NDA Syllabus 2026: Maths, GAT, English & GK Syllabus PDF Download
National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam 2026 ( NDA )
Exam On - 12 Apr '26
The Union Public Service Commission notify the NDA exam syllabus in the official notification. The candidates are suggested to read and prepare each topic becuase the Commission does not notify any weightage to the topics. It can ask any number of questions from the topics. The candidates should note that syllabus is the key to NDA preparation. It decides the locus of preparation.
The NDA syllabus in consonance with the exam pattern and the NDA previous year question papers can help the candidates in qualifying the exam. The syllabus is framed based on the level of the post. The standard of the National Defence Academy exam syllabus is of Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12 standards. They should start the preparation for the NDA exam because the competition is fierce.
- What is NDA Maths Syllabus?
- What is NDA GAT Syllabus?
- What is NDA SSB Interview?
- Which are the best books for NDA exam?
- What is NDA Exam Pattern?
- NDA Syllabus FAQs
What is NDA Maths Syllabus?
NDA Maths syllabus covers the subjects that candidates have studied in Classes 11 & 12. It comprises questions from Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Calculus, Algebra, etc. UPSC NDA Maths syllabus is given below.,
NDA Mathematics Syllabus
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Algebra |
Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Real numbers, Complex numbers, Modulus, Cube roots, Conversion of a number in the Binary system to Decimals and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations, Linear inequations, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem and Logarithms. |
| Calculus |
Concept of a real-valued function, domain, range, and graph of a function. Composite functions, one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits, Continuity of functions, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative-application. Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect to another function, derivative of a composite function. Second-order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima |
| Matrices and Determinants |
Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method. |
| Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves-applications. Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of differential equations, solution of first order and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay. |
|
| Trigonometry |
Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometric ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles. |
| Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, the addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product, or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems. |
|
| Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimensions |
Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system, Distance formula, Equation of a line in various forms. The angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in a general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three-dimensional space, the distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms. Angle between two lines and angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere. |
| Statistics and Probability |
Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary, and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical—examples. Elementary theorems on probability-simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution. |
Also Read:
Topic-wise distribution of questions in Maths
The topic-wise distribution of questions in the Maths section is given below.
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Calculus |
20-25 |
| Quadratic equation |
20-15 |
| Matrices & Determinants |
30 |
| Probability |
10 |
| Trigonometry |
30 |
| Complex number |
10-15 |
NDA Marking Scheme for Maths
Candidates will get 2.5 marks for each correct answer and there is also a negative marking of 0.83 marks deducted for each incorrect answer. Candidates can check below the marking scheme as well as the number of questions.
| Total Marks |
300 Marks |
| Total No. of Questions |
120 |
| Correct Answer |
2.5 marks |
| Marks deducted for the wrong answer |
- 0.83 |
| Total duration of Mathematics Paper |
2 Hours 30 Minutes |
Commonly asked questions
NDA exam is conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course. CDS exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
The level of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. Whereas the standard of CDS syllabus is of graduation level. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. CDS syllabus is divided into Elementary Maths, English and General Awareness. The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam are 900. The total marks allotted to the written exam of CDS are 300 for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 for OTA.
NDA syllabus PDF is divided into Maths and GAT. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. The standard of the syllabus is of Classes 10, 11 and 12 levels. Candidates should be thorough with the syllabus.
What is NDA GAT Syllabus?
NDA GAT syllabus comprises English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, History, Current Affairs of 10+2 level. It is divided into Part A English and Part B GK. There are also negative marking in the exam. UPSC NDA GAT syllabus is given below.,
NDA English Syllabus
NDA syllabus for English is given below.
- Grammar & usage
- Comprehension & cohesion
- Spotting of errors
- Para Jumbling
- Fill in the blanks
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Vocabulary
- Cloze Test
- Idioms & Proverbs
- Completion of Sentence & Para
- Sentence Correction & Improvement
- Vocabulary
NDA Syllabus for GAT
NDA subjects for Science students are given below.
NDA Physics Syllabus
| Physical Properties and States of Matter |
|
| Sound waves and their properties |
|
| Weight |
Simple musical instruments |
| Volume |
Rectilinear propagation of Light |
| Density and Specific Gravity |
Reflection and refraction |
| Principle of Archimedes |
|
| Pressure Barometer |
Human Eye |
| Motion of objects |
Natural and Artificial Magnets |
| Velocity and Acceleration |
Properties of a Magnet |
| Earth as a Magnet |
|
| Force and Momentum |
Static and Current Electricity |
| Parallelogram of Forces |
Conductors and Non-conductors |
| Stability and Equilibrium of bodies |
|
| Simple Electrical Circuits |
|
| Elementary ideas of work |
Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic Effects of Current |
| Power and Energy |
Measurement of Electrical Power |
| Primary and Secondary Cells |
|
| 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, Mariner’s Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses. |
Also Read:
NCERT Solutions for Physics Class 11
NCERT Solutions for Physics Class 12
NDA Chemistry Syllabus
| Physical and Chemical Changes |
|
| Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial |
Elements |
| Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and Gunpowder |
Mixtures and Compounds |
| Symbols, Formulae, and simple Chemical Equation |
|
| Properties of Air and Water |
Also Read:
NCERT Chemistry Solutions for Class 11
NCERT Chemistry Solutions for Class 12
NDA General Science Syllabus
| Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention |
Difference between the living and non-living |
| Food-Source of Energy for man |
Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues |
| Constituents of food |
Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals |
| Balanced Diet |
Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its important organs |
| The Solar System-Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists |
|
NDA History Syllabus
| Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance |
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation |
| Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution |
Freedom Movement in India |
| Impact of Science and Technology on Society |
Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration |
| Concept of one World |
Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India |
| United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism |
Panchayati Raj |
| Role of India in the present world |
Co-operatives and Community Development |
| A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation |
Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State |
| Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi |
- |
NDA Geography Syllabus
| The Earth, its shape and size |
Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition |
| Latitudes and Longitudes |
Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anticyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation |
| Concept of time |
Types of Climate |
| International Date Line |
Major Natural regions of the World |
| Movements of Earth and their effects |
Regional Geography of India—Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities |
| Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification |
Important Sea ports and main sea, land and air routes of India |
| Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes |
Main items of Imports and Exports of India |
UPSC NDA Current Affairs Syllabus
| Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in the recent years |
Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports |
| Current important world events |
- |
Commonly asked questions
Candidates must prepare a proper study plan for NDA exam. Besides, they must solve previous years question papers. Attempt mock tests to know the strong and weak areas.To crack the exam, the preparation should be good.
NDA syllabus is prescribed by the examination authority. The syllabus comprises the topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam. The first and foremost step towards preparation is going through the syllabus. Knowing the syllabus helps candidates to plan a strategy to ace the exam, thereby, giving them the right direction for preparation. NDA syllabus has two sections for the written exam, General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. GAT aims to test the candidate's basic knowledge of History, GK, Current Affairs of National and International Events, English, Science, and Geography. On the other hand, the Mathematics paper of NDA comprises questions based on Class 12. The GAT paper holds the maximum weightage in the syllabus.
What is NDA SSB Interview?
SSB Interview
SSB Interview is conducted in two stages. The details regarding the stages are explained below:
Stage 1
Screening Test that comprises Verbal and non-verbal tests and PPDT
Stage 2
Psychological Test comprises Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self Description Test (SD). Group Testing Officers Test comprises GD, GPE, PGT, HGT, IOT, Command Task, Snake race/Group Obstacle Race, Individual lecture and FGT. The final phase of stage 2 is Personal Interview & conference.
NDA Syllabus for Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
The syllabus for OIR is given below.
| Verbal Test | Non – Verbal Test |
|---|---|
| Figures |
Completion of Series |
| Analogies |
Blood Relation |
| Figure Matrix |
Shorter and Taller Problems |
| Locating Hidden Figure |
Logical Venn Diagram |
| Odd one out |
Jumbled Words |
| Classification of data |
Coding-Decoding |
| Paper Cutting |
One word Substitution |
| Problem on Dice |
Problem on Ranks |
| Problem on Cubes |
Interchanging 2 signs |
| Visualizing Patterns |
Identification of letters |
| Spatial Ability |
Reconstruction of test |
Commonly asked questions
NDA syllabus comprises two papers-GAT and Maths. In GAT, candidates need to prepare well especially the General Awareness section as it is vast and includes physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography and current events. Candidates can check below the suggested subjects.
NDA Syllabus for English
List of Synonyms and Antonyms
List of One Word Substitutions
List of Homophones/Homonyms
NDA Syllabus for Current Affairs
For the current events category, students must be read news related to sports, economics, politics, national and international events.
General Science
Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention
Difference between the living and nonliving
Food—Source of Energy for man
Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues
Constituents of food
Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals
Balanced Diet
Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its important organs
Geography
The Earth, its shape and size
Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition
Latitudes and Longitudes
Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anticyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation
Concept of time
Types of Climate
International Date Line
Major Natural Regions of the World
Movements of Earth and their effects
Regional Geography of India
Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources;
Location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities
Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification
Important Sea ports and main sea, land and air routes of India
Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Main items of Imports and Exports of India
History
Forces shaping the modern world;
Renaissance
Exploration and Discovery;
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation
Freedom Movement in India
French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution
War of American Independence,
Impact of Science and Technology on Society
Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration
Concept of one World
Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India
United Nations,
Panchsheel,
Panchayati Raj, Democracy, Socialism and Communism
Role of India in the present world
Co-operatives and Community Development
Bhoodan, Sarvodaya,
National Integration and Welfare State
Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi
Chemistry
Physical and Chemical Changes
Acids, bases and salts
Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction
Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom
Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations
Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
Mixtures and Compounds
Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
Properties of Air and Water
Valency
Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and Gunpowder
Fertilizers — Natural and Artificial
Elements
Physics
Static and Current Electricity
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Earth as a Magnet
Force and Momentum
Spherical mirrors and Lenses
Pressure Barometer
Human Eye
Reflection and refraction
Principle of Archimedes
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
Parallelogram of Forces
Conductors and Non-conductors
Stability and Equilibrium of bodies
Ohm’s Law
Gravitation
Simple Electrical Circuits
Elementary ideas of work
Motion of objects
Natural and Artificial Magnets
Velocity and Acceleration
Properties of a Magnet
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, Mariner’s Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses
NDA Maths Syllabus
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Matrices and Determinants
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Trigonometry
- Vector Algebra
- Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimension
- Statistics and Probability
The pyschological tests in NDA SSB interview comprises the following:
- Thematic Apperception Test
- Word Association Test
- Situation Reaction Test
- Self Description Test
Which are the best books for NDA exam?
Candidates can refer to the following NDA books.
| Subjects | Books |
|---|---|
| Mathematics |
|
| GAT |
|
Commonly asked questions
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.
What is NDA Exam Pattern?
NDA exam pattern comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The total marks allotted to the test are 900. The SSB Interview is conducted for 900 marks. Candidates can check below the paper pattern.
| Papers | Subject | Maximum marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 |
Mathematics |
300 |
2 ½ |
| Paper 2 |
GAT |
600 |
2 ½ |
| Total |
900 |
5 hours |
|
Commonly asked questions
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.
NDA question paper is framed in both English and Hindi. The written exam is conducted for 900 marks. The test carries two papers-Maths and GAT. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview.
NDA Syllabus FAQs
Candidates can check below FAQs related to NDA syllabus.
Commonly asked questions
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.
NDA syllabus is prescribed by the examination authority. The syllabus comprises the topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam. The first and foremost step towards preparation is going through the syllabus. Knowing the syllabus helps candidates to plan a strategy to ace the exam, thereby, giving them the right direction for preparation. NDA syllabus has two sections for the written exam, General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. GAT aims to test the candidate's basic knowledge of History, GK, Current Affairs of National and International Events, English, Science, and Geography. On the other hand, the Mathematics paper of NDA comprises questions based on Class 12. The GAT paper holds the maximum weightage in the syllabus.
The pyschological tests in NDA SSB interview comprises the following:
- Thematic Apperception Test
- Word Association Test
- Situation Reaction Test
- Self Description Test
UPSC also provides the facility to raise objections against NDA question papers. After checking the NDA question papers 2023, if candidates find any wrong questions, they can raise objections within the prescribed deadline. The objection can be raised through UPSC Online Question Paper Representation Portal. To access the question paper representation portal, candidates need to login with roll number, date of birth and captcha code. The steps to raise objections against NDA question papers are given below:
- Visit the official website of UPSC
- Go to the tab 'Representation on Question Papers'
- Click the link 'National Defence Academy and Naval Academy examination'
- Enter roll number, date of birth, and verification code to login
- Submit your representations to UPSC against the question papers
NDA exam is highly competitive. Candidates can crack the exam with proper preparation and practice.
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
NDA question papers are released on the exam day. We have provided the previous years question papers on this page. To download NDA question papers for free, candidates need to create their profiles with us. Once it is done, candidates can download question papers pdfs.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 weeks ago
The 4 new NDA recommendations of Doon Defence Dreamers were reported from multiple SSB and AFSB boards, reflecting performance across different centres rather than a single location. The recommendations came from Army SSB boards such as Allahabad and Bhopal, along with Air Force Selection Boards (AF
d
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 4 weeks ago
When I started looking for online NDA coaching programs, my main goal was to find something that went beyond just recorded lectures. I compared multiple online platforms and also visited several coaching institutes in Dehradun to understand how their online and hybrid programs actually support stude
d
Beginner-Level 2
Answered a month ago
Candidates after joining Navy gets the position of Sub Lieutenant. With promotions, candidates reach to the level of Admiral. The posts offered to candidates in Navy are given below.
Sub Lieutenant |
Lieutenant |
Lt Commander |
Commander |
Captain (Selection) |
Captain (Time Scale) |
Commodore |
Rear Admiral |
Vice Admiral |
Admiral |
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Candidates after clearing NDA and commissioning get the position of Lieutenant. The posts offered to candidates are given below.
Lieutenant |
Captain |
Major |
Lieutenant Colonel |
Colonel (Selection) |
Colonel (Time Scale) |
Brigadier |
Major General |
Lieutenant General |
General |
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
NDA salary from Lt. Col level 12A is between INR 1,21,200 to 2,12,400. The same for Col. level 13 is INR 1,39,600-2,17,600. It is INR 1,44,200-2,18,200 for Maj General Level 14.
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
NDA salary for Lt. Level 10 is INR 56, 100 to 1,77,500. The salary for Capt. level 10 B is INR 61,300-1,93,900. NDA Salary for Major Level 11 is INR 69,400-2,07,200.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
NDA admit card is released one week before the exam day. NDA 1 hall ticket is expected in April. The call letter for NDA 2 will be released in September. Candidates can download their admit cards online only.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
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.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
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.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Here's a forum-style post tailored for the NDA 2 2026 result query:
Waiting for the NDA 2 2026 results can be quite nerve-wracking, especially after months of preparation and anticipation. Many aspirants are anxious to know exactly when the results will be declared and how their efforts translate int
A
Beginner-Level 5
Which SSB and AFSB boards were involved in the 4 new NDA recommendations of Doon Defence Dreamers?