UPSC NDA 2 Syllabus 2024: Subjects, PDF Download

Selva Kumar

Updated on - Oct 31, 2023

Latest Updates for UPSC NDA

15 April 2024 :
The UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2024 shall be held on Apr 21, 2024.

UPSC NDA Syllabus 2024 is declared by the conducting body on the official website. The examination will be conducted in two phases. NDA 2 examination will consist of Paper 1 (Mathematics) and Paper 2 (General Ability). Questions asked in NDA 2 exam will be picked from NCERT books mostly. Aspirants must ensure that they plan and prepare adequately to crack the UPSC NDA 2024 exam. Candidates can also download the official syllabus in the PDF format mentioned in the article.

Also Read: UPSC NDA 1 Result 2023

Also Check: UPSC NDA Exam Date 2024

UPSC NDA Exam 2024 Syllabus

NDA 2 2024 exam will be conducted in two phases. For a better result, preparation of the syllabus is a must. The syllabus for NDA 2 exam is divided into two parts - Mathematics and General Ability. Important topics from each part are given below.

UPSC NDA 2024 Paper 1 - Mathematics

NDA 2 syllabus of maths is given below:

Algebra

The concept of sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams.
De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation.
Representation of real numbers on a line
Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity
Binary system of numbers
Conversion of a number in decimal system to binary system and vice-versa
Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic Progressions
Quadratic 17 equations with real coefficients
The solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs
Permutations and Combinations
Binomial theorem and its applications
Logarithms and their applications

Matrices and Determinants

Types of matrices, operations on matrices
Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants
Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method

Trigonometry

Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians
Trigonometrical ratios
Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae
Multiple and Sub-multiple angles
Inverse trigonometric functions
Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles

Analytical Geometry of 2 and 3 Dimensions

Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system
Distance formula
Equation of a line in various forms
The angle between two lines
The distance of a point from a line
Equation of a circle in staNDA 2rd and in general form
StaNDA 2rd forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola
Eccentricity and axis of a conic
A point in a three-dimensional space, the distance between two points
Direction Cosines and direction ratios
Equation two points
Direction Cosines and direction ratios
Equation of a plane and a line in various forms
Angle between two lines and angle between two planes
Equation of a sphere

Differential Calculus

Concept of a real-valued function–domain, range, and graph of a function
Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions
Notion of limit, StaNDA 2rd limits—examples
Continuity of functions—examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions
Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative—applications
Derivatives of sum, product, and quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect to another function, derivative of a composite function
Second-order derivatives
Increasing and decreasing functions
Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima

Integral and Differential Calculus

Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, staNDA 2rd integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions
Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves— applications
Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples
General and particular solutions of differential equations, solution of the first order and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples
Application in problems of growth and decay

Vector Algebra

Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector
Unit and null vectors, the addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors
Vector product or cross product of two vectors
Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems

Statistics and Probability

Statistics: Classification of data, Frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution—examples
Graphical representation—Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon—examples
Measures of Central tendency—Mean, median, and mode
Variance and staNDA 2rd deviation—determination and comparison
Correlation and regression
Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events
Complementary, elementary, and composite events
Definition of probability—classical and statistical— examples
Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems
Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems
Random variable as function on a sample space
Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binominal distribution

NDA 2 2024 Paper 2 - General Ability

The syllabus of General Ability is given below:

Question paper on General Knowledge will broadly cover the subjects - Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events.
The syllabus given below is designed to indicate the scope of these subjects included in this paper.
The topics mentioned are not to be regarded as exhaustive and questions on topics of similar nature not specifically mentioned in the syllabus may also be asked.
The candidate’s answers are expected to show their knowledge and intelligent understanding of the subject.

Section A: Physics

Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density, and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer
The 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 Non-conductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and SecoNDA 2ry 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.

Section B: 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
The 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.

Section C: General Science

Difference between the living and non-living
Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues
Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals
Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its important organs
Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention. Food—Source of Energy for man
Constituents of food, Balanced Diet. The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses
Achievements of Eminent Scientists

Section D: History, Freedom Movement and the like

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

Section E: Geography

The Earth, its shape, and size
Latitudes 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

Section F: Current Events

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.

SSB Interview Stage II

Only those candidates who clear stage I are permitted to appear for Stage II. The details are as follows:

Part I comprises of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and the Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on the combination of their performance in their OIR Test and their PP&DT.
Part II Comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. These tests are conducted over a duration of 4 days.