The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy. For 2026 preparation, candidates should first understand the official syllabus because the written exam tests both Class 11-12 level Mathematics and broad general awareness through the General Ability Test.
The NDA written exam has two objective-type papers. Paper I is Mathematics for 300 marks and Paper II is General Ability Test for 600 marks. The General Ability Test is divided into English and General Knowledge, and the General Knowledge part further covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Events.
This article explains the NDA Syllabus 2026 in a practical, subject-wise format so that candidates can plan what to study, what to revise from school-level books, and how to connect the written syllabus with the SSB stage that follows after the written result.
NDA Syllabus 2026 Overview
The NDA Syllabus 2026 is divided into two written papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test. Mathematics checks school-level mathematical ability, while the General Ability Test checks English language ability and broad knowledge of science, social studies, geography and current events.
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Paper II | General Ability Test | 600 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| SSB | Intelligence and Personality Test | 900 | As per SSB schedule |
The written examination carries 900 marks in total. Candidates who clear the written stage are considered for the SSB stage, which also carries 900 marks.
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
UPSC conducts the NDA written examination in objective-type format. The Mathematics paper and Part B of the General Ability Test are set bilingually in Hindi and English. Candidates are not allowed to use calculators or mathematical/logarithmic tables in the examination hall.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Questions | Objective type questions |
| Total Written Marks | 900 |
| Mathematics | 300 marks |
| General Ability Test | 600 marks |
| SSB Test or Interview | 900 marks |
| Language | Mathematics and GAT Part B are bilingual in Hindi and English |
| Penalty | Negative marking applies for wrong answers |
NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026
The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks. The syllabus is mainly based on Class 11 and Class 12 level concepts, but the questions test speed, accuracy and conceptual clarity.
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relations, equivalence relation, real numbers, complex numbers, cube roots of unity, binary numbers, arithmetic, geometric and harmonic progressions, quadratic equations, linear inequations, permutation and combination, binomial theorem, logarithms |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices, operations on matrices, determinant, properties of determinants, adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, solution of linear equations by Cramer’s rule and matrix method |
| Trigonometry | Angles in degrees and radians, trigonometric ratios, identities, sum and difference formulae, multiple and sub-multiple angles, inverse trigonometric functions, height and distance, properties of triangles |
| Analytical Geometry | Cartesian coordinates, distance formula, equation of line, angle between lines, distance of a point from a line, circle, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola, eccentricity, 3D points, direction cosines, direction ratios, plane, line and sphere |
| Differential Calculus | Functions, domain and range, graphs, composite functions, one-one and onto functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, applications of derivatives, increasing and decreasing functions, maxima and minima |
| Integral Calculus and Differential Equations | Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and parts, standard integrals, definite integrals, areas under curves, order and degree of differential equations, first order and first degree differential equations, growth and decay |
| Vector Algebra | Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction, unit and null vectors, addition, scalar multiplication, dot product, cross product, work done by a force, moment of a force and geometrical applications |
| Statistics and Probability | Classification of data, frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution, histogram, pie chart, frequency polygon, mean, median, mode, variance, standard deviation, correlation, regression, probability, events, Bayes’ theorem and binomial distribution |
NDA General Ability Test Syllabus 2026
The General Ability Test carries 600 marks. It has two parts: English and General Knowledge. English carries 200 marks, while General Knowledge carries 400 marks.
| Part | Subject Area | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | English | 200 |
| Part B | General Knowledge | 400 |
The General Knowledge paper broadly includes Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events. UPSC states that the listed topics indicate the scope, and questions on similar topics may also be asked.
NDA English Syllabus 2026
The English section is designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English and practical use of words. It is not limited to memorising rules; candidates need reading ability, grammar clarity and vocabulary usage.
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Cohesion in extended text
- Sentence structure and correct usage
- Ability to understand meaning from context
For preparation, candidates should practise reading passages, grammar-based questions, vocabulary in context, sentence correction and previous NDA English questions.
NDA Physics Syllabus 2026
Physics is part of the General Knowledge section in the General Ability Test. The syllabus focuses on basic school-level physics and practical understanding of common physical principles.
- Physical properties and states of matter
- Mass, weight, volume, density and specific gravity
- Principle of Archimedes and pressure barometer
- Motion, velocity, acceleration and Newton’s laws of motion
- Force, momentum, parallelogram of forces, stability and equilibrium
- Gravitation, work, power and energy
- Heat, temperature, change of state, latent heat and modes of heat transfer
- Sound waves and simple musical instruments
- Reflection, refraction, spherical mirrors, lenses and human eye
- Magnetism, electricity, Ohm’s law, simple circuits and electrical power
- Working principles of devices such as pulleys, siphon, levers, pumps, hydrometer, pressure cooker, telescope, microscope, compass and safety fuses
NDA Chemistry and General Science Syllabus 2026
Chemistry and General Science questions are usually based on basic concepts, everyday applications and school-level understanding. Candidates should focus on clarity rather than very advanced theory.
| Subject Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | Physical and chemical changes, elements, mixtures and compounds, symbols, formulae, simple chemical equations, law of chemical combination, properties of air and water, preparation and properties of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, oxidation and reduction, acids, bases and salts, carbon and its forms, natural and artificial fertilizers, materials used in soap, glass, ink, paper, cement, paints, safety matches and gun-powder, atomic structure, atomic equivalent, molecular weights and valency |
| General Science | Living and non-living things, cells, protoplasm and tissues, growth and reproduction in plants and animals, human body and important organs, common epidemics and prevention, food as a source of energy, constituents of food, balanced diet, solar system, meteors, comets, eclipses and achievements of eminent scientists |
NDA History, Geography and Current Events Syllabus 2026
The social studies and current events portion checks whether a candidate understands India, the world, basic civic ideas and important recent developments. Static topics should be prepared along with regular current affairs revision.
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| History and Freedom Movement | Indian history with emphasis on culture and civilisation, freedom movement in India, Indian Constitution and administration, Five Year Plans, Panchayati Raj, cooperatives, community development, Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, national integration, welfare state, basic teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Renaissance, exploration and discovery, American Independence, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Russian Revolution, impact of science and technology, United Nations, Panchsheel, democracy, socialism, communism and India’s role in the world |
| Geography | Earth, shape and size, latitudes and longitudes, time, International Date Line, movements of Earth, origin of Earth, rocks, weathering, earthquakes, volcanoes, ocean currents, tides, atmosphere, temperature, pressure, winds, cyclones, humidity, precipitation, climate regions, Indian geography, climate, natural vegetation, mineral and power resources, agriculture, industries, ports, routes, imports and exports |
| Current Events | Important events in India in recent years, current important world events, and prominent personalities connected with cultural activities and sports |
GAT General Knowledge Weightage
UPSC gives approximate weightage for the General Knowledge part of the General Ability Test. This helps candidates plan revision time across science, social studies, geography and current affairs.
| Section | Subject | Approximate Weightage in GAT Part B |
|---|---|---|
| A | Physics | 25% |
| B | Chemistry | 15% |
| C | General Science | 10% |
| D | History, Freedom Movement and related topics | 20% |
| E | Geography | 20% |
| F | Current Events | 10% |
This is only an approximate distribution. Candidates should not ignore any section because UPSC can ask questions from related areas within the stated syllabus scope.
SSB Test and Interview After NDA Written Exam
The NDA selection process does not end with the written examination. Candidates who clear the written stage are called for the Services Selection Board process, which carries 900 marks.
The SSB procedure has two stages. Stage I includes Officer Intelligence Rating tests and Picture Perception and Description Test. Candidates shortlisted after Stage I are allowed to appear for Stage II. Stage II includes interview, Group Testing Officer tasks, psychology tests and conference, usually conducted over four days.
Candidates opting for Air Force may also have to qualify the Computerised Pilot Selection System if applicable. Written preparation and SSB preparation should therefore be planned together, especially for communication, confidence, general awareness and officer-like qualities.
How to Download Official NDA Syllabus 2026 PDF
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Open the Examinations section and go to Active Examinations or Examination Notifications.
- Select National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 or the latest NDA & NA examination page.
- Open the official examination notice PDF.
- Go to Appendix I, titled Scheme and Syllabus of Examination.
- Save the PDF and use it as the final syllabus reference while preparing.
Candidates preparing for NDA II 2026 should also check the NDA & NA (II), 2026 notification once UPSC releases it, because the official notice for that cycle is the final document for that examination.
Practical Preparation Plan for NDA Syllabus 2026
A useful NDA preparation plan should balance Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies and current affairs. Many candidates spend too much time on only one paper and lose marks in the other, so the study plan should match the exam pattern.
- Start Mathematics with algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry and calculus because these areas need regular practice.
- Revise NCERT-level Physics, Chemistry and Biology basics before attempting advanced question banks.
- Prepare History and Geography from school-level sources and connect them with map-based and concept-based questions.
- Read current affairs regularly, especially defence, national events, international events, science, sports and important personalities.
- Practise previous NDA question papers from the UPSC website to understand question difficulty and recurring areas.
- Keep separate revision notes for formulae, current affairs, dates, definitions and common mistakes.
- Attempt timed practice because both papers require speed and accuracy.
- Do not guess blindly, as negative marking applies for wrong answers.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
NDA Syllabus 2026 has Mathematics and General Ability Test. GAT includes English and General Knowledge covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Events.
The NDA written exam carries 900 marks in total: 300 marks for Mathematics and 600 marks for General Ability Test.
Each written paper is of 2 hours 30 minutes.
Yes. UPSC applies negative marking. One-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for a wrong answer.
The NDA GAT syllabus includes English for 200 marks and General Knowledge for 400 marks. General Knowledge covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Events.
The NDA Mathematics syllabus is mainly based on Class 11 and Class 12 level topics such as algebra, matrices, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, calculus, vectors, statistics and probability.
You can download the official NDA syllabus from the UPSC NDA & NA 2026 notification PDF available on upsc.gov.in.
The written syllabus is separate, but the official notice also explains the SSB test or interview. SSB carries 900 marks and tests intelligence, personality and officer-like qualities.