Home » Govt Exams Syllabus » NDA: Latest Exam Syllabus, Pattern, Books & Preparation Tips
The NDA syllabus and pattern are decided by UPSC. According to the NDA exam pattern 2022, there will be two papers – Mathematics and GAT – with a total of 120 and 150 questions, respectively. The total time for each NDA 2022 paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Candidates must also be aware of the next negative marking. It is important for the candidates to pass the written exam to be eligible for the interview. Check out the table below for a summary of the NDA 2022 exam pattern:
NDA 2 2022 | Mathematics | General Ability Test |
Exam Duration | 2 hours and 30 minutes | 2 hours and 30 minutes |
No. of sections | 1 | 2 (English and General Knowledge) |
Total no. of questions | 120 | 150 |
Total marks | 300 | 600 (English (200) + GK (400)) |
Marking scheme | 2.5 for correct and -0.83 for incorrect | 4 for correct and -1.33 for incorrect |
Medium | English & Hindi | English section. GK section |
Type of questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
The NDA examination primarily consists of questions from the 10+2 level. Hence, candidates must know the basic concepts of all the subjects.
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Paper 1 of NDA has solely supported Mathematics. No modification is determined in NDA Syllabus 2022 from the previous year. The sub-sections during this half are basic-level mathematics.
Here are all necessary topics in the NDA syllabus 2022 for Paper 1, i.e. Mathematics:
Topics | Topic includes |
Algebra | Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, Binary system of numbers, Representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, and argument, cube roots of unity, Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions, Quadratic equations with real coefficients, Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem, Logarithms and their applications, Cartesian product, Logarithms. |
Trigonometry | Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians, Trigonometrical ratios, Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae, Multiple and Sub-multiple angles, Inverse trigonometric functions, Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles. |
Differential Calculus | Concept of a real-valued function–domain, range, and graph of a function, Composite functions, 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, Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect to another function, derivative of a composite function. Second order derivatives, Increasing and decreasing functions, Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima. |
Vector Algebra | Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product oftwo vectors, Vector product or cross product of two vectors,Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and ingeometrical problems. |
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. |
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, Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic, Point in a three dimensional space, 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, Angle between two lines and angle between two planes, Equation of a sphere. |
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations | Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration bysubstitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraicexpressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions,Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of planeregions bounded by curves. Definition of order and degree of a differential equation,formation of a differential equation, General andparticular solution of a differential equations, solution of first orderand first degree differential equations of various types, Application in problems of growth and decay. |
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 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, Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems, Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems, Random variable as function on a sample space, Binomial distribution. |
Download the E-Admit Card for NDA 2 Exam
Paper 2 in NDA, i.e. the overall ability to take a look at judges a candidate’s basic awareness and English proficiency. This section is divided into two parts, English and General knowledge.
English question paper within the NDA exam is framed in such the simplest way that the aspirant understands, and their in-depth data of English may be examined. Within the following, the NDA 2022 English syllabus has been highlighted in a very detailed process:
The question paper on General knowledge will cover current affairs, questions from Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events. NDA Syllabus 2022 of every topic is given below. The paper aims to check knowledge and intelligent understanding of the subject.
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The table below includes the vital topics asked within the Physics section of the General Ability Test:
States of Matter and its properties, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer. | Light and Sound (Properties), Simple musical instruments. Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection and refraction. Spherical mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye. |
Motion and Laws of Motion, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation. | Magnet and its properties, Natural and Artificial Magnets, Earth as a Magnet |
Work Energy and Power, elementary ideas of work | Current and Electricity, conductors and Non-conductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement ofElectrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, Use of X-Rays. |
Modes of Transfer of Heat and its effect, Measurement of Temperature and Heat, change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of transference of Heat. | General Principles of Working of Simple Pendulum, Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass, Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses |
The basic information of Chemistry and varied chemicals are tested within the chemistry section. The topics to be thought about for preparation are given below:
Physical and Chemical Changes | Preparation and Properties of Oxygen, Hydrogen, etc. with Oxidation and Reduction |
Air and water (Properties) | Carbon and its forms |
Formulae and simple Chemical Equations | Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency |
Laws of Chemical Combination | Atom and its structure (details) |
Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures | Fertilizers- Natural and Artificial |
Acids, Bases, and Salts | Use of materials for the preparation of different chemicals like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gun-23 Powder |
The topics for general science are tabulated below. The candidates should prepare in step with the NDA info 2022 to get an honest score within the NDA exam:
Basic Unit of Life: Cell | Growth and Reproduction in Plants and animals |
Protoplasms and Tissues | Constituents of food |
Living and Non-Living Things | Human Body and Life processes |
Epidemics: causes and preventions | Food and Balanced Diet |
Solar System- Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. | Achievement of Eminent Scientists |
The necessary topics coated within the history section of the final ability to take a look at in NDA are given within the table below:
Indian History: Culture and Civilization | Constitution and Administration of India |
Nationalism in India | Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism, and Communism |
Five Year Plans of India | Renaissance, Exploration, and Discovery |
French, Russian, and Industrial Revolution | United Nations and the Concept of one world |
Democracy of India | The teaching of Mahatma Gandhi |
Freedom Movement in India | Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and community development |
Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State | Impact of Science and Technology on Society. |
Candidates should prepare the subsequent topics completely for the Geographic section in NDA 2022:
Earth and its Origin and Movement (Latitudes and Longitudes) | Tides and Oceanic Currents |
Rocks and their classification | The atmosphere and Atmospheric Pressure |
Types of Climate | Regional Geography of India |
Agricultural and Industries | Transportation and Trading routes of India |
Imports and Exports of India | Concept of time, International Date Line. |
Movements of Earth and their effects, Origin of Earth | Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anti-cyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation; |
Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes | Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activitie |
Candidates should follow the most recent newspapers and magazines with info regarding this event across the country and also the world. The topics to be ready to qualify during this section with smart marks tabulated below:
Important and Recent Events in India | Current and Important World Events |
Important India or Non-India Personalities related to Cultural Activities and Sports | – |
Read: How to prepare for Current Affairs
The SSB method contains two stages: I and II. Solely the qualified aspirants from stage II will get permission to require the stage II method. Scan the subsequent content to know the elaborate info of 2 stages:
Stage 1 |
Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT)Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) |
Stage 2 |
Interview (IO)Psychology Tests (Psych)Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO)Conference |
Three different assessors evaluate a candidate’s personality: the Interviewing Officer (IO), the Group Testing Officer (GTO), and the Psychologist. There is no individual weightage for each test. Assessors assign marks only after considering the candidate’s overall performance across all tests. Candidates should also check the official website for the latest updates.
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Books are always thought to be useful in better understanding any subject. However, candidates frequently struggle with selecting the appropriate reference material. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of books for Mathematics and General Ability that can help students get a head start on their studies.
Aspirants should read the daily newspaper on a regular basis to stay up to date on the latest national and international events for General Awareness.
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Best NDA Books for Preparation – List of Subject-wise important books
Here are some helpful NDA Preparation Tips to attain higher within the exam:
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Ans. Candidates must prepare thoroughly, particularly for the General Awareness section, which covers physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography, and current events. Current Affairs and GK Updates can be obtained from regular newspapers or from reference books for the UPSC NDA. Topic revision is necessary to keep in mind and remember them. The NDA examination primarily consists of questions from the 10+2 level. Hence, candidates must know the basic concepts of all the subjects.
Ans. On a daily basis, 2-3 hours of study are required. Begin preparing for the course by categorizing it according to your preferences. As much as possible, practice the previous year’s question papers.
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Ans. The NDA physical test is one of the most important rounds to getting into the military. If you want to work in the defence industry, you must be physically fit. If the candidate wishes to join the Indian Army or the Air Force, he must be at least 157 centimeters (for male candidates) or 152 centimeters (for female candidates) tall.
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NDA Exam Pattern 2022 | Syllabus, Marking scheme and Subject Wise Pattern