preparation
• Two to three hours daily (with regular practice)
• Overall duration: 250–300 hours If you have a solid foundation in math (12th grade):
Generally speaking, 2.5 to 3 months is sufficient; 1.5 to 2 hours daily; and 150–180 hours total.