NDA Syllabus 2026: Maths, GAT, English & GK Syllabus PDF Download

NDA is a national-level defence exam that is largely participated by the defence aspirants. Therefore, the competition is high for this exam. Candidates requires at least one year to six months for NDA preparation. However, with dedication and right approach, candidates can clear the exam in two months. Candidates must first go through the topics in NDA syllabus first. Attempt NDA previous years' papers and mock tests regularly to improve time management skills.

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 calculus chapter of NDA comprises topics such as 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 minimal.

The important topics for NDA Vector Algebra are Sets Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Real numbers, Complex numbers, Modulus, Cube roots, Conversion of a number in Binary system to Decimals and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations, Linear inequations, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem and Logarithms.

Candidates for this part can refer to forces shaping the modern world, freedom movement in India, Indian Constitution and Administration, Panchayat Raj, Democracy, Socialism and Communism, etc. The tips and tricks to prepare the History section of NDA are given below:

Before starting the preparation, candidates must understand the exam pattern of NDA. This will help candidates to focus on the important topics and allot time accordingly

Candidates must check the syllabus of NDA for History and make a list of all the topics that are covered. This will help candidates to priortise their preparation

Candidates must start revising the NCERT books of Classes 6 to 12 for History

Candidates must refer to good books like India's Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra for history 

Candidates should practice the previous year question papers to understand the type of questions asked in the exam and identify their strong and weak areas

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: This is similar to the picture test and is hard and intense.

Word Association Test: This is similar to a picture test, but the pictures are replaced by words

Situation Reaction Test:  In this test, candidates will be presented with some situations and then you have to write about your responses to these situations.

Self Description Test: In this test, candidates have to talk about themselves, personal life, etc.

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.

The good books for NDA Maths are given below: Mathematics for NDA and NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy by RS Aggarwal Quantitative aptitude for competitive examinations by RS Aggarwal. The tips and tricks to prepare NDA Maths paper are given below:

• Know the NDA exam pattern for the written exam to understand the structure of the exam
• Candidates need to be thorough with the NDA syllabus
• Candidates must revise thoroughly the Class 10, 11 and 12 Maths books
• Maintain a separate notebook for the formulas and short tricks for calculation
• Candidates must pratice the previous years' question papers to know the types of questions asked in the Maths section
• Cover the maximum syllabus of Maths
• Understand the basics and question difficulty level.
• Solve mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
• Read the right NDA Books for Maths to develop the concept and build the base
• Make note of the scoring and important topics

The tips and tricks to improve vocabularly for NDA exam are given below:

• To enhance your NDA vocabulary for the exam, start by reading
• Candidates must make a note of the topics they have learned during the exam preparation
• Candidates must learn the orgin of the words
• Candidates must practive questions based on the syllabus 

The ideal time required for NDA preparation is one year to six months. During the preparation phase, candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. Candidates must consider solving the NDA question papers. They should also attempt mock tests to increase speed and accuracy. Candidates must be thorough with the exam pattern and syllabus. The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam are given below:

• To begin with the preparation, candidates need to understand the syllabus and exam pattern
• Candidates can clear their basic concepts of the topics from the Class 10, 11 and 12 books
• To improve speed and accuracy, candidates can attempt mock tests
• After completing the syllabus, candidates must practice previous years' question papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam
• Candidates must work on improving their weak areas

Every year thousands of candidates appear for NDA exam. With so much competition, candidates need to have a proper preparation strategy for the exam. Candidates need to be consistent with their study plans. They should devote few hours every day to study. Candidates need to be thorough with the syllabus. Candidates must revise their notes and important formulae every day. Candidates must practise mock tests and previous years' question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus. Candidates must clear their basic concepts of each and every topic given in the syllabus. This will help candidates to solve the questions easily in the exam.

NDA syllabus PDF is provided on this page. The syllabus PDF comprises the important topics related to the exam. Candidates can download the syllabus PDF and start preparing for the exam. With good practice, candidates can ace the exam. 

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. 

Yes, the NDA syllabus is the same as class 12. To crack the NDA exam, candidates must have conceptual clarity for better application while handling tricky and simple questions. Candidates must practice previous years' question papers. For Maths candidates must practice from NCERT Class 11 books. Jot down important Mathematical formulas and concepts. For English, candidates must brush up on the concepts of English. Candidates must clear their basic grammar, improve reading comprehension, and build vocabulary to tackle Antonyms and Synonyms.