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

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam 2026 ( NDA )

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NDA 2 2026 Exam

13 Sep '26

Shikha Goyal
Updated on Jun 1, 2026 13:28 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

NDA Syllabus 2026: The authority released the syllabus of the NDA 2 exam 2026 along with the notification on the official website. 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. Scroll down to know more about the NDA Syllabus 2026.

Table of contents
  • NDA Syllabus PDF 2026
  • NDA Maths Syllabus 2026
  • NDA GAT Syllabus 2026
  • What is NDA SSB Interview 2026?
  • NDA Exam Pattern 2026
  • NDA Exam Preparation Strategy 2026
  • NDA Syllabus FAQs
View More
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NDA Syllabus PDF 2026

The syllabus of the NDA exam is divided into two parts namely Mathematics (300 marks) and GAT or General Ability Test (600 marks). The first step of the preparation is to have a clear understanding about the NDA exam syllabus. The NDA written exam evaluates candidates on Maths, English proficiency and General Knowledge. Candidates can check below the NDA 2 Notification PDF which consists of syllabus and exam pattern also. 

NDA 2 2026 Notification & Syllabus PDF: Download Here 

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NDA Maths Syllabus 2026

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.

Integral Calculus and Differential Equations

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.

Vector Algebra

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: 

NCERT Maths Solution Class 11

NCERT Maths Solution Class 12

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


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NDA GAT Syllabus 2026

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

Modes of Transference of Heat

Mass

Sound waves and their properties

Weight

Simple musical instruments

Volume

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

Newton’s 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

Ohm’s 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, Mariner’s Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses.

Also Read: 

NCERT Solutions for Physics Class 11

NCERT Solutions for Physics Class 12

NDA Chemistry Syllabus

Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon— different forms

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

Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom

Symbols, Formulae, and simple Chemical Equation

Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights

Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)

Valency

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

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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

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What is NDA SSB Interview 2026?

The NDA SSB interview consists of two distinct stages namely Stage I and Stage II. The intelligence and personality test and a group interview. On the basis of this, candidates are shortlisted for admission to NDA. 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

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NDA Exam Pattern 2026

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

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NDA Exam Preparation Strategy 2026

NDA exam is a prominent examination among students who want to join Indian Defence Forces. It is the gateway for candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. It is not a cakewalk to get through NDA and SSB. Candidates should make a proper study plan to make preparation effective and also important to clear the concepts. It is also crucial for a candidate to practice previous year question papers. Frequent revision also help candidates to ace the preparation. Exam pattern also help candidates to knwo about the marking scheme and structure of an exam. Practice Mock test which will help in improving the speed and accuracy of solving the questions. Scroll down to know some of the preparation tips that will help candidates to score good marks in the examination:
  • First and foremost is to analyse the NDA Syllabus and exam pattern.
  • Clear the basic concepts, read and practice NCERT books
  • Solve previous year question papers and practice mock tests
  • It is also important for a candidate to choose right books and study material for the preparation of the NDA exam. 
  • Candidates should also read newspaper and magazines that will help to cover the current affairs.
  • Manage the time effectively and do frequent revision.
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NDA Syllabus FAQs

Candidates can check below FAQs related to NDA syllabus.

Q:   Which books are best for NDA Maths?
A: 
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:   Which books are the best for NDA Physics?
A: 
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:   How much time is required for NDA Exam Preparation?
A: 
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:   How do I use previous years' question papers to prepare for NDA?
A: 

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?
A: 
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:   How to download NDA question papers?
A: 

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.

Q:   Which are the best books for NDA English?
A: 
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.
Q:   What is psychological test in NDA SSB interview?
A: 

The pyschological tests in NDA SSB interview comprises the following:

  • Thematic Apperception Test
  • Word Association Test
  • Situation Reaction Test
  • Self Description Test
Q:   How many hours should be given to study for NDA?
A: 
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.
Q:   Which are the best books for NDA SSB Interview?
A: 

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 to raise objections against NDA Question Papers?
A: 

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

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