NDA Syllabus And Exam Pattern 2025 For NDA 1 And 2 Exam

The NDA 2 Exam will be conducted on 14 September 2025 at multiple exam centres. All candidates who will appear and want to crack the National Defence Exam 2025, they must understand the NDA Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025 from the article.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the NDA & INAC Examination across various centres on 14 September 2025. The official notification for the NDA 2 2025 Exam is expected to be released today on the UPSC website. Lakhs of aspirants aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces through the NDA 2 Exam 2025 must first understand the exam pattern and syllabus, as these form the foundation of effective preparation. To help candidates get started, the complete details regarding the NDA 2 2025 syllabus and exam pattern are provided in the article below.

NDA Syllabus And Exam Pattern 2025

To succeed in any exam, it's essential for candidates to thoroughly understand the syllabus and exam pattern. For the NDA 2 2025 Exam, aspirants should carefully go through each subject, including Maths, English, History, Polity, Economics, General Science, and Physics, as questions are framed around these topics. Knowing the complete syllabus helps candidates plan their preparation effectively and focus on key areas. To make things easier, a detailed guide to the NDA 2 syllabus is now available, outlining the important topics to prioritise for smart and strategic preparation

NDA Syllabus And Exam Pattern 2025
Name of the ExamNDA I & II 2025
Exam Conducting BodyUPSC
Mode of ExamOffline
Total Papers in NDA ExamPaper 1 - Mathematics
Paper 2 : General Ability Test (GAT)
Total Marks for NDA ExamMathematics and GAT 900 Marks
Total No. of Questions
  • Mathematics: 120
  • GAT: 150
Negative Marking
  • Mathematics: -0.83
  • GAT: -1.33 marks
Exam Duration
  • Mathematics: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
  • GAT: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Official Websiteupsc.gov.in

NDA Exam Pattern 2025

The NDA 2025 exam is structured into two primary sections: Mathematics and the General Aptitude Test (GAT). These sections are designed to assess various skills, including problem-solving, reasoning, and general awareness. Candidates who clear the written exam will advance to the SSB interview, a comprehensive evaluation of personality, leadership, and decision-making abilities. Detailed information about the NDA 2025 exam pattern is provided below for your reference.

SubjectDurationTotal QuestionsMaximum Marks
Mathematics2½ Hours120300
General Ability Test2½ Hours150600
SSB Test/Interview5 Days 900
Total1800

NDA Math Syllabus 2025

The Mathematics syllabus for the NDA 2 2025 Exam focuses on assessing candidates' quantitative aptitude and problem-solving skills. It covers key areas like algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and analytical geometry. Mastery of these topics, along with consistent practice, is crucial for achieving success in this section.

  1. Algebra
  2. Matrices and Determinants
  3. Trigonometry
  4. Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
  5. Differential Calculus
  6. Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
  7. Vector Algebra
  8. Statistics and Probability

The Important topics are elaborated with sub topics that are important for the examination point of view.

1. Algebra

  • Sets and Relations: Concept of sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan's laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation.
  • Real Numbers: Representation on a number line, complex numbers (properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity), binary system, conversion between decimal and binary systems.
  • Sequences and Series: Arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic progressions.
  • Quadratic Equations: Quadratic equations with real coefficients, solution of linear equations of two variables by graphs.
  • Permutations and Combinations: Counting principles, permutations, combinations, binomial theorem, and its applications.
  • Logarithms: Properties of logarithms, solving equations involving logarithms.

2. Matrices and Determinants

  • Types of matrices (square, rectangular, row, column, diagonal, scalar, identity, zero, triangular).
  • Operations on matrices (addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, matrix multiplication, transpose, inverse, adjoint).
  • Determinants of matrices (2x2, 3x3, and larger matrices), properties of determinants.
    Applications of matrices: Solving systems of linear equations using Cramer's rule and matrix method.

3. Trigonometry

  • Angles and their measures (degrees, radians).
  • Trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, cosecant).
  • Trigonometric identities (sum and difference formulae, multiple and sub-multiple angles, inverse trigonometric functions).
  • Applications of trigonometry (height and distance problems, properties of triangles).

4. Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions

  • Rectangular Cartesian coordinate system, distance formula, equation of a line in various forms.
  • Angle between two lines, distance of a point from a line, equation of a circle in standard and general form.
  • Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola, eccentricity, and axis of a conic.
  • Point in three-dimensional space, distance between two points, direction cosines and direction ratios.
  • Equation of a plane and a line in various forms, angle between two lines and two planes, equation of a sphere.

5. Differential Calculus

  • Concept of a real-valued function (domain, range, graph).
  • Composite functions, one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions.
  • Limits and continuity of functions.
  • Derivatives of functions (sum, product, quotient, composite functions).
  • Higher-order derivatives, increasing and decreasing functions.
  • Applications of derivatives (maxima and minima problems).

6. Integral Calculus and Differential Equations

  • Integration as the inverse of differentiation.
  • Integration by substitution and by parts.
  • Standard integrals (algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, hyperbolic functions).
  • Definite integrals and their applications (area under curves).
  • Differential equations: order, degree, formation, general and particular solutions, first-order and first-degree equations.
  • Applications of differential equations (growth and decay problems).

7. Vector Algebra

  • Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction.
  • Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector.
  • Scalar product (dot product) and vector product (cross product) of two vectors.
  • Applications of vectors (work done by a force, moment of a force, geometrical problems).

8. Statistics and Probability

  • Statistics: Classification of data, frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution, graphical representation (histogram, pie chart, frequency polygon), measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), variance, standard deviation, correlation, and regression.
  • Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, 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), elementary theorems on probability, conditional probability, Bayes' theorem, random variables, binomial distribution.

NDA Marking Scheme For Maths

The NDA 2 2025 marking scheme for Mathematics is designed to assess candidates fairly and discourage guesswork. In this section, each correct answer awards 2.5 marks, while 0.83 marks are deducted for every wrong response due to negative marking. The Mathematics paper includes 120 questions carrying a total of 300 marks, with a time limit of 2 hours and 30 minutes. A clear understanding of this marking system is essential for candidates to plan their attempts wisely and boost their performance.

Subject No of QuestionsTotal MarksTime Duration-ve Marks + ve Marks 
Mathematics 1203002 Hrs 30 Min-0.83+2.5

NDA GAT Syllabus 2025

The NDA Paper 2 syllabus, known as the General Ability Test (GAT), covers a wide range of subjects including English, general knowledge (GK), chemistry, physics, geography, general science and current events. The paper consists of 150 questions, of which 50 questions focus on English and 100 questions are devoted to general knowledge, carrying a total of 600 marks. Here is the information about NDA GAT Syllabus 2025.

Subject No of QuestionsTotal MarksTime Duration-ve Marks + ve Marks 
English502002 Hrs 30 Min-1.33+4
GK100400
Total150600   

NDA English Syllabus for Part-A

TopicsSubtopics
Grammar and UsageParts of speech: Noun, Pronoun, Adjective, Verb, Adverb, Conjunction, Preposition, Interjection
Subject-verb agreement
Tenses: Present, Past, Future
Active and passive voice
Coherence and unity: Theme, Idea, Paragraph, Sentence Structure
Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms and Phrases, Words often confused
ComprehensionComprehension of a given passage
Drawing of inferences
Use of vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms and Phrases, Words often confused
ExpressionSimple sentence structure
Punctuation: Comma, Full stop, Question Mark, Exclamation Mark, Apostrophe
Conjunctions: Coordinating, Subordinating
Adverbs and Prepositions
Direct and indirect speech
Comparison: Degrees of comparison
Articles: Definite and Indefinite Articles
Verbs: Auxiliary, Modal, Regular and Irregular verbs
Sentence correction: Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement

NDA Syllabus 2025 Part-2 General Knowledge

The NDA GAT (General Ability Test) syllabus for 2025 comprises six sections that candidates should thoroughly prepare. These sections include Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. The question paper will broadly encompass topics from these subjects, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of candidates' knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events. A solid understanding of each area is essential for success in the exam.

NDA Syllabus 2025 Physics (Section A)

The questions in the physics section are asked from topics like Mass, Weight, Volume, Pressure, Newton's laws of Motion etc. Given below is the complete list of topics from which the questions are been asked in the NDA examination.

  • Physical Properties and States of Matter
  • Mass, Weight, Volume, Density, and Specific Gravity
  • Principle of Archimedes
  • Pressure Barometer
  • 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
  • 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 2025 for Section B

The Chemistry segment is the NDA examination and consists of questions from topics like Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Acids, Bases and Salts, Properties of matter, etc. Consider the table given below in order to get a glimpse of the topics from which the questions are been asked.

  • 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, Carbon Dioxide
  • Oxidation and Reduction
  • Acids, Bases, and Salts
  • Carbon – Different Forms
  • Fertilizers – Natural and Artificial
  • Materials Used in the Preparation of: Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, Gunpowder
  • Elementary Ideas about the Structure of Atom
  • Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
  • Valency

NDA General Science Syllabus for Section C

General Science is the category that consists of general topics like Growth and Reproduction, basis of life, questions on food and balanced diet etc. All the topics from the General science section in the NDA syllabus are given below:

General Science Syllabus for NDA
  • Difference between the living and non-living.
  • Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasm's and Tissues.
  • Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals.
  • Elementary knowledge of 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.

NDA Syllabus for History Section D

The Questions in this section are mainly asked from History, like Various movements, the Indian constitution, Various plans in India, various revolutions etc. Given below is the list of the complete topics:

History, Freedom Movement, etc. Syllabus For NDA

  • A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation.
  • Freedom Movement in India.
  • Elementary study of the Indian Constitution and Administration.
  • Elementary knowledge of the 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.

NDA Geography Syllabus for Section E

The questions in this section are made from topics like the Origin of the Earth, latitude and longitude, rocks, wind, cyclones, etc. Check the list of topics given below to get a better understanding of this section.

Geography Syllabus For NDA
  • The Earth, its shape and size.
  • Latitudes 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.

NDA Current Affairs Important Topics (Section- F)

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.

NOTE: Out of the maximum marks assigned to part ‘B’ of this paper, questions on Sections ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ will carry approximately 25%, 15%, 10%, 20%, 20%, and 10% weightage respectively.

NDA GAT Subject Wise Weightage 2025

Section/SubjectPercentage of Marks
Section A: Physics25%
Section B: Chemistry15%
Section C: General Science10%
Section D: History/Freedom Movements20%
Section E: Geography20%
Section F: Current Events10%

 

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