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NDA Syllabus 2018
- Before start NDA preparation, it is very important to introduce yourself with the overall syllabus from where the questions will be raised. The NDA Exam pattern comprises of Mathematics subject and General Ability. Below we have mentioned the detailed UPSC NDA Syllabus 2018.
Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics paper covers the following chapters and topics:
Trigonometry: Trigonometrical ratios,properties of triangles, Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians, Inverse trigonometric functions, Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae, Applications – Height and distance, Multiple and Sub-multiple angles.
Algebra: Complex numbers – basic properties, modulus, Conversion of a number in decimal system to binary system and vice-versa, Arithmetic, argument, cube roots of unity, Geometric and Harmonic progressions, Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs, Representation of real numbers on a line, Binary system of numbers, Binomial theorem and its application, Quadratic equations with real coefficients, Permutation and Combination, Logarithms and their applications.
Differential Calculus: Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative – applications, increasing and decreasing functions, Continuity of functions – examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions, Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima, Concept of a real valued function – domain, range and graph of a function, Notion of limit, Standard limits – examples, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative – applications, Derivative of a function at a point, Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect of another function, derivative of a composite function and Second order derivatives.
Vector Algebra: Vectors in two and three dimensions, scalar multiplication of vector, scalar product or dot product of two-vectors, Applications-work done by a force and moment of a force, and in geometrical problems, magnitude and direction of a vector, Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, Vector product and cross product of two vectors.
Integral Calculus and Differential equations: Integration by substitution and by parts, trigonometric, Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples, exponential and hyperbolic functions, solution of first order and first degree differential equations of various types – examples, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, Evaluation of definite integrals – determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves – applications, General and particular solution of a differential equation, Integration as inverse of differentiation, Application in problems of growth and decay.
What Type of Questions are Asked in NDA Exam?
NDA will have questions from two sections mainly- Mathematics and General Ability section. The questions will mainly be asked of 10+2 level. Solve as many NDA Previous Year Question Papers as possible.
- In mathematics, candidates must thoroughly prepare-
- Arithmetic
- Mensuration
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Statistics, etc.
- For general ability section, it is important to prepare well for both the sub-sections, i.e., English and General Knowledge.
- For English section, candidates must focus on grammar, comprehension and reading abilities.
- General knowledge questions can be asked from current events, physics, chemistry, general science, history, etc.
Given below is the bifurcation of both the sections of NDA Exam. Marks allotted to each section and sub-sections have been expounded below:
| Subjects | Number of Questions | Marks | Marking scheme | Negative Marking |
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | +2.5 | -0.83 |
| English | 50 | 200 | +4 | -1.33 |
| General Knowledge: | 100 | — | +4 | -1.33 |
| Physics | — | 100 | — | — |
| Chemistry | — | 60 | — | — |
| General Science | — | 40 | — | — |
| History, Freedom Movement, etc. | — | 80 | — | — |
| Geography | — | 80 | — | — |
| Current Events | — | 40 | — | — |
| Grand Total | 270 | 900 | — | — |
NDA Exam Syllabus
The syllabus of NDA 2018 has been divided into two parts namely Mathematics and General Ability Test. The General Ability Test will contain questions from various topics such as General Knowledge (GK), English, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, General Science and Current Events. Check CompleteNDA Syllabus 2018
Need More Help In NDA 2018 ? Write To Us
Most of the questions asked in NDA exam will come from 10+2 level, especially in Mathematics. For preparing General Ability test section candidates should read newspaper on daily basis.
| Sections | Related Topics | Number of questions |
| Mathematics | Trigonometry, Differential Calculus, Algebra, Integral Calculus & Differential equations, Logarithms and their applications, Statistics, Probability, Vector Algebra, etc. | 120 |
| English | Grammar and usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and cohesion. | 50 |
| General Knowledge | Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events. | 100 |
Candidates, who will be shortlisted on the basis of written exam, will be called for SSB interview which will be conducted for 4-5 days. Candidates, who successfully qualify SSB round, will further call for medical test and document verification process.
NDA 2018 Recommended books
In NDA 2018, questions are asked from class 12 Mathematics. Also, candidates are required to be aware of the current happenings around the world to attempt General Ability test. Some of the recommended books for candidates are mentioned below.
Check Best Books to Prepare for NDA 2018
- These books contain a vast explanation of mathematical concepts.
- It covers every minor topic mentioned in the syllabus like Sets and relations along with functions, quadratic equations, logarithms, trigonometry and geometry topics like circles, triangles, coordinates etc.
- These books also include the tricks and shortcut methods for solving the questions.
| Subjects | Books | Author |
| Mathematics | Mathematics for NDA and NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy | R S Aggarwal |
| Mathematics | Quantitative aptitude for competitive examinations | RS Aggarwal |
| English | NDA and NA National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Entrance Examination: 10 Practice Sets (English) | Expert Compilations |
| English | NDA INA Practice Papers: Conducted by UPSC (English) | Sachchida Nand Jha |
| General Knowledge | Objective General Knowledge & Current Affairs (Level 1) | |
| General Knowledge | Objective General Knowledge & Current Affairs (Level 2) |