NDA

National Defence Academy (NDA) – Gateway to a Proud Career in the Armed Forces

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is one of India’s most prestigious military institutions, where future officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are trained together before they move on to their respective academies. Located in Pune, Maharashtra, the NDA is not just a college — it’s a symbol of honor, discipline, and excellence.

The selection process for the NDA is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and includes:

  1. A written examination
  2. SSB interview (Services Selection Board)
  3. Medical examination

Followed by service-specific training

Academic and Physical Training at NDA

Life at the NDA combines academic excellence, leadership training, and physical fitness. The curriculum is designed to build a solid foundation in academics while shaping cadets into strong, confident, and disciplined officers.

The academic program includes subjects such as:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • General Studies
  • Military Studies

In addition, cadets participate in sports, drills, and extracurricular activities to build teamwork, endurance, and leadership skills — essential for life in the armed forces.

NDA Exam 2025 – Key Details

Parameter

Details

Exam Name

National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam

Conducting Body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Selection Process

Written Test (Mathematics + GAT) → SSB Interview → Medical Exam

Mode of Exam

Offline (Pen & Paper, OMR-based)

Marking Scheme

+2.5 marks for correct answers, -0.83 marks for incorrect ones

Total Papers

1. Mathematics (300 Marks) 2. General Ability Test (600 Marks)

Total Marks

900 Marks

Exam Dates 2025

NDA (I): April 13, 2025 NDA (II): September 14, 2025

NDA Exam Pattern 2025

The written exam consists of two papers — Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Both papers are objective-type and are conducted on the same day.

Paper

Subject

Maximum Marks

Duration

Paper I

Mathematics

300

2½ Hours

Paper II

General Ability Test (GAT)

600

2½ Hours

Total

900 Marks

5 Hours Total

NDA Mathematics Syllabus (2025)

The NDA Mathematics syllabus is based on Class 11–12 concepts and covers Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Vectors, and Probability, divided into eight major units:

Unit I: Algebra

  • Sets, Venn Diagrams, and Operations
  • Complex Numbers (addition, conjugate, modulus)
  • Sequences and Series (AP, GP, HP)
  • Linear Equations and Logarithms
  • Probability Distributions (Random Variables, Binomial Distribution)

Unit II: Matrices & Determinants

  • Types of Matrices and their Operations
  • Determinants and Inverses
  • Cramer’s Rule and Solving Linear Equations using Matrices

Unit III: Trigonometry

  • Angles and their Measures (Degrees, Radians)
  • Trigonometric Ratios and Identities
  • Inverse Trigonometric Functions and their Graphs
  • Applications in Height and Distance Problems

Unit IV: Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D)

  • Coordinate Geometry Basics
  • Equations of Line, Circle, Parabola, Ellipse
  • Equation of Plane and Sphere

Unit V: Differential Calculus

  • Limits, Continuity, and Derivatives
  • Differentiation of Algebraic and Transcendental Functions
  • Maxima & Minima, Increasing & Decreasing Functions

Unit VI: Integral Calculus & Differential Equations

  • Definite and Indefinite Integrals
  • Methods of Integration (Substitution, Parts)
  • Applications (Area under Curve)
  • Differential Equations – Linear and Homogeneous Types

Unit VII: Vectors

  • Vector Operations (Addition, Dot & Cross Product)
  • Resultant and Direction of Vectors
  • Geometrical Applications

Unit VIII: Statistics & Probability

  • Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Standard Deviation
  • Correlation & Regression
  • Probability Concepts, Permutations & Combinations, Conditional Probability

The General Ability Test (GAT) evaluates candidates’ English proficiency and general knowledge across multiple subjects.

Section

Sub-section

Marks

Part A - English

200

Part B - General Knowledge

400

Physics

100

Chemistry

60

General Science

40

History

80

Geography

80

Current Events

40

Total

600 Marks

Difference Between NDA (I) and NDA (II)

The NDA exam is conducted twice a year — once in April and again in September.
The syllabus, eligibility, and exam pattern remain the same for both sessions.

Exam

Month

Purpose

NDA (I)

April 13, 2025

For candidates joining in the following year

NDA (II)

September 14, 2025

For those who missed NDA (I) or wish to join later in the same year

Top 5 NDA Preparation Tips

  1. Know the Syllabus Thoroughly: Focus on key Maths topics (Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus) and GAT sections (English, GK, Current Affairs).
  2. Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ papers, attempt mock tests, and improve accuracy and speed.
  3. Use Trusted Books: NCERTs for basics, R.S. Aggarwal for Mathematics, and Lucent’s GK for General Knowledge.
  4. Stay Fit and Confident: Physical fitness plays a big role during the SSB interview stage. Maintain a regular exercise routine.
  5. Be Consistent: Follow a proper study plan, revise regularly, and stay motivated throughout your preparation journey.