NDA Syllabus
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.
| 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 |
The NDA Syllabus is divided into Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The General Ability Test further includes two parts: English and General Knowledge.
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 |
Marks: 90–100
Questions: 36–40
Most important topic of NDA Maths
Marks: 50–60
Questions: 20–25
High scoring + conceptual section
Marks: 45–50
Questions: ~20
Easy + scoring if concepts clear
Marks: 45–50
Questions: ~20
Marks: 20–25
Questions: ~10
Marks: 20–25
Questions: ~10
Marks: 25–30
Questions: 10–15
| 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
Focus first on:
These alone cover ~70% of paper
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 |
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 |
| 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:
English is scoring if basics are strong.
This is divided into multiple subjects
Weightage: ~20–25% (80–100 marks approx.)
Weightage: ~10–15% (40–60 marks)
Weightage: ~10–15% (40–60 marks)
Weightage: ~15–20% (60–80 marks)
Weightage: ~10–15% (40–60 marks)
Weightage: ~5–10% (20–40 marks)
| Section | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| English | 200 | 33.33% |
| GK (Science + Humanities + CA) | 400 | 66.67% |
GK carries double weightage of English
Understanding the NDA exam pattern helps candidates align their preparation strategy. Below is the detailed exam pattern for Mathematics and General Ability Test (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 |
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:
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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