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Comprehensive Analysis of the National Defence Aca

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, overseen by the UPSC, is essential for entry into the Indian armed forces, with a syllabus covering Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) aligned with Class 10-12 standards. Eligibility requires candidates to be aged 16.5 to 19.5 years, meet educational qualifications, and pass stringent medical criteria. The selection process includes a written exam, SSB interview, and medical evaluation, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of candidates' capabilities.

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Amogh Joshi 10-A
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9 views4 pages

Comprehensive Analysis of the National Defence Aca

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, overseen by the UPSC, is essential for entry into the Indian armed forces, with a syllabus covering Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) aligned with Class 10-12 standards. Eligibility requires candidates to be aged 16.5 to 19.5 years, meet educational qualifications, and pass stringent medical criteria. The selection process includes a written exam, SSB interview, and medical evaluation, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of candidates' capabilities.

Uploaded by

Amogh Joshi 10-A
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Comprehensive Analysis of the National Defence

Academy (NDA) Examination: Syllabus, Eligibility,


Requirements, and Medical Criteria
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, conducted by the Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC), serves as a gateway for aspirants seeking entry into the Indian Army, Navy,
and Air Force. This report provides an exhaustive examination of the NDA’s syllabus, eligibility
criteria, application requirements, and medical standards. Drawing from official UPSC
notifications and authoritative educational resources, the analysis underscores the rigorous
academic and physical benchmarks candidates must meet. The syllabus, divided into
Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), reflects a curriculum aligned with Class 10–12
standards, emphasizing problem-solving, general knowledge, and linguistic proficiency.
Eligibility criteria stipulate an age range of 16.5 to 19.5 years, specific educational qualifications,
and stringent medical fitness requirements. The selection process integrates a written
examination, Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, and medical evaluation, ensuring a
holistic assessment of candidates’ capabilities.

Examination Overview and Structure


The NDA examination is conducted biannually (NDA I and NDA II) in offline mode, comprising
two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (GAT; 600 marks). The total
duration for each paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes, with negative marking provisions of -0.83
and -1.33 marks for incorrect answers in Mathematics and GAT, respectively [1] [2] . The written
examination serves as the preliminary screening stage, followed by the SSB interview and
medical evaluation for qualified candidates.

Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics syllabus, equivalent to Class 11–12 standards, tests candidates’ analytical and
computational skills through topics such as Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, and Statistics.

Algebra
Algebraic components include sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan’s laws, and quadratic equations.
Complex numbers, arithmetic progressions, and permutation-combination principles are
emphasized, with problems often requiring binary-decimal conversions [1] [3] .
Calculus
Calculus topics encompass limits, continuity, derivatives, and applications in maxima-minima
problems. Differential equations and integral calculus form critical subsections, with questions
assessing integration techniques and area determination under curves [1] [3] .

Trigonometry
Trigonometric identities, inverse functions, and height-distance applications are pivotal. The
syllabus mandates proficiency in sum-difference formulas and properties of triangles, aligning
with Class 12 NCERT curricula [1] [3] .

Statistics and Probability


Probability theory covers classical and statistical definitions, Bayes’ theorem, and binomial
distributions. Questions often involve random experiments and conditional probability
scenarios [1] [3] .

General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus


The GAT evaluates English proficiency (200 marks) and general knowledge (400 marks), with
50 and 100 questions, respectively.

English
The English section tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and error-spotting. Key areas
include cloze tests, synonyms-antonyms, and para-jumbling, requiring familiarity with idioms and
sentence structures [1] [2] .

General Knowledge
General Knowledge spans physics, chemistry, geography, history, and current events. Physics
focuses on mechanics and thermodynamics, while chemistry emphasizes periodic trends and
organic compounds. Geography includes climatology and Indian topography, whereas history
covers national movements and world events [1] [2] .

Eligibility Criteria

Age and Nationality


Candidates must be aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years at the time of application, with relaxation
for specific categories as per government norms. Nationality requirements mandate Indian
citizenship, though Nepalese and Bhutanese subjects may also apply under bilateral
agreements [4] .
Educational Qualifications
Army Wing: Class 12 pass or appearing in any stream.
Air Force and Naval Wings: Class 12 pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Candidates awaiting results remain eligible, provided they submit proof of passing before
the SSB interview [4] .

Medical Standards

Physical Fitness
Height and Weight: Minimum height of 157 cm (male) and 152 cm (female), with weight
proportionate to BMI.
Vision: Uncorrected visual acuity of 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, excluding
congenital color blindness. Laser surgery candidates require a six-month post-operative
stability period [4] .

Health Conditions
Disqualifications include chronic diseases (e.g., asthma, diabetes), orthopedic deformities, and
hearing impairments. A thorough medical examination assesses cardiovascular health,
musculoskeletal integrity, and mental fitness [4] .

Selection Process and Requirements

Written Examination
Candidates must secure the UPSC-prescribed cutoff in Mathematics and GAT to qualify for the
SSB interview. The cutoff varies annually, influenced by exam difficulty and applicant
performance [1] [2] .

SSB Interview
The five-day SSB interview evaluates psychological aptitude, leadership potential, and group
dynamics through tasks like the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and group discussions.
Physical fitness tests, including obstacle courses and team tasks, are integral [1] [4] .

Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates submit original educational certificates, age proof, and category
certificates. Discrepancies result in immediate disqualification [4] .
Conclusion
The NDA examination demands academic excellence, physical robustness, and mental
resilience. Aspirants must adopt a strategic preparation approach, prioritizing NCERT textbooks
for Mathematics and current affairs for GAT. Regular mock tests and physical training are
indispensable for success. UPSC’s holistic selection criteria ensure that only the most capable
candidates contribute to India’s defense forces, upholding the academy’s legacy of excellence.
⁂

1. https://www.shiksha.com/exams/nda-exam-syllabus
2. https://www.studyiq.com/articles/nda-syllabus/
3. https://www.adda247.com/nda/syllabus
4. https://www.shiksha.com/sarkari-exams/articles/nda-eligibility-criteria-blogId-22425

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