The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is for students who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The written exam has two main parts: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). This article helps students understand which Maths topics are most important and carry more marks in the NDA exam. This information will help you plan your studies better.
The Maths paper covers topics students have learned from Classes 9 to 12 . Questions are usually of medium difficulty. In total, there are 120 questions in the Maths paper. These questions carry a total of 300 marks . Students get 2.5 hours to complete this section. To pass the Maths paper, students must score at least 25 percent .
Key Topics for NDA Maths: Focus on More Marks
Some sections in Maths have more questions and marks. These sections are Algebra , Calculus , and Trigonometry . They make up about 60 percent of the entire Maths paper. Other important topics to study include Quadratic Equations, Derivatives, Matrices, Probability, Coordinate Geometry, Set Theory, Vector Algebra, and Determinants.
NDA Maths Chapter-Wise Questions and Marks
Here is a breakdown of how many questions each major chapter usually has, and the marks they carry:
| Chapter | Number of Questions | Marks | Weightage Range (in Percent) |
| Algebra & Vector Algebra | 40 | 100 | 25-30% |
| Trigonometry | 20 | 50 | 20-25% |
| Analytical Geometry | 20 | 50 | 10-15% |
| Calculus | 20 | 50 | 20-25% |
| Matrices & Determinants | 10 | 25 | 15-20% |
| Statistics & Probability | 10 | 25 | 5-10% |
Detailed Topics for NDA Maths Preparation
Based on past exams, these are the important concepts under each main topic:
Algebra
- Quadratic Equations: Learn to solve equations and understand their roots.
- Polynomials: Know how to work with algebraic expressions.
- Simultaneous Linear Equations: Practice solving systems of linear equations.
- Factorization: Learn to break down algebraic expressions.
Matrices and Determinants
- Matrix Operations: Practice addition, subtraction, and multiplication of matrices.
- Determinants: Learn to calculate determinants, especially for 2x2 and 3x3 matrices.
- Applications in Linear Equations: Use matrices to solve systems of linear equations.
Trigonometry
- Trigonometric Ratios: Understand sine, cosine, and tangent.
- Trigonometric Identities: Use identities to make expressions simpler.
- Applications in Triangles: Solve triangles using sine and cosine rules.
Analytical Geometry
- Equations of Lines: Understand and write equations for lines.
- Equations of Circles: Describe circles using their center and radius.
- Geometric Properties: Learn about the properties of lines and circles.
Differential Calculus
- Limits and Continuity: Understand limits and how functions behave continuously.
- Derivatives: Calculate derivatives to find rates of change and slopes.
- Applications in Maxima and Minima: Use derivatives to find the highest and lowest values of functions.
Integral Calculus
- Definite and Indefinite Integrals: Understand how integration works.
- Applications in Area and Volume: Use integrals to calculate areas and volumes.
Vector Algebra
- Vector Operations: Add, subtract, and multiply vectors.
- Scalar and Vector Products: Understand dot and cross products.
- Applications in Geometry and Physics: Apply vectors to solve geometry and physics problems.
Statistics and Probability
- Measures of Central Tendency: Calculate mean, median, and mode.
- Probability Distributions: Understand basic ideas of probability.
- Permutations and Combinations: Solve problems about arranging and selecting items.
NDA Maths Past Exam Questions Breakdown
This table shows how many questions came from different topics in previous NDA Maths exams:
| Topics | Number of Questions |
| Circle | 3 |
| Integration & its application | 5 |
| Complex number | 2 |
| Height & Distance | 2 |
| Sets, Relations, and Functions | 7 |
| Permutation and Combination | 7 |
| Trigonometry | 3 |
| Binary | 2 |
| Limits, Continuity, and Differentiability | 4 |
| Matrices and Determinants | 9 |
| Inequality and Logarithms | 1 |
| 3D Geometry | 5 |
| Quadratic equation and cube roots | 6 |
| Static & DI | 6 |
| Conic Section | 3 |
| Probability | 3 |
| Binomial theorem | 3 |
| Lines & Angles | 4 |
| Sequence & Series | 4 |
| Differential Equation | 4 |
| Vector | 6 |
| Differentiation & its application | 8 |
Tips to Prepare for NDA Maths
- Understand the NDA Maths syllabus completely.
- Solve previous years' question papers .
- Practice with mock tests regularly.
- Stay calm and focused during preparation.
- Revise all chapters multiple times.