I have passed 12th and now want to apply for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) National Defence Academy exam so please tell me when the notification to apply for this exam will publish? Tell me the eligibility criteria required to apply for it?

General Ability Test paper in UPSC NDA (Union Public Service Commission National Defence Academy) is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A has 50 English questions and Part B has 100 General Knowledge questions. There is penalty for wrong answers in the Objective Type Question Papers.


Part A: English (200 Marks)
The question paper in English is to test the understanding of English and workman like use of words. The syllabus covers various aspects like: Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English.


Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
The question paper on General Knowledge broadly covers the subjects:


Section A: Physics


Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, 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 Non-conductors, 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.


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 Carbondioxide, 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


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, etc.


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 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


Section F: Current Events


Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in the recent years

Current important world events

Prominent personalities - both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports.