NDA Exam Pattern General Ability
The NDA General Ability paper is conducted for 600 marks including 150 questions. 1.33 marks are deducted for each wrong answer and 4 marks are added for each correctly attempted answer. There is no negative marking for unattempted answers. The General Ability Test (GAT) comprises two parts: English (Part A) and General Awareness (Part B)

Given Below Are the 6 Subjects Included Under NDA General Awareness Paper:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• History
• Geography
• General Science
• Current Events

NDA Syllabus for Physics

• Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, the Principle of Archimedes, and the Pressure Barometer. 
• Motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation, elementary ideas of work, Power and Energy. Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature and Heat, change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of transference of Heat. Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical instruments. Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection and refraction. Spherical mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye. 
• Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet.
• Static and Current Electricity, conductors and Nonconductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current,
• Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, Use of X-Rays. General Principles in the working of the following: Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses.

NDA Syllabus for Chemistry

• Physical and Chemical changes. Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations, Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems). Properties of Air and Water
• Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and carbon dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon—different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial. Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and Gun-Powder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency

General Science 

• The difference between living and nonliving things. The basis of Life—cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals.
• Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its vital organs. Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention.
• Food is a source of Energy for man. Its constituents include a balanced Diet. The Solar System includes meteors, comets, and Eclipses. Eminent Scientists have achieved many achievements.

• The Earth, its shape and size. Lattitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects.
• Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification; Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anti-cyclones;
• Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation; Types of Climate, Major Natural regions of the World. Regional Geography of India—Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities. Important Sea ports and main sea, land and air routes of India. Main items of Imports and Exports of India.

• A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation.
• Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration. Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India. Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community Development. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence. French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution. Impact of Science and Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism. Role of India in the present world.
• Impact of Science and Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism. Role of India in the present world.

• Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years. Current important world events.
• Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports etc.

NDA General Ability Test Book 

• Science and Technology in India by Kalpana Rajaram: Spectrum
• Oxford School Atlas(Oxford)
• Social Problems In India (Indian Society – GS1) by Ram Ahuja
• Objective General English for Competitive Exams by S.P. Bakshi
• General Knowledge by Arihant
• General Science Guide for Competitive Exams – CSAT/ NDA/ CDS/ Railways/ SSC/ UPSC/ State PSC/ Defence by Disha
• History Of Modern India by Bipan Chandra

Here's a strategy to prepare for the General Aptitude (GA) section of the NDA exam:

Understanding the Syllabus:

• The GA section is divided into two parts: English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks).
• Brush up on your knowledge of Grammar & Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion for English.
• General Knowledge covers Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), History, Geography, Current Affairs, and Polity.
• Building a Strong Foundation:

General Knowledge:

• Use NCERT textbooks (Class 6-12) for a strong foundation in Science, History, and Geography.
• Refer to reliable sources for current affairs: newspapers, government websites, news channels focused on current events (defense-related are especially helpful).
• Practice and Time Management:
• Solve previous years' question papers and mock tests regularly. This helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, manage time effectively, and get familiar with the exam pattern.
• Analyze your performance in mock tests and revise the topics you find challenging.
• Time management is crucial. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time frame.

Additional Tips:

• lMake short notes or mind maps for quick revision of important topics.
• Stay updated with current affairs, especially those related to defense and national security.

Resources:

• UPSC's official website: https://upsc.gov.in/
• Previous years' question papers: You can find these on the UPSC website or coaching institute websites.
• Mock tests: Many online platforms and coaching institutes offer mock tests for the NDA exam .