The National Defence Academy (NDA) II 2025 exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of the most prestigious entrance tests in India for young aspirants aiming to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The exam is held twice a year and is open to male and female candidates who have completed or are appearing for their 10+2 level education. To crack NDA II successfully, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of the exam syllabus, which forms the foundation of your preparation strategy. The syllabus is divided into two main papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Each paper assesses different skills, from mathematical reasoning and problem-solving to language proficiency and general awareness.
NDA II 2025 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | — | 5 Hours | 900 |
Both papers consist of objective-type questions and are conducted offline.
NDA II 2025 Syllabus: Mathematics
| Topic Category | Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Sets, Venn Diagrams, Logarithms, Quadratic equations, Linear equations, etc. |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices, Operations, Determinants up to order 3, Inverse of matrices |
| Trigonometry | Trig functions, Identities, Heights and distances, Inverse trig functions |
| Analytical Geometry | Cartesian coordinates, Straight lines, Circles, Conic sections |
| Differential Calculus | Limits, Derivatives, Application of derivatives |
| Integral Calculus | Integration, Definite integrals, Area under curves |
| Vector Algebra | Vectors in 2D and 3D, Dot and Cross product |
| Statistics & Probability | Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Probability problems |
Tip: Practice NCERT Class 11 and 12 Maths thoroughly.
NDA II 2025 Syllabus: General Ability Test (GAT)
The GAT paper is divided into two parts:
Part A: English (200 Marks)
| Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Grammar and Usage | Spotting Errors, Tenses, Sentence Improvement |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Substitution |
| Comprehension | Reading Passages, Answering Questions |
| Sentence Structure | Fill in the Blanks, Para Jumbles |
Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
| Subject Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Physics | Motion, Force, Energy, Sound, Light, Electricity, Magnetism |
| Chemistry | Matter, Atomic Structure, Acids & Bases, Physical and Chemical Changes |
| Biology | Cells, Human Body, Diseases, Food, Reproduction |
| History | Indian Freedom Struggle, Ancient & Medieval History, Constitution, Modern India |
| Geography | Earth, Atmosphere, Climate, Latitudes & Longitudes, Oceans, Agriculture in India |
| Current Affairs | Sports, Awards, Defense Updates, National & International Events |
Conclusion
Preparing for NDA II 2025 requires a solid understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern. With Mathematics and GAT covering a broad range of topics from school-level academics to current affairs, focused preparation and consistent practice are essential. Make use of standard textbooks, solve past papers, and stay updated with current events to improve your chances of success. Remember, clearing NDA is not just about passing an exam—it’s about beginning your journey toward a prestigious and disciplined career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans: NDA has two main subjects: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT).
Ans: The difficulty level is moderate and based on Class 11 & 12 syllabus. Strong basics and practice can help you score well.
Ans: Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer in both papers.
Ans: No, GAT includes English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks).
Ans: Yes, you must score minimum qualifying marks in both Mathematics and GAT to be shortlisted for the SSB Interview.