The UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026 is a crucial roadmap for candidates preparing for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) entrance exam. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA exam is a gateway to prestigious careers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This SEO-optimized guide covers the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation tips to help aspirants excel in the NDA 2026 exam.
Overview of UPSC NDA Exam 2026
The NDA exam is held twice a year, typically in April and September, and consists of two stages: a written exam and the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. The written exam includes two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Understanding the syllabus is essential for effective preparation and securing a high score.
NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours | 120 |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test | 600 | 2.5 hours | 150 |
| Total | 900 |
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for each wrong answer.
- SSB Interview: 900 marks (for candidates who qualify the written exam).
Detailed UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026
Paper 1: Mathematics (300 Marks)
The Mathematics paper tests candidates’ understanding of concepts up to the 10+2 level. The syllabus includes:
1. Algebra
- Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan’s laws
- Relations and functions
- Complex numbers: basic properties, modulus, argument
- Quadratic equations
- Permutations and combinations
- Binomial theorem and its applications
- Sequences and series: arithmetic, geometric, harmonic progressions
- Logarithms and their applications
2. Matrices and Determinants
- Types of matrices
- Operations on matrices
- Determinant of a matrix
- Adjoint and inverse of a matrix
- Applications in solving linear equations
3. Trigonometry
- Angles and their measures (degrees and radians)
- Trigonometric ratios and identities
- Heights and distances
- Inverse trigonometric functions
- Applications in real-world problems
4. Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
- Rectangular Cartesian coordinate system
- Distance formula, section formula
- Equation of a line, plane, and sphere
- Distance between two points
- Conic sections: parabola, ellipse, hyperbola
5. Differential Calculus
- Concept of a function, continuity, and differentiability
- Derivatives of functions (including implicit and parametric)
- Applications: tangents, normals, maxima, and minima
- Increasing and decreasing functions
6. Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Integration as the inverse of differentiation
- Standard integrals, methods of integration
- Definite integrals and their applications (area under curves)
- Differential equations: formation, solutions, and applications
7. Vector Algebra
- Vectors and scalars, magnitude, and direction
- Addition of vectors, scalar and vector products
- Applications in geometry and physics
8. Statistics and Probability
- Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
- Measures of dispersion (variance, standard deviation)
- Probability: random experiments, events, conditional probability
- Bayes’ theorem, binomial distribution
Paper 2: General Ability Test (600 Marks)
The GAT paper is divided into two parts:
- Part A: English (200 marks)
- Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks)
Part A: English
The English section tests proficiency in language and comprehension skills:
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, idioms
- Comprehension and passage-based questions
- Sentence formation and error detection
- Spotting errors in sentences
- Cloze test and fill-in-the-blanks
Part B: General Knowledge
This section assesses awareness across multiple domains:
- Physics (100 marks)
- Mechanics: laws of motion, work, energy, power
- Properties of matter, heat, thermodynamics
- Light, sound, and electricity
- Magnetism and modern physics basics
- Chemistry (60 marks)
- Physical and chemical changes
- Elements, compounds, mixtures
- Acids, bases, salts
- Chemical reactions, periodic table
- Carbon compounds, fertilizers
- General Science (40 marks)
- Basic concepts of biology (human body, cells, diseases)
- Food and nutrition
- Environment and ecology
- Astronomy and space science
- History (80 marks)
- Indian history: ancient, medieval, modern
- Freedom movement and key leaders
- World history: major revolutions, wars
- Cultural heritage of India
- Geography (80 marks)
- Physical geography: Earth, rocks, climate
- Indian geography: rivers, mountains, climate
- Economic geography: agriculture, industries
- World geography: continents, oceans
- Current Affairs (40 marks)
- National and international events
- Sports, awards, and honors
- Government schemes and policies
- Science and technology updates
- Books and authors
SSB Interview Syllabus
Candidates who clear the written exam proceed to the SSB interview, which evaluates:
- Psychological Tests: Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), Self-Description Test (SDT)
- Group Testing: Group discussion, group planning, outdoor tasks
- Interview: Personal interview assessing personality, leadership, and suitability
- Physical and Medical Tests: Fitness and medical standards as per NDA requirements
Preparation Tips for UPSC NDA 2026
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the topics and prioritize high-weightage areas like algebra, trigonometry, and current affairs.
- Create a Study Plan: Allocate time for each subject, balancing Mathematics and GAT preparation.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve NDA previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Strengthen English: Read newspapers, practice grammar, and improve vocabulary for the English section.
- Stay Updated: Follow reliable sources for current affairs, such as newspapers, magazines, and online portals.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Physical Fitness: Prepare for the SSB by maintaining physical fitness and practicing group activities.
- Refer Standard Books:
- Mathematics: NCERT Class 11 and 12, R.S. Aggarwal
- English: Wren & Martin, Word Power Made Easy
- General Knowledge: Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook
Why Prepare for NDA 2026?
The NDA exam offers a prestigious opportunity to serve the nation while pursuing a rewarding career in the armed forces. With a structured preparation strategy and in-depth knowledge of the UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026, candidates can boost their chances of success.
For the latest updates on the NDA 2026 exam, visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in). Start your preparation early, stay consistent, and aim for excellence!
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