NDA 2025 Syllabus, Exam Pattern, and Free PDF Download

Preparing for the NDA 2025 Exam? If you’re planning to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force through the National Defence Academy (NDA), knowing the complete NDA syllabus 2025 is your first and most important step.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA exam twice every year, and thousands of candidates compete for a limited number of vacancies. To succeed, understanding the latest NDA exam pattern and syllabus 2025 is crucial.


NDA 2025 Written Exam Overview

The NDA Exam has two main stages:

  • Written Examination
  • SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)

NDA 2025 Exam Pattern Breakdown

  • Mathematics – 300 Marks
  • General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 Marks
    Total = 900 Marks

NDA SSB Interview

The SSB Interview is also for 900 Marks and is divided into two stages:

  • Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) + Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT)
  • Stage 2: Psychological Tests, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview

NDA Syllabus 2025 – Section-Wise Topics

Paper 1: Mathematics (300 Marks) NDA Syllabus for Mathematics

The NDA Mathematics syllabus includes the following chapters based on Class 11 and 12 standards:

  • Algebra
  • Matrices and Determinants
  • Trigonometry
  • Analytical Geometry (Two and Three Dimensions)
  • Differential Calculus
  • Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
  • Vector Algebra
  • Statistics and Probability

Paper 2: General Ability Test (600 Marks) NDA General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus

The General Ability Test (GAT) is divided into two parts – English and General Knowledge.

Part A – English (200 Marks)

English section topics in the NDA syllabus include:

  • Grammar and Usage
  • Vocabulary
  • Synonyms and Antonyms
  • Spotting Errors
  • Para Jumbles
  • Cloze Test
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Idioms and Proverbs
  • Sentence Correction and Completion

Part B – General Knowledge (400 Marks) NDA General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus

This section is divided into six parts with approximate weightage:

  • Physics – 25%
  • Chemistry – 15%
  • General Science – 10%
  • History and Indian Freedom Movement – 20%
  • Geography – 20%
  • Current Events – 10%

The questions are designed to test your basic understanding of science and current affairs from a 10+2 level.


Intelligence and Personality Test – SSB Interview

The second stage of NDA selection is the SSB Interview, which is divided into:

Stage 1 – NDA SSB Interview Structure

  • Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR)
  • Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)

Stage 2 – NDA 2025 Preparation Tips

  • Personal Interview
  • Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO)
  • Psychological Testing
  • Conference

Candidates are judged on leadership, logical thinking, teamwork, confidence, and overall personality.


Free NDA Syllabus 2025 PDF Download

Candidates can download the NDA 2025 Syllabus PDF for free. It includes a detailed breakdown of:

  • Mathematics Topics
  • GAT Topics
  • NDA English Syllabus
  • NDA General Knowledge Sections
  • SSB Interview Structure

Download Link: Free NDA Syllabus 2025 PDF


Recommended Books and Study Materials for NDA 2025

To score well in NDA 2025, students must refer to trusted books and online mock tests. Some of the top recommendations include:

  • Oswaal NDA Chapterwise and Topicwise Solved Papers (Last 11 Years)
  • NDA Mathematics by RS Aggarwal
  • NDA English Grammar Books
  • NCERT Books for Science and Social Studies
  • NDA Online Test Series on platforms like Oswaal360

For teachers: Request free NDA specimen books to help guide students better.


NDA Preparation Tips for 2025

  1. Start preparation early, ideally 6 months before the exam.
  2. Make a study plan and follow it consistently.
  3. Focus equally on Mathematics and General Ability.
  4. Revise NDA previous year question papers.
  5. Take regular mock tests to analyze your performance.
  6. Read daily newspapers and current affairs magazines.
  7. Avoid starting new topics right before the exam.
  8. Refer to standard NDA books for conceptual clarity.

NDA Syllabus 2025 FAQs

Q1. What subjects are covered in NDA 2025?
Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, General Science, and Current Affairs.

Q2. Is there negative marking in the NDA Exam?
Yes. 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers in Mathematics and 1.33 in the GAT section.

Q3. Who can apply for NDA 2025?
Male candidates aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years, who have passed or are appearing in 10+2 exams.

Q4. What is the format of the NDA Exam 2025?
The exam is MCQ-based and held offline in English and Hindi. It includes two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test.

Q5. Can an average student clear NDA in 3 months?
Yes, with focused study, solving previous papers, and mock tests, even an average student can succeed.

Q6. Which stream is best for NDA 2025?
Science stream (PCM) is recommended, especially for candidates targeting the Air Force or Navy wings.


Final Thoughts

The NDA 2025 Exam is a golden opportunity for young aspirants to serve the nation. To succeed, aspirants must study the NDA syllabus 2025 in-depth, solve previous year questions, and stay consistent with preparation.

Download the syllabus PDF, practice daily, and track your performance with mock tests.

Stay updated on NDA 2025 exams, syllabus changes, and resources by visiting Examantra.in.