Physics for NDA
~9 min read
- What: NDA Physics covers mechanics, heat, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, atomic/nuclear physics, and scientific instruments — the NCERT Class 6-12 syllabus.
- Marks: Most-tested science subject. ~12-18 questions × 4 marks = 48-72 marks per paper.
- Source: NCERT Class 6-12 Physics. Built from 521 NDA Physics PYQs.
Physics is the largest science block in NDA — roughly half of all Science questions. Strong concepts on mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism cover the bulk. NDA also tests scientific instruments and inventions as factual recall.
Physics in the NDA Paper
Physics questions in NDA are conceptual (with light formulas) — not heavily calculation-based. NCERT Class 9-12 is the core source. Most-tested areas: kinematics, current electricity, optics, work-energy-power, magnetic effects.
16-Topic Syllabus
Cluster A — Mechanics (6)
Cluster B — Heat & Waves (3)
Cluster C — Optics (3)
Cluster D — Electricity & Magnetism (2)
Cluster E — Modern Physics + Instruments (2)
Exam Pattern
| Cluster | Questions/Paper |
|---|---|
| Mechanics | 4-6 |
| Optics | 3-4 |
| Electricity/Magnetism | 3-4 |
| Heat/Waves | 1-2 |
| Modern + Instruments | 2-3 |
8-Week Plan
- Week 1-2: Mechanics — units, kinematics, laws of motion, energy, gravitation.
- Week 3: Properties of matter and fluids.
- Week 4: Heat & thermodynamics + Oscillations.
- Week 5: Sound waves + reflection + refraction.
- Week 6: Dispersion & eye + current electricity.
- Week 7: Magnetic effects + atomic/nuclear.
- Week 8: Scientific instruments + full revision.
Reference Books
| Book | Use |
|---|---|
| NCERT Class 9, 10 Science | Foundation |
| NCERT Class 11, 12 Physics | Core; covers ~85% of NDA Physics |
| H.C. Verma — Concepts of Physics | Optional deepening |
| NDA Previous Year Papers | 521 PYQs — top-priority practice |
Drill NDA Physics
Topic-tagged Physics mocks across all 16 sub-topics built on 521 PYQs.
Start Free Mock TestFAQs
Which cluster has the most weightage?
Mechanics — 4-6 questions per paper. Kinematics and laws of motion are especially heavily tested.
Is NCERT enough for NDA Physics?
NCERT Class 9-12 covers ~85% of NDA Physics. For competitive accuracy, supplement with PYQ practice (521 questions in our pool).
Are calculations heavy in NDA Physics?
Moderate — most questions are conceptual or single-formula. Heavy numericals are rare. Speed and concept clarity beat calculation power.
How is NDA Physics different from JEE?
NDA is much more conceptual and factual. JEE requires deep numerical problem-solving. Most NDA Physics problems can be solved in 30-60 seconds.