The UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) exams are among the most competitive exams in India for entry into the Indian Armed Forces. NDA recruits candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, while CDS selects candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
In this blog, we will cover the complete syllabus for both exams and offer some preparation tips to ace the exam.
UPSC NDA Syllabus
The NDA exam consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Below is a detailed breakdown of the syllabus.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus
Marks: 300 | Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Algebra: Sets, relations, and functions; Complex numbers; Quadratic equations; Linear equations; Matrices and determinants.
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric identities, ratios, equations, and inverse trigonometric functions.
- Analytical Geometry: Cartesian coordinate system; Equation of a line, circle, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola.
- Differential Calculus: Continuity, differentiability, differentiation, and application of derivatives.
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations: Integration and its applications; Solution of differential equations.
- Vector Algebra: Vectors in two and three dimensions, scalar and vector products.
- Statistics and Probability: Data interpretation, mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and probability.
NDA General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus
Marks: 600 | Duration: 2.5 Hours
Part A: English (200 Marks)
- Grammar and Usage: Correction of sentences, parts of speech, tenses, articles, prepositions.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, word meanings, idioms, and phrases.
- Comprehension: Understanding passages and answering related questions.
- Cohesion in Extended Text: Linking of sentences and ideas.
Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
This section is divided into six major topics:
- Physics: Laws of motion, gravitation, electricity, magnetism, sound, optics, thermodynamics.
- Chemistry: Elements, compounds, mixtures, acids, bases, chemical reactions, organic and inorganic chemistry.
- General Science: Evolution, human body systems, health and hygiene, biotechnology, and environment.
- History: Indian history, freedom movement, world wars, Indian Constitution, culture, and heritage.
- Geography: Earth structure, atmosphere, climate, physical features of India, and global geographical phenomena.
- Current Events: Latest national and international events, sports, awards, and military-related topics.
UPSC CDS Syllabus 2024
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam comprises three subjects for the IMA, INA, and AFA, while the OTA exam has two subjects.
CDS English Syllabus
Marks: 100 | Duration: 2 Hours
- Grammar and Vocabulary: Parts of speech, sentence correction, tenses, articles, prepositions, and punctuation.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Common word pairs to test vocabulary.
- Comprehension: Reading passages followed by questions.
- Idioms and Phrases: Commonly used expressions and their meanings.
- Ordering of Sentences: Rearranging sentences logically to form coherent paragraphs.
CDS General Knowledge Syllabus
Marks: 100 | Duration: 2 Hours
- Current Affairs: National and international events, awards, military exercises, treaties.
- History: Indian history from ancient to modern times, world history, significant revolutions, and historical figures.
- Geography: Physical and economic geography of India and the world, including major rivers, mountains, and resources.
- Science: Basic principles of physics, chemistry, and biology with a focus on day-to-day applications.
- Economics: Indian economy, economic reforms, budget, banking system, and world economic organizations.
- Polity: Indian Constitution, government structures, the role of the President, Prime Minister, and Judiciary.
CDS Elementary Mathematics Syllabus (For IMA, INA, AFA)
Marks: 100 | Duration: 2 Hours
- Arithmetic: Number systems, ratios, percentages, averages, time and distance, simple and compound interest.
- Algebra: Operations on sets, linear equations, quadratic equations, complex numbers.
- Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, and mensuration.
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, heights and distances, and trigonometric identities.
- Statistics: Mean, median, mode, variance, and probability.
CDS OTA Syllabus
The Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) exam has the same English and General Knowledge syllabus as IMA, INA, and AFA, but it does not include Elementary Mathematics.
Preparation Tips for UPSC NDA & CDS
- Understand the Syllabus: Go through the syllabus thoroughly and focus on the key topics.
- Time Management: Create a timetable that balances all subjects equally and includes revision.
- Solve Past Papers: Practicing previous year question papers helps in understanding the exam pattern.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with current events, especially those related to defence, international relations, and national development.
- Revision: Constantly revise key topics, formulas, and concepts, especially in Mathematics.
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA & CDS exams open a gateway to prestigious careers in the Indian Armed Forces. By following the syllabus and preparing strategically, you can achieve success. Remember to download the NDA & CDS syllabus PDFs and start your preparation with a clear plan in mind.
Best of luck in your journey to serve the nation!