Is NDA based on NCERT books?

Candidates need to study the NCERT books of Class 11 and 12. The written exam oof NDA comprises two papers-Maths and GAT. The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam are 900. Candidates must refer to good NDA books.

Where can I get NDA books PDF?

The list of NDA books PDF are made available on this page. The best books for NDA preparation are given below: Best Maths Books for NDA Mathematics for NDA and NA by RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal Best English Books for NDA Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin Objective General English by SP Bakshi Best NDA Books for Physics Objective Physics for the NDA and NA by D.C. Pandey Concepts of Physics (Part 1 & Part 2) by H.C. Verma Best NDA Books for History History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra India's Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra Best NDA Books for Current Affairs Manorama Yearbook by Mammen Mathew Pratiyogita Darpan by Upkar Prakashan

Is NDA exam tough to crack?

NDA exam is highly competitive. Candidates can crack the exam with proper preparation and practice.

Which are the best books for NDA English?

Candidates can refer to Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis and High School Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin for the English section of NDA. The syllabus for English comprises Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension and Cohesion. Candidates can prepare the English section by reading newspapers. They should also learn the basic grammar rules. Candidates must do the self-assessment of their preparation level.

What level of math questions are asked in NDA?

NDA Maths section carries 300 marks. The test paper comprises 120 questions. Candidates get 2.5 marks for correct answer. 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answer. Candidates can crack the exam by preparing well.

What is NDA marking scheme?

NDA marking scheme is prescribed by UPSC. Candidates for correct answers are given 2.5 marks in Maths. 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers. Four marks are given for correct answers in GAT. 1.33 marks are deducted for wrong answers. Total marks allotted to the written exam are 900.

What is the duration of the NDA written exam?

The NDA written exam duration is five hours. It is divided into two papers. Both the papers are of two and half hours duration each and are conducted on the same day in two shifts including Mathes and the General Ability Test (GAT).

What are the passing marks in NDA?

Candidates are required to score a minimum of around 25 per cent marks in each subject to clear the NDA written exam. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Besides the subject-wise cut off marks, the examination authority also decides overall cut off marks for different defence services. Candidates are required to secure both section-wise and overall cut off marks. To be in the final merit list, candidates are required to secure separate qualifying marks in the written exam and SSB interview.

What is the maximum number of attempts allowed for NDA exam?

Candidates can apply for the exam within their age. The educational qualification is Class 12 pass. The eligibility is prescribed by the examination authority for candidates. Applications are accepted only who satisfies the eligibility.

How many hours should be given to study for NDA?

Candidates should study for two to three hours. Practice previous year question paper. Candidates must know the syllabus and exam pattern. They should prepare study routine. Candidates must also solve mock test to improve speed.

NDA Books 2026: Check Subject-wise Best Books for NDA Preparation

NDA 2 2026 application

20 May '26 - 9 Jun '26

Updated on May 24, 2026 22:45 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

Overview

NDA Books 2026: Union Public Service Commission conducts the NDA exam twice annually to select the candidates for the admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy courses. The NDA exam is one of the most competitve defence exams in the country. Books plays a crucial role in the preparation. Books consists of the chapters and concepts covered in the syllabus.

It not only helps in clearing the concepts but also provide ample of practice in the form of practice sets for the NDA 2026 exam. Candidates should choose correct books that covers whole of the syllabus. Scroll down to read more about the NDA books 2026.

Table of contents

NDA Books 2026
NDA Syllabus 2026
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
How to Prepare for NDA 2026 Exam?
NDA Books 2026 FAQs

NDA Books 2026

NDA exam consists of questions that are of Class 12 standard. If one goes through the NCERT books thoroughly and understand all the concepts mentioned in the books, they will not need any other reference book to clear the exam. In General Knowledge, candidates must read History of Modern India and Science and Technology in India. For English, candidates can read Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis and High School Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin for the English section of NDA. Listed below are the section-wise books for NDA preparation:

NDA Books for English

This section of NDA exam assesses a candidate's understanding of grammar and vocabulary. Here are the books that the students can refer to:

Objective General English by SP Bakshi
Wren & Martin High School English Grammar and Composition
Word Power Made Easy by Norman & Lewis

NDA Books for Physics

Questions in this section are generally asked from Classes 11 and 12. Usually, candidates will get questions related to electricity and mechanics. Candidates can refer to the NCERT books of Classes 11 and 12 and NCERT.

Best NDA Books for Chemistry

The chemistry section comprises questions that candidates have studied in Classes 11 and 12. Questions are basically from Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon-Di-Oxide, Acid, Bases, Oxidation and Reduction, Atoms, Valence, etc. For this section too, candidates can refer to NCERT books of Classes 11 and 12.

NDA Books for General Science, History, Geography

The General Science, History, and Geography section consists of topics that are related to Classes 9 and 10 Biology. Candidates can refer to Objective GK by Sanjiv Kumar.

NDA Books for Current Affairs

In NDA, Current Affairs are usually asked for the past six months. For this section, candidates can refer to Pratoyogita Darpan, Manorama Yearbook etc.

NDA Books for Mathematics

The Maths paper cover topics such as Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Algebra, Vector Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Analytical Geometry, Statistics & Probability. The level of questions is very basic and simple. Candidates can refer to the NCERT books of Classes 11 and 12. Besides, they can refer to the following books.

Book Name	Author/Publisher
Quantitative Aptitude for competitive examinations	RS Aggarwal
NDA Entrance Exam	ES Ramasamy
Mathematics for NDA/NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy	RS Aggarwal

Also Read:

NDA Vacancies

NDA Dates

NDA Syllabus 2026

The NDA syllabus is crucial for a candidate as it provides the topics asked in the examination. It is the key to NDA preparation. Candidates should solve the NDA previous year question papers to know more about the type of questions asked in the exam. The standard of the National Defence Academy exam syllabus is of Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12 standards. The NDA syllabus outlines the topics and sub-topics that candidates need to cover for the exam.

The NDA exam is conducted twice in a year. The NDA Syllabus is divided in to two parts namely Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks). Candidates should be well versed with the class 9, 10, 11 and 12 standard syllabus and study all the topics wisely. After clearing the written exam, candidates need to take the SSB interview. The duration of the exam is 2.5 hours.

Candidates should solve the NDA previous year question papers to know more about the type of questions asked in the exam. Candidates should do the frequent revision for the NDA UPSC exam because the competition is fierce.

The standard of the NDA syllabus is of class 11 and 12 levels. NDA syllabus is given below:

Mathematics
Algebra	Matrices and Determinants
Trigonometry	Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
Differential Calculus	Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
Vector Algebra	Statistics and Probability

GAT
English	Spotting Errors, Comprehension, Selecting Words, Ordering of Words in a Sentence, Sentence Improvement, Antonyms, Synonyms
General Knowledge	Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History & Freedom Movement, Geography, Current Events, etc.

Also Read: NDA Preparation

NDA Exam Pattern 2026

NDA exam pattern comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The written exam is conducted offline for 900 marks. It carries two subjects-Maths and GAT. There are also negative marks for the exam. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB Interview. This stage carries 900 marks. NDA exam structure is given below.

Papers	Subject	Maximum marks	Duration
Paper 1	Mathematics	300	2 ½
Paper 2	GAT	600	2 ½
Total		900	5 hours

How to Prepare for NDA 2026 Exam?

As NDA is a competitive exam, candidates need to prepare well. Before beginning with the same, they should go through the pattern. After that, candidates must check the subjects given in the syllabus. Some of the preparation plan for NDA exam is given below.

Go through the NDA exam pattern
Check the syllabus to know the subjects
Solve mock tests for NDA exam
Do revision on regular basis
Make note of things that you learn

Also Read:

NDA Salary

NDA Selection Process

NDA Books 2026 FAQs

Candidates can check below NDA books 2026 FAQs.

Q: Which books are the best for NDA Physics?

Candidates can refer to the NCERT books of Classes 11 and 12 for the Physics in NDA exam. NDA Physics syllabus is given below: Physical Properties and States of Matter Modes of transference of Heat Mass, Weight, Volume, Sound Waves and their properties Simple musical instruments Rectilinear propagation of Light Density and Specific Gravity Reflection and refraction Principle of Archimedes Spherical mirrors and Lenses Pressure Barometer Human Eye Motion of objects Natural and Artificial Magnets Velocity and Acceleration Properties of a Magnet Newtons Laws of Motion Earth as a Magnet Force and Momentum Static and Current Electricity Parallelogram of Forces Conductors and Non-conductors Stability and Equilibrium of bodies Ohms Law Gravitation Simple Electrical Circuits Elementary ideas of work Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic effects of Current Power and Energy Measurement of Electrical Power Effects of Heat Primary and Secondary Cells Measurement of Temperature and Heat Use of X-Rays General Principles in the working of Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariners Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses.

Q: What is the difference between NDA 1 and 2 exams?

There is no difference between UPSC NDA 1 and 2 exams. NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to the January batch. Whereas, NDA 2 exam is conducted for admission to July batch.

National Defence Academy or NDA exam is conducted twice a year by Union Public Service Commission for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). It is the most sought-after defence entrance exams in the country where both male and female candidates can apply.

The exam is conducted in two stages: written exam and SSB Interview. In 2020, a total of 5.3 Lacs candidates had applied for the exam, out of which 2.4 Lacs candidates appeared for the exam. UPSC prepares a list of candidates who obtain minimum qualifying marks in the written exam. Such candidates are called for SSB Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test.

Also Read: Know the difference between NDA & NA I and II Exams

Q: Which books are best for NDA Maths?

Quantitative Aptitude for competitive examinations and Mathematics for NDA/NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy by RS Aggarwal are best for NDA Maths. NDA Maths syllabus cover topics such as Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability. He best books for NDA Maths are given below: Quantitative Aptitude for competitive examinations by RS Aggarwal Mathematics for NDA/NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy by RS Aggarwal.

Q: What are the important topics for NDA General Knowledge?

Questions in this section of NDA exam are asked from General Science, Indian history, Physics Geography, Chemistry and Current Events. Candidates must read the newspapers and watch news channels to know about the national and international events. Candidates must refer to the six months Current Affairs for NDA exam.

Q: Which are the best books for NDA Chemistry?

Candidates can start clearing their basics for NDA Chemistry from NCERT books of Classes 11 & 12. These books cover core topics like Acids, Chemical Reactions, Bases, Atoms, etc. The syllabus for this subject is prescribed by the examination authority.

Q: Which are the best books for NDA SSB Interview?

Cracking SSB Interview is not easy task. The difficulty level is high and candidates must have sound knowledge of their subjects to clear the interview. The best books for SSB Interview are given below: SSB Interview: The Complete Guide by Dr N. K. Natarajan SSB OIR & PPDT: Complete Guide to Stage 1 SSB Interview by DDE.

Q: How do I use previous years' question papers to prepare for NDA?

NDA exam consists of two papers- Maths and GAT. Total marks allotted to the The following tips help candidates to prepare for NDA exam.
Understand the exam
Know the syllabus
Solve the previous years question papers
Prepare a timetable
Follow the study routine
Attempt mock tests

Q: How can I improve my Vocabulary for NDA exam?

Candidates can improve their vocabulary for the NDA exam by reading newspapers. They should also practice the previous years papers. Reading editorials of the newspapers is also very useful. Attempt mock tests to know the important vocabulary questions.

Q: Which are the best books for NDA Physics?

For NDA Physics section, candidates can refer to the NCERT books of Classes 11 and 12. These books covers the basic syllabus. They can clear the concepts of Mechanics, Electricity, Optics, Light, Heat, Motion, Resistance, etc.

Q: How much time is required for NDA Exam Preparation?

NDA preparation requires one year to six months. Candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. They should attempt mock tests. Candidates must know the exam pattern and syllabus. They should also solve the previous years question papers.

Q: Is NDA exam conducted every year?

NDA exam is conducted every year twice in a year. The exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy courses. The selection process comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. The SSB interview carries 900 marks.