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UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026 includes two papers-Mathematics and General Ability Test-covering key topics needed for the written exam. Candidates should review the detailed subject-wise syllabus, exam pattern to prepare effectively. Download official UPSC NDA Syllabus here.
UPSC NDA Syllabus is released by the Union Public Service Commission through the official notification. Candidates should carefully review the syllabus to understand the subjects and topics they need to study for the NDA exam. The NDA syllabus is divided into two main papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT).
The NDA 2026 syllabus includes only objective-type questions. Along with the syllabus, students should also check the exam pattern and marking scheme to understand the structure of the examination.
The syllabus for UPSC NDA defines the subjects and topics candidates must study for the exam. It covers two main parts: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). These subjects test a candidate’s knowledge in math, science, general knowledge, and English.
UPSC NDA syllabus 2026 remains focused on core areas that test a candidate’s aptitude for defense services. The exam has two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Both are conducted on the same day but at different times.
| UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026 Overview | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Title | NDA & NA Examination 2026 |
| Number of Attempts per Year | Conducted twice annually |
| Mode of Examination | Pen-and-paper (Offline) |
| Papers Included | Mathematics & General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Total Marks | 900 marks combined |
| Negative Marking Rule | 1/3rd marks deducted for each incorrect answer |
| Time Allotted | 2 hours and 30 minutes for each paper |
| Official Portal | UPSC.gov.in |
Candidates can download the official UPSC NDA syllabus 2026 PDF for a detailed topic-wise syllabus after its release. This PDF is released by UPSC and contains all the necessary details, including subject-wise divisions and important points to focus on. Here is the previous year’s syllabus:
Having the PDF allows candidates to carry a copy while preparing and helps in revising without relying on internet access. It is recommended to check UPSC’s official site regularly for the latest updates and authentic files.
Understanding the subject-wise breakdown makes preparation easier. The UPSC NDA syllabus subject wise divides the syllabus into two major subjects: Mathematics and GAT
The UPSC NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026 outlines all major topics that test a candidate’s analytical, problem-solving, and numerical skills. It helps aspirants understand the exact chapters they must study to score well in the Mathematics paper.
| NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026 | |
| Section | Topics Covered |
| 1. Algebra | Sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan’s laws, Cartesian product, relations & equivalence relations; Representation of real numbers; Complex numbers (modulus, argument, cube roots of unity); Binary numbers & decimal–binary conversion; AP, GP, HP; Quadratic equations; Linear inequations (graphical solutions); Permutation & Combination; Binomial theorem; Logarithms & uses. |
| 2. Matrices & Determinants | Types of matrices; Matrix operations; Determinants and properties; Adjoint & inverse of matrices; Solving linear equations in 2–3 variables using Cramer’s Rule and Matrix Method. |
| 3. Trigonometry | Angle measurement (degrees & radians); Trigonometric ratios; Identities; Sum & difference formulas; Multiple & sub-multiple angles; Inverse trigonometric functions; Applications in heights & distances; Triangle properties. |
| 4. Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D) | Cartesian coordinates; Distance formula; Equation of a line; Angle between lines; Distance from a point to a line; Circles (staNDArd & general form); Parabola, ellipse, hyperbola—staNDArd forms, axes & eccentricity; 3D coordinates; Distance between two points; Direction cosines & ratios; Equation of lines & planes; Angles between lines & planes; Equation of a sphere. |
| 5. Differential Calculus | Functions—domain, range, graph; Composite, one-one, onto & inverse functions; Limits & staNDArd limits; Continuity; Derivatives (first & second order); Geometric & physical meaning of derivative; Derivatives of sum, product, |
The GAT has a wide range of topics. For the English part, grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary are crucial. A strong grip on basic English rules will help candidates avoid easy mistakes. The NDA GK GS syllabus also includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.
| UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026 General Ability Test (GAT) | |
| Section | Detailed Topics |
| Section A – NDA Physics Syllabus | States of matter; mass, volume, density, specific gravity; Archimedes’ principle; pressure & barometer; Motion (velocity, acceleration, Newton’s laws, momentum); Work, energy, power; Heat & temperature, latent heat; Sound waves; Light (reflection, refraction, lenses, human eye); Magnetism; Electricity (Ohm’s law, circuits, heating, lighting, magnetic effects, power, cells, X-rays); Working principles of pendulum, pulleys, siphon, levers, pumps, hydrometer, pressure cooker, thermos flask, telescope, microscope, telephone, telegraph, periscope, gramophone, mariner’s compass, lightning conductors, safety fuses. |
| Section B – NDA Chemistry Syllabus | Physical & chemical changes; elements, mixtures, compounds; chemical symbols & equations; laws of chemical combination; Properties of air & water; Preparation/properties of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide; Oxidation & reduction; Acids, bases, salts; Forms of carbon; Natural & artificial fertilizers; Materials used in soap, glass, ink, paper, cement, paint, safety matches, gunpowder; Structure of atom, atomic/molecular weights, valency. |
| Section C – NDA General Sciemce Syllabus | Living vs non-living; Cell, protoplasm, tissues; Growth & reproduction in plants and animals; Human body & organ systems; Epidemics & prevention; Food as energy source; Balanced diet & components; Solar system, meteors, comets, eclipses; Eminent scientists & discoveries. |
| Section D – History, Freedom Movement | Indian history (culture & civilization); Freedom movement; Indian Constitution & administration; Five-year plans; Panchayati Raj, cooperatives, community development; Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National integration, Welfare State, Gandhi’s teachinGS; Major world events—Renaissance, discoveries, American Independence, French/Industrial/Russian revolutions; Impact of science & technology; UN, Panchsheel, world democracy, socialism, communism; India’s global role. |
| Section E – Geography | Earth shape & size; Latitude, longitude, time zones, International Date Line; Earth’s motions & effects; Origin of Earth; Rocks & weathering; Earthquakes, volcanoes; Ocean currents, tides; Atmosphere (composition, temperature, pressure, winds, cyclones, humidity, precipitation); Climate types; Natural regions; India’s geography—climate, resources, agriculture, industries; Important sea/air/land routes; Major ports; Imports & exports. |
| Section F – Current Events | Recent national & international events; Important personalities in India and abroad; Sports, culture, prominent awards, significant developments. |
After clearing the written exam, candidates face the SSB Interview. This stage assesses a candidate’s personality, leadership qualities, and physical fitness.
| SSB Interview Syllabus 2026 | |
| Section | Details Covered |
| Selection System | Two-Stage Selection: Stage I (Screening) and Stage II (4-day testing). Only those who qualify Stage I appear for Stage II. |
| Stage I – Screening Test | • Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
• Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT) Candidates are shortlisted based on combined OIR + PP&DT performance. |
| Stage II – 4-Day Testing | Includes multiple assessments:
• Personal Interview • GTO Tasks (Group tasks, command tasks, group discussion, PGT, HGT, etc.) • Psychology Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT) • Conference Round |
| Assessors Involved | Personality is evaluated by:
• Interviewing Officer (IO) • Group Testing Officer (GTO) • Psychologist |
| Assessment Basis | No separate marks for each test; evaluation is based on overall performance and presence of Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs). Conference marks are added after final discussion. |
| Outcome | Final result categories: Recommended or Not Recommended based on cumulative assessment and trainability. |
Preparation should include physical training and practicing group discussions, personal interviews, and psychological tests. This part does not have a formal syllabus but tests overall suitability for the defense forces.
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The NDA exam pattern is straightforward. It consists of two parts.There is also a physical test and an interview stage after the written exams.
| NDA Exam Pattern | ||
| Exam Part | Duration | Marks |
| Mathematics | 2.5 hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 hours | 600 |
| SSB Test/Interview: | 900 | |
Focusing on the official syllabus and practicing regularly will give students the confidence needed for the exam. Apart from it, avoid the following mistakes:
Selecting the right NDA study materials ensures comprehensive preparation for the 2026 exam as per the official syllabus. These expert-curated books from trusted sources help master Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, and Science sections effectively.
| Books for NDA 2026 Syllabus | |
| Book Name | Link |
| Shaurya NDA/NA Mathematics Book | Get it here |
| Shaurya NDA/NA General Knowledge Book | Get it here |
| Shaurya NDA/NA General Ability Science Book | Get it here |
| Shaurya NDA/NA General Ability English Book | Get it here |
| Shaurya NDA/NA Combo Set of 4 Books | Get the combo here |
Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!
It covers two main subjects: Mathematics and General Ability Test (English, GK, Science).
Candidates can download it from UPSC’s official website.
It includes Mathematics and General Ability Test, which covers English, GK, Physics, Chemistry, and more.
Topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry, and Statistics are included.
It includes English, General Science, History, Geography, and current affairs necessary for the exam.
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