NDA Exam Pattern 2026 – Complete Paper Pattern for NDA Written Exam

Understand the complete NDA syllabus for Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). This section provides subject-wise syllabus breakdown to help aspirants prepare systematically for the NDA written examination

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The NDA syllabus is prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination. The written exam consists of two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks). The syllabus covers topics from Class 11 and 12 level including Algebra, Trigonometry, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, History, and Current Affairs.

What is NDA Syllabus?

The NDA syllabus is the official curriculum prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination. The written examination consists of two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks), totaling 900 marks. The syllabus covers topics from Class 11 and 12 level including Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, History, and Current Affairs. Understanding the complete syllabus is essential for strategic preparation and effective time management during NDA exam preparation.

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NDA Mathematics Syllabus

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Important Chapters for NDA

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Complete NDA Syllabus 2026

The NDA written examination conducted by UPSC consists of two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks, while the GAT paper carries 600 marks. Together these papers evaluate a candidate’s mathematical ability, English proficiency, and general awareness across subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography and Current Affairs. Understanding the complete NDA syllabus is essential for effective preparation and exam strategy.

Official Source of NDA Syllabus

The NDA syllabus is officially prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in the NDA & NA Examination notification. The syllabus presented on this page is based on the official UPSC notification and includes all subjects covered in the NDA written examination such as Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

Download Official NDA Notification PDF Visit UPSC Official Website

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Select the program that matches your current academic stage

Mathematics Paper

  • Algebra
  • Trigonometry
  • Calculus
  • Geometry
  • Statistics and Probability

English Section

  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
  • Comprehension

General Knowledge Section

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • History
  • Geography
  • Current Affairs

Official NDA Syllabus PDF

Download the official NDA syllabus as prescribed by UPSC.

Download NDA Syllabus PDF

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 Exam Overview

Conducting Body

UPSC

Exam Name

NDA & NA Examination

Mode of Exam

Offline (OMR Based)

Written Exam Marks

900

SSB Interview Marks

900

Subjects

Mathematics & GAT

Conducting Body :

Exam Name : NDA & NA Examination

NDA Mathematics Syllabus – Topic Breakdown

Paper I – 300 Marks | Complete topic-wise breakdown

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

Linear equations, quadratic equations, logarithms, progressions

Algebra

High Focus

Linear equations, quadratic equations, logarithms, progressions

Algebra

High Focus

Linear equations, quadratic equations, logarithms, progressions

Algebra

High Focus

Linear equations, quadratic equations, logarithms, progressions

Algebra

High Focus

Linear equations, quadratic equations, logarithms, progressions

Algebra

High Focus

Linear equations, quadratic equations, logarithms, progressions

The General Ability Test evaluates both language skills and general awareness. The English section tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension, while the general knowledge portion includes physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography, polity, and current affairs. Geography and history often carry higher weightage in past NDA exams, making them crucial subjects for aspirants. Current affairs should be updated regularly, covering national and international events from the last six months before the examination.

Detailed NDA Mathematics Syllabus

Algebra

  • Sets and operations on sets
  • Venn diagrams and De Morgan laws
  • Complex numbers and cube roots of unity
  • 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 and 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 line in various forms
  • Angle between two lines and distance of a point from a line
  • Equation of a circle in standard and general form
  • Parabola, ellipse and hyperbola in standard form
  • Three-dimensional space: Distance between two points
  • Direction cosines and direction ratios

Trigonometry

  • Angles and their measures in degrees and radians
  • Concept of real-valued functions and their graphs
  • Limits and continuity of functions
  • Differentiation of function and its applications
  • Tangents and normals, maxima and minima
  • Integration as inverse of differentiation
  • Integration by substitution and by parts
  • Definite integrals and their properties
  • Application of definite integrals to area problems
  • Differential equations of first order and first degree

Statistics and Probability

  • Angles and their measures in degrees and radians
  • Classification of data and tabular representation
  • Measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode
  • Variance and standard deviation
  • Frequency distributions and cumulative frequency
  • Random experiments and sample space
  • Events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events
  • Probability of an event and addition theorem
  • Conditional probability and Bayes’ theorem

Vector Algebra

  • Angles and their measures in degrees and radians
  • Vectors in two and three dimensions
  • Magnitude and direction of a vector
  • Unit and null vectors, addition and scalar multiplication
  • Scalar product and vector product of vectors
  • Applications of vectors in geometry and mechanics

NDA GAT Syllabus – Topic Breakdown

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

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.

English

Grammar

High Focus

Tenses, voice, articles, prepositions

Vocabulary

High Focus

Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases

Comprehension

High Focus

Reading passages and questions

Science

Grammar

High Focus

Tenses, voice, articles, prepositions

Grammar

High Focus

Tenses, voice, articles, prepositions

Grammar

High Focus

Tenses, voice, articles, prepositions

General Knowledge

Grammar

High Focus

Tenses, voice, articles, prepositions

Grammar

High Focus

Tenses, voice, articles, prepositions

Grammar

High Focus

Tenses, voice, articles, prepositions

The NDA Mathematics syllabus focuses on fundamental mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. Topics such as algebra and trigonometry frequently appear in the examination, while geometry, mensuration, calculus, and statistics test conceptual understanding and analytical ability. Aspirants should prioritize high-focus chapters that consistently carry higher weightage in past NDA examinations, while maintaining comprehensive coverage of all topics for complete preparation.

Detailed NDA General Ability Test Syllabus

English

  • Grammar and sentence structure
  • Vocabulary, synonyms, and antonyms
  • Idioms and phrases
  • Reading comprehension passages
  • Error spotting and sentence correction
  • Para jumbles and sentence completion

Physics

  • Motion, velocity, and acceleration
  • Force, momentum, and Newton’s laws
  • Work, energy, and power
  • Heat and thermodynamics
  • Light, sound, and wave motion
  • Electricity and magnetism
  • Modern physics concepts

Chemistry

  • Motion, velocity, and acceleration
  • Elements, compounds, and mixtures
  • Chemical reactions and equations
  • Acids, bases, and salts
  • Periodic table and chemical bonding
  • Metals and non-metals
  • Carbon compounds and organic chemistry basics

Biology

  • Basic biology concepts and cell structure
  • Human physiology and body systems
  • Nutrition and digestion
  • Plant biology and photosynthesis
  • Diseases and immunity
  • Genetics and heredity

Geography

  • Earth structure and composition
  • Climate, weather, and seasons
  • Natural resources and their distribution
  • Indian geography – rivers, mountains, states
  • World geography and major geographical features
  • Environmental issues and conservation

History

  • Ancient India – Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period
  • Medieval India – Mughal Empire, Delhi Sultanate
  • Indian freedom movement and national leaders
  • World history – World Wars, Renaissance, Industrial Revolution
  • Post-independence India

History

  • Indian Constitution and its features
  • Fundamental Rights and Duties
  • Union and State governments
  • President, Prime Minister, and Parliament
  • Judiciary and Supreme Court
  • Local governance – Panchayati Raj

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

Covering the NDA syllabus effectively requires strong conceptual understanding in mathematics and regular preparation of General Ability Test subjects such as English, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. A strategic approach focusing on building fundamentals while maintaining consistent practice will help you maximize your score in the written examination.

Focus on High-Weightage Topics

Topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, Physics and Current Affairs frequently appear in the NDA exam. Prioritizing these areas ensures better coverage of questions that carry significant marks.

Practice Previous Year Questions

Solving previous NDA question papers helps understand the exam pattern and question types. This practice builds familiarity with difficulty levels and time management strategies.

Maintain Consistent Revision

Regular revision of formulas, concepts and current affairs improves retention and exam performance. Schedule weekly reviews to reinforce learning and identify weak areas.

Important Chapter for NDA Preparation

Focus on these high weightage topics to maximize your score in NDA examination

Mathematics Paper

Algebra

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

Algebra

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

Algebra

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

Algebra

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

Algebra

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

Algebra

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

Mathematics Paper

Algebra

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

Algebra

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

Algebra

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

Algebra

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

Algebra

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

Algebra

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

Inside the NDA Syllabus + Trend Guide

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Complete Syllabus Breakdown

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Trend Analysis Table

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Study Strategies

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Frequently Asked Questions About NDA Preparation

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

NDA Target Batch is ideal for 12th pass and 12th appearing students who are serious about clearing the NDA written examination. This NDA written preparation program is designed for aspirants who can dedicate 5–7 hours daily to structured study and follow a disciplined schedule. The program is particularly beneficial for first-time aspirants targeting NDA 2026 exam preparation who want to build strong fundamentals, as well as repeat candidates looking to improve their scores through systematic NDA maths and GAT preparation. It provides a complete structured approach covering Mathematics and General Ability Test comprehensively.

Yes, 12th appearing students can definitely join NDA Target Batch for their NDA 2026 preparation. This NDA written preparation program is structured to run parallel to board exam preparation, with special focus on Mathematics topics that overlap with your 12th syllabus. Many students successfully manage both board exams and NDA preparation by following our weekly structured study roadmap. The NDA Target batch provides systematic coverage of NDA maths and GAT preparation, making it easier to balance both commitments. Starting early gives you more attempts and builds a strong foundation for clearing the NDA written exam.

Absolutely. NDA Target Batch is highly effective for repeat candidates who need structured NDA written preparation and performance improvement. The program includes comprehensive gap analysis to identify weak areas from previous attempts, with targeted practice on high-weightage NDA maths and GAT topics. The structured NDA 2026 exam preparation methodology helps repeat candidates build on their existing knowledge while addressing specific weaknesses. Regular mock tests and attempt strategy refinement help overcome challenges that prevented success in earlier NDA written exam attempts, making it a proven approach for improving scores.

We recommend 5–7 hours of dedicated daily study for optimal NDA written preparation results. This includes 3–4 hours for NDA maths and GAT topic study following our structured approach, 1–2 hours for practice questions and revision, and 1 hour for current affairs and general knowledge reading essential for the GAT paper. For 12th appearing students managing board exams, 4–5 hours focused on NDA Target batch preparation is sufficient when combined with school studies. The structured study plan ensures every hour is productive, making consistency more important than total hours for NDA 2026 exam preparation.

Yes, NDA Target Batch includes comprehensive mock test coverage as part of the NDA written preparation system. You get weekly topic-wise tests after completing each NDA maths and GAT chapter, bi-weekly sectional tests for Mathematics and GAT separately, and full-length mock examinations conducted monthly to simulate actual NDA exam conditions. Every mock test includes detailed performance analysis, attempt strategy review, and personalized improvement recommendations. This structured testing approach is essential for NDA 2026 exam preparation, helping you identify weak areas and optimize your exam-day performance.

NDA Target Batch primarily focuses on NDA written preparation covering NDA maths and GAT comprehensively. The structured NDA 2026 exam preparation helps you clear the written examination, which is the first step toward NDA selection. However, the strong academic foundation and disciplined approach built through this NDA written preparation program significantly helps during SSB interviews, especially for Psychology tests and Personal Interview. For dedicated SSB preparation including Screening, Psychology tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD), Group Testing, and Interview techniques, we recommend our SSB Intelligence Hub after clearing the NDA written exam.