NDA Syllabus 2026 with Subject-wise Topics

Author at PW
Today
image

There are two parts to the NDA syllabus 2026: Mathematics (300 points) and the General Ability Test (600 marks). You need to know 11th and 12th grade material and be up to speed on current events in order to pass these tests. After that, you will have to take the SSB Interview to see how you are as a person.

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is still the right place for young people who want to be officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The first and most important thing you need to do to pass this tough test is to comprehend the NDA syllabus. The UPSC gives the exam twice a year, and it assesses not just what you know but also how quickly and accurately you can do it. The competition will be tougher than ever in 2026, so it's important to have a disciplined study strategy. Knowing how much each topic is worth will help you focus your energy where it matters most, whether you are utilising NDA modules to study on your own or are in the NDA shaurya 1.0 2026 program.

Check Out: NDA Books

NDA Exam Pattern 2026

The written exam is divided into two distinct papers. Candidates must clear the cutoff in both papers to qualify for the SSB Interview.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026 for Maths & GAT

Subject

Mathematics

General Ability Test

Total Number of Questions

120

150

Maximum Marks

300

600

Marks for Correct Answer

2.5 mark

4 mark

Marks for Incorrect Answer

-0.83 mark

-1.33 mark

Duration

2.5 hours

2.5 hours

NDA Exam Pattern 2026 for SSB Test/Interview

Subject

Total

SSB Test/Interview

900

Check Out: NDA/Defence Books

Subject-wise NDA Syllabus Breakdown

Let’s have a subject-wise NDA Syllabus breakdown to understand each subjects in detail. 

1. Mathematics (Paper I)

This paper is based on the curriculum for grades 10 and 12. If you use NDA modules pw, you'll see that these topics are made easier by using high-yield shortcuts.

  • Algebra: Sets, Venn diagrams, complex numbers, quadratic equations, and progressions are all parts of algebra.

  • Trigonometry: Identities, triangle properties, and inverse trigonometric functions.

  • Calculus: Limits, continuity, and differential and integral calculus.

  • Matrices & Determinants: Types of matrices, adjoint, and inverse are all examples of matrices and determinants.

  • Statistics & Probability: Mean, median, mode, and probability distributions are all parts of statistics and probability.

NDA Syllabus 2026 for Mathematics

Subject

UPSC NDA Maths Syllabus 2026

NDA Syllabus for 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. Conversion of a number in decimal system to binary system and vice-versa. 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.

NDA Syllabus for 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.

NDA Syllabus for Trigonometry

Angles and their measures in degrees and radians. Trigonometrical ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.

NDA Syllabus for Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimension

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 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. The angle between two lines and the angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere.

NDA Syllabus for Differential Calculus

Concept of a real-valued function–domain, range, and graph of a function. Composite functions, one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions. The notion of limit, Standard limits—examples. Continuity of functions—examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative—applications. Derivatives of sum, product, and quotient of functions, derivative of a function concerning another function, derivative of a composite function. Second-order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima

NDA Syllabus for 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. A general and particular solution of differential equations, solution of the first order, and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay

NDA Syllabus for Vector Algebra

Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Application work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems

NDA Syllabus for Statistics and Probability

Statistics Classification of data, Frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution—examples. Graphical representation—Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon— examples. Measures of Central tendency—Mean, median, and mode. Variance and standard deviation—determination and comparison. Correlation and regression. Probability Random experiment, outcomes, associated sample space, 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 Binominal distribution

2. General Ability Test (Paper II)

There are two elements to the GAT: English and General Knowledge.

Part A: English (200 Marks)

Concentrates on grammar, vocabulary, and understanding.

  • Topics: Finding mistakes, synonyms and antonyms, idioms and phrases, and making sentences better.

Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)

This part is rather big, hence the NDA modules list needs to be split up into different subjects:

  • Physics: Electricity, Optics, Work, Power, and Energy; Laws of Motion.

  • Chemistry: Acids and Bases, Elements and Compounds, and Changes in Matter.

  • General Science: The basics of biology, the human body, including food and nutrition.

  • History & Geography: The Indian Freedom Movement, the Earth's Crust, Climate, and Resources.

  • Current Affairs: Big events that happen in the US and around the world.

NDA GAT Syllabus 2026

Subject

NDA Important Topics

NDA Syllabus for English

  • Spotting Errors

  • Comprehension

  • Selecting Words

  • Synonyms

  • Antonyms

  • Sentence Improvements

  • Ordering of Words in a Sentence, etc.

NDA Syllabus for Physics

  • Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density, and Specific Gravity, the Principle of Archimedes, and the Pressure Barometer.

  • Motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation, elementary ideas of work, Power and Energy. Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature and Heat, change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of transference of Heat. Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical instruments. Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection, and refraction. Spherical Mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye.

  • Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet.

  • Static and Current Electricity, conductors and Nonconductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current,

  • Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, Use of X-Rays. General Principles in the working of the following: Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses.

NDA Syllabus for Chemistry

  • Physical and Chemical changes. Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations, Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems). Properties of Air and Water

  • Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and carbon dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases, and salts. Carbon—different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial. Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gun-Powder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency

NDA Syllabus for General Science

  • The difference between living and nonliving things. The basis of Life—cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals.

  • Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its vital organs. Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention.

  • Food is a source of Energy for man. Its constituents include a balanced Diet. The Solar System includes meteors, comets, and Eclipses. Eminent Scientists have achieved many achievements.

NDA Syllabus for History, Freedom Movement, etc.

  • A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation.

  • Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration. Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India. Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community Development. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

  • Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence. French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and Russian Revolution. Impact of Science and Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism. Role of India in the present world.

NDA Syllabus for Geography

  • The Earth, its shape and size. Lattitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects.

  • Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification; Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anti-cyclones;

  • Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation; Types of Climate, Major Natural Regions of the World. Regional Geography of India—Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities. Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India. Main items of Imports and Exports of India.

NDA Syllabus for Current Events

  • Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years. Current important world events.

  • Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports

Check Out: UPSC CAPF AC 15 Previous Year Solved Papers l & ll

NDA Syllabus 2026 in Hindi

संघ लोक सेवा आयोग (UPSC) हर वर्ष NDA 1 और NDA 2 परीक्षा के लिए आधिकारिक नोटिफिकेशन के साथ NDA सिलेबस 2026 जारी करता है। नेशनल डिफेंस अकादमी (NDA) परीक्षा की तैयारी कर रहे सभी उम्मीदवारों को NDA परीक्षा सिलेबस को ध्यानपूर्वक पढ़ना चाहिए, ताकि वे लिखित परीक्षा में पूछे जाने वाले विषयों और टॉपिक्स को अच्छे से समझ सकें।

NDA सिलेबस को दो मुख्य भागों में विभाजित किया गया है,  गणित (Mathematics) और सामान्य योग्यता परीक्षण (General Ability Test - GAT)। परीक्षा में केवल ऑब्जेक्टिव प्रकार (Objective Type) के प्रश्न पूछे जाते हैं। परीक्षा में सफल होने के लिए उम्मीदवारों को NDA परीक्षा पैटर्न और मार्किंग स्कीम की भी जानकारी होनी चाहिए, जिससे वे प्रश्न पत्र के प्रारूप और प्रत्येक सेक्शन के वेटेज को समझ सकें।

इस लेख में हमने NDA सिलेबस 2026 की पूरी जानकारी हिंदी और अंग्रेजी में उपलब्ध कराई है, जिसमें परीक्षा पैटर्न, मार्किंग स्कीम, और NDA की तैयारी के लिए बेहतरीन किताबों की सूची भी शामिल है।

Shaurya Batch: Your Path to Success

The pw shaurya batch is made for students who want help preparing for the NDA exam. It covers everything from the basics to the more difficult parts.

  • NDA Shaurya 1.0 2026: This group has live classes, recorded classes, and special sessions to answer questions.

  • NDA Modules: Students can examine a full list of NDA modules, which includes theory, practice problems, and papers from previous years.

  • NDA Modules PDF: The NDA modules pdf format offers high-quality study resources that are easy to look at on the go.

Read More: NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Qualification

NDA Preparation Strategy for 2026

Follow these pw shaurya batch approved tips to learn the syllabus:

  1. NCERT is Foundation: Start with Class 11 and 12 NCERT books for Maths and Science.

  2. Daily Current Affairs: To stay up to date with the GAT section, read the news every day.

  3. Mock Tests: Before the real thing, take at least 10 to 15 full-length mock tests to get better at managing your time.

  4. Revision: Use the NDA modules that are available every weekend to go on formulas and shortcuts..

NDA Books for All Subjects

NDA Syllabus FAQs

1. Is there negative marking in the NDA 2026 exam?

Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. For every incorrect response, 0.33 of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.

2. Can I clear the NDA exam without coaching?

Yes, it is doable if you study hard on your own. Using tools like the NDA modules list and practicing with the NDA modules pdf will help you become ready in the right way.

3. What is the benefit of the nda shaurya 1.0 2026 batch?

The batch has a set schedule, qualified teachers for each subject, and regular tests, which helps you stay on track, which is important for passing the NDA syllabus.

4. How much time is needed to cover the entire nda syllabus?

Most of the time, 6 to 8 months of focused study is enough to cover the material and go over it several times.

5. What is the age restriction for the NDA 1 in 2026?

Most of the time, aspirants need to be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old. The UPSC notice will state specifically when people who want to take the NDA 1 2026 exam must have been born (typically between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010).

Related Articles

NDA Syllabus 2026 with Subject-wise Topics