The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the NDA Syllabus 2026 through the official notification. Candidates preparing for the NDA Exam 2026 should familiarize themselves with the syllabus for both NDA 1 and NDA 2 to understand the topics they need to study. The syllabus is divided into two main subjects: Mathematics and General Ability Test.
The NDA 2026 exam consists of objective-type questions, and candidates need to understand the format and requirements of the exam. Along with the syllabus, it’s essential to review the NDA Exam Pattern 2026 to better prepare for the test.
NDA 2026 Exam Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy (NDA) 2026 |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a Year (NDA 1 and NDA 2) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper) |
| Subjects | Mathematics, General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Maximum Marks | 900 (Mathematics – 300, GAT – 600) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd marks for incorrect answers |
| Duration | 2.5 hours for each paper |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
NDA Syllabus 2026
The NDA Syllabus is divided into Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The General Ability Test further includes two parts: English and General Knowledge.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026
The Mathematics section covers a wide range of topics, including algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Set theory, complex numbers, quadratic equations, progressions, logarithms, permutation and combination |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices, operations, Cramer’s rule, solving linear equations |
| Trigonometry | Trig ratios, identities, inverse functions, height and distance |
| Analytical Geometry | Cartesian coordinates, equations of lines, circles, conics, 3D geometry |
| Differential Calculus | Limits, derivatives, maxima and minima, applications of derivatives |
| Integral Calculus | Integration techniques, definite integrals, areas under curves, differential equations |
| Vector Algebra | Vectors in 2D and 3D, dot and cross products, applications |
| Statistics and Probability | Data classification, central tendency, probability theory, binomial distribution |
1. Algebra & Vector Algebra (≈ 30–33%)
Marks: 90–100
Questions: 36–40
Topics:
- Sets, Relations & Functions
- Complex Numbers
- Quadratic Equations
- Logarithms
- Sequences & Series (AP, GP)
- Permutations & Combinations
- Binomial Theorem
- Matrices basics (sometimes overlaps)
- Vector Algebra:
- Vector operations
- Dot & Cross Product
- Applications
Most important topic of NDA Maths
2. Calculus (Differential + Integral) (≈ 18%)
Marks: 50–60
Questions: 20–25
Topics:
- Limits & Continuity
- Differentiation:
- First principles
- Rules (product, quotient, chain)
- Applications of Derivatives:
- Maxima & Minima
- Increasing/Decreasing functions
- Integration:
- Substitution
- By parts
- Definite Integrals
- Differential Equations
High scoring + conceptual section
3. Trigonometry (≈ 15–17%)
Marks: 45–50
Questions: ~20
Topics:
- Trigonometric Ratios
- Identities
- Trigonometric Equations
- Inverse Trigonometry
- Heights & Distances
Easy + scoring if concepts clear
4. Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D) (≈ 15–17%)
Marks: 45–50
Questions: ~20
Topics:
2D Geometry:
- Straight Line
- Circle
- Parabola
- Ellipse
- Hyperbola
3D Geometry:
- Distance formula
- Direction cosines
- Lines & Planes
5. Matrices & Determinants (≈ 8%)
Marks: 20–25
Questions: ~10
Topics:
- Types of matrices
- Matrix operations
- Determinants
- Adjoint & Inverse
- Solution of linear equations
6. Statistics & Probability (≈ 8%)
Marks: 20–25
Questions: ~10
Topics:
Statistics:
- Mean, Median, Mode
- Variance & Standard Deviation
Probability:
- Sample space
- Conditional Probability
- Bayes Theorem
- Binomial Distribution
7. Complex Numbers (≈ 8–10%)
Marks: 25–30
Questions: 10–15
Topics:
- Argand Plane
- Modulus & Argument
- Algebra of complex numbers
- Cube roots of unity
NDA Maths Weightage Table (Quick Revision)
| Topic | Questions | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra + Vectors | 36–40 | 90–100 | 30–33% |
| Calculus | 20–25 | 50–60 | 18% |
| Trigonometry | ~20 | ~50 | 15–17% |
| Analytical Geometry | ~20 | ~50 | 15–17% |
| Matrices & Determinants | ~10 | ~25 | 8% |
| Statistics & Probability | ~10 | ~25 | 8% |
| Complex Numbers | 10–15 | 25–30 | 8–10% |
Data based on recent exam trends
Most Important Topics (High Priority)
Focus first on:
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate Geometry
These alone cover ~70% of paper
NDA General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus 2026
1. NDA English Syllabus
The English section tests candidates’ proficiency in the English language, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Spotting Errors | Identifying grammatical errors in sentences |
| Comprehension | Understanding and answering questions based on a passage |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, word usage |
| Sentence Improvement | Correcting sentence structure |
| Ordering Words in Sentences | Arranging jumbled words to form meaningful sentences |
2. NDA General Knowledge Syllabus
The General Knowledge section covers topics from various subjects like Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events. Below are the key topics:
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Physics | Mechanics, motion, Newton’s laws, electricity, magnetism, heat, sound, light, optics |
| Chemistry | Elements, compounds, chemical reactions, acids, bases, oxidation-reduction |
| General Science | Life sciences, human body, diseases, food, energy, solar system |
| History and Freedom Movement | Indian history, freedom struggle, constitutional developments, National Integration |
| Geography | Earth’s structure, climate, minerals, natural resources, world geography, regional geography of India |
| Current Affairs | Important events in India and worldwide, sports, awards, and personalities |
Section 1: English (200 Marks)
Topics + Weightage
| Topic | Expected Questions | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grammar (Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Voice) | 10–12 | 40–50 | 25% |
| Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms) | 10–12 | 40–50 | 25% |
| Comprehension Passage | 12–15 | 50–60 | 30% |
| Sentence Arrangement (Para Jumbles) | 8–10 | 30–40 | 20% |
Important Topics:
- Error spotting
- Fill in the blanks
- One-word substitution
- Sentence improvement
- Cloze test
English is scoring if basics are strong.
Section 2: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
This is divided into multiple subjects
1. Physics (High Weightage)
Topics:
- Physical properties & states of matter
- Motion, Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy & Power
- Heat & Thermodynamics
- Sound waves
- Optics (reflection, refraction)
- Electricity & Magnetism
- Modern Physics
Weightage: ~20–25% (80–100 marks approx.)
2. Chemistry
Topics:
- Physical & Chemical changes
- Atomic structure
- Acids, Bases, Salts
- Metals & Non-metals
- Carbon compounds
- Periodic Table
- Chemical reactions
Weightage: ~10–15% (40–60 marks)
3. General Science (Biology)
Topics:
- Human body systems
- Cell & tissues
- Plant physiology
- Nutrition & diseases
- Ecology & environment
Weightage: ~10–15% (40–60 marks)
4. History (India & World)
Topics:
- Ancient India (Indus Valley, Vedic Age)
- Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughals)
- Modern India (Freedom struggle)
- World History basics
Weightage: ~15–20% (60–80 marks)
5. Geography
Topics:
- Earth structure
- Climate & weather
- Rivers, mountains, resources
- India geography (soil, agriculture)
- World geography basics
Weightage: ~10–15% (40–60 marks)
6. Current Affairs
Topics:
- National & International events
- Defence exercises
- Awards & honors
- Sports
- Important dates
Weightage: ~5–10% (20–40 marks)
Overall Weightage Summary
| Section | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| English | 200 | 33.33% |
| GK (Science + Humanities + CA) | 400 | 66.67% |
GK carries double weightage of English
Most Important Topics (High Scoring)
English:
- Comprehension
- Grammar rules
- Vocabulary
Science:
- Physics numericals & concepts
- Basic Chemistry reactions
- Biology (NCERT-based)
Humanities:
- Modern History
- Physical Geography
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the NDA exam pattern helps candidates align their preparation strategy. Below is the detailed exam pattern for Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
NDA Exam Pattern 2026: Mathematics & GAT
| Subject | Mathematics | General Ability Test (GAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 120 | 150 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 | 600 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | 2.5 | 4 |
| Marks per Incorrect Answer | -0.83 | -1.33 |
| Duration | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
SSB Test and Interview (NDA 2026)
After the written exam, candidates who qualify will appear for the Service Selection Board (SSB) Test/Interview. The SSB assesses candidates’ intelligence and personality. It consists of two stages:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test, Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
- Stage II: Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychological Tests, and Conference
The SSB is an essential part of the NDA selection process, testing candidates’ overall suitability for a career in the Indian Armed Forces.
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