NDA Syllabus 2026
National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination
Conducted By
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Eligibility
12th Pass or appearing (Physics & Maths for Army/Navy/Air Force); Age 16.5-19.5 years
Age Limit
16.5 to 19.5 years
Exam Pattern
Written Exam (Mathematics + General Ability Test) + SSB Interview
The National Defence Academy exam is the entry point for male and female class twelve students to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Conducted twice a year by UPSC, it is one of the most prestigious defence exams in the country. The selection process has a written test and an SSB interview. The written test has two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test. The Maths paper requires a strong grip on class eleven and twelve concepts. The GAT paper tests your English, Physics, Chemistry, History, and Geography. SSB testing checks your officer-like qualities over five days. Preparing for NDA takes six to twelve months of disciplined study and physical exercise. Use our checklist below to track your syllabus coverage systematically.
Detailed Topic-wise Syllabus (79 topics)
Paper I - Mathematics
300 marks | 2.5 hours | 120 MCQs | Negative marking: 0.83
Algebra 30 Marks
- Sets, Relations and Functions
- Complex Numbers - Operations, Conjugates, Modulus
- Quadratic Equations - Roots, Discriminant
- Sequences and Series - AP, GP, HP
- Permutation and Combination
- Binomial Theorem and its Applications
- Logarithms and their Applications
Matrices and Determinants 15 Marks
- Types of Matrices - Square, Identity, Symmetric
- Matrix Operations - Addition, Multiplication
- Determinant of a Square Matrix
- Inverse of a Matrix and Applications
Trigonometry 30 Marks
- Angles and their Measures - Degrees and Radians
- Trigonometric Ratios and Identities
- Sum, Difference and Product Formulae
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions
- Heights and Distances
- Properties of Triangles
Analytical Geometry (2D) 25 Marks
- Distance Formula, Section Formula
- Equation of a Locus
- Straight Lines - Equations, Angle between Lines
- Circles - Equation, Tangents, Normals
- Conic Sections - Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola
Analytical Geometry (3D) 15 Marks
- 3D Coordinates - Distance, Section Formula
- Direction Cosines and Direction Ratios
- Equation of a Line and Plane in 3D
Differential Calculus 30 Marks
- Concept of Limits, Continuity
- Derivatives - Sum, Product, Quotient, Chain Rule
- Applications of Derivatives - Maxima, Minima, Tangents
Integral Calculus & Differential Equations 30 Marks
- Integration as Inverse of Differentiation
- Integration by Substitution and Parts
- Definite Integrals and Area Under Curve
- Differential Equations - Order, Degree, Solutions
Vector Algebra 15 Marks
- Vectors and Scalars, Magnitude and Direction
- Vector Operations - Addition, Scalar Multiplication
- Scalar Dot Product and Vector Cross Product
Statistics and Probability 20 Marks
- Classification and Tabulation of Data
- Frequency Distribution, Cumulative Frequency
- Measures of Central Tendency
- Probability - Classical, Conditional, Bayes' Theorem
- Binomial Distribution
Paper II - General Ability Test (GAT)
600 marks | 2.5 hours | 150 MCQs | Part A (English 200 marks) + Part B (GK 400 marks)
Part A: English 200 Marks
- Grammar and Usage - Articles, Prepositions, Tenses
- Vocabulary - Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms
- Comprehension - Unseen Passages
- Cohesion in Extended Text - Précis Writing
Section A: Physics (GK Part B) 100 Marks
- Physical Properties and States of Matter
- Motion, Force and Energy - Newton's Laws
- Work, Power and Energy
- Effects of Heat - Expansion, Thermometry
- Sound Waves and Propagation
- Light - Reflection, Refraction, Lenses, Mirrors
- Magnetism - Natural, Artificial, Terrestrial
- Static and Current Electricity, Circuits
- Conductors, Semiconductors, Non-Conductors
Section B: Chemistry (GK Part B) 60 Marks
- Physical and Chemical Changes
- Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
- Air and Water - Properties, Purification
- Acids, Bases and Salts
- Fertilizers - Natural and Artificial
- Food and Nutrition - Balanced Diet
Section C: General Science (Biology) 40 Marks
- Living vs Non-Living, Basis of Life
- Cell, Protoplasm and Cell Division
- Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals
- Human Physiology - Digestion, Respiration, Circulation
- Disease and Health - Epidemics, Vaccines
Section D & E: History & Geography 80 Marks
- Indian Freedom Struggle - Key Events and Leaders
- Renaissance, Industrial Revolution, French Revolution
- United Nations and World Affairs
- Earth and Universe - Solar System, Atmosphere
- Geography of India - Rivers, Mountains, Seas
- Climate and Seasons - Monsoon, Zones
Section F: Civics and Economics 60 Marks
- Indian Constitution - Preamble, Features
- Government - Legislature, Executive, Judiciary
- Indian Economy - National Income, Budget
- Current National and International Events
SSB Interview
900 marks | 5-day process | Psychological Tests, GTO Tasks, Interview
SSB Selection Process
- Officer Like Qualities (OLQ) Assessment - 15 OLQs
- Psychological Tests - TAT, WAT, SRT, SD
- Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks - GD, GPE, Command Task
- Personal Interview - PIQ, Service Knowledge
- Final Conference - Board Assessment
Recommended Reference Books
| Subject | Book Title | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Mathematics for NDA/NA | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Physics | NCERT Physics Class 11 & 12 | NCERT |
| Chemistry | NCERT Chemistry Class 11 & 12 | NCERT |
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| General Knowledge | Manorama Yearbook 2026 | Mammen Mathew |
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