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UPSC NDA Written Exam Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme, Preparation Strategy

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UPSC NDA Written Exam is the first stage of the UPSC NDA Exam. Get Complete details of UPSC NDA Written Exam, alongwith UPSC NDA Written Exam Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility Criteria and Marking Scheme.

UPSC NDA Written Exam Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme, Preparation Strategy

UPSC NDA Written Exam is the initial stage of the UPSC NDA Exam. UPSC NDA Exam consists of two stages: UPSC NDA Written Exam and UPSC NDA SSB Interview. The UPSC NDA Exam is held two times annually, NDA 1 Exam and NDA 2 Exam. 

UPSC NDA Written Exam also consists of two Papers: Paper 1 is Mathematics and Paper 2 is General Ability Test (GAT). Mathematics paper in UPSC NDA Written Exam is about the fundamental knowledge of Mathematics of the candidate, and the General Ability Test (GAT) is to check candidates’ General Awareness about the static and current events and phenomena of the World.

Let us have a look at the complete details of the UPSC NDA Written Exam, including UPSC NDA Exam Pattern, UPSC NDA Syllabus, UPSC NDA Eligibility Criteria and the Marking Scheme of the UPSC NDA Written Exam. The Preparation strategy for the UPSC NDA Written Exam is also given here.

UPSC NDA Written Exam

The UPSC NDA 1 Written Exam 2024 Notification was released by the UPSC on its official website on 15th May 2024. The UPSC NDA Written Exam is held twice annually, NDA1 Exam 2024, and UPSC NDA Written Exam for the second cycle. UPSC NDA Written Exam for the first cycle was held on 21st April 2024, and the UPSC NDA Written Exam for the second cycle is scheduled to be held on 1st September 2024.

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The table below contains the Complete overview of the UPSC NDA Written Exam:

UPSC NDA Written Exam Overview
Particulars Details
Exam Name National Defence Services (NDA) Examination
Conducted  by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)
Level of Exam National
Frequency of Exam Twice Annually (NDA 1 and NDA 2)
Mode of Exam Offline (Pen and Paper Test)
UPSC NDA 1 Written Exam 2024 Exam Date 21st April 2024
UPSC NDA 1 Written Exam 2024 Result Date 9th May 2024
UPSC NDA 2 Written Exam 2024 Exam Date 1st September 2024
UPSC NDA 2 Written Exam 2024 Application Form 15th May 2024
Exam Stages
  • NDA Written exam
  • UPSC SSB Interview
Exam Fees
  • ₹100 (Gen and OBC)
  • No fees (Female, SC, and ST)
Exam Duration Total Duration 5 Hours (2.5 Hours Each for Maths and GAT)
Language of Question Paper
  • English 
  • Hindi
No of Questions
  • Maths – 120
  • GAT – 150
No.of Papers
  • Two Papers: Paper 1 – Maths (300 Marks) and Paper 2 – GAT (600 Marks)
Marking Scheme
  • Right Answers: 2.5 Marks for Maths and 4 Marks for GAT
  • Wrong Answers  Penalty: 0.83 for Maths and 1.33 for GAT
Official Website www.upsc.gov.in

UPSC NDA Written Exam Application Form

The UPSC NDA Written Exam Application form for both UPSC NDA Written Exam for the first cycle and UPSC NDA Written Exam for the first cycle have been released. The Selection Process of UPSC NDA Written Exam for the first cycle is complete and the result of UPSC NDA Written Exam for the first cycle has already been declared for the written phase of the Exam.

UPSC has released the UPSC NDA 2 2024 Application Form on its official website (www.upsc.gov.in) The online application link for NDA 2 2024 became active on 15th May 2024, and will remain open until 4th June 2024. The students must first register for the OTR before they can proceed to complete the NDA application form.

UPSC NDA 2 2024 Application Form Direct Link to Apply

UPSC NDA Written Exam Exam Pattern

The UPSC NDA Written Exam has two subject papers for its written phase. The two subjects papers are Mathematics (Paper 1), and General Ability Test (Paper 2). There are 120 Questions in the Mathematics Paper, while there are 150 questions in the GAT Paper. Time allotted for each paper is 150 minutes or two and half hours.

The table below contains the Exam Pattern of the UPSC NDA Written Exam for its Written Phase:

NDA 2 2024 Exam Pattern
Paper Subject No. of Questions Marks Time Allotted
Paper 1 Mathematics 120 300 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
Paper 2 General Ability Test (GAT) 150 600 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
Total 270 900 5 hours (300 minutes)

UPSC NDA 1 Written Exam 2024 Important Dates

The UPSC NDA Written Exam for the first cycle was held on 21st April 2024, and the NDA 1 Result 2024 was declared on 9th May 2024. About 7,000 candidates have been selected for the Interview Phase of the UPSC NDA Exam 2024.

The Notification of UPSC UPSC NDA Written Exam for the first cycle was issued on 20th December 2023. After the result was declared, the cut off of UPSC NDA Written Exam for the first cycle was found to be 301 marks.

The table below contains the list of all the important dates associated with the UPSC NDA 1 Written Exam 2024:

NDA 1 2024 Important Dates
NDA 1 2024 Event Date
UPSC NDA 1 2024 Notification 20th December 2023
NDA 1 Admit Card 2024 12th April 2024
NDA 1 Exam Date 2024 21st April 2024
NDA 1 Exam Result Date 2024 9th May 2024

UPSC NDA 2 Written Exam 2024 Important Dates

The UPSC NDA 2 Written Exam 2024 Notification has been released by UPSC on its official website. The UPSC NDA 2 Written Exam 2024 is scheduled to be held on the 1st of September 2024. The UPSC NDA 2 Written Exam 2024 Application Form is now active and the eligible candidates can apply online for the UPSC NDA 2 Written Exam 2024.

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The table below contains the list of all Important Dates related to the UPSC NDA 2 Written Exam 2024:

NDA 2 2024 Important Dates
NDA 2 2024 Event Date
UPSC NDA 2 2024 Notification Date 15th May 2024
UPSC NDA 2 2024 Application Form Date 15th May 2024
Last Date to fill NDA 2 Application Form 2024 04th June 2024 – 6 PM
NDA 2 2024 Fee Payment Last Date 04th June 2024 – 6 PM
NDA 2 2024 Correction Window 5th June 2024 to 11th June 2024
NDA 2 2024 Last week of August 2024
NDA 2 2024 Exam Date 1st September 2024

UPSC NDA Written Exam Eligibility Criteria

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has detailed the eligibility criteria for the NDA Exam  2024 in its official notification available at upsc.gov.in. 

The UPSC NDA Written Exam eligibility criteria are divided into 2 main sections: age limit and educational qualifications. 

Age Limit: Only candidates who are unmarried male/female and are born not earlier than 2nd January 2006 and not later than 1st January 2009 are eligible.

Educational Qualification: 

  • For Army Wing of NDA: Candidate should be 12th Class pass or have passed an equivalent examination.
  • For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy (INA): Candidates should be 12th Class pass with Chemistry, Maths, and Physics, or should have passed an equivalent examination.

UPSC NDA Written Exam Syllabus

UPSC NDA Written Exam in India will consist of two main papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The table below contains the UPSC NDA Written Exam  Syllabus for Mathematics:

UPSC NDA Written Exam Syllabus
Mathematics
1. 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 inequalities of two variables by graphs. 
  • Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its applications. Logarithms and their applications.
2. 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.
3. Trigonometry
  • Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. 
  • Trigonometric ratios. 
  • Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. 
  • Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. 
  • Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, 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 in general form. 
  • 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
5. Differential Calculus 
  • Concept of a real valued  function–domain,  range  and graph of a function. 
  • Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions. 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, 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
6. 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 a differential equations, solution of first order and first degree differential equations of various types—examples. 
  • Application in problems of growth and decay.
7. 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  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
8. 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, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution.

The table below contains the UPSC NDA Written ExamSyllabus for General Ability Test (GAT):

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UPSC NDA Written Exam Syllabus
General Ability Test (GAT)
English Syllabus
  • The question paper in English will be designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English and workman-like use of words. 
  • The syllabus covers various aspects like : Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and  cohesion  in  extended  text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English
General Knowledge Syllabus
  • The question paper on General Knowledge will broadly cover the subjects : Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events.- 
  • The syllabus given below is designed to indicate the scope of these subjects included in this paper. 
  • The topics mentioned are not to be regarded as exhaustive and questions on topics  of  similar  nature not specifically mentioned in the syllabus may also be asked. 
  • Candidate’s answers are expected to show their knowledge and intelligent understanding of the subject
Physics Syllabus
  • 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 the following: Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Syphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses
Chemistry Syllabus
  • 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. Fertilisers—Natural and Artificial. 
  • 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 Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency.
General Science Syllabus
  • Difference between the living and nonliving. 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
History and Freedom Movement Syllabus
  • 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.
Geography Syllabus
  • 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 Anticyclones; 
  • 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
Current Affairs Syllabus
  • Knowledge of Important events that have  happened  in India in the recent years. Current important world events.
  • Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports.

Important Note: Out of 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% weightages respectively. 

UPSC NDA Written Exam Marking Scheme – Written Exam

  • Negative Marking: There will be a penalty for wrong answers. For every incorrect answer, one-third (0.83 for Mathematics and 1.33 for General Ability Test) of the marks assigned to that question are deducted.
  • Minimum Qualifying Marks: Candidates need to score the minimum qualifying marks separately in each paper as determined by the Commission.

The table below contains the Marking scheme of UPSC UPSC NDA Written Exam:

NDA 2 2024 Marking Scheme
Subject Correct Answers NDA Negative Marking
GAT 4 Marks for Right Answer -1.33 Marks Penalty
Maths 2.5 Marks for Right Answer -0.83 Marks Penalty

UPSC NDA Written Exam Selection Process

The NDA 2 2024 Exam selection process will involve four stages to select suitable candidates for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Below is an overview of the NDA 2 2024 Exam process:

1. UPSC NDA Written Exam Written Examination:

  1. The written exam comprises two papers: Mathematics and the GAT (General Ability Test).
  2. Mathematics is of 300 marks, and the GAT is of 600 marks, making the entire written exam of 900 marks.
  3. NDA Candidates will be selected if they score above the cut-off marks in both papers to qualify for the SSB process, which is the next stage.
  4. There is a negative marking of one-third of the marks (0.83 for Maths and 1.33 for GAT) for each of the answers which will be answered incorrectly​.

2. UPSC NDA Written Exam SSB Interview:

  1. Candidates who pass the written examination will be called for the 5 day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview process.
  2. The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is a 5-day process divided into two stages:
    1. Stage 1, which includes the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT).
    2. Stage 2, which includes the psychological tests, group testing officer tasks, personal interviews, and a final conference​.

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3. UPSC NDA Written Exam Medical Examination:

  1. Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a comprehensive medical examination at designated military hospitals.
  2. The medical tests ensure that the NDA candidates meet the health standards required for service in the armed forces​.

4. UPSC NDA Written Exam Final Merit List:

  1. The final selection will be based on the combined scores of the written exam phase and the SSB interview phase.
  2. Only the candidates who will be declared medically fit and score sufficiently high on the merit list will be selected for training at the NDA.

Preparation Strategy for UPSC NDA Written Exam

The UPSC NDA Written Exam needs a comprehensive preparation strategy to complete the entire syllabus of the NDA Exam. Below is a preparation strategy that can be used by the candidates preparing for the UPSC NDA Written Exam:

1. Create a Study Schedule

  • Divide your time between Mathematics and GAT.
  • Allocate specific hours for each subject daily.
  • Include regular breaks to avoid burnout.

2. Conceptual Understanding

  • Focus on understanding the fundamental concepts, especially in Mathematics.
  • Use NCERT textbooks (Class 11 and 12) as a primary resource for basic concepts.

3. Practice Regularly

  • Solve UPSC NDA Written Exam previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
  • Practise mock tests and timed quizzes to improve speed and accuracy.

4. Strengthen Your Basics

  • For Mathematics, ensure a strong hold on high school Maths topics.
  • For GAT, read standard textbooks and reference books for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and History.

5. Improve Your English

  • Read newspapers, magazines, and books to enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills.
  • Practice grammar exercises and solve previous years’ English papers.

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6. Stay Updated

  • Regularly follow current affairs through newspapers, news apps, and monthly magazines.
  • Make notes of important events, dates, and data.

7. Revise Regularly

  • Allocate time for revisions in your schedule.
  • Use flashcards, summaries, and mind maps for quick revisions.

If you need a Boost for your preparation, then join the test series from Physics Wallah!

Must Read
NDA 2 2024 Notification UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2024
UPSC NDA Syllabus 2024 UPSC NDA Eligibility Criteria 2024

 

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UPSC NDA Written Exam FAQs

Yes, the UPSC Exam includes a UPSC NDA written Exam. It consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), which covers English, General Knowledge, and current events.

No, the NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), but it is a separate examination specifically for admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy, distinct from the Civil Services Examination.

No, the UPSC NDA exam is not very easy; it is highly competitive and challenging. It requires strong proficiency in mathematics, general ability, and English, along with rigorous preparation and a clear understanding of diverse topics to succeed.

No, you cannot join the National Defence Academy (NDA) without passing the UPSC NDA written exam. The written exam is a mandatory part of the selection process, followed by an interview and medical examination.

Yes, the NDA exam is considered tough due to its comprehensive syllabus, including mathematics, general ability, and rigorous physical and psychological tests. Success requires strong academic skills, physical fitness, and thorough preparation.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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