From Rajni's Desk

NDA

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced

NDA 2025 exam dates.

The exam dates were informed through its annual UPSC calendar 2024. According to NDA exam dates, NDA 2025 notification will be released on December 11, 2024. The application form will be available from December 11 to 31, 2024. NDA 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025 and result will be declared on May 28, 2025. NDA 2 2025 exam will be conducted on September 14, 2025. The exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defense Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy courses.
Details are as follows

TOTAL APPLICANTS

Around two to three Lacs candidates apply for NDA exam. The written exam of NDA is cleared by around 8000 to 10,000 candidates. Such candidates are called for SSB interview. The pass percentage in SSB interview is around 10 to 15 per cent. Many students are rejected on medical ground as well. After the medicals, a merit list is prepared which features around 580 to 650 candidates. First 350 to 380 candidates are invited for admission to NDA and INAC. Some candidates do not join and some are not able to cope up with the tough training process. NDA selection process is bit tough so needs a good preparation. Both male and female candidates can apply for the NDA exam.

ELIGIBILITY

Age Limit: For NDA 1 exam, both male and female candidates must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2005 and not later than July 1, 2008. For NDA 2 exam, both male and female candidates must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2005, and not later than January 1, 2008.

Educational Qualification:

EXAM PATTERN

NO. OF PAPERS 2 (MATHS AND GAT)
SSB INTERVIEW stage I and stage

 ii DURATION EXAM 2HRS 30 MINUTES EACH TOTAL MARKS 900
TYPES OF WRITTEN EXAM IS MCQ
EXAM MODE OFFLINE
The NDA exam has two papers: 1. Mathematics – 300 marks

2. General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 marks
Total Marks: 900
Each paper has a duration of 2.5 hours.

 1. Mathematics Syllabus (300 Marks) The Mathematics section in the NDA exam is crucial and carries a total of 300 marks. The questions are set from various topics in Mathematics, covering high school-level concepts. Here's a detailed breakdown of the syllabus for Mathematics in the NDA exam: 1. Algebra
Concept of Sets: Operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan’s laws. Relations and Functions: Types of relations and functions. Complex Numbers: Basic properties, representation of complex numbers in a + ib form, modulus, argument, conjugate, and basic operations. Quadratic Equations: Solutions, nature of roots, and the relationship between roots and coefficients. Matrices and Determinants: Types of matrices, operations on matrices, determinants, properties, inverse of a matrix, and application in solving simultaneous linear equations. Binomial Theorem: General and middle terms, properties, and expansion. Logarithms: Definition, laws, and applications.

2. Trigonometry Angles and Their Measures: Degree and radian measures. Trigonometric Ratios: Values of trigonometric ratios, identities, and transformations. Trigonometric Identities: Various formulas, double and half angles. Properties of Triangles: Sine rule, cosine rule, and area calculations. Inverse Trigonometric Functions: Definition, domains, and ranges.

3. Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions2D Geometry: Cartesian Coordinate System: Distance formula, section formula, and area of a triangle. Straight Line: Equations of a line in various forms, angle between two lines, distance of a point from a line. Circle: Standard form, general form, tangent and normal. Conic Sections: Parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola (standard forms, focus, directrix, and latus rectum).3D Geometry: Points and Lines in 3D: Direction cosines and direction ratios. Planes: Equation of a plane, distance of a point from a plane. Lines: Equation of a line, angle between two lines, shortest distance.

4. Differential Calculus Concept of a Function: Types of functions, limits, and continuity. Differentiation: Derivatives of functions, implicit functions, parametric forms. Geometrical Applications: Tangents, normal, and angle between curves. Increasing and Decreasing Functions: Maxima and minima, Rolle’s theorem, and Mean Value theorem.

5. Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Integration: Indefinite integrals, methods of integration (substitution, partial fractions, by parts).Definite Integrals: Properties, application in finding area under curves. Differential Equations: Formation, degree, and order; solutions of first-order and first-degree differential equations using variable separable methods.

6. Vector Algebra Basic Concepts: Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction. Vector Operations: Addition, subtraction, scalar and vector products, applications in finding the angle between two vectors. Applications: Solving geometry-related problems using vectors.

7. Statistics and Probability Statistics: Collection and tabulation of data, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), and measures of dispersion (variance, standard deviation).Probability: Basic Probability Theory: Events, types of events. Conditional Probability and Bayes’ Theorem. Binomial Distribution: Basic properties and applications.
Preparation Tips:
 1. Conceptual Clarity: Focus on understanding the fundamentals, especially in calculus and algebra, as they form a significant portion of the exam.
 2. Practice and Time Management: Regular practice is essential, particularly for solving geometry and trigonometry problems, which can be calculation-intensive.
 3. Formulas: Memorize key formulas and practice applying them to different types of problems.
4. Mock Tests and Previous Papers: Regularly take timed mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Reviewing previous years’ question papers helps to identify the important topics.

3. General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus (600 Marks)
The General Ability Test (GAT) in the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is designed to evaluate a candidate's knowledge across a variety of subjects. The GAT paper carries a total of 600 marks and is divided into two main sections:
English and General Knowledge.
 Here's a detailed syllabus breakdown:
1. English Section (200 marks)
This section assesses the candidate's command over English, focusing on: ·
Grammar and Usage: Identification of correct grammar, spotting errors, and sentence completion. · Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, and word meanings. ·
Comprehension: Reading passages with questions aimed at testing understanding and interpretation. ·
Sentence Structure and Formation: Sentence reordering, sentence improvement, and syntax. · Cohesive Use of Words: Usage and understanding of idioms, phrases, and general vocabulary.

2. General Knowledge Section (400 marks)
This section covers a broad range of subjects and is divided into six parts:
A. Physics (100 marks) Key topics include: · Laws of Motion, Forces, Gravity, and Work and Energy · Heat, Temperature, and Thermodynamics · Sound Waves and their Properties · Light, Reflection, and Refraction · Electricity, Magnetism, and Electromagnetism · Basic concepts of Astronomy and the Solar System · Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity
B. Chemistry (60 marks) Main areas include:
· States of Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases
· Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
· Physical and Chemical Changes
· Metals and Non-Metals, and their Properties
· Acids, Bases, and Salts
· Important Chemical Reactions
· Air and Water, and their Properties
· Environmental Chemistry
C. General Science (40 marks) This portion tests basic knowledge of biology, covering:
· Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology
· Cell Structure and Functions
· Ecosystems and Food Chains
· Common Human Diseases and their Prevention
· Basic Genetics and Reproduction
D. History (80 marks) Covers Indian and World History, including:
· Indian Independence Movement and Major National Leaders
· Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History of India
· Important Historical Events and their Impact
· Social, Economic, and Cultural History
· World Wars and their Global Effects
E. Geography (80 marks) Main topics include:
· Earth's Structure and Landforms
· Atmosphere, Climate, and Weather
· Water Bodies, Natural Resources, and their Distribution
· India's Geography: Physical, Social, and Economic Features
· Basics of Population and Urbanization
F. Current Affairs and General Knowledge (40 marks) This section assesses general awareness of:
· Current Events of National and International Importance
· Recent Developments in Science and Technology
· Awards, Honors, Sports, and Defense
· Politics, Economy, and Cultural Developments

Preparation Tips
1. English: Focus on reading comprehension and vocabulary improvement; practice grammar exercises.
2. General Knowledge: Read standard textbooks for each subject and regularly update with current affairs.
3. General Science: Brush up on high school-level Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
4. History & Geography: Study NCERT textbooks and revise key events and locations, especially related to India.
5. Current Affairs: Stay updated with news, especially developments in defense, sports, and awards.
This exam requires thorough knowledge and consistent practice in both English and General Knowledge, balanced with regular revision and testing.


GUIDANCE FOR PREPARATION OF EXAM
Skills Coaching can help you in many ways to prepare this exam
1. Take a membership and make all your classes free of cost.
2. Buy paid courses for different subjects.
3. Join LIVE classes for exam preparation.
4. get e- books, notes, assignments, mock test to build proficiency in the subject.
My best wishes to you for your success!!!