DEFENCE SERVICE EXAMINATION

1. National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination

Conducted by the UPSC, this is for entry into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA.

Subjects and Syllabus

Paper 1: Mathematics (300 Marks)

• Algebra: Quadratic equations, Arithmetic and geometric progressions, Complex numbers.
• Matrices and Determinants.
• Trigonometry: Trigonometric identities, properties of triangles.
• Analytical Geometry: Cartesian coordinates, straight lines, circles, conic sections (parabola, ellipse, hyperbola).
• Differential Calculus: Functions, limits, continuity, differentiation.
• Integral Calculus and Differential Equations.
• Probability and Statistics.
• Vector Algebra.

Paper 2: General Ability Test (600 Marks)

• Part A: English (200 Marks)
  Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, sentence structure, synonyms/antonyms.

• Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)

  • Physics: Basic principles, units, mechanics, optics, thermodynamics.
  • Chemistry: Elements, compounds, acids and bases, atomic structure.
  • General Science: Human body, diseases, environment.
  • History: Indian history, freedom movement.
  • Geography: Earth, climate, vegetation, location of major resources.
  • Current Affairs: Recent events in India and globally.

2. Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination

Conducted by the UPSC for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

Subjects and Syllabus

IMA, INA, AFA

1. English (100 Marks)
   Grammar, comprehension, sentence structure, vocabulary.

2. General Knowledge (100 Marks)
   Current events, Indian history, geography, polity, economics, and international relations.

3. Elementary Mathematics (100 Marks)

   • Arithmetic: Percentages, profit and loss, time and distance.
   • Algebra: Quadratic equations, simultaneous equations.
   • Geometry: Triangles, circles, coordinate geometry.
   • Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics.

OTA

1. English (100 Marks)
2. General Knowledge (100 Marks)

3. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)

For entry into the Indian Air Force through Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches.

Subjects and Syllabus

1. General Awareness
   History, geography, current affairs, basic science, defence-related topics.

2. Verbal Ability in English
   Grammar, comprehension, synonyms, antonyms.

3. Numerical Ability
   Simplification, ratio and proportion, averages, percentages, profit and loss.

4. Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test
   Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, spatial ability, logical analysis.

5. EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) (for Technical Branch)
   Relevant topics based on the specific engineering stream.

4. Technical Entry Scheme (TES)

For candidates who have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. There is no written exam, and selection is based on merit followed by an SSB interview.

5. Territorial Army (TA)

For civilians who want to serve in the army part-time.

Subjects and Syllabus

1. Reasoning and Elementary Mathematics
   Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.

2. General Knowledge and English
   Current affairs, Indian history, geography, basic science, grammar, and comprehension.

6. Indian Coast Guard

For officers and sailors. The syllabus includes subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Basic Chemistry, Reasoning, General Knowledge, and English.