NDA ENTRANCE TEST: National Defence Academy Entrance Test. Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

The National Defence Academy (NDA) Entrance Test is a highly prestigious examination in India that opens the doors to a career in the armed forces. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for admission into the renowned National Defence Academy, where cadets undergo training to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the NDA Entrance Test, covering its conducting body, exam dates, admission process, exam pattern, syllabus, previous year papers, exam fees, success rate, and a conclusive summary.

Conducting Body: UPSC

The NDA Entrance Test is administered by the UPSC, which is India’s central recruiting agency for various prestigious government posts. UPSC plays a crucial role in selecting candidates based on merit and suitability for the armed forces.

NDA Exam Dates Important Dates

The NDA Entrance Test is conducted twice a year, typically in the months of April and September.
NDA 2023 exam date was announced by UPSC for written exam, release of notification, and application form. NDA exam dates 2023 are given in the table below.

NDA 1 2023 Exam Dates

NDA 2 2023 Exam Dates

Candidates can check below NDA 2 2023 Exam Date.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission into the NDA,

• Candidates must be unmarried male/female citizens of India between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 years.
• Many more

NDA Eligibility Criteria: Nationality

A candidate must be

1. A citizen of India, or
2. A subject of Nepal, or
3. A subject of Bhutan, or
4. A Tibetan refugee permanently settled in India from and before January 1, 1962.
5. A person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, East African countries of Uganda, Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Zaire, Zambia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Note:

• It should be clear that the applicant who belongs to categories 2,3,4, and 5 must have a Certificate of eligibility that has been issued by the Government of India.
• Gorkha applicants who are subjects of Nepal however, do not need to produce this certificate.

NDA Seats for Boys & Girls

NDA 2 2022: Vacancy

The vacancy details regarding the NDA 2 2022 for women candidates are given in the table below.

NDA 1 Vacancy 2023

NDA 1 vacancy 2023 has been announced along with the NDA notification. The vacancy break-up for NDA 1 2023 exam is given below:

NDA Exam Pattern

Candidates can check below a few important highlights related to the NDA exam pattern.

NDA Syllabus 2023

NDA Maths Syllabus 2023

The standard of NDA question paper for the Mathematics section is of Class 11 and 12 levels. Candidates can clear their concepts of Maths by referring to the NCERT books of Class 11 and 12. This section tests the candidate’s calculative skills. Following the topic-wise mathematics syllabus

Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity. Binary system of numbers. Conversion of a number in decimal system to binary system and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations with real coefficients. Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its applications. Logarithms and their applications.

Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method.

Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometrical ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.

Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. Angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three dimensional space, distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms. Angle between two lines and angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere

Concept of a real valued function–domain, range and graph of a function. Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits—examples. Continuity of functions—examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative—applications. Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect to another function, derivative of a composite function. Second order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima.

Integral Calculus: Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves—applications.

Differential Equation: Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of a differential equations, solution of first order and first degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay

Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems.

Statistics : Classification of data, Frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution—examples. Graphical representation—Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon— examples. Measures of Central tendency—Mean, median and mode. Variance and standard deviation—determination and comparison. Correlation and regression.

Probability : Random experiment, outcomes and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical—examples. Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binominal distribution.

NDA Syllabus 2023 for GAT (General Ability Test)

NDA syllabus for Paper 2 comprises General Ability Test (GAT) which includes the topics and sub-topics from General Knowledge (GK), English, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, General Science, and Current Events. A total of 150 questions are asked in this paper, out of which 50 questions are from English and the remaining 100 questions are from General Knowledge. The total marks allotted to this section are 600. The basic overview of NDA syllabus for Paper 2 is given below.

NDA GAT Part A Syllabus

English Syllabus
The question paper in English is designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English. The syllabus covers topics such as Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension and Cohesion.

NDA GAT Part B Syllabus 

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 Non-conductors, 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

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 Carbon dioxide, 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 Gun- Powder.

Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency

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.

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.

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

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.

Out of maximum marks assigned to part ‘B’ of this paper, questions on Sections ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ will carry approximately 25%, 15%, 10%, 20%, 20% and 10% weightages respectively.

Previous Year Papers

Preparing for the NDA Entrance Test requires a deep understanding of the exam pattern and the types of questions asked in previous years. Aspirants can find below year papers in pdf format to practice and familiarize themselves with the exam’s format.

2023 NDA 1 Question Paper  General Ability Test  Mathematics

2022 NDA 2 Question Paper  General Ability Test  Mathematics

2022 NDA 1 Question Paper  General Ability Test  Mathematics

2021 NDA 2 Question Paper  General Ability Test  Mathematics

2021 NDA 1 Question Paper  General Ability Test  Mathematics

2020 NDA 2 Question Paper  General Ability Test  Mathematics

2019 NDA 2 Question Paper  General Ability Test  Mathematics

2019 NDA 1 Question Paper  General Ability Test  Mathematics

Success Rate in Exam

The NDA Entrance Test is known for its high level of competitiveness, given the limited number of seats available at the NDA. The success rate varies each year, but it remains relatively low due to the stringent selection process and the challenging nature of the exam. Aspiring candidates must invest time and effort into their preparation to increase their chances of success.

Conclusion

The NDA Entrance Test is a golden opportunity for young individuals who dream of serving their nation with honor and pride as officers in the armed forces. Aspiring candidates must approach the exam with dedication, perseverance, and a strategic study plan. Success in the NDA Entrance Test not only opens doors to an illustrious military career but also instills values of discipline, leadership, and camaraderie. It is a journey that demands the best of physical and mental abilities, making it a remarkable milestone in the lives of those who make the cut.

**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**

1. What is the eligibility criteria for the NDA Entrance Test?

The NDA Entrance Test is open to unmarried male Indian citizens aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years.

2. How often is the NDA Entrance Test conducted?

The NDA Entrance Test is conducted twice a year, usually in April and September.

3. Is there a negative marking in the NDA Entrance Test?

Yes, there is negative marking for incorrect answers in both the Mathematics and GAT papers.

4. What are the key subjects to focus on for the GAT paper?

The GAT paper covers general knowledge, English language, and logical reasoning. Aspirants should focus on these subjects along with current affairs.

5. How can I access previous year papers for the NDA Entrance Test?

Previous year papers for the NDA Entrance Test can be found and downloaded online for practice and preparation.