UPSC NDA Syllabus 2024 and Exam Pattern: GAT and Math
Published On: 09-04-2024
UPSC NDA Syllabus 2024 and Exam Pattern: Mathematics
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam annually, held twice a year. The NDA Syllabus 2024 PDF has been released via the official notification. Understanding the subject-wise topics covered in the UPSC NDA Syllabus and exam pattern is crucial for candidates aspiring to crack the NDA exam. Selection for eligible male and female candidates for the NDA exam is based on the written test followed by the Personality Test.
NDA Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2024
The NDA written examination comprises two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The aspirants aiming for NDA 2024 must initiate their preparation by thoroughly understanding the detailed NDA Syllabus 2024 provided below. NDA 1 and NDA 2 Exams are set to be conducted offline on 21st April and 1st September 2024.
Key Points of NDA Syllabus 2024:
Name of the Exam: National Defence Academy (NDA)
Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Frequency Of Exam: Twice in a Year (April & September 2024)
Selection Process:
Written Test consisting of Objective Type Questions
Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB)
Mode of Exam: Offline
Papers in NDA Exam:
Mathematics
General Ability Test
Marks Segregation:
Mathematics: 300 Marks
GAT: 600 Marks
Total No. of Questions:
Mathematics: 120
GAT: 150
Negative Marking:
Mathematics: -0.83
GAT: -1.33 marks
Exam Duration: 2.5 Hours For Each Paper (5 hours total)
Exam Date: 21st April 2024
Language of Question Paper: English & Hindi (English Language paper has to be attempted in English)
NDA Exam Pattern 2024
Before delving into the NDA Syllabus, its essential to understand the NDA Exam Pattern and marking scheme. The Mathematics paper comprises 120 questions carrying 300 marks, whereas the General Ability Test (GAT) includes English and GK Papers with 200 & 400 marks, respectively.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus
Here is the comprehensive syllabus for Mathematics covered in the NDA exam:
Algebra:
Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws
Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation
Real numbers, Complex numbers, Modulus, Cube roots
Conversion of a number in Binary system to Decimals, and vice-versa
Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions
Quadratic equations, Linear inequations
Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem, and Logarithms
Calculus:
Concept of a real-valued function, domain, range, and graph of a function
Composite functions, one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions
The notion of limit, Standard limits, Continuity of functions
Algebraic operations on continuous functions
Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative-application
Derivatives of sum, product, and quotient of functions
Second-order derivatives, Increasing and decreasing functions
Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima
Matrices and Determinants:
Types of matrices, operations on matrices
Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants
Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix
Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations:
Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts
Standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential, and hyperbolic functions
Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves
Definition of order and degree of a differential equation
General and particular solution of differential equations
Solution of the first order, and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples
Application in problems of growth and decay
Trigonometry:
Angles and their measures in degrees and radians
Trigonometric ratios, Trigonometric identities
Sum and difference formulae, Multiple and Sub-multiple angles
Inverse trigonometric functions
Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles
Vector Algebra:
Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction of a vector
Unit and null vectors, the addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector
Scalar product, or dot product of two vectors, Vector product or cross product of two vectors
Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems
Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension:
Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system, Distance formula
Equation of a line in various forms, The angle between two lines
Distance of a point from a line
Equation of a circle in standard and a general form
Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola
Eccentricity and axis of a conic
Point in a three-dimensional space, the distance between two points
Direction Cosines and direction ratios
Equation two points, Equation of a plane and a line in various forms
The angle between two lines and the angle between two planes
Equation of a sphere
Statistics and Probability:
Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, and associated sample space
Events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events
Union and Intersection of events, Complementary, elementary, and composite events
Definition of probability—classical and statistical—examples
Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems
Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution
Topic-wise Question Distribution in Maths:
Calculus: 20-25 Questions
Quadratic equation: 20-15 Questions
Matrices & Determinants: 30 Questions
Probability: 10 Questions
Trigonometry: 30 Questions
Complex number: 10-15 Questions
NDA GAT Syllabus 2024
The NDA GAT (General Ability Test) consists of two papers: English and General Knowledge. The English paper carries 200 Marks, while the General Knowledge paper is worth 400 Marks.
NDA English Syllabus
The English paper aims to assess the candidate’s understanding of the English language. It covers various aspects as outlined below:
Topic
No. of Questions
No. of Marks
Spotting Errors
5
20
Comprehension
6
24
Selecting Words
10
40
Ordering of Words in a Sentence
9
36
Sentence Improvement
10
40
Antonyms
5
20
Synonyms
5
20
Total
50
200
NDA General Knowledge Syllabus
The General Knowledge paper is structured as follows:
Topic
No. of Questions
No. of Marks
Physics
23
92
Chemistry
16
64
General Science
11
44
History & Freedom Movement
16
64
Geography
17
68
Current Affairs
17
68
Total
100
400
NDA Physics Syllabus
The Physics syllabus for NDA covers the following topics:
Physical Properties and States of Matter
Modes of transference of Heat
Mass, Weight, 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 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, and Magnetic effects of Current
Power and Energy
Measurement of Electrical Power
Effects of Heat
Primary and Secondary Cells
Measurement of Temperature and Heat
Use of X-Rays
General Principles in the working of Simple Pendulum, Simple 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
The NDA Chemistry syllabus includes the following topics:
Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction.
Acids, bases, and salts.
Different forms of Carbon.
Physical and Chemical Changes.
Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial.
Elements.
Materials used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gunpowder.
Mixtures and Compounds.
Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom.
Symbols, Formulae, and simple Chemical Equations.
Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights.
Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems).
Valency.
Properties of Air and Water.
NDA General Science Syllabus
The General Science syllabus for NDA covers the following areas:
Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention.
Difference between the living and non-living.
Food—Source of Energy for man.
Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasm, and Tissues.
Constituents of food.
Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals.
Balanced Diet.
Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs.
The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists.
NDA Syllabus for History, Freedom Movement
The History syllabus for NDA includes:
Forces shaping the modern world.
Renaissance.
Exploration and Discovery.
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilization.
Freedom Movement in India.
French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and Russian Revolution.
War of American Independence.
Impact of Science and Technology on Society.
Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration.
Concept of one World.
Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India.
United Nations.
Panchsheel.
Panchayati Raj, Democracy, Socialism, and Communism.
Role of India in the present world.
Co-operatives and Community Development.
Bhoodan, Sarvodaya.
National Integration and Welfare State.
Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
NDA Syllabus for Geography
The Geography syllabus for NDA covers:
The Earth, its shape, and size.
Ocean Currents and Tides, Atmosphere, and its composition.
Latitudes and Longitudes.
Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones, and Anticyclones; Humidity; Condensation, and Precipitation.
Concept of time.
Types of Climate.
International Date Line.
Major Natural Regions of the World.
Movements of Earth and their effects.
Regional Geography of India.
Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources.
Location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities.
Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification.
Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India.
Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes.
Main items of Imports and Exports of India.
NDA Syllabus for Current Affairs
The Current Affairs syllabus includes:
Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years.
Prominent personalities of both Indian and International level.
Cultural activities and sports activities.
Current important world events.
NDA SSB Interview Process:
After successfully clearing the written exam of NDA, candidates are required to undergo the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview rounds. The pattern of the NDA Interviews is structured as follows: