Objective General English for Competitive Exams
NDA Syllabus & Paper Analysis for Mathematics & General Ability Test
Updated On -
May 3, 2021
Exams Prepmaster
UPSC has prescribed NDA 2021 syllabus. NDA examination is divided into two papers – Mathematics and General Ability. It aims to judge a candidate on his logical ability and general awareness. NDA I 2021 is scheduled to be conducted on April 18, 2021.
- The Mathematics paper contains 300 marks while the General Ability test holds 600 marks. The written test will be of a total of 900 marks.
- For every incorrect response, 0.33 marks will be deducted as negative marking in the examination.
- Refer to Piyush Thorve’s (AIR 16, 2019) Preparation Strategies for the exam.
- After clearing the written test, candidates have to go through the SSB Interview. The interview process will have a total of 900 marks.
- The question paper of Mathematics and PART B of the General Ability test will be available in both English and Hindi languages.
Check NDA 2021 Exam Dates
Exam Pattern
NDA 2021 Exam Pattern
NDA 2021 is scheduled for April 18, 2021 and NDA II will be conducted September 5, 2021. It is an offline examination i.e. pen and paper-based test with objective type questions.
NDA 2021 Exam Pattern is different for both the papers. It is necessary to qualify them in order to ensure admission to the National Defence Academy. NDA exam pattern for both the papers is given below:
NDA Mathematics Exam Pattern
| Paper I: Mathematics |
|---|
|
Subject |
Code |
Duration |
Maximum Marks |
|
Mathematics |
01 |
2½ hours |
300 |
|
General Ability Test |
02 |
2½ hours |
600 |
|
Total |
- |
- |
900 |
|
SSB Test/Interview |
- |
- |
900 |
NDA General Ability Exam Pattern
| Paper-II: General Ability | |
|---|---|
| Total Marks | 600 marks |
| Total No. of Questions | 150 |
| No. of questions in English Section | 50 |
| No. Of questions in General knowledge Section | 100 |
| Maximum Marks for English | 200 marks |
| Maximum Marks for G.K. | 400 marks |
| Marks for Correct Answer | 4 marks in both sections |
| Marks for Incorrect Answer | -1.33 marks in both sections |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 Hours |
Mathematics Syllabus
NDA 2021 Syllabus for Mathematics
Paper 1 in NDA is purely based on Mathematics. No change is observed in NDA Syllabus 2021 from the previous year. The questions will be asked from 10+2 level only. The sub-sections in this part are also of basic-level mathematics.
Here are all important topics in NDA Syllabus 2021 for Paper 1 i.e. Mathematics:
| NDA Syllabus 2021 for Mathematics | |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Matrices and Determinants |
| Trigonometry | Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions |
| Differential Calculus | Integral Calculus and Differential Equations |
| Vector Algebra | Statistics and Probability |
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Best Books for NDA 2021 Preparation
For Paper 1 in NDA i.e. Mathematics, it is always a better approach to put in some extra effort. For this, you will need to refer to some books other than NCERT of class XI & XII.
- These books are a great mix of theoretical knowledge and their practical application, in the form of questions.
- We advise you to practice with them as much as possible.
Here are some of the best books for the NDA Preparation for Mathematics paper:
| Book Name | Author/ Publisher |
|---|---|
| Mathematics for NDA and NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy | R S Aggarwal |
| Quantitative aptitude for competitive examinations | R S Aggarwal |
|
Study Package MATHEMATICS NDA & NA Entrance Exam |
Arihant |
| NDA Mathematics (Hindi) | RPH Editorial Board |
NDA Sample Questions for Mathematics
NDA Exam Paper Analysis for Mathematics
NDA Paper 2 in November 2019 had maximum questions from Algebra, Matrices, and Determinants, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability, complex number, and Quadratic equation.
- The mathematics section was comparatively easier than the previous year.
- The exam was for 300 marks in total.
Here is the topic-wise distribution of questions as per the previous question paper trends:
| Topic | No. of questions |
|---|---|
| Calculus | 20-25 |
| Quadratic equation | 20-15 |
| Matrices & Determinants | 30 |
| Probability | 10 |
| Trigonometry | 30 |
| Complex number | 10-15 |
General Ability Test Syllabus
NDA 2021 Syllabus for General Ability Test
Paper 2 in NDA i.e. the General Ability Test judges a candidate’s basic awareness and English proficiency. This section is further divided into two parts, English and General Knowledge.
- Total marks awarded to Paper 2 are 600.
- This paper must be completed in 2.5 hours.
- Here is the subject-wise NDA Syllabus 2020 for Paper 2:
Part A English
- The English portion of the entrance test is designed in a way to judge a candidate's knowledge of basic grammar and vocabulary.
- It judges a candidate’s ability to form correct sentences and use of words.
- The syllabus of the English paper ranges from various aspects like the knowledge and usage of grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and his mental ability to remember and place the meaning of words in their proper places.
- Marks allotted to this section are 300.
NDA English Syllabus
English question paper in the NDA exam is framed in such a way that the aspirant’s understanding and their in-depth knowledge of English can be examined. In the following, the NDA 2020 English syllabus has been highlighted in a detailed manner:
- Grammar and usage
- Comprehension and cohesion
- Spotting of errors
- Para Jumbling
- Fill in the blanks
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Vocabulary
- Cloze test
- Sentence correction and improvement
- Idioms and proverbs
- Completion of Sentence and para
Part B: General Knowledge (Marks 400)
The question paper on General Knowledge will cover current affairs, questions from Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events. NDA syllabus 2020 of each topic is given below. The paper aims to check knowledge and intelligent understanding of the subject.
NDA Physics Syllabus
The table below includes the important topics asked in the Physics section of the General Ability Test:
| NDA Syllabus 2020 for Physics | |
|---|---|
| States of Matter and its properties | Light and Sound (properties) |
| Motion and Laws of Motion | Magnet and its properties |
| Work, Energy, and Power | Current and Electricity |
| Modes of Transfer of Heat and its effect | General Principles of Working of Simple Pendulum, Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses |
NDA Chemistry Syllabus
The basic knowledge of Chemistry and various chemicals are tested in the chemistry section. The topics to be considered for preparation are given below:
| NDA Syllabus 2020 for Chemistry | |
|---|---|
| Physical and Chemical Changes | Properties of Oxygen, Hydrogen, etc. with Oxidation and Reduction |
| Air and Water (properties) | Carbon and its forms |
| Chemical equations and Laws of Chemical Combination | Atom and its structure (details) |
| Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures | Fertilizers |
| Acids, Bases, and Salts | Use of materials for the preparation of different chemicals |
NDA General Science Syllabus
The topics for general science are tabulated below. The candidates must prepare according to the NDA Syllabus 2020 to obtain a good score in the NDA exam.
| NDA Syllabus 2020 for General Sciences | |
|---|---|
| Basic Unit of Life: Cell | Reproduction in Plants and Animals |
| Living and Non-Living Things | Human Body and Life processes |
| Epidemics: causes and preventions | Food and Balanced Diet |
| Solar System | Achievement of Eminent Scientists |
NDA History Syllabus
The important topics covered in the history section of the general ability test in NDA is given in the table below:
| NDA Syllabus 2020 for History | |
|---|---|
| Indian History: Culture and Civilisation | Constitution and Administration of India |
| Nationalism in India | Government of India at various levels |
| Five Year plans of India | Renaissance and Discovery |
| French, Russian, and Industrial Revolution | United Nations and the Concept of one world |
| Democracy in India | Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi |
NDA Geography Syllabus
Candidates must prepare the following topics thoroughly for the Geography section in NDA 2020:
| NDA Syllabus for Geography | |
|---|---|
| Earth and its Origin and Movement (latitudes and longitudes) | Tides and Oceanic Currents |
| Rocks and Its classification | The atmosphere and Atmospheric Pressure |
| Types of Climate | Regional Geography of India |
| Agricultural and Industries | Transportation and Trading routes of India |
| Imports and Exports of India | |
NDA Current Affairs Syllabus
Candidates must follow the latest newspapers and magazines with information about the current events across the country and the world both. The topics to be prepared to qualify in this section with good marks are tabulated below:
| NDA Syllabus for Current Affairs | |
|---|---|
| Important and Recent Events in India | Current and Important World Events |
| Important Indian or Non-Indian Personalities related to Cultural Activities and Sports | - |
Intelligence and Personality test
The SSB process is containing two stages and are stage I and stage II. Only the qualified aspirants from stage I will get permission to take the stage II process. Read the following content to understand the detailed information of two stages:
| NDA SSB Personality Test | |
|---|---|
| Stage I |
|
| Stage II |
|
The absence/presence of officer liked features and characteristics of an aspirant can be highlighted with the help of the GTA, IO, and Psych tests.
Best Books for NDA 2021 Preparation
There is no set syllabus for Paper 2 as the questions challenge a candidate’s vigilance for current and recent events around the globe. Along with it, the basic knowledge of various subjects is tested.
- For NDA Preparation, go through books, magazines, newspapers, archives, news channels, etc. to be able to score well in this paper.
- Candidates must have a basic knowledge of the subjects that are tested in NDA.
- Other than newspapers and class XII books, there are plenty of NDA Preparation Books available in the market that can help you with the General Ability Section. Here are a few of them:
| Book Name | Author/ Publisher |
|---|---|
| History Of Modern India (History) | Bipan Chandra |
| Science and Technology in India (Science and Technology) | Kalpana Rajaram : Spectrum |
| Oxford School Atlas (Geography) | Oxford |
| Social Problems In India (Indian Society – GS1) | Ram Ahuja |
|
|
S.P. Bakshi |
|
Manorama Yearbook 2020 |
Mammen Mathew |
NDA Sample Questions for General Ability Test
NDA Exam Paper Analysis for General Ability Test
Paper 2 in NDA 2019 had 150 questions. Marks allotted to this paper were 600.
- Questions in English were from the prescribed NDA Syllabus.
- From Section B, science had the toughest questions.
- Questions from the remaining subjects were moderate in difficulty level.
Here is the analysis for NDA 2018 held in April:
PART A: English
| Topic | No. of Questions | No. of Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Spotting Errors | 5 | 20 |
| Comprehension | 6 | 24 |
| Selecting Words | 10 | 40 |
| Ordering of Words in a Sentence | 9 | 36 |
| Sentence Improvement | 10 | 40 |
| Antonyms | 5 | 20 |
| Synonyms | 5 | 20 |
| Total | 50 | 200 |
PART B: General Knowledge
| Topic | No. of Questions | No. of Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 23 | 92 |
| Chemistry | 16 | 64 |
| General Science | 11 | 44 |
| History & Freedom Movement | 16 | 64 |
| Geography | 17 | 68 |
| Current Events | 17 | 68 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
;Preparation Tips
NDA 2021 Preparation Tips
Here are some useful NDA Preparation Tips to score better in the exam:
-
Make sure you are thorough with the NDA 2020 Syllabus and exam pattern.
- Do not forget to refer to class 11 and Class 12 NCERT books.
- You must know the basic formulae/ concepts from Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- Plan a preparation schedule and practice as many NDA Practice Papers as possible.
- For the English section, focus on reading comprehension, basic grammar, and vocabulary. You must revise the basic grammar rules from a reliable source.
- Be well aware of current affairs and events that are making news.
- Make sure the political and historical scenario of India is on your tips.
- Take help from coaching centers if required, but make sure they hold a good record.
NDA FAQs
NDA Exam Pattern FAQS
Ques. Are NCERT Books are enough for the NDA exam?
Ans. NCERT Books are best to cover the basic concepts. For in-depth learning, get the list of books here.
Ques. In which medium of language UPSC NDA (1) 2021 exam will be conducted?
Ans. The question papers (test booklets) of mathematics and Part “B” of the General Ability Test will be set bilingually in Hindi as well as English. Part-1 will be English Paper.
Ques. Does the NDA syllabus changes every year?
Ans. No, the NDA Syllabus remains the same.
Ques. Can I get the NDA syllabus in PDF?
Ans. The PDF format of the NDA syllabus is provided in the official notification. Download now
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.