The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has outlined the official NDA Syllabus 2026 for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) examinations. This syllabus applies to both the NDA 1 (April) and NDA 2 (September) 2026 sessions.
The written exam requires a solid understanding of the Class 11 and 12 curriculum. It is divided into two major sections: Mathematics (300 marks) and the General Ability Test or GAT (600 marks). You will be tested on a variety of subjects including algebra, trigonometry, physics, English grammar, and current events. Following the written test, qualifying candidates proceed to the SSB Interview.
Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy (NDA) |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | NDA & Naval Academy Exam |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview |
| Mode of Exam | Objective Type |
| Marking Scheme | Total of 900 marks (Written) |
| Website | upsc.gov.in |
Selection Process
The NDA selection sequence consists of two stages: 1. Written Exam 2. SSB Interview
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination features two objective-type papers with a combined duration of 5 hours. Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 |
| Total | 270 | 900 |
- Correct Answers: Mathematics: +2.5, GAT: +4
- Incorrect Answers: Mathematics: -0.83, GAT: -1.33
- Duration: 5 hours
NDA Syllabus for Mathematics
The Mathematics paper consists of 120 questions totaling 300 marks. It primarily tests analytical and problem-solving skills based on the 10+2 curriculum.
Key Topics:
- Algebra
- Matrices and Determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D)
- Differential Calculus
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Vector Algebra
- Statistics and Probability
Detailed Topics
Algebra
- Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, Relation, Equivalence relation
- Representation of real numbers on a line
- Complex numbers: basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity
- Binary system of numbers
- Arithmetic, Geometric, and Harmonic progressions
- Quadratic equations with real coefficients
- Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs
- Permutation and Combination
- Binomial theorem and its applications
- Logarithms and their applications
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
Trigonometry
- Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians
- Trigonometrical ratios
- Trigonometric identities, sum and difference formulae
- Multiple and Sub-multiple angles
- Inverse trigonometric functions
- Applications: Height and distance, properties of triangles
Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D)
- 2D: Rectangular Cartesian and polar coordinates; Equations of a line, distance formula, intersection of lines; Angle between two lines, equations of a circle, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola
- 3D: Vectors in 2D and 3D space; Scalar and Vector products; Standard equations of sphere, right circular cone, and cylinder
Calculus
- Differential: Functions, limits, continuity, differentiation; Applications of derivatives (rate of change, maxima/minima, tangents and normals)
- Integral & Equations: Integration as inverse of differentiation; Integration by substitution and by parts; Standard integrals (algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, hyperbolic); Formation of ordinary differential equations; Solution of first-order differential equations
Vector Algebra
- Scalar and Vector triple products, application to plane vectors
Statistics and Probability
- Measures of central tendency and dispersion
- Applications of probability, Binomial Distribution
NDA General Ability Test (GAT)
The GAT section contains 150 questions worth 600 marks. It is split into Part A (English) and Part B (General Knowledge).
Part A: English (200 Marks)
| Sub-Topics | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammar & Usage | Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Ordering of Words |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Selecting Words |
| Comprehension | Passage-based questions |
| Cloze Test | Fill in blanks contextually |
Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Physics | Physical Properties, States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Density; Archimedes Principle, Pressure; Motion, Velocity, Acceleration, Newton’s Laws; Heat, Electricity, Magnetism, X-rays |
| Chemistry | Physical/Chemical Changes; Elements, Mixtures, Compounds; Chemical Equations; Properties of Air, Water, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide |
| General Science | Human Body, Climate, Solar System, Epidemics, Nutrition |
| History | Indian History and Culture; Freedom Struggle; Role of Armed Forces; UNO |
| Geography | Earth Shape and Size; Indian Geography; Natural Resources |
| Current Events | Recent Developments in India and the World |
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What does the NDA 2026 syllabus cover? Ans. The syllabus is split into two main sections: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Both sections test you on Class 11 and 12 level concepts, ranging from algebra and calculus to physics, history, and current events.
Q2. How many marks are allocated to the NDA written exam? Ans. The written test carries a total of 900 marks. This is broken down into 300 marks for the Mathematics paper and 600 marks for the GAT.
Q3. Which subjects make up the General Ability Test (GAT)? Ans. The GAT is divided into two parts. Part A focuses entirely on English vocabulary and grammar. Part B covers General Knowledge, which includes physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography, and current events.
Q4. Is there negative marking in the NDA exam? Ans. Yes, negative marking applies to both papers. For the Mathematics section, you lose 0.83 marks for every incorrect answer. In the GAT, an incorrect answer will cost you 1.33 marks.
Q5. Where can I download the official NDA syllabus PDF? Ans. You can download the complete and official syllabus directly from the UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
Q6. Which topics carry the most weight in NDA Mathematics? Ans. While you should cover the entire syllabus, key areas like algebra, trigonometry, matrices, determinants, and calculus frequently appear and are essential for scoring well.
Q7. What is the best way to prepare for the NDA written exam? Ans. Start by thoroughly reviewing standard Class 11 and 12 NCERT textbooks. Combining these with regular practice using past years’ question papers and taking timed mock tests will give you the best chance of success.
