The NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Below is a concise breakdown of the NDA and CDS exam content:

1. NDA Exam Content

The NDA exam is conducted for candidates who are applying to join the National Defence Academy. The exam is divided into two parts: Written Exam and Interview (SSB).

Written Exam (Objective Type):

The written exam consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Mathematics

  • Algebra: Polynomials, linear equations, quadratic equations, and arithmetic progressions.
  • Geometry: Angles, triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, areas, and volumes.
  • Trigonometry: Heights and distances, trigonometric identities.
  • Calculus: Limits, differentiation, integration (basic concepts).
  • Statistics & Probability: Mean, median, mode, and probability.
  • Number System: LCM, HCF, divisibility rules, and number theory.
  • Mensuration: Areas, surface areas, and volumes of 2D and 3D objects.

• Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT) This paper is divided into two sections:

  • English:

    • Grammar: Sentence correction, error spotting, tenses, subject-verb agreement.
    • Comprehension: Reading comprehension passages and answering related questions.
    • Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and one-word substitution.
    • Para Jumbles: Reordering sentences into a coherent passage.

  • General Knowledge:

    • Physics: Mechanics, electricity, magnetism, optics, heat.
    • Chemistry: Elements, compounds, acids, bases, and their properties.
    • General Science: Human biology, diseases, and environmental issues.
    • History: Indian history (ancient, medieval, modern), World history, Freedom Struggle.
    • Geography: Physical geography, Indian geography, map reading.
    • Current Affairs: National and international news, events, sports, and defense-related updates.

2. CDS Exam Content

The CDS exam is conducted for candidates applying for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The exam consists of three papers (for IMA/INA/AFA) and two papers (for OTA).

Written Exam (Objective Type):

• Paper 1: English

  • Grammar: Sentence correction, spotting errors, direct/indirect speech, active/passive voice.
  • Comprehension: Reading passages followed by questions.
  • Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrases.
  • Para Jumbles: Reorganizing sentences into a coherent paragraph.

• Paper 2: General Knowledge (for IMA/INA/AFA)

  • History: Indian history (ancient, medieval, modern), world history, Indian freedom struggle.
  • Geography: Physical geography, world geography, Indian geography, maps, and climate.
  • Polity: Indian constitution, polity, governance, and basic knowledge of political systems.
  • Economy: Economic terms, Indian economy, and financial institutions.
  • Current Affairs: National and international events, sports, awards, and defense-related topics.
  • Science: General science (physics, chemistry, biology), environmental studies, and scientific discoveries.

• Paper 3: Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA)

  • Algebra: Quadratic equations, progressions, matrices, and determinants.
  • Geometry: Basic geometry concepts, properties of shapes, and 3D geometry.
  • Trigonometry: Trigonometric identities, heights and distances.
  • Mensuration: Areas, volumes, surface areas of different geometric objects.
  • Statistics: Mean, median, mode, probability, and data interpretation.
  • Arithmetic: Percentage, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, speed and distance.

3. SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)

The SSB Interview is the final stage for both NDA and CDS candidates. It assesses candidates on various aspects:

• Psychological Testing: Written tests to assess mental attributes like intelligence, aptitude, and personality.
• Group Testing: Group discussions, group tasks, and team exercises to assess leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Personal Interview: Interaction with a panel of officers to assess the candidate's personality, motivation, and interest in joining the armed forces.
• Physical Fitness: Physical tasks to assess stamina and fitness.