NDA Mathematics paper is the difficult one out of two Papers. It is difficult mainly because candidates mostly run out of time to attend all 120 questions. Further, the negative marking adds on to the difficulty.
In the NDA Mathematics paper, we observe a mix of questions with varying levels of difficulty. There are easy, medium and difficult questions but the questions don’t mention their difficulty levels and at times candidates spend too much time on a single question finding the answer. They fail to realise that each question in NDA Carries equal marks and hence no matter the difficulty one shouldn’t spend more than a minute and a half to find the solution
As you may already be aware that NDA Mathematics syllabus contains mathematics from class XI & XII. Hence, a candidate studying in his 12th still need to brush up on class 11th mathematics chapters.
The best method to approach NDA mathematics is by knowing the basics, solving simple basic examples and then going level by level from easiest questions to the toughest ones. This way, you can observe that it’s possible to navigate to a certain point even in the most difficult questions.
Scoring well in NDA (National Defence Academy) Mathematics requires a mix of conceptual understanding, strategic planning, and regular practice. Here’s a focused plan to help you improve your NDA Maths score:
✅ 1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
NDA Maths paper is of 300 marks and includes topics from:
- Algebra
- Matrices & Determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D)
- Differential & Integral Calculus
- Vector Algebra
- Statistics & Probability
🔹 Weightage: Focus more on Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus — they carry higher weight.
✅ 2. Strengthen Basics First
Ensure your concepts from Class 11 and 12 NCERT Maths are crystal clear. This is your foundation.
🧠 Tip: Use NCERT books first, then move to NDA-specific guides like RS Aggarwal, Pathfinder by Arihant, or Mathematics for NDA & NA by R.S. Aggarwal.
✅ 3. Make a Formula Book
- Keep a separate notebook for:
- Trigonometric identities
- Derivatives & Integrals
- Probability formulas
- Geometry theorems
🔁 Revise this every week to retain formulas better.
✅ 4. Practice Daily with a Time Limit
Solve 30–40 questions daily from different topics. Use a stopwatch to develop speed and accuracy. Focus on shortcuts and tricks to solve questions faster.
✅ 5. Solve Previous Year Papers
Go through at least 10 previous year NDA papers and solve every questions and also analyze the topics from where no. of questions is higher.
Analyze: Which topics are asked frequently in recent years. Focus on your Your weak and strong areas.
📘 Tip: Solve them in exam-like conditions (2.5 hrs, no calculator).
✅ 6. Focus on Accuracy
There is negative marking (⅓ per wrong answer), so: Avoid guesswork . Solve only what you’re confident about
Use elimination methods in MCQs
✅ 7. Take Mock Tests Regularly
Enroll in a weekly NDA mock test series at any platform It will help you in your time management and question solving capacity. Review each test to Identify your silly mistakes and work to improve them.
Improve time management
✅ 8. Smart Topic Prioritization
High-scoring and easier topics to target first:
Topic Priority
- Algebra Very High
- Trigonometry Very High
- Matrices & Determinants High
- Calculus High
- Coordinate Geometry Medium
- Statistics & Probability Medium
- Vector Algebra Low (but scoring if prepared)
✅ 9. Learn from Video Lectures
Use platforms like:
YouTube (e.g., Major Kalshi Classes, StudyIQ, Defence Wallah)
Apps like Examground, Unacademy NDA, BYJU’S
✅ 10. Stay Consistent & Positive
Daily revision is key to get success. Stay calm and confident at the time of examination.
How to tackle NDA Mathematics?
Next, coming to the specific mathematics Syllabus, you will see that there are tons of shortcuts to identify the answers. You obviously will not use it for your class XII board examination but these will come very handy for your NDA & even IIT-JEE preparations
One should know all such simple tricks from different chapters just to find the answer, further there are certain laws, definitions which are not clear but candidates proceed without understanding them completely. Most importantly, when we memorise formulas for each chapter, we don’t realise that they can be presented in different ways. You must have observed that many times, a question doesn’t provide certain values, making the formula completely useless unless you know its other variants.
