Physics Wallah

NDA Syllabus 2026 - Full Subject-wise Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Get the complete UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026: Mathematics and GAT (English & General Knowledge) with chapter-wise topics, exam pattern, mark scheme and PDF downloads - updated guide to plan smart NDA 1 2026 preparation.
authorImageKanak Joshi9 Dec, 2025
Share

Share

NDA Syllabus 2026

NDA Syllabus 2026: The Union Public Service Commission releases the NDA Syllabus 2026 through the official notification, which is expected to be released in the second week of December 2025. Candidates should check UPSC NDA Syllabus to understand the topics that must be studied for the upcoming NDA Exam. The UPSC NDA syllabus 2026 is divided into two subjects, i.e. Mathematics and General Ability Test.

The NDA 2026 subject-wise syllabus includes objective-type questions only. Along with the syllabus, candidates must check the NDA exam pattern and syllabus 2026 to understand the exam requirements and format. Check here the NDA syllabus 2026 in Hindi and English, the NDA exam pattern, the marking scheme, etc.

Books for NDA Preparation

NDA Syllabus 2026 PDF

UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026 for the written exam is divided into two papers, i.e.  Mathematics and General Ability Test. Candidates should be familiar with the NDA 2026 Maths & GAT syllabus to understand the topics and sub-topics that can be asked in the exam.  They should begin the preparation after understanding the NDA Syllabus 2026, as it will help them align their approach with the requirements. Check the detailed NDA Syllabus 2026 PDF in English and Hindi here.

NDA Syllabus 2026 PDF - Updated Soon

UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026 Overview

Candidates should check the UPSC NDA syllabus 2026 and exam pattern before starting the preparation. The official syllabus will be detailed in the NDA Notification 2026. Here are the key highlights of the NDA exam syllabus 2026 shared below, taken from previous year NDA syllabus for the reference of the candidates.
NDA Syllabus 2026 Overview
Exam Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission
Exam Name National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination, 2026
Frequency Twice a Year
Exam Mode Offline
NDA Subjects Mathematics and General Ability Test
Maximum Marks 900
Negative Marking 1/3rd marks
Exam Duration 2 ½ hours for each paper
Official Website upsc.gov.in

NDA Syllabus 2026 Important Topics

NDA exam syllabus 2026 is divided into two subjects: Mathematics and General Ability Tests. Moreover, the NDA General Ability Test syllabus 2026 is divided into two sub-parts: English and General Knowledge. The NDA 2026 subject-wise syllabus covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events.

NDA Mathematics Syllabus (Chapter-wise)

The NDA maths syllabus 2026 comprises various sections, i.e. Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, and Statistics and Probability. The NDA Maths & GAT syllabus 2026 is provided in detail in the official notification and a downloadable PDF.
NDA Syllabus 2026 for Mathematics
Subject UPSC NDA Maths Syllabus 2026
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.
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 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 of Two and Three Dimensions 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.
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
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 to problems of growth and decay
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. The vector product or cross product of two vectors. Application work is done by a force and the moment of a force, and in geometrical problems
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—classic and statistical—examples. Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as a function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution

NDA General Ability Test (GAT) - English + General Knowledge

NDA General Ability Test Syllabus 2026 is divided into two parts: English and General Knowledge. The NDA question paper in English will be designed to assess the candidate’s understanding of English and workmanlike use of words. The NDA English syllabus covers various aspects, such as Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension, and cohesion in extended text, to assess the candidate’s proficiency in English. The NDA General Knowledge syllabus will broadly cover the subjects, i.e. Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events. Check the detailed NDA Syllabus 2026 for the General Ability Test shared below for reference.
NDA GAT Syllabus 2026
Subject NDA Important Topics
English
  • Spotting Errors
  • Comprehension
  • Selecting Words
  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • Sentence Improvements
  • Ordering of Words in a Sentence, etc.
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, Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses.
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. Fertilisers—Natural and Artificial. Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and gunpowder. Elementary ideas about the structure of an Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency
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.
History, Freedom Movement, etc.
  • A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation.
  • Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of the Indian Constitution and Administration. Elementary knowledge of the 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: the 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.
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.
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

NDA Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates should check the NDA Exam Pattern 2026 to get an insight into the exam format, number of questions, maximum marks, number of sections, and the marking scheme followed by officials. Familiarity with the UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2026 will help them align their strategy with the exam requirements. Check the detailed NDA Exam Pattern 2026 for Mathematics and General Ability Test shared below.

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

NDA SSB (Intelligence & Personality Tests) short primer

Apart from written exams, the NDA exam syllabus 2026 includes an SSB Interview covering OIR tests, PPDT, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Personal Interview.
UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026 for SSB
Subject Important Topics
Stage I
  • Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests
  • Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT)
Stage II
  • Interview
  • Group Testing Officer Tasks
  • Psychology Tests
  • Conference

Check all the related links of NDA 2026 exam below and strategise the preparation accordingly.

NDA Exam 2026 Other Related Links
NDA notification 2026 NDA Application Form 2026
  NDA Vacancy 2026 NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 
NDA Syllabus 2026 NDA Exam Date 2026
NDA Important Questions 2026 NDA Admit Card 2026
NDA Previous Year Question Papers NDA Selection Process 2026
NDA Cut Off 2026 NDA Preparation Tips

Who should focus on which subjects?

  • PCM / Science students: Prioritise Maths + Physics + Chemistry. Use NCERTs (Class 11–12) and NDA-specific practice.

  • Commerce / Arts (without Maths) candidates: Check the official notification for eligibility & “without-maths” options (Army wing may permit). If eligible, emphasise GAT (English + GK) and optional domain knowledge.

  • Hindi-medium aspirants: Provide Hindi PDF and bilingual headings/briefs. (Map: nda syllabus in Hindi queries.)

Practical preparation plan 

  1. Months 1–3: Complete NCERTs for Maths basics; topic-wise notes for algebra, geometry, calculus. Daily 1-hour problem practice.

  2. Months 4–6: Begin timed topic tests; GAT — daily reading (editorials) + one comprehension practice. Build vocabulary (15 new words/day).

  3. Months 7–9: Full-length mocks once a week; analyze mistakes; SSB basics (PPDT practice) after mocks show steady improvement.

  4. Last 6 weeks: Revision of formula sheets, important GK facts, practice previous-year papers under timed conditions.

NDA Syllabus 2026 in Hindi

NDA Syllabus 2026 in Hindi को दो विषयों में विभाजित किया गया है, अर्थात गणित और सामान्य योग्यता परीक्षण। इसके अलावा, एनडीए जनरल एबिलिटी टेस्ट पाठ्यक्रम को दो उप-भागों, यानी अंग्रेजी और सामान्य ज्ञान में विभाजित किया गया है।  NDA Syllabus 2026 PDF Download in Hindi में विभिन्न विषयों को शामिल किया गया है, जैसे भौतिकी, रसायन विज्ञान, सामान्य विज्ञान, सामाजिक अध्ययन, भूगोल और वर्तमान घटनाएं। यहां सभी विषयों के लिए विस्तृत NDA Syllabus 2026 PDF in Hindi देखें।

NDA Syllabus 2026 in Hindi - Updated Soon

Top Tips to Cover NDA Syllabus 2026

Candidates should adhere to the latest NDA Syllabus 2026 before commencing the exam preparation. This will help them become familiar with the topics that may be asked in the exam. Here is the list of top tips and tricks to cover NDA Syllabus 2026 efficiently.
  • Analyze the NDA 2026 subject-wise syllabus before starting preparation.
  • Select standard NDA books based on the UPSC NDA syllabus 2026 download.
  • Practice mock tests as per the NDA exam pattern and syllabus 2026.
  • Solve previous year papers focusing on the NDA maths & GAT syllabus 2026.
  • Revise all key topics and sub-topics for long-term retention.

Books to Cover NDA Syllabus 2026

Candidates should choose the best NDA books for top-notch preparation for the upcoming exam. This will allow them to cover all the aspects of the NDA syllabus prescribed by the officials. Below are the expert-recommended NDA Exam Books shared for the candidates' reference.
Book Name Book Links
Shaurya NDA/NA Mathematics Book | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Entrance Examination (2023 Edition) Click Here
Shaurya NDA/NA General Knowledge Book | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Entrance Examination (2023 Edition) Click Here
Shaurya NDA/NA General Ability Science Book | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Entrance Examination (2023 Edition) Click Here
Shaurya NDA/NA General Ability English Book | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Entrance Examination (2023 Edition) Click Here
Shaurya NDA/NA General Ability English, General Knowledge, General Ability Science & Mathematics Combo Set of 4 Books Click Here

NDA Exam 2026 Related Links
NDA Syllabus CDS Syllabus
AFCAT Syllabus UPSC CAPF Syllabus
Indian Navy Agniveer Syllabus Indian Army Agniveer Syllabus
Indian Air Force Agniveer Vayu Syllabus Army MES Syllabus and Exam Pattern

NDA Syllabus 2026 FAQs

Q1. How to Check NDA Syllabus 2026?

Ans. Candidates can check NDA Syllabus 2026 from the official website of UPSC or the tables shared above on this page.

Q2. What is the NDA Syllabus 2026 PDF?

Ans. The NDA Syllabus 2026 PDF is divided into two subjects, i.e. Mathematics and General Ability Test.

Q3. Is there any negative marking in the UPSC NDA 2026 Exam?

Ans. Yes. There shall be a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer in the UPSC NDA 2026 Exam.

Q4. For how many marks UPSC NDA 2026 exam will be conducted?

Ans. The UPSC NDA 2026 written exam will be conducted for a total of 900 marks.

What is included in the NDA 2026 subject-wise syllabus?

The NDA 2026 subject-wise syllabus includes Mathematics and GAT, which covers English, Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

What is the NDA exam pattern and syllabus 2026?

The NDA exam pattern and syllabus 2026 has two papers – Maths (300 marks) and GAT (600 marks), each of 2.5 hours with negative marking.
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Privacy Policy
Terms of use
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.
Get App