NDA Full Form
The full for NDA is National Defence Academy where you go to join the Indian government’s defense force. Every year, around 3 to 4 lakh students apply for the NDA exam, but only approximately 370 students clear the examination and get the opportunity to join this prestigious institution
NDA Exam Syllabus: Overview
| Conducted by | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam |
| Frequency of Exam | Twice in a year |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Selection Process | Written Test (Objective Type Questions) Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB) |
| Papers in NDA Exam | Mathematics (120 Questions – 300 Marks) General Ability Test (150 Questions – 600 Marks) |
| Negative Marking | ⅓ Mark for each wrong answer |
| Time Duration | 2.5 Hours (150 Minutes) for Each Paper |
| Application Fee | For General/OBC: 100/- For SC/ST: 0/- |
| Language of Question Paper | Hindi & English |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
NDA Exam Pattern 2024
| Paper | No. of Questions | Negative Mark | Maximum Marks | Time Duration |
| 1 (Mathematics) | 120 | 0.83 Mark | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| 2 (General Ability Test) | 150 | 1.3 Mark | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
NDA Syllabus 2024
NDA Syllabus for Paper 1 (Mathematics)
| Subject | Topics |
| Algebra | Concept of set Operations on sets Venn Diagrams De Morgan Laws Cartesian product Relation Equivalence Relation Representation of Real Numbers on a line Complex Numbers — Basic Properties Modulus Argument Cube Roots of Unity Binary System of Numbers Conversion of a Number in a Decimal System to a Binary System and Vice-Versa Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic Progressions Quadratic Equations with Real Coefficients Solution of Linear Inequations of two variables by Graphs Permutation and Combination Binomial Theorem and its Applications Logarithms and their Applications |
| 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. |
| Trigonometry | Angles and their measures in degrees and radians Trigonometrical Ratios Trigonometric Identities Sum and Difference formulae Multiple and Sub-multiple Angles Inverse Trigonometric Functions Applications- height and distance, properties of triangles. |
| Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions | 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. |
| Differential 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—examples Continuity of functions—examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative—applications Derivatives of sum, product, and quotient of functions, a derivative of a function with respect to another function, a derivative of a composite function Second-order derivatives Increasing and decreasing functions Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima. |
| Integral Calculus and Differential Equation | 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 solutions of differential equations Solutions of the first order, and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples Application in problems of growth and decay. |
| 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. |
| Statistics and Probability | Statistics: Classification of data Frequency distribution Cumulative frequency distribution—examples Graphical representation—Histogram Pie Chart Frequency polygon— examples Measures of Central Tendency—Mean Median, and mode Variance and standard deviation—determination and comparison Correlation and regression. 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 |
NDA Syllabus for Paper 2 (General Ability Test)
NDA Paper 2 consists of two parts:
- Part A: English (Maximum 200 Marks)
- Part B: General Knowledge (Maximum 400 Marks)
Part A Syllabus: English
- Grammar & usage
- Comprehension & cohesion
- Spotting of errors
- Para Jumbling
- Fill in the blanks
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Vocabulary
- Cloze Test
- Idioms & Proverbs
- Completion of Sentence & Para
- Sentence Correction & Improvement
Part B Syllabus: General Knowledge
The General Knowledge question paper cover the subjects: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events
| Subject | Topics |
| Section A: Physics | Physical Properties and States of Matter Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer The motion of objects, Velocity, and Acceleration Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies Gravitation, elementary ideas of work, Power, and Energy Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature and Heat change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of Transference of Heat Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical instruments Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection, and refraction Spherical Mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet Static and Current Electricity Conductors and Non-conductors Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement of Electrical Power Primary and Secondary Cells, and Use of X-RaysGeneral Principles in the working of the following: Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses. |
| Section B: Chemistry | Physical and Chemical changes Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols Formulae and Simple Chemical Equations Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems) Properties of Air and Water. Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Carbon dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases, and salts. Carbon—different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial. The material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gun Powder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atoms, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, and Valency. |
| Section C: General Science | Difference between living and non-living. Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals. Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs. Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention. Food—Source of Energy for man. Constituents of food, Balanced Diet. The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists. |
| Section D: History, Freedom Movement etc. | A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation. Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration. Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India. Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community Development. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance, Exploration, and Discovery; War of American Independence. French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and Russian Revolution. Impact of Science and Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism, and Communism. Role of India in the present world. |
| Section E: Geography | The Earth, its shape and size. Lattitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects. Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification; Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anti-cyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation; Types of Climate, Major Natural Regions of the World.Regional Geography of India—Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities. Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India. Main items of Imports and Exports of India. |
| Section F: Current Events | Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports. |
NDA Exam Calender 2024
| Event | NDA I 2024 | NDA II 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20th December 2023 | 15th May 2024 |
| Registration Dates | 20th December 2023 to 9th January 2024 | 15th May 2024 to 4th June 2024 |
| Exam Date | 21st April 2024 | 1st September 2024 |
NDA Notification Date 2024
The NDA (National Defence Academy) notification dates for the year 2024 are as follows:
- NDA I 2024: The notification was released on 20th December 2023
- NDA II 2024: The notification is expected to be released on 15th May 2024
Please note that these are the announced dates and I recommend checking the official UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) website for the most accurate and up-to-date information
NDA Registration 2024
The NDA (National Defence Academy) registration dates for the year 2024 are as follows:
- NDA I 2024: The online registration and submission process started on 20th December 2023 and the last date was 9th January 2024
- NDA II 2024: The notification will be released on 15th May 2024, and the last date to apply online is expected to be 4th June 2024
Please note that these are the announced dates and I recommend checking the official UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) website for the most accurate and up-to-date information
NDA Admit Card 2024
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the UPSC NDA Admit Card 2024 on 12th April 2024
The NDA (National Defence Academy) Admit Card for the year 2024 can be downloaded from the official UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) website.
Here are the steps to download the admit card:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on ‘Examination’ and select ‘Active Examinations’.
- It will redirect you to a new page, then click on ‘National Defence Academy and Naval Academy-1 2024’.
- Click on the ‘Admit Card’ link.
NDA Exam Date 2024
The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam dates for the year 2024 are as follows:
- NDA I 2024: The exam was conducted on April 21, 2024
- NDA II 2024: The exam is expected to be conducted on September 1, 2024
NDA Result Date 2024
- NDA I 2024: The result is expected to be published in the first week of May 2024.
- NDA II 2024: The result is expected to be declared in the last week of September 2024
Please note that these are expected dates and I recommend checking the official UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) website for the most accurate information
NDA Exam Fees 2024
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General and OBC | 100 |
| Women, SC/ST, Sons of JCOs, NCOs, ORs | Exempted |
The fee can be paid online via SBI Net Banking, in cash via SBI bank challan, or by credit card/debit card
NDA Exam Eligibility 2024
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Exam | NDA (National Defence Academy) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Age Limit | Upper Age – 18.7 years, Lower Age – 15.7 years |
| Educational Qualifications | Army Wing – Pass certificate in 10+2 exam Air Force and Naval Wings – Passing Certification of Class 12th exam with Physics and Mathematics |
| Gender and Marital Requirements | Unmarried Female and Male |
| Number of attempts | No limit |
NDA Exam Center 2024
| Agartala | Ghaziabad | Panaji (Goa) |
| Agra | Gorakhpur | Patna |
| Ajmer | Gurgaon | Port Blair |
| Ahmedabad | Gwalior | Prayagraj (Allahabad) |
| Aizawl | Hyderabad | Puducherry |
| Aligarh | Imphal | Pune |
| Almora (Uttarakhand) | Indore | Raipur |
| Anantpur (Andhra Pradesh) | Itanagar | Rajkot |
| Aurangabad | Jabalpur | Ranchi |
| Bengaluru | Jaipur | Sambalpur |
| Bareilly | Jammu | Shillong |
| Bhopal | Jodhpur | Shimla |
| Bilaspur | Jorhat | Siligudi |
| Chandigarh | Kochi | Srinagar |
| Chennai | Kohima | Srinagar (Uttarakhand) |
| Coimbatore | Kolkata | Thane |
| Cuttack | Kozhikode (Calicut) | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Dehradun | Leh | Tiruchirapalli |
| Delhi | Lucknow | Tirupati |
| Dharwad | Ludhiana | Udaipur |
| Dispur | Madurai | Varanasi |
| Faridabad | Mumbai | Vellore |
| Gangtok | Mysore | Vijayawada |
| Gaya | Nagpur | Vishakhapatnam |
| Gautam Buddh Nagar | Navi Mumbai | Warangal |
NDA Exam Duration
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 300 | 120 | 2 hrs 30 mins |
| Paper 2 | GAT (General Ability Test) | 600 | 150 | 2 hrs 30 mins |
The total duration of the NDA exam is 5 hour
NDA Salary Structure
| Rank | Salary (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Stipend during training at IMA | INR 56,100 |
| Lieutenant | INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500 |
| Captain | INR 61,300 to INR 1,93,900 |
| Major | INR 69,400 to INR 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | INR 1,21,200 to INR 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | INR 1,30,600 to INR 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | INR 1,39,600 to INR 2,17,600 |
| Major General | INR 1,44,200 to INR 2,18,200 |
| Lt. General HAG Scale | INR 1,82,200 to INR 2,24,100 |
| HAG+ Scale | INR 2,05,400 to INR 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/ Army Cdr/ Lt Gen (NFSG) | INR 2,25,000 |
| COAS | INR 2,50,000 |
In addition to the basic pay, there are also allowances such as:
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Fixed at INR 15,500 per month for officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier.
- Dearness Allowances (DA): Admissible at 17%.
- House Rent Allowances (HRA): Varies from 8% to 24% of the basic pay.
NDA Cut Off 2023
| NDA Previous Year Cut Off Marks | ||
| Year | NDA 1 Cut Off Marks | NDA 2 Cut Off Marks |
| 2023 | 301 | – |
| 2022 | 360 | 316 |
| 2021 | 343 | 355 |
| 2020 | 355 | 355 |
| 2019 | 342 | 346 |
| 2018 | 338 | 325 |
| 2017 | 342 | 258 |
| 2016 | 288 | 229 |
NDA Previous Year Cut Off for Final Selection
| NDA Final Cut Off Marks for Previous Year | ||
| Year | NDA 1 Cut Off Marks | NDA 2 Cut Off Marks |
| 2022 | 720 | 720 |
| 2021 | 709 | 719 |
| 2020 | 723 | 719 |
| 2019 | 704 | 709 |
| 2018 | 705 | 688 |
| 2017 | 708 | 624 |
| 2016 | 656 | 602 |
NDA Previous Year Question Paper
| Question Paper 2018 | Question Paper 2019 |
| Question Paper 2020 | Question Paper 2021 |
| Question Paper 2022 | Question Paper 2023 |
NDA Answer Key 2023
| Answer Key 2018 | Answer Key 2019 |
| Answer Key 2020 | Answer Key 2021 |
| Answer Key 2022 | Answer Key 2023 |
NDA Post List
- Lieutenant
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Brigadier
- Captain
- Colonel
- Major
- Major General
- HAG+ Scale
Best Books for NDA Exam 2024
| No. | Subject | Recommended Books for NDA Preparation |
| 1 | Mathematics | Mathematics for NDA and NA by R.S. Aggarwal |
| NCERT Mathematics Textbook of Class 11 and Class 12 | ||
| Pathfinder for NDA and NA Entrance Exam by Arihant Publications | ||
| 2 | English | Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi |
| Wren & Martin’s High School English Grammar & Composition | ||
| 3 | General Knowledge | General Knowledge 2023 by Manohar Pandey |
| Objective GK | ||
| Pratiyogita Darpan/Competition Success Review | ||
| 4 | Physics | NCERT 11th and 12th std Books |
| 5 | Chemistry | NCERT 11th and 12th std Books |
| 6 | General Science | Objective GK by Lucent Publications |
| 7 | History & Geography | Objective GK by Lucent Publications |
| 8 | Current Affairs | Pratiyogita Darpan/Competition Success Review |
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