What is the Syllabus of NDA for Biology Students

The UPSC conducts the NDA exam for students passing and appearing in class 12th. The question is how taking PCB [Physics Chemistry and Biology] as subjects in 10+2 will affect the preparation of the candidates. UPSC has divided the NDA selection process into two stages: The written Exam and the SSB Interview.

First students have to pass the NDA written exam then an SSB interview is conducted. The written exam for NDA is conducted in two papers i.e., Mathematics and General Ability Test. The table clearly explains the structure of the examination.

National Defence Academy EXAM
Conducting Body	UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
NDA Exam Papers	Mathematics	General Ability Test
Total Marks	300	600
No Of Questions	120	150
Time Allotted	2 hours and 50 minutes
Type Of Questions	MCQ [Multiple Choice Questions]
Medium of Examination	English And Hindi

 

The majority of the questions on the NDA exam are from the 10+2 level. The NDA Marking Scheme states- for every wrong answer- 1.33 marks are deducted, and for every right answer- 4 marks are given. Questions not attempted will not be penalised.

 

NDA exam pattern of general ability-

We all know that the syllabus of general ability tests is so vast that it's a nightmare for the students but the only way to remove their fear is to brief them about the syllabus in a proper way.

• The general ability paper is of 600 marks.
• For every wrong answer- 1.33 marks are deducted
• For every right answer- 4 marks are given
• Questions not attempted will not be penalised.

Given below are the 7 subjects included under the NDA General Awareness paper:

1. Physics
2. Chemistry
3. biology
4. History
5. Geography
6. General Science
7. Current Events

Syllabus of Physics in NDA-

• Current and Static Electricity
• The Laws of Motion by Newton
• Momentum and Force
• Refraction as well as reflection
• Physical Characteristics and Matter States
• Weight, volume, mass, and the characteristics of sound waves
• Body Equilibrium and Stability
• Ohm's Law
• The force of gravity
• Acceleration and velocity
• Energy and Power

Syllabus of Chemistry in NDA-

• Chemical and Physical Alterations
• Salts, bases, and acids
• Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation, and Reduction: Preparation and Properties
• Basic concepts on the structure of an atom
• Simple chemical equations, formulas, and symbols
• Molecular Weights and Atomic Equivalents
• Compounds and Mixtures
• Law of Chemical Combination (issues excluded)
• Characteristics of Water and Air Elements

Syllabus of Biology-

• Typical epidemics, their causes, and ways to avoid them
• The distinction between living and non-living
• Food: Man's Source of Energy
• Cells, protoplasm, and tissues are the foundation of life.
• Ingredients in food
• Development and Procreation in Animals and Plants
• Balanced Diet Basic understanding of the human body and its vital parts

Syllabus of history in NDA-

• The Indian national movement is one of the forces influencing the modern world.
• India's Renaissance Freedom Movement
• Industrial Revolution, Russian Revolution, and French Revolution
• American Independence War, Science and Technology's Effect on Society, and a Basic Study of Indian Constitution and Governance
• Basic understanding of India's Five-Year Plans
• India's place in the current global welfare state and national integration

Syllabus of Geography-

• The Earth's dimensions and form
• Currents and Tides in the Ocean The makeup of the atmosphere
• Both longitudes and latitudes
• Planetary winds, temperature, atmospheric pressure, cyclones, and anticyclones; Precipitation, condensation, and humidity
• Climate Types International Date Line
• Principal Natural Areas of the World Earth's movements and their consequences
• India's Regional Geography
• Natural vegetation, climate, and power and mineral resources;
• Where agriculture and industrial operations are located and distributed
• Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Mechanical and Chemical Weathering

Syllabus for Current Affairs-

For the current events category, students should be up to date regarding the current events and affairs happening on national and international levels. Reading the daily newspapers, and listening to current affairs and news channels will help in developing a sense of opinion and knowledge which is very helpful in written and SSB Interviews.

 

Syllabus for mathematics-

The NDA Mathematics paper mainly includes concepts from the 10+2 level and tests the basic concepts of the candidates. Therefore, it is very important for the candidates to prepare the concepts and methods. Because this is what would be helpful in the exam.

Although the subject Mathematics is a nightmare for many aspirants through thorough understanding of the subject it will remove their fear and  a proper analysis of the syllabus will help them understand the exam pattern and therefore excel in their exam

Syllabus of maths for NDA-

• Algebra
• Calculus
• Matrices and Determinants
• Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
• Trigonometry
• Vector Algebra
• Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimension
• Statistics and Probability

 

About the SSB interview –

After clearing the NDA Written Examination, candidates are eligible to sit for the SSB Interview. This is the final stage to get selected into the National Defence Academy and hence, it includes two stages- Stage 1 and Stage 2.

Stage 1 is a SCREENING TEST. This stage also includes the Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT).

Stage 2 includes the PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST AND GROUP TESTING OFFICERS TEST.

After clearing both stages, candidates are selected for a round of personal interviews. According to the performance in the interview, he/she will be selected for the eligible post in the Defence Academy.

 

NOW THE IMPORTANT TIP FOR THE STUDENTS PURSUING BIOLOGY IN 10+2

It does not matter whether one has taken biology arts/humanities or commerce subjects in 10+2 because NDA Army is open for every student appearing in 12th and passed the 12th class. The only exception would be if a candidate wanted to work for the Indian Navy or Air Force. Then they have to compulsorily study PCM [Physics Chemistry and Maths] in 10+2. Otherwise, it does not matter which subject a student has studied, they are eligible for NDA.

 

IMPORTANT PREPARATION TIPS FOR NDA EXAM:-

• Create a daily schedule and distribute the curriculum based on difficulty level. This will assist the applicants in equally preparing each topic.
• Develop the practice of completing the past year's exam questions every day. Understanding the nature of the questions and the degree of difficulty of the question paper is crucial.
• Make an effort to write down key equations and strategies for quickly and simply resolving numerical difficulties. Additionally, avoid going into the test room stressed out because this will frequently result in careless errors.
• Make an effort to concentrate on your areas of weakness and begin routinely practicing questions based on those subjects. This will enable you to comprehend every topic with clarity.
• Selection in NDA does not only depend on the written exam but also depends on the personality and health of the candidates. Aspirants are advised to take care of themselves by eating healthy food, practicing yoga, and exercising daily.
• After completing the course, aspirants must revise all the concepts before the examination day so that they can remember all the important formulas and solve questions easily in the examination.
• Prior to the exam day, all candidates are advised not to study or practice any new material. They risk becoming confused and forgetting everything they have studied for the test if they do this.
• To obtain qualifying scores on the NDA exam, a candidate must train extensively and diligently. They ought to stay away from every distraction in their surroundings.

If you consistently adhere to the guidance given, you will undoubtedly pass the test with flying colors.

 

Read more:

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List of Important Physics Formulas for NDA Exam 2025