How to Prepare for NDA Biology

The National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance exam is the first step towards a glorious career in the Indian Armed Forces. Mathematics is a subject that gives nightmares to many; however, the GAT, particularly Biology, is the core for many to pass the cutoff in general.

In the Biology section, there would be around 10-12 questions in that section. So, Biology would mean 40-48 marks up for grabs. Because of the direct and conceptual nature of the questions, you can finish this section in less than 5 minutes; thus, you would have already saved up time for Physics and Chemistry.

Understanding the NDA Biology Syllabus

Although the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) does not require you to possess the knowledge of a doctor, it does expect a solid comprehension of “General Science.” The syllabus is mainly drawn from Class 9th and 10th NCERT, together with a few advanced topics from Class 11th and 12th.

Topics that need to be mastered:

• The Living World: The features of living organisms and the essentials of their classification.
• Cell Biology: The different parts of a cell, the organelles (Mitochondria, Chloroplasts), and the process of Cell division (Mitosis vs. Meiosis).
• Human Systems: A thorough exploration of the Digestive, Circulatory, Respiratory, Nervous, and Endocrine systems.
• Plant Physiology: The study of photosynthesis, respiration in plants, and plant hormones.
• Health and Nutrition: Comprehensive study of Vitamins, Minerals, and common diseases (Bacterial, Viral, Protozoan).
• Ecology & Environment: A look into food chains, biodiversity, and pollution.

Best Books for NDA Biology

Don’t overwhelm yourself with heavy medical entrance books. Stick to these curated resources:

• NCERT Science (Class 9 & 10): Your primary source. 90% of questions are framed directly from these lines.
• NCERT Biology (Class 11 & 12): Refer only to chapters on Human Physiology and Genetics.
• Pathfinder for NDA (Arihant Publications): Excellent for practising MCQs specifically designed for the NDA pattern.
• Lucent’s General Science: Great for “one-liner” facts and quick revision before the exam. 

How to Prepare for NDA Biology: Step-by-Step

If you are from a science or non-science background, follow this roadmap to score full marks:

Phase 1: Build the Foundation (Weeks 1-2)

Commence with Cell Biology. Know the distinction between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells. After the “unit of life” concept is comprehended, continue with Human Systems. Employ illustrations to depict the circulation of blood by the heart or the filtration process of waste by the kidneys.

Phase 2: Focus on Human Health and Disease (Week 3)

This is the most “important topic for NDA Biology.” Learn by heart the table of vitamins, their chemical names (e.g., Vitamin A is Retinol), and the deficiency-linked diseases. Understand the working of vaccines and the difference between infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Phase 3: Revision and PYQs (Week 4)

Attempt at least the last 10 years of NDA Previous Year Questions (PYQs). You will identify a trend: UPSC frequently asks about the Powerhouse of the cell, or which hormone regulates blood sugar.

Expert Tips to Ace the GAT Science Section

• Make Short Notes: Write down scientific names and functions of enzymes (like Pepsin or Trypsin) on a single sheet for last-minute revision.
• Elimination Method: If you’re not sure, check what the options are. Quite often, three options are about plants, and one is about humans, so you can deduce that the outlier is probably the correct answer.
• Don’t Ignore Botany: Questions on Plant Hormones (Auxins, Gibberellins) and Photosynthesis are common and easy to score.

Final Thoughts

Gaining control over the NDA Biology Syllabus is an excellent strategy to elevate your GAT score with nearly no effort at all. You can get almost 50 marks easily by giving priority to NCERT basics, working on Human Physiology, and constantly doing Previous Year Questions. Be consistent, employ diagrams for understanding, and do not forget that these high-scoring questions are the ones that will grant you a ticket to the final merit list.

Read More: How to Prepare for NDA Physics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Biology compulsory for NDA? 

Yes, Biology is part of the General Science section of the GAT paper, which is mandatory for all candidates (Army, Navy, and Air Force wings).

Q2: How many questions come from Biology in NDA? 

Usually, between 10 and 12 questions are asked, carrying 4 marks each.

Q3: Can an Arts/Commerce student crack NDA Biology? 

Absolutely. Since the level is mostly 10th-standard NCERT, any student can master it with 3-4 weeks of dedicated study.