NDA Syllabus 2026 – Complete Subject-wise Breakdown

Detailed syllabus, topic-wise coverage & preparation strategy for NDA written exam

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NDA Mathematics Syllabus

NDA GAT Syllabus

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Important Chapters for NDA

FAQs

NDA Exam Overview

Conducting Body

UPSC

Exam Name

NDA & NA Exam

Mode of Exam

Offline (OMR Based)

Subjects

Mathematics & General Ability Test

Written Exam Marks

900

SSB Interview Marks

900

NDA Written Exam Structure

Mathematics

Total Marks

300

Number of Questions

120

Duration

2.5 Hours

Subject Coverage

Mathematics (Class 11 and 12 level topics including Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Matrices, and Statistics etc.)

General Ability Test

Total Marks

600

Number of Questions

150

Duration

2.5 Hours

Subject Coverage

English and General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Polity and Current Affairs)

Negative Marking Applies

For every wrong answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. This means 0.83 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer in Mathematics, and 1.33 marks for GAT. Unattempted questions do not carry any penalty.

NDA Syllabus 2026 – Complete Overview

The NDA syllabus is officially announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the exam-conducting body for the NDA. The NDA examination contains two separate papers: 1. Mathematics (300 Marks) and 2. General Ability Test (600 Marks). The Mathematics Paper covers topics from Classes 11 and 12, such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, and Geometry. The General Ability Test Paper consists of subjects like English, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

The first step in effective preparation for the NDA exam is to be familiar with the syllabus of each subject. This helps aspirants find which topics they need to focus on. With a clear understanding of the NDA Syllabus and following the Trend Analysis, aspirants can plan their subject-wise strategy and focus on high-weightage areas to groom themselves to score better in the written exam.

A clear understanding of the NDA Syllabus will lead to efficient preparation and improved chances of success in the exam.

Official Source of NDA Syllabus

The NDA exam’s conducting body, UPSC, prescribes the official syllabus for the examination. The official syllabus can be viewed in the official notification issued by the UPSC. Download the official NDA syllabus PDF from the official website of UPSC, following the link below.

Download NDA Official Syllabus Visit UPSC Official Website

Understand Exam Trend

After reviewing the NDA syllabus, aspirants should understand how questions appear in the exam. See the chapter-wise analysis of past papers to identify important topics.

View NDA Trend Analysis

NDA Mathematics Syllabus – Topic Breakdown

Paper I – 300 Marks | NDA Mathematics Important Topics (Based on Previous Year Analysis)

The NDA Mathematics paper carries 300 marks and covers topics from Class 11 and 12, such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, and Analytical Geometry. Strong conceptual understanding and regular practice are essential to excel in this section.

Algebra (High Focus)

Quadratic, Logarithms, Sequences & Series, Complex Num, Binomial, Matrices & Determinants

Trigonometry (High Focus)

Trigonometric ratios & identities, equations, heights & distances, inverse trigonometric functions

Geometry (Moderate Focus)

Lines, angles, triangles, circles, coordinate geometry (straight line, conics basics)

Mensuration (Moderate Focus)

Surface area & volume of 2D and 3D shapes, basic mensuration formulas

Calculus (High Focus)

Limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, maxima & minima

Statistics (Moderate Focus)

Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, basic probability concepts

The NDA Maths Syllabus demands a deep understanding of concepts. It also focuses on developing a strong ability to solve problems. Students preparing for the NDA must ensure they devote more time and effort to topics such as Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus. Also, ensure you cover all other topics to improve your chances of success on your exam.

Detailed NDA Mathematics Syllabus

Algebra

  • Sets, relations and functions
  • Venn diagrams and De Morgan laws
  • Complex numbers and cube roots of unity
  • Binary number system and conversions
  • Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic Progressions
  • Quadratic equations with real coefficients
  • Permutations and combinations
  • Binomial theorem and its applications
  • Logarithms and their properties
  • Matrices and determinants

Trigonometry

  • Angles and their measures in degrees and radians
  • Trigonometric ratios and trigonometric functions
  • Trigonometric identities
  • Sum and difference formulas
  • Inverse trigonometric functions
  • Applications of trigonometry in heights and distances
  • Properties of triangles and solution of triangles

Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D)

  • Rectangular Cartesian coordinate system
  • Distance formula and section formula
  • Equation of a straight line
  • Angle between two lines
  • Distance of a point from a line
  • Equation of a circle in standard and general form
  • Conic sections: parabola, ellipse and hyperbola
  • Three-dimensional geometry: Distance between two points
  • Direction cosines and direction ratios
  • Equation of a line and plane
  • Equation of a sphere
  • Three-dimensional space: Distance between two points
  • Direction cosines and direction ratios

Calculus (Differential & Integral)

  • Differential Calculus:
  • Concept of limits and continuity
  • Differentiation of functions
  • Tangents and normals
  • Maxima and minima
  • Integral Calculus:
  • Integration as inverse of differentiation
  • Standard integrals and methods of integration
  • Definite integrals and their properties
  • Applications of definite integrals (area under curves)
  • Differential equations (first order, first degree)

Vector Algebra

  • Vectors in two and three dimensions
  • Magnitude and direction of a vector
  • Addition and subtraction of vectors
  • Scalar (dot) product and vector (cross) product
  • Applications of vectors in geometry

Statistics and Probability

  • Statistics:
  • Classification of data and tabulation
  • Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
  • Variance and standard deviation
  • Frequency distribution and cumulative frequency
  • Probability:
  • Random experiments and sample space
  • Events (independent and dependent)
  • Conditional probabilityAddition and multiplication theorems
  • Bayes’ theorem
  • Binomial distribution

NDA GAT Syllabus – Topic Breakdown

Paper II – 600 Marks | English, Science & General Knowledge topics

The NDA GAT paper carries 900 marks and covers topics from Class 11 and 12, such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, and Analytical Geometry. Strong conceptual understanding and regular practice are essential to excel in this section.

English

Grammar

Tenses, voice, articles, prepositions, error spotting

Vocabulary (High Focus)

Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases

Comprehension

Reading passages, para jumbles, cloze test

Science

Physics (High Focus)

Mechanics, heat & thermodynamics, waves & sound, optics (light), electricity & magnetism

Chemistry (High Focus)

Atomic structure, chemical reactions, acids & bases, metals & non-metals, carbon compounds

Biology (Moderate Focus)

Cell & basic life processes, human body systems, plant biology, diseases & nutrition

General Knowledge

History (Moderate Focus)

Ancient, medieval & Modern India, freedom movement, world history

Geography (High Focus)

Earth & physical geography, climate & weather, India geography, resources & environment

Polity (Moderate Focus)

Indian Constitution, Governance, Fundamental Rights & Duties

The General Ability Test assesses both language skills and candidates’ General Awareness. The English section tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension, while the General Science portion includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. In the General Knowledge portion, the questions are asked from History, Geography, Polity, and Current Affairs. Physics and Geography often carry higher weightage in past NDA exams, making them crucial subjects for aspirants.

Detailed NDA General Ability Test Syllabus

English

  • Grammar
  • Parts of speech and sentence structure
  • Tenses, voice, and narration
  • Articles, prepositions, and conjunctions
  • Error spotting and sentence correction
  • Sentence improvement and usage
  • Vocabulary (High Focus)
  • Synonyms and antonyms
  • Idioms and phrases
  • Word usage in context
  • One-word substitution
  • Comprehension
  • Reading comprehension passages
  • Para jumbles and sentence arrangement
  • Cloze test (fill in the blanks)
  • Sentence completion

Physics

  • Physical properties and states of matter
  • Mass, weight, volume, density, and specific gravity
  • Motion of objects, velocity, and acceleration
  • Newton’s laws of motion, force, and momentum
  • Parallelogram of forces, equilibrium of bodies
  • Work, energy, and power
  • Heat and thermodynamics (temperature, heat transfer, latent heat)
  • Sound waves and their properties
  • Light: reflection, refraction, mirrors, and lenses
  • Electricity and magnetism (static and current electricity)
  • Ohm’s law and simple electrical circuits
  • Heating, lighting, and magnetic effects of current
  • Measurement of electrical quantities
  • X-rays and basic concepts of modern physics
  • Common physical devices and principles (pendulum, pulleys, telescope, microscope, etc.)

Chemistry

  • Physical and chemical changes
  • Elements, mixtures, and compounds
  • Symbols, formulae, and chemical equations
  • Laws of chemical combination (basic concepts)
  • Structure of atom (atomic, molecular, equivalent weights, valency)
  • Periodic table and basic chemical bonding
  • Acids, bases, and salts (properties and reactions)
  • Oxidation and reduction (redox reactions)
  • Metals and non-metals
  • Carbon and its different forms (basic organic chemistry)
  • Properties and preparation of common substances
  • (Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide)
  • Natural and artificial materials (cement, glass, soap, etc.)
  • Everyday chemistry applications

Biology

  • Difference between living and non-living
  • Basis of life: cells, protoplasm, and tissues
  • Growth and reproduction in plants and animals
  • Human body and its systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, etc.)
  • Nutrition, balanced diet, and food as a source of energy
  • Plant biology (photosynthesis and basic plant processes)
  • Common diseases, epidemics, and their prevention
  • Genetics and heredity (basic concepts)
  • Ecology and environment basics

Geography

  • World Geography
  • The Earth: shape, size, and structure
  • Latitudes, longitudes, and concept of time
  • Motions of the Earth and their effects (day/night, seasons)
  • Rocks and their classification
  • Weathering processes (mechanical and chemical)
  • Earthquakes and volcanoes
  • Atmosphere and its composition
  • Temperature, atmospheric pressure, and planetary winds
  • Cyclones and anti-cyclones
  • Humidity, condensation, and precipitation
  • Ocean currents and tides
  • Types of climate and major natural regions of the world
  • Geography of India
  • Climate of India
  • Natural vegetation and soil types
  • Rivers and major landforms
  • Location and distribution of agriculture and industries
  • Mineral and power resources
  • Transport and communication
  • Major ports and main sea, land, and air routes
  • Natural resources and their distribution
  • Agriculture and industrial activities
  • Imports and exports of India

History

  • Ancient India
  • Indus Valley Civilization
  • Vedic period and early society
  • Maurya Empire and Ashoka
  • Gupta Empire and cultural development
  • Basic Indian culture and civilization
  • Medieval India
  • Delhi Sultanate
  • Mughal Empire
  • Administration and cultural developments
  • Bhakti and Sufi movements
  • Modern India & Freedom Movement (MOST IMPORTANT)
  • Revolt of 1857
  • Indian National Movement (phases)
  • Role of leaders (Gandhi, Nehru, Subhas Bose, etc.)
  • Social and reform movements
  • Basic teachings of Mahatma Gandhi
  • National integration and independence
  • World History
  • Renaissance and exploration
  • American and French Revolutions
  • Industrial and Russian Revolutions
  • World Wars (I & II)
  • United Nations and global developments
  • Democracy, socialism, and communism

Polity

  • Basic features of Indian Constitution
  • Fundamental rights and duties
  • Directive Principles of State Policy
  • Structure of Indian government (legislature, executive, judiciary)
  • Panchayati Raj and local governance
  • Co-operatives and community development
  • Basic administrative concepts

Current Affairs

  • National and international events
  • Defence-related developments and operations
  • Sports achievements and awards
  • Science and technology advancements
  • Government schemes and initiatives
  • Important personalities and appointments

Expert Insight: How to Approach the NDA Syllabus

To cover the NDA syllabus, you need to have a good understanding of the Mathematics concepts and practice consistently with the General Ability Test subjects like English, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. The approach of building strong fundamentals and maintaining consistent practice can help maximise the score in the NDA written examination.

Focus on High-Weightage Topics

Topics like algebra, trigonometry, physics and current affairs frequently appear in the NDA exam, so giving priority to them will help cover a large number of questions that carry significant marks.

Practice Previous Year Questions

Solving previous NDA question papers helps you to know about the exam pattern, what types of questions are asked frequently, the difficulty levels and most importantly, time management.

Maintain Consistent Revision

Regular revision of formulas, concepts and General Knowledge is an unavoidable activity to clear the NDA exam. Plan to have regular reviews of what you are studying and identify the weaknesses.

Important Chapters for NDA Preparation

Focus on these high-weightage topics to maximise your score in the NDA examination.

Mathematics Paper

Algebra

Forms the foundation of NDA mathematics with high weightage in every exam.

Trigonometry

Frequently asked topics covering identities, ratios, and height & distance problems in the NDA exam.

Calculus

Critical topic covering differentiation, integration and application-based problems.

Coordinate Geometry

Questions on lines, circles and conic sections appear regularly in every NDA exam.

Matrices and Determinants

An Important algebraic topic with consistent presence across NDA question papers.

GAT Paper

English

Crucial scoring section covering grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and sentence improvement.

Physics

Core science subject covering mechanics, heat, light and electricity concepts.

Geography

Carries maximum weightage in GAT with focus on Indian and world geography.

History

The Indian freedom movement and important historical events are frequently tested.

Current Affairs

Essential for NDA preparation, covering defence news and national developments.

Frequently Asked Questions About NDA Syllabus

Common doubts asked by NDA aspirants preparing for the written exam and SSB interview.

The NDA syllabus for 2026 has not changed from previous years. The syllabus for the NDA written examination comprises two papers (300 and 600 marks), with Mathematics and General Ability tests. The mathematics paper covers the following topics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry, Statistics, and Mensuration, whereas the General Ability Tests cover English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Economics, and current events. These two papers are to be based on the NCERT syllabus for Classes 11 and 12.

The NDA syllabus has remained unchanged for the 2026 NDA written examination. The only differences are greater weightage and a change in the question pattern. In current affairs, there were 10+ questions asked in the most recent exams. Physics and Chemistry continue to dominate the GAT. The trend in the recent past has been shifting more towards application-based learning rather than just Theory.

The 5-year trend analysis indicates that the top three high-priority chapters are Algebra (18 questions), Trigonometry (16 questions) and Calculus (15 questions). They carry almost 50 of the 120 questions that will be asked in the NDA exam. Focusing on these areas will allow you to score 200+ marks.

GAT is not tougher, but its syllabus is broader. On the one hand, Mathematics requires deep conceptual clarity; on the other hand, GAT requires coverage of multiple subjects, including English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. With strong basics and regular revision, GAT can not only help secure the qualification in the written exam but also boost the rank in the final merit list.

Focus on topics that carry high weightage, such as Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus in Maths, and English, Physics, Chemistry, and Geography in GAT. Study 6–8 hours daily/ Take weekly tests, and revise consistently. Attempt 15–20 full-length mock tests before the exam.

Yes, the NDA syllabus is mainly based on the Class 11 and 12 NCERT syllabi. Mathematics includes Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Statistics. GAT includes English, Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

The NDA syllabus is not very difficult, but it requires: Strong basics, Consistent practice and good time management. Students who prepare systematically can clear it on the first attempt.

To complete the NDA syllabus: follow a structured study plan, focus on important topics first, practice previous year questions and revise on a regular basis.

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Strategic study plan, chapter prioritization, and attempt optimization guide

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