NDA exam pattern, syllabus and eligibility criteria

The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of candidates to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The NDA exam is held twice a year in April and September.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old as of the first day of the month in which the course is due to commence.

2. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.

3. Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens, or subject of Nepal, Bhutan or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.

Exam Pattern:

The NDA exam consists of two stages:

1. Written Examination: The written exam is conducted in two papers, Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Both papers are conducted on the same day, and each paper is of 2.5 hours duration.

Paper 1 – Mathematics:

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Total marks: 300
• Total Questions: 120
• Type of Questions: Multiple choice questions (MCQs)

Paper 2 – General Ability Test:

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Total marks: 600
• Total Questions: 150
• Type of Questions: Multiple choice questions (MCQs)

2. SSB Interview: Candidates who clear the written examination are called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview, which is a five-day process that includes psychological tests, group activities, and personal interviews.

Syllabus:

Paper 1 – Mathematics:

1. Algebra
2. Trigonometry
3. Differential Calculus
4. Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
5. Vector Algebra
6. Statistics and Probability

Paper 2 – General Ability Test:

1. English
2. General Knowledge
3. Physics
4. Chemistry
5. General Science
6. Geography
7. Current Events

Note: The syllabus is based on the CBSE 10+2 level.

Candidates must prepare thoroughly for the exam and follow a proper study plan. They must also practice previous years’ question papers to get an idea about the exam pattern and difficulty level.