NDA 2023 Syllabus: Subjects, Questions, Marks, Pattern, Books & Tips

Last Updated on July 24, 2023 by

Hi readers! In this post, we will have an in-depth analysis of NDA syllabus for the year 2022. We will have an in-depth analysis of the syllabus in this post!

As part of our detailed analysis, we will check out details such as – classification of subjects, important topics covered, exam pattern, marks distribution and more. This guide will be of help to NDA aspirants from across India.

 

UPSC conducts NDA entrance exam twice each year. These exams are labeled as –

1. NDA 1
2. NDA 2

 

Exam pattern, marks distribution as well as syllabus remains the same in case of both these exams. You may also check – NDA preparation guide.

 

Let us move to the meat of the matter now – NDA syllabus 2022. Why the syllabus, you may ask. Is understanding the syllabus an important task? According to me, half the battle is won if you understand the syllabus inside out!

 

If you invest time towards analyzing the syllabus of any competitive exam, you stand a good chance of gaining an edge over your competitors. Knowing more about the syllabus will help you identify key subjects, marks distribution, duration etc.

 

These details can help you chart your preparation strategy. By formulating a strategy, you stand a better chance or cracking NDA 2022!

 

Come, let us take a closer look at the NDA syllabus and exam pattern. Here it is –

 

NDA 2022 Syllabus: Everything you need to know

 

Overview

Here is an overview of the examination –

Parts	2 (Paper 1 and Paper 2)
Subjects	Mathematics, English, General Knowledge
Marks	900

NDA Exam Pattern

NDA examination can be broadly classified into two parts. They are –

1. Paper 1
2. Paper 2

 

Broadly speaking, these subjects can be termed as – Mathematics and General Ability papers. Paper 1 and Paper 2 can be further broken down into individual subjects, topics as well as sub-divisions. We will check them out one-by-one in the next sections.

 

NDA Exam Paper 1 (Mathematics) Syllabus

Paper 1 consists of mathematics subject and problems associated with this subject. This section carries 300 marks. Problems belong to class 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th standard levels.

 

If you want a summary of the topics covered under this paper, here it is –

• Statistics
• Probability
• Integration
• Differentiation
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Vector Algebra
• Matrices

 

NDA Exam Paper 2 Syllabus

Paper 2 is broadly termed as the General Ability Test. This paper carries 600 marks. This paper can be broadly classified into two parts. They are –

1. Part A
2. Part B

 

Part A consists of English subject. It carries 200 marks. It covers topics such as – comprehension, writing, synonyms, antonyms etc.

 

Part B is General Knowledge subject. It carries 400 marks. It can be further divided into sections such as –

• Physics (Section A)
• Chemistry (Section B)
• General Science (Section C)
• History (Section D)
• Geography (Section E)
• Current Affairs (Section F)

 

Let us take a closer look at each subject and questions associated with them. Here they are –

 

1 English Syllabus

The main aim of this section is to test a candidate’s proficiency in English language. In order to gauge a candidate’s aptitude, the following questions are asked in the paper –

• English Grammar
• Comprehension
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Vocabulary
• Fill in the Blanks
• Complete the Sentence

 

2 Physics Syllabus

States of Matter: This section deals with topics such as physical properties of states of matter (Solid, Liquid and Gas), Units of measurement (Mass, Volume, Weight, Density etc), Pressure and Archimedes Principle.

 

Kinematics: This section deals with topics such as motion of objects, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, gravitation, equilibrium of objects, work, power, energy, Newton’s laws of motion etc.

 

Thermodynamics: This section deals with topics such as – transfer of heat, effects of heat, measurement of temperature and thermal properties of matter.

 

Sound: This section deals with topics such as – propagation of sound waves, effect of medium (Solid, Liquid and Gas) on sound waves, simple musical instruments and their functioning, units of measurement.

 

Optics: This section deals with topics such as – reflection and refraction of light, lenses (convex and conclave), mirrors, focal point, human eye, application of lenses, mirrors and optic devices.

 

Magnetic Effect: This section deals with topics such as – natural and man-made magnets, magnetic properties, north pole, south pole, magnetic induction, coil, motor etc.

 

Electricity: This section deals with topics such as – static electricity, current, AC, DC, different types of motors, transformers, transmission of electricity, batteries, electrical circuit, conductors, semi-conductors, insulators, Ohms Law, Kirchoff’s Law, magnetic effects of current, electromagnetic induction etc.

 

Lastly, this section also consists of questions related to pendulum, pulleys, siphon, compass, telescope, telephone etc.

 

3 Chemistry Syllabus

Basics of chemistry and chemical changes: This section consists of basics such as – elements, compounds, mixtures, chemical reactions, symbols, chemical equations etc.

 

Properties of Solid, Liquid and Gas: This section deals with chemical properties associated with solids, liquid and gaseous state. It also deals with transformation of an object from one form to another.

 

Properties of Acid, base and salts: Acids, Bases and Salts – their chemical properties, Ph value, reaction pattern, common acids, bases and salts, their applications and properties.

 

Oxidation and Reduction: This section deals with properties of Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, chemical reaction occuring during oxidation and reduction processes.

 

Carbon: This section deals with carbon, its chemical composition, structure, properties and various forms of carbon (ranging from coal to diamonds), their physical and chemical properties, uses etc.

 

Fertilizers: This section deals with topics such as – types of fertilizers (natural and artificial), their chemical composition, structure, production, chemical reaction, properties, uses, effects etc.

 

Chemical composition of commonly used items: This section deals with everyday items such as – soap, paint, ink, paper, glass, cement etc and their chemical composition.

 

4 General Science Syllabus

Cells: This section deals with topics such as – cells, tissues, parts of a cell, functions of parts in a cell (nucleus, mitochondria etc), cell structure etc.

 

Living and Non-Living things: This section consists of living vs non-living type questions.

 

Reproduction: This section deals with growth and reproduction of plants and animals. It covers topics such as cell division, plant reproduction, animal reproduction human reproduction, growth of animals and plants etc.

 

Human Body: This section consists of topics such as – human anatomy, important organs, functions of organs etc.

 

Food: This section deals with topics such as – food and energy, different types of food, food chain, balanced diet, importance of a balanced diet etc.

 

Diseases: This section deals with common diseases and epidemics that affect human beings. It consists of topics such as – common diseases and epidemics, preventive measures, causes, treatment, vaccination etc.

 

Solar System: This section consists of topics such as – planets, sun, stars, constellations, milky way, meteors, eclipses etc.

 

Inventions: This section consists of topics such as – famous scientists, their inventions, applications, dates of invention etc.

 

5 Social Science Syllabus

Indian History: This section deals with topics such as – ancient civilization, culture, lifestyle, practices etc.

 

Freedom Movement: This section deals with topics such as – Indian Freedom Movement, important dates and events, wars, eminent freedom fighters, organizations, partition etc.

 

Constitution of India: This section deals with topics such as – preamble, the constitution of India, the administrative system of India etc.

 

Five Year Plans of India: This section deals with topics such as – importance of five year plans, implementation of the plan, important parameters etc.

 

Community Development: This section deals with topics such as – cooperative societies, their importance, panchayats, rural development and community development.

 

Social Reforms: This section deals with topics such as – Bhoodan movement, teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, National Integration, welfare of citizens etc.

 

Modern India: This section deals with topics such as – role of modern India, developments talking place in India, current Governance etc.

 

World Events: This section deals with important Global events such as – American Revolution, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution etc.

 

6 Geography Syllabus

The Earth: This section deals with topics such as – the size and shape of the Earth, bodies of land, longitude and latitude, date and time, rotation and revolution of Earth etc.

 

Origin of the Earth: This section deals with topics such as – earthquakes, volcanoes, different types of rocks, chemical weathering, mechanical weathering etc.

 

Water Bodies: This section deals with topics such as – oceans, tides, seas, currents etc.

 

Atmosphere: This section deals with topics such as – atmospheric pressure, wind, cyclone, climate etc.

 

7 Current Affairs/Events

This section primarily consists of important events occuring in India as well as World stage in the recent years, spanning topics such as –

• Sports
• Governance
• Politics
• Culture
• Science
• Arts
• Eminent Personalities
• And more…

 

Paper 1 carries 300 marks and paper 2 carries 600 marks. Thus, the total marks sums up to 900 marks. The entire exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes long. Negative marking scheme is applicable in case of NDA examination! Candidates must keep these important facts in mind! You may also check – NDA application form.

 

Here are some books that you may use for preparation –

 

Best Books for NDA 2022 Preparation

 

Mathematics Books

• Quantitative Aptitude for competitive examinations by R S Aggarwal.
• NDA Mathematics (Hindi) by RPH Editorial Board.
• Mathematics for NDA and NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy published by RS Aggarwal.
• Study Package Mathematics NDA & NA Entrance Exam – Arihant.

 

General Ability Books

• History of Modern India (History) published by Bipan Chandra.
• Mammen Mathew.
• Science and Technology in India (Science and Technology) by Kalpana Rajaram- Spectrum
• Objective General English for Competitive Exams by S.P. Bakshi.
• Oxford School Atlas (Geography) – Oxford.
• Social Problems in India (Indian Society – GS1) – Ram Ahuja.
• Manorama Yearbook