NDA Books 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

Preparing for the National Defence Academy Exam and aiming to clear it on your first attempt? To achieve success, it is crucial to use the best books and follow an effective study plan. With numerous books available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve simplified the process for you. Below is a list of recommended NDA books that will serve as valuable reference material. Now is the time to stay focused and give your NDA preparation your best effort!

You need to make wise preparations. Candidates will learn more about the chapters and significant subjects included in these NDA study guides. Learn more about NDA books by reading the article below.

Importance of NDA Books

NDA (National Defence Academy) books are essential for candidates preparing for the exam. For those wondering what is NDA exam, it is a competitive test conducted for entry into the Indian Armed Forces. These books provide well-structured and comprehensive study material, helping aspirants build a strong foundation in all syllabus subjects. Below are the key benefits of using NDA books for exam preparation:

• They provide detailed explanations of topics, helping candidates build a strong conceptual understanding.
• Practice questions and mock tests included in these books allow aspirants to evaluate their progress and identify areas that need improvement.
• NDA books ensure complete syllabus coverage, preventing candidates from missing out on essential topics.
• They serve as an effective tool for quick and efficient revision before the exam.
• A well-organized approach in these books helps aspirants systematically prepare for the exam.
• They complement online study materials and video lectures, offering a more in-depth grasp of various subjects.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing NDA Books

Selecting the right NDA (National Defence Academy) books is essential for effective exam preparation. The quality of study material can significantly impact an aspirant’s understanding and performance. Below are key factors to consider when choosing NDA books:

• Syllabus Coverage: Ensure the book includes the complete NDA exam syllabus. Cross-check the topics covered with the official syllabus to confirm alignment.
• Author’s Credibility: Opt for books written by reputed educators or subject experts, as they provide reliable and well-explained content.
• Publication House: Choose books from well-known publishers, as they are more likely to offer structured, accurate, and high-quality content.
• Edition and Publication Date: Always select the latest edition of the book, as it is updated with recent changes in the NDA exam pattern and syllabus.
• Updated Content: Ensure the book reflects the latest exam pattern, syllabus modifications, and any new guidelines to stay well-prepared.

Best Books for NDA Preparation

Preparing for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam requires dedication and selecting the right study materials is crucial for success. The following table lists some of the best books recommended for NDA preparation across different subjects:

No.	Subject	Recommended Books
1	Mathematics	– Mathematics for NDA and NA by R.S. Aggarwal – NCERT Mathematics Textbooks (Class 11 & 12) – Pathfinder for NDA and NA Entrance Exam by Arihant Publications
2	English	– Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi – High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
3	General Knowledge	– General Knowledge 2023 by Manohar Pandey – Objective GK – Pratiyogita Darpan/Competition Success Review
4	Physics	– NCERT Textbooks (Class 11 & 12)
5	Chemistry	– NCERT Textbooks (Class 11 & 12)
6	General Science	– Objective GK by Lucent Publications
7	History & Geography	– Objective GK by Lucent Publications
8	Current Affairs	– Pratiyogita Darpan/Competition Success Review

These books provide comprehensive coverage of the NDA exam syllabus, detailed explanations of concepts, practice exercises with solutions, and alignment with the latest exam pattern. Candidates can refer to these resources to strengthen their preparation across all subjects.

NDA Books for Mathematics

The NDA Mathematics exam consists of objective-type questions with a total of 300 marks. Candidates must prepare various mathematical topics, including Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry (Two and Three Dimensions), Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, and Statistics & Probability. To excel in the Mathematics section, aspirants should refer to the best NDA books available. The following table provides a list of recommended books for NDA Mathematics preparation:

Name of the Book	Author	Publisher	Description
NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12)	NCERT	NCERT	Covers all syllabus topics in detail with explanations and practice exercises. The Class 11 syllabus was recently updated, with approximately 110 pages removed. Available for free download on the NCERT website.
Mathematics for NDA/NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy	R.S. Aggarwal	Arihant Publications (8th Edition, 2020)	Comprehensive coverage of essential mathematical concepts required for the NDA exam, along with detailed explanations and practice exercises.
Study Package Mathematics NDA/NA Entrance Exam	Amit Rastogi, Manjul Tyagi	Arihant Publications (8th Edition, 2020)	Offers complete syllabus coverage with 31 chapters as per the latest exam pattern. Includes over 3,000 MCQs and three solved papers from 2017-2019 for practice.
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations	R.S. Aggarwal	S Chand Publishing (Revised Edition, 2017)	A comprehensive guide covering topics like Algebra, Alligation & Mixtures, Probability, Data Interpretation, Number Series, and more. Useful for multiple competitive exams.

These books provide in-depth explanations, extensive practice exercises, and exam-oriented content to help candidates strengthen their mathematical concepts and improve problem-solving skills for the NDA exam.

NDA Books for General Ability Test

The General Ability Test in the UPSC NDA exam consists of objective-type questions and carries a total of 900 marks. This paper is divided into two parts: Part A (English) and Part B (General Knowledge). To perform well in this section, candidates must prepare from reliable sources that cover various subjects, including history, geography, polity, general science, and current affairs. The table below lists some of the best books for NDA General Ability Test preparation.

Name of the Book	Author	Publisher	Description
General Knowledge 2021	Manohar Pandey	Arihant Publications (13th Edition)	Covers current affairs, history, geography, Indian polity, economy, general science, and general knowledge in 128 pages. Useful for multiple competitive exams, including SSC, RRB, NDA, and CDS.
History of Modern India	Bipan Chandra	Orient BlackSwan (1st Edition)	Provides a detailed account of India’s nationalist movement and key freedom fighters. Beneficial for students and researchers studying modern Indian history.
Oxford School Atlas	Oxford University Press	Oxford University Press (35th Edition)	Designed for students aged 10-14, featuring accurate maps, satellite images, and illustrations that align with key curriculum requirements.
Objective General English for Competitive Exams	S.P. Bakshi	Arihant Publications (2nd Edition)	Enhances language skills for competitive exams, covering grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal ability. Useful for various service and management exams.
General Science – Physics	NCERT	NCERT (Class 11 & 12)	Provides a thorough understanding of physics concepts, covering topics like algebra, coordinate geometry, and probability. Available for free on the NCERT website.
General Science – Chemistry	NCERT	NCERT (Class 11 & 12)	Covers chemistry concepts essential for NDA preparation, including chemical reactions, organic chemistry, and periodic table details.
General Science Guide for Competitive Exams	Disha Experts	Disha Publication (1st Edition, 2017)	A comprehensive guide covering physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography, polity, economy, and general knowledge. Suitable for exams like CSAT, NDA, SSC, UPSC, railways, state PSC, CDS, and defence.

These books provide in-depth subject knowledge, structured content, and practice exercises to help candidates strengthen their preparation for the NDA General Ability Test.

NDA Books for General Knowledge Section

The General Knowledge section of the NDA exam covers various subjects, including physics, chemistry, history, geography, general science, and current events. To prepare effectively, candidates must refer to subject-specific books that provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. Below is a list of recommended books for each subject to help candidates strengthen their preparation.

NDA Books for Physics

The physics section carries 100 marks and includes topics such as Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density, Specific Gravity, the Principle of Archimedes, and Pressure Barometer. The following books will be beneficial for NDA physics preparation:

Name of the Book	Author	Publisher
Physics	NCERT	Class 11 & 12
Physics NCERT Book for Class 11	NCERT	NCERT Publications
Physics NCERT Book for Class 12	NCERT	NCERT Publications
Exemplar of Physics	Arihant Experts	Arihant Publications

NDA Books for Chemistry

The chemistry section is worth 60 marks and includes topics such as Physical and Chemical Changes, Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae, Simple Chemical Equations, and the Law of Chemical Combination. The recommended books for NDA chemistry preparation are:

Name of the Book	Author	Publisher
Chemistry	NCERT	Class 11 & 12
Chemistry NCERT Book for Class 11	NCERT	NCERT Publications
Chemistry NCERT Book for Class 12	NCERT	NCERT Publications

NDA Books for Current Affairs

Current affairs are a crucial part of the NDA General Knowledge section, covering national and international events from the past six months. The books listed below can help candidates stay updated with recent events:

Name of the Book	Author	Publisher
Pratiyogita Darpan English May 2021	Pratiyogita Darpan	Pratiyogita Darpan Publications
Competition Success Review (C.S.R) Monthly Magazine	S.K. Sachdeva	Competition Success Review Publications
Manorama Year Book 2021 – COVID-19	–	The Malayala Manorama

NDA Books for General Science

The General Science section includes topics from the Class 9 and 10 Biology syllabus, covering areas such as Human Reproduction, the Human Body, Plant and Animal Cells, and other key biology topics. Candidates can refer to the books below:

Name of the Book	Author & Publisher	Description
Objective GK	Sanjiv Kumar; Lucent Publications	Covers essential biology concepts in a concise manner, helpful for exams.

NDA Books for History & Geography

The History and Geography section of the NDA exam includes topics from Class 9 and 10 textbooks. To ensure comprehensive coverage, candidates can refer to the following resources:

Name of the Book	Author & Publisher	Description
Objective GK	Sanjiv Kumar; Lucent Publications	Helps revise key topics in History and Geography.

By studying these books, candidates can strengthen their subject knowledge and improve their chances of performing well in the NDA General Knowledge section.

NDA Books for English

The English section of the NDA exam carries a total of 200 marks and evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in the language. This section includes questions on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and cohesion in extended texts. To prepare effectively, candidates should refer to books that offer in-depth explanations and ample practice exercises. Below is a list of recommended books for NDA English preparation:

Name of the Book	Author	Publisher
Objective General English	S.P. Bakshi	–
High School English Grammar and Composition	Wren & Martin	S. Chand Publishing
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis	Goyal Publishing

These books provide structured learning materials, covering essential grammar rules, vocabulary-building exercises, and reading comprehension practice to help candidates enhance their English language skills.

NDA Exam Pattern 2025

The UPSC NDA exam, scheduled as per the official NDA exam date, comprises two subjects: Mathematics (Paper I) and the General Ability Test (Paper II). Both papers feature objective-type questions that candidates must attempt within the given time limit. The exam pattern is outlined below:

Subject	Code	Duration	Maximum Marks
Mathematics	01	150 minutes	300 marks
General Ability Test	02	150 minutes	600 marks

For detailed NDA exam pattern, you can read NDA Exam Pattern | Syllabus, Marking scheme

Practice Papers and Previous Year’s Questions

Mock Tests

Creating Mock Tests

1. Follow the Exam Pattern: Make sure the mock tests match the exact structure of the NDA exam, including the number of questions, sections, and time limits.
2. Mix of Questions: Include easy, medium, and hard questions to mirror the difficulty of the real exam.
3. Cover the Full Syllabus: Ensure all topics from the NDA syllabus are included for thorough practice.
4. Detailed Solutions: Provide answers and explanations for each question to help students understand their mistakes.

Using Mock Tests

1. Simulate Exam Conditions: Take mock tests in a quiet space, without interruptions, and follow the time limits strictly.
2. Review Your Performance: After each test, go over your answers, spot your weak areas, and work on improving them.
3. Time Management: Practice completing the test within the set time to improve your speed and accuracy.
4. Consistent Practice: Regularly taking mock tests will help build your confidence and reduce stress before the actual exam.

Benefits of Mock Tests

• Familiarity with the Exam: This helps you get used to the format and types of questions in the NDA exam.
• Track Your Progress: This allows you to monitor your improvement and performance over time.
• Spot Weak Areas: This shows you which subjects need more practice and attention.
• Boost Confidence: Frequent practice helps reduce exam-day nervousness and increases confidence.

By using mock tests in your study routine, you’ll improve your exam skills and boost your chances of success.

Previous Year Papers

Benefits of Previous Year Papers

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Helps you get familiar with the structure, question types, and marking system of the NDA exam.
2. Spot Important Topics: This shows you which topics are asked frequently and are important to study.
3. Improve Time Management: This gives you practice in managing time during the actual exam.
4. Self-Evaluation: This lets you check how well you’re prepared and find out which areas need more focus.

How to Use Previous Year Papers

1. Create Real Exam Conditions: Try answering the papers in a quiet place with a timer, just like the actual exam.
2. Check Your Performance: After finishing, review your answers, note mistakes, and understand the correct answers.
3. Work on Weak Spots: Find out which topics are challenging for you and spend more time practicing them.
4. Track Your Improvement: Keep practicing the previous year’s papers regularly to see how much you’re improving over time.

Tips for Best Results

• Start Early: Begin practicing the previous year’s papers well before the exam.
• Combine with Mock Tests: Use both the previous year’s papers and mock tests for complete preparation.
• Review Carefully: Take time to understand the solutions and learn from mistakes.
• Use for Revision: Close to the exam, use these papers for a quick revision of key topics.

Previous Years NDA NA 2023 Question Papers for both NDA-1 and NDA-2

Here’s a clear and simplified table showing the NDA NA 2023 Question Papers for both NDA-1 and NDA-2

Subjects	NDA-1	NDA-2
Mathematics	Question Paper PDF	Question Paper PDF
General Ability	Question Paper PDF	Question Paper PDF

This table gives you quick access to both Mathematics and General Ability question papers for NDA-1 and NDA-2. Let me know if you’d like further details or if I can assist with anything else!

NDA Syllabus

• The organization responsible for administering the exam specifies the NDA 2025 syllabus and refers to it as the official announcement. Candidates preparing for the NDA should review the syllabus to make informed study plans.
• There are two sections to the NDA 2025 syllabus: General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. While the GAT syllabus includes current affairs, history, politics, geography, and other areas, the math topics studied are from the 10+2 level.
• Candidates must thoroughly review the entire material well in advance of the exam and allow enough time for revision.

NDA Preparation Tips

The best NDA books alone won’t get you through the exam. In addition to using the NDA study resources, candidates must also adhere to certain additional preparation advice. The following are some tips for NDA preparations:

• Practice PYQ’s: Start practicing with the NDA question papers from past years immediately after downloading them for at least ten years.
• Get Acquainted with the Syllabus: Learn everything there is to know about the NDA exam’s sections, topics, and subjects by thoroughly reviewing the NDA syllabus.
• Exam Pattern Analysis: To learn about the phases, the scoring system, and the time allotted for the NDA exam, consult the exam pattern.
• Crafting Consistency: Establish a schedule and follow it consistently.
• Stay Informed: Read newspapers and publications to keep up with current events.

Recommended Reading:

NDA Exam 2024: Admit Card, Exam Dates Out, Eligibility & Result

NDA Salary: salary, stipend, allowances, promotion, perks

Defence Exams: Notifications, Exam Date, Result & Vacancy

NDA Practice Sets

While conceptual understanding is crucial for NDA exam preparation, it is equally important to practice extensively. Candidates should solve important questions, workout examples, sample papers, and mock tests to enhance their problem-solving skills and time management. Below is a list of recommended books that provide practice materials for NDA aspirants:

Book Name	Author/Publisher
NDA-NA National Defence Academy / Naval Academy Yearwise (2017-2022) – 11 Solved Papers	Oswaal
10 Practice Sets NDA/NA Defence Academy & Naval Academy	Arihant
NDA/NA Mock Test Papers (English Medium)	Pratiyogita Sahitya

These books offer a structured approach to practicing NDA exam questions, helping candidates familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and improve their accuracy and speed.

NDA Books in Nutshell

The NDA exam in 2025 requires you to read the correct materials to strengthen your foundation and develop your concepts. It has become difficult to select the finest books for NDA syllabus preparation because there are so many NDA books available on the market. To help you properly study for the various exam phases, we are giving the list of NDA preparation Books for the subjects of English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, and Current Affairs.

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Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ’s)