Syllabus and Exam Pattern for NDA Exam 2024
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA. The exam is a gateway to a challenging and rewarding career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Exam Pattern
The NDA exam is conducted in two stages:
Stage I: Written Examination
- Paper 1: Mathematics (240 marks)
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics and Probability
- Calculus
- Paper 2: General Ability Test (600 marks)
- General Knowledge: Current Events, History, Geography, Economics, Polity, General Science
- English: Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Composition
Stage II: Interview (900 marks)
- Intelligence and Personality Test (900 marks)
- Conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB)
- Assesses candidates’ intelligence, personality, leadership qualities, and suitability for a career in the Armed Forces.
Note: Candidates must clear both Stage I and Stage II of the exam to be eligible for admission to the NDA.
Detailed Syllabus
Paper 1: Mathematics
Algebra:
- Sets, Relations and Functions: Types of sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, relations, functions, types of functions, inverse functions, domain, co-domain, range, composite functions.
- Algebraic Expressions: Polynomials, factorization, remainder theorem, factor theorem, HCF, LCM, rational and irrational numbers, surds and indices.
- Matrices and Determinants: Types of matrices, operations on matrices, determinants, properties of determinants, adjoint and inverse of a matrix, solution of simultaneous linear equations using matrices.
- Quadratic Equations: Solution of quadratic equations, nature of roots, relation between roots and coefficients, formation of quadratic equations, quadratic inequalities.
- Permutations and Combinations: Fundamental principle of counting, permutations, combinations, binomial theorem, properties of binomial coefficients.
- Sequences and Series: Arithmetic progression, geometric progression, harmonic progression, arithmetic-geometric progression, sum of n terms of a series, infinite geometric series.
- Linear Inequalities: Solution of linear inequalities in one and two variables, graphical representation of linear inequalities.
Trigonometry:
- Trigonometric Ratios: Trigonometric ratios of acute angles, trigonometric identities, trigonometric ratios of complementary angles, trigonometric ratios of allied angles, trigonometric ratios of compound angles, multiple and sub-multiple angles.
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions: Definition, properties, graphs, solution of trigonometric equations.
- Heights and Distances: Solution of problems involving heights and distances.
Geometry:
- Coordinate Geometry: Distance formula, section formula, slope of a line, equation of a line, angle between two lines, perpendicular distance of a point from a line, equation of a circle, standard forms of equations of conic sections (parabola, ellipse, hyperbola).
- Solid Geometry: Surface area and volume of cuboid, cube, cylinder, cone, sphere, hemisphere, frustum of a cone.
Mensuration:
- Areas: Area of triangle, quadrilateral, circle, sector, segment, surface area of cuboid, cube, cylinder, cone, sphere, hemisphere.
- Volumes: Volume of cuboid, cube, cylinder, cone, sphere, hemisphere.
Statistics and Probability:
- Statistics: Mean, median, mode, range, variance, standard deviation, frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution, histogram, frequency polygon.
- Probability: Probability of an event, addition theorem of probability, conditional probability, multiplication theorem of probability, Bayes’ theorem.
Calculus:
- Limits and Continuity: Limits of functions, continuity of functions, properties of continuous functions.
- Differentiation: Differentiation of functions, rules of differentiation, derivatives of standard functions, higher order derivatives, applications of derivatives (rate of change, maxima and minima, tangent and normal).
- Integration: Indefinite integrals, definite integrals, properties of definite integrals, applications of integration (area under a curve, volume of solids of revolution).
Paper 2: General Ability Test
General Knowledge:
- Current Events: National and international events of the past year, major developments in science and technology, sports, culture, and arts.
- History: Indian history from ancient times to the present, with special emphasis on the freedom struggle.
- Geography: Physical geography of India, major geographical features, climate, natural resources, population distribution, and economic geography.
- Economics: Basic concepts of economics, Indian economy, economic reforms, major economic issues.
- Polity: Indian Constitution, fundamental rights, directive principles, parliamentary system, judiciary, and political system.
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and general science topics related to everyday life.
English:
- Comprehension: Reading comprehension passages, identifying main ideas, understanding the author’s purpose, drawing inferences.
- Grammar: Parts of speech, tenses, voice, articles, prepositions, conjunctions, clauses, sentences.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, one-word substitution.
- Composition: Writing essays, letters, reports, précis, paraphrasing.
Preparation Tips
- Start early: Begin your preparation well in advance of the exam.
- Understand the syllabus: Go through the detailed syllabus thoroughly and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Refer to the right study material: Choose reliable and updated study materials, including textbooks, reference books, and online resources.
- Practice mock tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas that need improvement.
- Time management: Learn to manage your time effectively during the exam.
- Stay focused and motivated: Maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on your goal.
Important Dates for NDA Exam 2024
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | |
| Online Application | |
| Last Date to Apply | |
| Admit Card Release | |
| Exam Date | |
| Result Declaration |
Note: The exact dates will be announced by the UPSC on its official website.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India.
- Age: Candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd January 2005 and not later than 1st January 2008.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed the 12th standard examination or equivalent from a recognized board.
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Candidates must clear the written examination conducted by the UPSC.
- Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB): Candidates who clear the written examination will be called for the SSB interview.
- Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the SSB interview will have to undergo a medical examination.
- Final Merit List: The final merit list will be prepared based on the candidates’ performance in the written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination.
Benefits of Joining the NDA
- Prestigious Career: A career in the Indian Armed Forces is considered to be one of the most prestigious and rewarding careers in the country.
- National Service: NDA cadets get the opportunity to serve the nation and contribute to its security.
- Excellent Training: NDA cadets receive rigorous training in various aspects of military science, leadership, and discipline.
- Career Growth: NDA cadets have excellent career growth opportunities in the Indian Armed Forces.
- Financial Benefits: NDA cadets receive a handsome salary and other benefits.
Conclusion
The NDA exam is a challenging but rewarding exam that offers a unique opportunity to serve the nation and build a fulfilling career in the Indian Armed Forces. With proper preparation and dedication, candidates can achieve their dream of joining the NDA and contributing to the security of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for the NDA exam?
A: Candidates must be citizens of India, have passed the 12th standard examination or equivalent, and be born between 2nd January 2005 and 1st January 2008.
Q: How many stages are there in the NDA exam?
A: The NDA exam is conducted in two stages: a written examination and an interview (Intelligence and Personality Test).
Q: What is the syllabus for the written examination?
A: The written exam consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test. The syllabus covers topics from various subjects like Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, General Knowledge, English, etc.
Q: What is the exam pattern for the written examination?
A: The written exam is a pen-and-paper based objective type exam. Each paper has multiple-choice questions.
Q: What is the duration of the written examination?
A: The written exam is conducted for a total of 3 hours.
Q: How is the SSB interview conducted?
A: The SSB interview is a five-day process that assesses candidates’ intelligence, personality, leadership qualities, and suitability for a career in the Armed Forces.
Q: What are the benefits of joining the NDA?
A: Joining the NDA offers a prestigious career, the opportunity to serve the nation, excellent training, career growth opportunities, and financial benefits.
Q: When is the NDA exam conducted?
A: The NDA exam is conducted twice a year, usually in April and September.
Q: How can I prepare for the NDA exam?
A: Start early, understand the syllabus, refer to reliable study materials, practice mock tests, manage your time effectively, and stay focused and motivated.
Q: Where can I find the official notification for the NDA exam?
A: The official notification for the NDA exam is released by the UPSC on its official website.
Q: What are the important dates for the NDA exam?
A: The exact dates for the NDA exam are announced by the UPSC on its official website.
Q: What is the selection process for the NDA?
A: The selection process involves clearing the written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination.
Q: What is the minimum qualifying marks for the NDA exam?
A: The minimum qualifying marks for the NDA exam are decided by the UPSC based on the number of vacancies and the performance of candidates.
Q: What are the career options after completing the NDA training?
A: After completing the NDA training, cadets are commissioned as officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Q: Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories?
A: Yes, there is age relaxation for candidates belonging to reserved categories like SC, ST, and OBC.
Q: Can I apply for the NDA exam if I am a student of the 12th standard?
A: Yes, you can apply for the NDA exam if you are a student of the 12th standard, but you must have passed the 12th standard examination or equivalent before joining the NDA.
Q: What are the physical fitness standards for the NDA?
A: Candidates must meet the physical fitness standards set by the Armed Forces. These standards include height, weight, chest measurement, and other physical tests.
Q: What are the medical standards for the NDA?
A: Candidates must meet the medical standards set by the Armed Forces. These standards include vision, hearing, and other medical tests.
Q: What is the duration of the NDA training?
A: The NDA training lasts for three years.
Q: What are the facilities provided to NDA cadets?
A: NDA cadets are provided with accommodation, food, uniforms, medical facilities, and other amenities.
Q: What are the career prospects after completing the NDA training?
A: NDA cadets have excellent career prospects in the Indian Armed Forces. They can rise to the highest ranks in their respective services.
Q: What are the challenges of joining the NDA?
A: Joining the NDA is a challenging but rewarding experience. Cadets face rigorous training, demanding schedules, and strict discipline.
Q: What are the rewards of joining the NDA?
A: Joining the NDA offers a prestigious career, the opportunity to serve the nation, excellent training, career growth opportunities, and financial benefits.