The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is one of the most prestigious examinations in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. NDA 1 2025 is an excellent opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force and serve the nation with pride and honor. In this detailed blog, we will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the NDA 1 2025 Syllabus and Exam Pattern, ensuring that you are well-prepared for this competitive exam.
Overview of NDA 1 2025 Exam
The NDA exam is conducted in two stages: a written exam followed by an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Candidates who qualify in both stages are selected for admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy.
- Exam Name: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Exam 1 2025
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper-based)
- Total Vacancies: Announced in the official notification (varies each year)
- Training Institutes: Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force Wings of NDA, and Indian Naval Academy (INA)
NDA 1 2025 Exam Pattern
The NDA exam pattern is divided into two main sections: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The written exam is followed by the SSB interview, which tests the candidates’ personality, psychological aptitude, and leadership qualities. Let’s break down the exam pattern:
Written Examination
The written examination consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 Marks |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 600 Marks |
| Total | 5 Hours | 900 Marks |
Paper 1: Mathematics
- Total Marks: 300
- Number of Questions: 120
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme:
- +2.5 marks for each correct answer
- -0.83 marks for each incorrect answer
Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT)
- Total Marks: 600
- Number of Questions: 150
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme:
- +4 marks for each correct answer
- -1.33 marks for each incorrect answer
The GAT paper is further divided into two sections:
- Part A: English (200 Marks)
- Part B: General Knowledge (GK) (400 Marks)
SSB Interview in NDA 1 2025 Exam Syllabus
Candidates who qualify for the written exam are called for the SSB Interview, which is conducted over 4-5 days. The SSB interview carries 900 marks and is designed to assess a candidate’s leadership qualities, communication skills, teamwork, and psychological fitness for a career in the armed forces.
The SSB Interview is divided into two stages:
Stage 1: Screening Test
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test: A written test that includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT): Candidates are shown a picture and asked to write a story based on it, followed by group discussion.
Stage 2: Psychology Tests, Group Testing, and Interview
- Psychological Tests: Series of tests such as Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self-Description Test (SDT).
- Group Testing: Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Tasks, Command Task, and Final Group Task.
- Personal Interview: A one-on-one interview to assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for a career in the armed forces.
NDA 1 2025 Syllabus
The NDA syllabus is vast and covers a range of topics from Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the syllabus:
Paper 1: Mathematics Syllabus
The mathematics section is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of topics up to the 12th standard level.
- Algebra
- Concept of sets, Venn diagrams
- Operations on sets
- Complex numbers, modulus, and argument
- Quadratic equations
- Arithmetic and geometric progression
- Matrices and Determinants
- Types of matrices, operations on matrices
- Determinants of a matrix, inverse of a matrix
- Solutions of systems of linear equations
- Trigonometry
- Trigonometric ratios, identities
- Solution of trigonometric equations
- Properties of triangles
- Heights and distances
- Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
- Rectangular Cartesian coordinate system
- Distance formula, equation of a line, conic sections
- Equation of a sphere, cylinder, and cone
- Differential Calculus
- Concept of a real-valued function, limits, continuity
- Differentiation, application of derivatives in maxima and minima
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Integration as inverse of differentiation
- Definite integrals, application in areas
- Solutions of first-order and first-degree differential equations
- Vector Algebra
- Vectors in two and three dimensions, addition, and multiplication
- Scalar and vector products, applications in physics
- Statistics and Probability
- Frequency distribution, mean, median, mode
- Probability, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem
Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus
The GAT paper is divided into two sections: English and General Knowledge (GK). Here’s the breakdown:
Part A: English Syllabus for NDA (200 Marks)
The English section tests the candidate’s understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and usage of words.
- Grammar and Usage
- Spotting errors
- Sentence improvement
- Fill in the blanks
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Word meanings, idioms, and phrases
- Comprehension
- Reading passages followed by questions to test understanding and analysis
- Cohesion and Structure
- Jumbled sentences, ordering of words and sentences
Part B: General Knowledge Syllabus for NDA (400 Marks)
This section is further divided into six sub-sections:
- Physics
- Physical properties of matter, laws of motion, gravitation
- Energy, work, power, heat, and thermodynamics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Sound, optics, and wave motion
- Chemistry
- States of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding
- Acids, bases, and salts
- Organic and inorganic chemistry
- Environmental chemistry and everyday applications
- General Science
- Basic biology: Human body systems, cell structure
- Genetics and heredity
- Health and nutrition, diseases and prevention
- History
- Indian history: Ancient, medieval, and modern
- Freedom movement in India
- World history: Industrial revolution, World Wars, and international relations
- Geography
- Earth’s structure, landforms, and climate
- Natural resources and their distribution
- Indian and world geography: Physical, social, and economic aspects
- Current Affairs
- National and international events
- Defence-related news
- Important government policies and developments
Indian Army MNS Syllabus 2024
Important Preparation Tips for NDA 1 2025
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Be familiar with the marking scheme, duration, and structure of the exam to optimize your preparation.
- Focus on Key Topics: While the syllabus is vast, focus on important topics in Mathematics and General Knowledge that carry more weight.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous year’s NDA papers and attempt mock tests to gauge your performance and improve speed and accuracy.
- Time Management: Learn to manage your time during the exam by practicing time-bound questions, especially in the Mathematics section.
- Keep Up with Current Affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and watch news channels to stay updated on national and international events.
- Work on English: Improve your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills through regular reading and practice.
- Physical Fitness: The SSB interview includes physical tasks, so maintaining good physical fitness is essential for clearing the physical rounds.
The NDA 1 2025 exam is a gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is the first step towards effective preparation. With dedication, strategic planning, and regular practice, you can maximize your chances of clearing the written exam and succeeding in the SSB interview. Focus on the key areas, stay updated, and be consistent in your efforts.
Best of luck for NDA 1 2025! Prepare well, and aim for excellence!