NDA Syllabus 2026
The NDA Syllabus 2026 is prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for candidates preparing for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination. Understanding the latest NDA Syllabus and Exam Pattern is essential for effective preparation, as the examination consists of a written test followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. The NDA 2026 syllabus includes Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), which covers English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force through the National Defence Academy should thoroughly understand the subject-wise NDA Syllabus 2026 to maximize their chances of success.
The Union Public Service Commission conducts the National Defence Academy examination twice a year to recruit eligible candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for the examination, making it one of the most prestigious defence entrance examinations in India. Therefore, a clear understanding of the latest NDA Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern is necessary for systematic preparation and better performance in the examination.
The NDA selection process consists of a written examination followed by the Services Selection Board Interview and medical examination. The written examination includes Mathematics and General Ability Test. Candidates qualifying in the written examination are called for the SSB Interview, which assesses intelligence, personality, and leadership qualities. Therefore, candidates should have a complete understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern to perform well in all stages of the selection process.
Preparing according to the latest NDA Syllabus 2026 helps candidates formulate an effective study plan and allocate sufficient time to each subject. Regular revision, mock tests, and solving previous year question papers play an important role in improving speed and accuracy. Referring to the official NDA Syllabus PDF regularly enables candidates to understand the exam pattern and prioritize important topics.
Official Syllabus Link
UPSC Official Website
https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/syllabus
📚 Best Books for NDA Preparation 2026
| Subject | Recommended Book | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | NDA Mathematics Guide | Arihant Publications |
| Mathematics | Objective Mathematics | R.D. Sharma |
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| General Knowledge | Lucent’s General Knowledge | Lucent Publications |
| History | NCERT History Books | NCERT |
| Geography | Certificate Physical and Human Geography | G.C. Leong |
| Previous Year Papers | NDA Solved Papers | Pathfinder Publications |
| Practice Sets | NDA Practice Sets | Arihant Publications |
Check Other Links
NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | Written Examination | 5 Hours | 900 |
After qualifying the written examination, candidates appear for the SSB Interview, which carries 900 marks.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus (300 Marks)
The Mathematics paper covers topics from Class 11 and Class 12 level.
Algebra
- Sets
- Venn diagrams
- Operations on sets
- Complex numbers
- Quadratic equations
- Binary system
- Logarithms
- Arithmetic progression
- Geometric progression
- Harmonic progression
Matrices and Determinants
- Types of matrices
- Matrix operations
- Determinants
- Properties of determinants
- Applications of matrices
Trigonometry
- Angles and their measures
- Trigonometric ratios
- Compound angles
- Multiple and sub-multiple angles
- Inverse trigonometric functions
- Heights and distances
Analytical Geometry
- Cartesian coordinate system
- Distance formula
- Equation of straight line
- Circle
- Parabola
- Ellipse
- Hyperbola
- Three-dimensional geometry
Differential Calculus
- Limits
- Continuity
- Differentiation
- Derivatives of functions
- Applications of derivatives
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Integration
- Definite integrals
- Applications of integrals
- Differential equations
- Solutions of differential equations
Vector Algebra
- Vectors
- Scalar product
- Vector product
- Applications of vectors
Statistics and Probability
- Mean
- Median
- Mode
- Standard deviation
- Probability
- Conditional probability
- Binomial distribution
- Bayes theorem
NDA General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 Marks
The GAT paper is divided into:
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 200 |
| General Knowledge | 400 |
Part A: English (200 Marks)
The English paper tests the candidate’s ability to understand and use English effectively.
Topics Covered
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Sentence improvement
- Spotting errors
- Comprehension
- Sentence arrangement
- Idioms and phrases
Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
Physics
Topics include:
- Physical properties of matter
- Motion
- Force
- Work and energy
- Heat
- Sound
- Light
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Optics
Chemistry
Topics include:
- Physical and chemical changes
- Elements and compounds
- Chemical reactions
- Acids and bases
- Atomic structure
- Carbon compounds
- Fertilizers
- Industrial chemistry
General Science
Topics include:
- Living and non-living organisms
- Human body
- Plants and animals
- Environment
- Food and nutrition
- Diseases
- Scientific inventions
History and Freedom Movement
Topics include:
- Ancient India
- Medieval India
- Modern India
- Indian National Movement
- World History
- Constitution basics
Geography
Topics include:
- Earth and Universe
- Climate
- Oceans
- Mountains
- Rivers
- Indian Geography
- World Geography
- Natural resources
Current Affairs
Topics include:
- National events
- International events
- Sports
- Defence exercises
- Awards
- Science and technology
- Government schemes
NDA Negative Marking
| Paper | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | +2.5 | -0.83 |
| GAT | +4 | -1.33 |
NDA SSB Interview Syllabus
After qualifying the written examination, candidates undergo the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which evaluates:
- Intelligence
- Leadership qualities
- Personality
- Communication skills
- Psychological aptitude
- Group discussion
- Physical fitness
- Officer-like qualities (OLQs)
Best Preparation Strategy for NDA 2026
Mathematics
- Practice Class 11 and 12 NCERT books.
- Focus on trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
English
- Improve grammar and vocabulary daily.
- Practice comprehension passages.
General Knowledge
- Read newspapers daily.
- Study NCERT books from Classes 6–12.
- Follow current affairs regularly.
Mock Tests
- Solve previous year question papers.
- Attempt full-length mock tests weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is NDA syllabus based on Class 11 and 12?
Yes. The NDA syllabus is primarily based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum.
How many papers are there in NDA?
There are two written papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
Is there negative marking in NDA?
Yes. Negative marking applies to both Mathematics and GAT papers.
What are the total marks of NDA?
The written examination carries 900 marks, and the SSB interview carries another 900 marks, making the total 1800 marks.
Official Links
UPSC Official Website:
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
UPSC Online Application Portal:
The NDA Syllabus 2026 provides a complete roadmap for aspirants preparing to join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force through the National Defence Academy examination.