National Defence Academy (NDA)

Eligibility

  • Only unmarried male/ female candidates between the age group of 16.5 and 19.5 can join NDA.
  • For Army Wing of National Defence Academy :—12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
  • For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy :—12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

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Exam Date

The NDA 1 exam for 2025 was conducted on April 13, 2025. The NDA 2 exam for 2025 is scheduled to be held on September 14, 2025

NDA Exam Syllabus

The NDA Mathematics Syllabus comprises various sections, i.e. Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, and Statistics and Probability.

NDA Exam Pattern

NDA Exam Subjects Topic-wise Syllabus
Algebra Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Real numbers, Complex numbers, Modulus, Cube roots, Conversion of a number in a 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, a derivative of a function concerning another function, the derivative of a composite function. 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—applications.Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. 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. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. 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. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution.
Physics 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,
Chemistry Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction.
Acids, bases and salts.
Carbon— different forms
Physical and Chemical Changes
Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial
Elements
Material 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 Equation
Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
Valency
Properties of Air and Water
General Science Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention
Difference between the living and non-living
Food—Source of Energy for man
Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms, 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
History, Freedom Movement Forces shaping the modern world;
Renaissance
Exploration and Discovery;
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation
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
Geography 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
Current Affairs 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

NDA SSB Interview

After clearing the written exam of NDA, candidates have to appear for the SSB Interview rounds. The pattern of the NDA Interviews is as mentioned below:

NDA – SSB Interview Pattern
Stage 1 Screening Test Verbal and non-verbal tests.
PPDT
Stage 2 Psychological Test Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
Word Association Test (WAT)
Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
Self Description Test (SD)
Group Testing Officers Test GD
GPE
PGT
HGT
IoT
Command Task
Snake Race/Group Obstacle Race
Individual lecture
FGT
Personal Interview & Conference

Official website

nda.nic.in