The NDA 2026 Syllabus covers two main papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). For candidates preparing for the upcoming National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, understanding the exact topic-wise distribution is crucial. Below is the detailed breakdown, exam pattern, and marking scheme for the 2026-27 academic session.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is conducted by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). It is the gateway to joining the Indian Defence Forces (Army, Navy & Air Force). As the exam is organized twice a year, aspirants must align their preparation with the updated NDA Syllabus 2026 provided below.
Overview of NDA 2026 Exam
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy (NDA) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Frequency of Exam | Two times a year (NDA 1 & NDA 2) |
| Selection Process |
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| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper mode) |
| Total Marks |
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| Marking Scheme |
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| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Tentative NDA Exam Calendar 2026
Candidates planning for the 2026 cycle should keep these tentative dates in mind:
| Event | NDA 1 2026 (Tentative) | NDA 2 2026 (Tentative) |
| Notification Release | December 2025 | May 2026 |
| Exam Date | April 2026 | September 2026 |
NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria (Crucial)
Before checking the syllabus, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for 2026:
- Gender: Unmarried Male and Female candidates.
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age.
- Qualification:
- For Army Wing: 12th Class pass (Any stream).
- For Air Force & Navy: 12th Class pass with Physics and Mathematics.
Physical Standards (Height & Vision)
NDA is not just about academics. Ensure you meet these basic physical standards:
- Minimum Height: 157 cm (For Males) / 152 cm (For Females). (Relaxation available for Gorkhas and Hills candidates).
- Flying Branch: Minimum height 162.5 cm.
- Vision: 6/6 in better eye, 6/9 in worse eye (Uncorrected). Myopia/Hypermetropia limits apply.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026 (Paper 1)
Paper 1 consists of 120 questions carrying 300 marks. The syllabus is based on 10+2 level mathematics.
| Topic | Detailed Syllabus |
| Algebra | Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Real numbers, Complex numbers, Modulus, Cube roots, Binary system to Decimals conversion. AP, GP, HP. Quadratic equations, Linear inequations, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem, and Logarithms. |
| Calculus | Domain, range, and graph of a function. Limits, Continuity, Derivatives. Applications of derivatives (Maxima/Minima). Increasing and decreasing functions. |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant properties. Adjoint and inverse. Solution of linear equations by Cramer’s rule and Matrix Method. |
| Integral Calculus & Differential Eq. | Indefinite and Definite integrals. Area bounded by curves. Order and degree of differential equations. Solution of first-order differential equations. Growth and decay problems. |
| Analytical Geometry | Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line, circle, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. 3D Geometry: Direction Cosines, Equation of a plane and sphere. |
| Statistics and Probability | Probability: Outcomes, events, mutually exclusive events. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem. Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, Correlation, and Regression. |
| Trigonometry | Angles, Trigonometric ratios, Identities. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Heights and distances, properties of triangles. |
| Vector Algebra | Vectors in 2D and 3D. Dot product and Cross product. Applications—Work done by a force, Moment of a force. |
NDA General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus 2026 (Paper 2)
The GAT paper is divided into two parts: Part A (English) and Part B (General Knowledge). It consists of 150 questions carrying 600 marks.
Part A: English (200 Marks)
The English section tests the candidate’s understanding and use of words. Syllabus includes:
- Grammar and Usage
- Vocabulary (Synonyms & Antonyms)
- Comprehension
- Spotting Errors
- Para Jumbles
Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
This section covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events. Below is the categorized syllabus:
Section A – Physics (Approx 25 Questions)
- Mechanics: Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force, Momentum, Power, Energy, Gravitation, Work, Velocity, Acceleration.
- Optics: Reflection, Refraction, Spherical Mirrors, Lenses, Human Eye, Optical Instruments (Telescope, Microscope).
- Thermodynamics: Heat, Temperature, Specific Heat, Change of State, Latent Heat.
- Electricity & Magnetism: Ohm’s Law, Circuits, Magnets, Earth as a Magnet.
- General: Sound waves, Simple Pendulum, Pressure, Density, Archimedes Principle.
Section B – Chemistry (Approx 15 Questions)
- Physical Change vs Chemical Change.
- Elements & Compounds: Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide.
- Materials: Glass, Ink, Soap, Cement, Paints, Fertilizers, Gun-Powder.
- Atomic Structure: Atom, Valency, Atomic Weight.
- Acids, Bases, and Salts.
Section C – General Science (Biology & Life Sciences)
- Difference between living and non-living.
- Human Body: Organs, Food, Balanced Diet, Solar System.
- Diseases: Common Epidemics, causes, and prevention.
Section D – History
- Modern History: Freedom Movement in India, Constitution of India, Five Year Plans.
- World History: French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Russian Revolution, American Independence, United Nations.
- Culture: Indian Culture and Civilization.
Section E – Geography
- Physical Geography: Earth’s Shape, Latitudes and Longitudes, International Date Line, Origin of Earth, Rocks, Volcanoes, Earthquakes.
- Atmosphere: Winds, Cyclones, Humidity, Ocean Currents.
- Indian Geography: Climate, Vegetation, Mineral resources, Ports, and Transport routes.
Section F – Current Events
- Important events in India and the World (Last 8-12 months).
- Sports, Awards, Books & Authors, Defense Exercises.
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates must understand the marking scheme to avoid negative marks. Important Note: You must score a minimum of 25% marks in EACH subject (Maths and GAT separately) to qualify.
Paper I – Mathematics Pattern
| Total Marks | 300 Marks |
| Total No. of Questions | 120 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | 2.5 marks |
| Negative Marking | -0.83 marks |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 Hours |
Paper II – General Ability Test (GAT) Pattern
| Total Marks | 600 Marks |
| Total No. of Questions | 150 |
| English Questions | 50 (200 Marks) |
| General Knowledge Questions | 100 (400 Marks) |
| Marks per Correct Answer | 4 marks |
| Negative Marking | -1.33 marks |
How to Calculate Negative Marking? (Example)
If you attempt 10 questions in GAT:
- 7 Correct Answers = 7 × 4 = 28 Marks
- 3 Wrong Answers = 3 × 1.33 = 3.99 Marks Deducted
- Final Score = 28 – 3.99 = 24.01 Marks
NDA Previous Year Cut-Offs (Safe Score)
To qualify, you need to clear two stages. Aim for a score higher than these previous trends:
| Exam Phase | Total Marks | Safe Cut-Off (Approx) |
| Written Exam | 900 | 350 – 360 Marks |
| Final (Written + SSB) | 1800 | 710 – 720 Marks |
NDA SSB Interview Pattern 2026
The SSB Interview is a 5-day process. Only candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB.
| NDA – SSB Interview Stages | ||
| Stage 1 | Screening Test | OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) Test & PPDT (Picture Perception & Description Test). |
| Stage 2 | Psychological Test | TAT (Thematic Apperception Test), WAT (Word Association Test), SRT (Situation Reaction Test), SD (Self Description). |
| GTO (Group Testing Officer) | GD (Group Discussion), GPE, PGT, HGT, Individual Obstacles (IO), Command Task, Group Obstacle Race (GOR), Lecturette. | |
| Personal Interview & Conference | One-on-one interview and final board conference. | |
High-Yield Topics (Topic-Wise Weightage)
To score high, focus on these chapters which carry maximum weightage:
| Subject | Most Important Topics |
| Mathematics | Trigonometry, Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Calculus (Differentiation & Integration). |
| English | Spotting Errors, Antonyms/Synonyms, Idioms & Phrases. |
| Physics | Optics, Laws of Motion, Electricity. |
Best Books for NDA 2026 Preparation
- Mathematics: Mathematics for NDA/NA by R.S. Aggarwal.
- GAT: Pathfinder for NDA/NA by Arihant Publications.
- English: Wren & Martin High School Grammar.
FAQs for NDA 2026
What are the subjects in NDA exam?
The NDA exam comprises Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). GAT includes Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events, and English.
What is the topic-wise weightage in NDA GAT?
| Subject | Approx. Questions |
| Physics | 20-25 |
| Chemistry | 15-18 |
| General Science (Bio) | 10-12 |
| Geography | 18-22 |
| History | 15-20 |
What is NDA salary?
Stipend during training is ₹56,100 per month. Upon commissioning as a Lieutenant, the salary starts at Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) plus MSP and allowances.
Is the NDA exam easy?
The NDA exam is highly competitive with a low acceptance rate. However, with consistent preparation, a strategic study plan, and a strong grasp of 11th and 12th-grade concepts, it is definitely clearable.
Download Official Syllabus PDF – Click Here (UPSC Active Exams Page)
Watch: NDA 2026 Preparation Strategy
