UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026: Complete Exam Pattern and Subject-Wise Topics

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year — NDA I and NDA II — to recruit candidates into the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA and the Indian Naval Academy. Clearing it takes a clear understanding of the syllabus before anything else. This guide breaks down the full UPSC NDA syllabus 2026, the written exam pattern, the marking scheme, and what each paper actually tests.

UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2026

The written examination has two papers, both objective type, conducted on the same day.

PaperSubjectMarksQuestionsDuration
IMathematics3001202 hours 30 minutes
IIGeneral Ability Test (GAT)6001502 hours 30 minutes
Written Total9002705 hours
SSB Interview900——
Grand Total1800

Question papers are set in both English and Hindi. There is negative marking: one-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every wrong answer. In Mathematics each question carries 2.5 marks, and in the GAT each question carries 4 marks.

NDA Mathematics Syllabus (Paper I)

Mathematics is worth 300 marks and is pitched at the 10+2 level. The topics that carry the most weight are:

  • Algebra: sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, relations and functions, complex numbers, quadratic equations, arithmetic and geometric progressions, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem, and logarithms.
  • Matrices and Determinants: operations, properties, inverse of a matrix, and solving systems of linear equations.
  • Trigonometry: ratios and identities, inverse trigonometric functions, properties of triangles, and heights and distances.
  • Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D): straight lines, circles, conic sections, distance formula, direction cosines, and equations of a plane and a line in space.
  • Differential Calculus: functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, and application to maxima and minima.
  • Integral Calculus and Differential Equations: standard integrals, definite integrals, area under curves, and first-order differential equations.
  • Vector Algebra: magnitude and direction, scalar and vector products, and applications.
  • Statistics and Probability: frequency distributions, mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and elementary probability.

NDA General Ability Test Syllabus (Paper II)

The GAT is worth 600 marks and is split into two parts.

Part A — English (200 marks)

This section tests command of English through grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension passages, sentence arrangement, and cohesion. Regular reading and vocabulary building are the most reliable ways to score here.

Part B — General Knowledge (400 marks)

The General Knowledge section is spread across six areas, each with a broad weightage:

  • Physics: physical properties and states of matter, motion, laws of motion, work and energy, heat and temperature, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and simple electrical and electronic devices.
  • Chemistry: physical and chemical changes, elements and compounds, acids, bases and salts, the preparation of common gases, carbon and its forms, fertilisers, and everyday chemistry.
  • General Science: the living world, cells, human body systems, food and nutrition, common diseases, and major scientific achievements.
  • History and Freedom Movement: the Indian freedom struggle, national leaders, the making of the Constitution, and broad world history including the French and Russian revolutions.
  • Geography: the earth, landforms, atmosphere, ocean currents, climate, natural resources, and the geography of India.
  • Current Events: important national and international events, sports, and prominent personalities in the news.

NDA Selection Process

Selection has two stages. Candidates who clear the written examination are shortlisted for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is worth 900 marks and spread over five days. The SSB assesses officer-like qualities through psychological tests, group testing tasks and a personal interview. The final merit list is prepared on the combined score of the written examination and the SSB interview.

How to Prepare for the NDA Exam

Start by mastering the 10+2 Mathematics fundamentals, since scoring is high and questions are direct. Build a daily habit of reading an English newspaper to strengthen both the English section and current affairs. For General Knowledge, focus on NCERT science and history books rather than scattered notes. Solve previous years' papers under timed conditions to get used to the pace, and treat negative marking seriously by avoiding blind guessing.

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