National Defence Academy (NDA) is a national-level exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. This is a highly reputed and competitive exam. Candidates need to ensure that they have prepared thoroughly to clear this exam. If you are preparing for NDA/NA (I) 2022 Exam and are looking for expert guidance, then join our NDA Batch.
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NDA Exam: Highlights
| Exam Name | NDA/NA |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Exam Type | National Level |
| Eligibility Criteria | Unmarried Male & Female candidates can apply |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Duration | Mathematics: 2 hours 30 minutes
General Ability Test: 2 hours 30 minutes |
NDA Eligibility
UPSC NDA eligibility criteria for males and females are defined under the following categories:
- Nationality
- Age Limit
- Educational Qualification
- Physical Parameters
To know about NDA Eligibility Criteria in detail: Click Here
NDA Syllabus
The NDA examination comprises 270 questions, 120 for section A, that is mathematics, and 150 for section B, that is, the General Ability section. The detailed syllabus for each of these Sections is as follows:
NDA Syllabus for Mathematics
| ALGEBRA |
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| MATRICES AND DETERMINANTS |
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| TRIGONOMETRY |
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| ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS |
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| DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS |
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| INTEGRAL CALCULUS AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS |
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| VECTOR ALGEBRA |
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| STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY |
Statistics :
Probability :
|
NDA Syllabus: English
- Sentence Improvement
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- One Word Substitution
- Para-Jumble
- Sentence-Jumble
- Spot the Error
- Cloze Test
NDA Syllabus for General Knowledge
This section broadly covers questions from Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events. The syllabus for each of these is as follows:
| Physics | 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 Nonconductors, 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, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses. |
| 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 Carbondioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon—different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial. Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and GunPowder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency. |
| General Science | Difference between the living and non-living.
Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Current Events | 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. |
NDA Exam Pattern
After the NDA Syllabus, candidates must be aware of NDA Exam pattern. There are two sections in NDA Written Exam- Mathematics and General Ability Test. The exam is conducted in offline mode. The detailed exam pattern for NDA is as follows:
| Subject | Paper | Total No. Of Questions | Exam Duration | Maximum Marks |
| Mathematics | 1 | 120 | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test | 2 | 150 | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | 270 | 5 Hours | 900 |
Mathematics Paper:
- Each right answer will fetch 4 marks, while for the wrong answer 1.33 marks shall be deducted.
- The total time duration for this section is 2.5 hours.
| Paper I- Mathematics | |
| Total Marks | 300 Marks |
| Total No. of Questions | 120 |
Also read the following blogs related to NDA:
| NDA Exam Pattern | NDA Eligibility Criteria | Best Books for NDA |
| NDA Syllabus | NDA Selection Process | NDA Salary |
The General Ability Test (GAT) comprises of the following subjects:
- General English
- General Knowledge
- There are 50 questions in the English section.
- While the GK section has 100 questions.
- Each right answer will fetch 4 marks, while for the wrong answer 1.33 marks shall be deducted.
- The time duration for the GAT Section is 2.5 hours.
The distribution of marks for these subjects is as follows:
| Paper-II- General Ability Test | |
| Total Marks | 600 marks |
| Total No. of Questions | 150 |
| No. of questions in English Section | 50 |
| No. Of questions in General knowledge Section | 100 |
Attempt Mock Tests for NDA Exam:
| NDA Mathematics Mock Test | NDA GAT Mock Test |
Candidates can also refer to NDA GK E-Book by Team Safalta.
Do you know if Girls are allowed in NDA?
Check all the frequently asked questions about NDA Exam.
What is NDA ?
NDA stands for National Defence Academy which is situated in Khadakwasla, Pune. It is a tri-service academy where cadets of all the three armed forces train together for three years.
What is the eligibility criteria for NDA 2022?
| NATIONALITY | 1. Applicant must be an Indian citizen/subject of Bhutan /subject of Nepal or refugee from Tibet who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention to reside permanently in India. 2. Migrants : Those who have migrated from Burma ,Pakistan,Sri Lanka and East African countries of Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Malawi, Zaire and Vietnam or Ethiopia with an intention of settlement are also eligible to apply. 3. Foreign Nationals can also apply provided they can produce eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India. |
| AGE | The minimum age limit is that candidates should be 15.7 years/ 16 years of age during the commencement of the course and the maximum age limit is that candidates should be 18.7 years/19 years of age during the commencement of the course. |
| GENDER | Both male and female candidates can apply. |
| MARITAL STATUS | Candidate should be unmarried. |
| EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION | FOR ARMY WING : Candidates should have passed class 10 and 12 from a recognised board with any subjects. FOR AIR FORCE AND NAVY WING : Candidates should have passed class 10 and 12 from a recognised board with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. NOTE:Candidates who are or will be appearing for their Class 12 board examinations or are awaiting their results are also eligible to apply. |
What is the exam pattern of NDA 2022?
NDA recuitment process involves two stages- first is the written exam and those who qualify the written exam have to appear for the SSB interview and clear the same to be finally selected into NDA.
What is the written exam pattern of NDA 2022?
The exam paper is divided into two sections - Mathematics and General Ability Test.
NOTE: For Mathematics 2.5 marks are awarded for each correct answer and 0.83 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
For General Ability Test 4 marks are awarded for every correct answer and 1.33 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
| SUBJECT | No. of Questions | Marks | Time Allotted |
| MATHEMATICS | 120 | 300 | 2 hrs 30 min |
| GENERAL ABILITY TEST | 150 | 600 | 2 hrs 30 min |
NOTE: For Mathematics 2.5 marks are awarded for each correct answer and 0.83 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
For General Ability Test 4 marks are awarded for every correct answer and 1.33 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
When will NDA (I) 2022 be conducted?
UPSC has released the examination dates for NDA 2022. NDA exam is conducted twice in a year. NDA(I) 2022 will be conducted on 10 April, 2022.
NDA 2022 exam will be conducted online or offline?
UPSC conducts NDA exam in the offline mode.
What is the last date to apply for NDA(I) 2022?
Candidates can apply for NDA (I) 2022 till 11 January, 2022.
How many vacancies are there in NDA 2022 exam?
There are 400 seats available for NDA. The distribution of vacancies is as follows:
| Posts | No. of Vacancies |
| NDA Army | 208 (including 10 for female candidates) |
| NDA Navy | 42 (including 03 for female candidates) |
| NDA Air Force | Flying: 92 (including 02 for female candidates)
Ground Duty (Technical): 18 (including 02 for female candidates) Ground Duty (Non Technical): 10 (including 02 forfemale candidates) |
| Naval Academy | 30 (Male Candidates only) |
| Total Vacancies | 400 |
What is the fee for NDA 2022 application form?
The fee for General and OBC category candidates is INR 100 while candidates belonging to SC/ST category and those who are sons of JCOs, NCOs, ORs are exempted from fee payment.
What is the cut-off for NDA written exam?
The cut-off for the written exam varies from year to year depending on the difficulty level of the question paper. It usually ranges between 250-350 marks however, for the last three years the cut-off has been between 320-350 marks.
Where can I apply for NDA 2022 exam?
You can apply for NDA 2022 exam on the official website of Union Public Service Commission(UPSC).
When will the registration for NDA 2022 exam start?
The registration process for NDA(I) 2022 has started from December 22, 2021.
How many times can I apply for NDA exam?
UPSC conducts NDA entrance exam twice in a year. You can apply for NDA exam as many times as you wish provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
Do cadets get any salary while undergoing training at NDA?
No, the cadets do not get any salary during the three years training period at NDA.
What are the opportunities available after passing out from NDA?
After getting trained for three years at NDA, cadets join the academies of their respective preferences. Army cadets join the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Air Force cadets join the Indian Air Force Academy in Telangana while the Navy cadets join the Indian Naval Academy in Kerala. After getting trained in these academies for a fixed tenure cadets pass out as officers of the Indian Armed Forces and serve in various parts of the country.
How should I prepare for NDA 2022 exam?
To prepare for NDA 2021 exam you can join our course for NDA entrance exam at Safalta.com where we provide you with the best faculty who will guide you in the best way possible. We also have various test series to ensure that candidates are confident about their preparation before the exam.
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