NDA Syllabus 2026 is divided into two major papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy.

The written examination consists of Mathematics and GAT, followed by the SSB Interview/Assessment for candidates who qualify the written examination.

This article provides the NDA Syllabus 2026, subject-wise important topics, exam pattern, preparation strategy and important preparation tips.

Note: Candidates should always check the latest UPSC notification for the applicable examination year before applying, as the detailed scheme and syllabus are governed by the official notification.

NDA Syllabus 2026 – Overview

NDA 2026 Exam Pattern

The NDA written examination consists of two objective-type papers.

The GAT consists of two parts:

• Part A – English

• Part B – General Knowledge

GAT Marks Distribution

The Mathematics paper and the General Knowledge portion of GAT are available in English and Hindi.

NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026

Mathematics is an important part of the NDA written examination. The syllabus is broadly based on concepts generally studied at the senior-secondary level.

1. Algebra

Important topics:

• Sets

• Venn diagrams

• Operations on sets

• De Morgan's laws

• Cartesian product

• Relations

• Real numbers

• Complex numbers

• Binary numbers

• Decimal system

• Quadratic equations

• Linear equations

• Permutations and combinations

• Binomial theorem

• Logarithms

• Sequences and series

• Arithmetic progression

• Geometric progression

Preparation Focus

Candidates should focus on formulas, algebraic identities, equations and numerical problem-solving.

2. Matrices and Determinants

Important topics:

• Types of matrices

• Matrix operations

• Addition and subtraction

• Multiplication of matrices

• Determinants

• Properties of determinants

• Inverse of a matrix

• Solution of simultaneous equations

3. Trigonometry

Important topics:

• Measurement of angles

• Trigonometric ratios

• Trigonometric identities

• Compound angles

• Multiple angles

• Sub-multiple angles

• Inverse trigonometric functions

• Heights and distances

• Properties of triangles

Important Ratios

Candidates should revise:

• sin θ

• cos θ

• tan θ

• cot θ

• sec θ

• cosec θ

4. Analytical Geometry

Important topics:

• Cartesian coordinate system

• Distance between two points

• Section formula

• Straight lines

• Slope

• Equation of a line

• Circle

• Parabola

• Ellipse

• Hyperbola

• Three-dimensional geometry

5. Differential Calculus

Important topics:

• Functions

• Limits

• Continuity

• Derivatives

• Differentiation

• Applications of derivatives

• Increasing and decreasing functions

• Maxima and minima

6. Integral Calculus

Important topics:

• Integration

• Standard integrals

• Definite integrals

• Applications of integration

• Area under curves

7. Vector Algebra

Important topics:

• Vectors in two and three dimensions

• Magnitude of vectors

• Direction

• Unit vector

• Null vector

• Addition of vectors

• Scalar multiplication

• Scalar product

• Vector product

• Applications of vectors

8. Statistics and Probability

Important topics:

• Classification of data

• Frequency distribution

• Graphical representation

• Mean

• Median

• Mode

• Variance

• Standard deviation

• Correlation

• Probability

• Conditional probability

• Bayes' theorem

• Random variables

• Binomial distribution

NDA GAT Syllabus 2026

The General Ability Test is divided into English and General Knowledge.

Part A – English

The English section tests candidates' understanding of English and their ability to use the language correctly.

Important Topics

• Grammar

• Vocabulary

• Sentence structure

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Comprehension

• Correct usage of words

• Sentence completion

• Error detection

• Reading comprehension

• Idioms and phrases

• One-word substitution

• Basic language usage

Preparation Strategy

Candidates should regularly read newspapers, editorials and quality English articles. Daily practice of vocabulary, grammar and comprehension questions can significantly improve performance.

Part B – General Knowledge

The General Knowledge section is divided into several major areas.

1. Physics

Important topics:

• Matter and its properties

• Density

• Mass and weight

• Pressure

• Motion

• Velocity

• Acceleration

• Force

• Newton's laws

• Work

• Power

• Energy

• Heat

• Temperature

• Sound

• Waves

• Light

• Reflection

• Refraction

• Electricity

• Magnetism

• Simple machines

Important Areas

Candidates should understand basic concepts and their applications rather than memorising facts alone.

2. Chemistry

Important topics:

• Physical and chemical changes

• Elements

• Compounds

• Mixtures

• Chemical reactions

• Chemical equations

• Air

• Water

• Acids

• Bases

• Salts

• Oxidation

• Reduction

• Carbon

• Metals

• Common chemical compounds

• Atomic structure

• Fertilizers

• Soap

• Glass

3. General Science

Important topics:

• Living and non-living organisms

• Cell

• Human body

• Human organs

• Nutrition

• Vitamins

• Common diseases

• Plants

• Animals

• Reproduction

• Ecology

• Environment

• Scientific discoveries

• Everyday science

4. History

Important topics:

Ancient India

• Indus Valley Civilization

• Vedic Age

• Buddhism

• Jainism

• Mauryan Empire

• Gupta Empire

Medieval India

• Delhi Sultanate

• Mughal Empire

• Bhakti Movement

• Sufi Movement

• Maratha Empire

Modern India

• British rule

• Revolt of 1857

• Indian National Congress

• Swadeshi Movement

• Non-Cooperation Movement

• Civil Disobedience Movement

• Quit India Movement

• Indian Independence

World History

Basic knowledge of:

• Renaissance

• American Revolution

• French Revolution

• Industrial Revolution

• Russian Revolution

• World Wars

• United Nations

5. Geography

Important topics:

• Earth

• Solar system

• Latitude

• Longitude

• Time

• Rocks

• Mountains

• Plateaus

• Plains

• Rivers

• Oceans

• Atmosphere

• Climate

• Winds

• Rainfall

• Natural resources

• Agriculture

• Industries

• Transport

• Population

Indian Geography

Focus on:

• Physical features of India

• Himalayan region

• Northern Plains

• Peninsular Plateau

• Indian rivers

• Indian climate

• Agriculture

• Mineral resources

• Industries

• Transport

• Population

6. Current Affairs

Current Affairs is an important part of NDA preparation.

Important areas:

• National events

• International events

• Defence news

• Military exercises

• Sports

• Awards

• Important appointments

• Science and technology

• Space missions

• Government schemes

• Important personalities

• International organisations

• Defence technology

• Major national developments

Candidates should preferably revise current affairs from the months immediately preceding the examination along with important national and international events.

NDA Syllabus 2026 – Subject-wise Priority

NDA Preparation Strategy 2026

1. Complete Mathematics Fundamentals

Start Mathematics preparation with:

• Algebra

• Trigonometry

• Coordinate Geometry

• Matrices

• Calculus

• Statistics

• Probability

Practice numerical questions regularly.

2. Strengthen English

Read English for at least 30–45 minutes daily.

Focus on:

• Vocabulary

• Grammar

• Comprehension

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Sentence correction

3. Prepare GAT Subject-wise

Do not study GAT randomly. Divide it into:

Physics → Chemistry → General Science → History → Geography → Current Affairs

4. Practice Previous-Year Questions

NDA previous-year questions are extremely useful for understanding:

• Question difficulty

• Repeated concepts

• Topic importance

• Time management

5. Take Mock Tests

Attempt full-length NDA mock tests regularly.

After each test, analyse:

• Incorrect answers

• Unattempted questions

• Time-consuming questions

• Weak topics

NDA 2026 Daily Study Plan

Candidates can modify this schedule according to their preparation level and available study time.

NDA Important Preparation Tips

• Understand concepts before memorising.

• Practise Mathematics every day.

• Revise formulas regularly.

• Build a strong English vocabulary.

• Read current affairs daily.

• Give special attention to defence-related news.

• Solve NDA previous-year papers.

• Take weekly mock tests.

• Maintain a mistake notebook.

• Revise weak topics repeatedly.

• Improve speed and accuracy together.

NDA Syllabus 2026 – Quick Revision

Mathematics

Algebra → Sets, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, AP, GP, P&C, Binomial Theorem

Matrices → Matrices, Determinants, Inverse, Linear Equations

Trigonometry → Ratios, Identities, Heights & Distances

Geometry → Coordinate Geometry, Lines, Circles, Conics, 3D

Calculus → Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Integration

Statistics → Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Standard Deviation

Probability → Basic Probability, Conditional Probability, Bayes' Theorem

GAT

English → Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension

Physics → Motion, Force, Energy, Heat, Light, Electricity

Chemistry → Elements, Compounds, Reactions, Acids, Bases, Metals

General Science → Biology, Human Body, Nutrition, Diseases, Environment

History → Ancient, Medieval, Modern India & World History

Geography → Physical Geography, Indian Geography, Resources & Climate

Current Affairs → Defence, Sports, Awards, Science & Technology, National & International Events

NDA 2026 FAQs

What is the NDA syllabus?

The NDA written examination syllabus consists mainly of Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).

How many marks is the NDA written examination?

The written examination carries 900 marks.

How many marks is Mathematics?

The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks.

How many marks is GAT?

The GAT paper carries 600 marks, including English and General Knowledge.

Is NDA Mathematics difficult?

The Mathematics syllabus requires strong fundamentals and regular practice. Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics and Probability should receive special attention.

Is current affairs important for NDA?

Yes. Candidates should regularly follow important national, international, defence, sports, science and technology developments.

Is NDA preparation possible with self-study?

Yes. With a structured timetable, standard study material, previous-year papers and regular mock tests, candidates can prepare effectively through self-study.

Conclusion

The NDA Syllabus 2026 covers Mathematics and General Ability Test, with GAT further divided into English and General Knowledge. Candidates should prepare Mathematics through regular numerical practice while covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Affairs systematically.

A combination of conceptual study + previous-year questions + daily MCQ practice + mock tests + revision is an effective approach for NDA 2026 preparation.

For complete preparation, candidates should also maintain separate short notes for Mathematics formulas, Physics concepts, important historical facts, Geography facts and Current Affairs.