NDA Syllabus 2026: Check Detailed Written Exam Topics
NDA Syllabus 2026 is divided into two papers of Mathematics (300 marks) & General Ability Test (600 marks). The General Ability Test consists of topics like English, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, General Science, and Current Events. NDA Exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC to recruit candidates for Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The selection process includes a Written Exam and an Interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). UPSC releases the detailed syllabus in the official notification.
Table of Contents
NDA 2026 Paper 1 Syllabus
| Topics | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| 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 equations of two variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its 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 in radians. Trigonometric ratios - Sine, Cosine, Tangent, Cotangent, Secant and Cosecant. Trigonometric identities. Use of trigonometric tables. Simple cases of s and distances. |
| Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions | Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. Angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in a general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. |
| Calculus | Concept of a real-valued function - domain, range and graph of a function. Composite functions, one-to-one, onto and inverse functions. 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 with respect to 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. General and particular solution of a differential equation, solution of the first order and first-degree differential equations of various types - examples. Application in 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. Vector product and cross product of two vectors. |
| 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 and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of Events. Complementary, elementary and composite events. Definition of probability - classical and statistical - examples. Elementary theorems on probability - simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes' theorem - simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomials distribution. |
Topic-wise Distribution in Mathematics
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Calculus | 20-25 |
| Quadratic equation | 20-15 |
| Matrices & Determinants | 30 |
| Probability | 10 |
| Trigonometry | 30 |
| Complex number | 10-15 |
NDA 2026 Paper 2 Syllabus
NDA General Ability Test (GAT) syllabus is divided into two sub-sections: English and General Knowledge.
NDA English Syllabus
| Topics | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Grammar and Usage |
|
| Comprehension |
|
| Expression |
|
Topic-wise Distribution in English
| Topic | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Spotting Errors | 5 | 20 |
| Comprehension | 6 | 24 |
| Selecting Words | 10 | 40 |
| Ordering of Words in a Sentence | 9 | 36 |
| Sentence Improvement | 10 | 40 |
| Antonyms | 5 | 20 |
| Synonyms | 5 | 20 |
| Total | 50 | 200 |
NDA General Knowledge Syllabus
NDA General Knowledge Syllabus is divided into Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, etc. Details for each subject can be found below:
NDA Physics Syllabus
- Physical Properties and States of Matter
- Modes of Transference of Heat
- Mass, Weight, Volume, Sound Waves, and their Properties
- Simple musical instruments
- Rectilinear propagation of Light
- Density and Specific Gravity
- Reflection and refraction
- Principle of Archimedes
- Spherical mirrors and Lenses
- Pressure Barometer
- Human Eye
- Motion of objects
- Natural and Artificial Magnets
- Velocity and Acceleration
- Properties of a Magnet
- Newton’s Laws of Motion
- Earth as a Magnet
- Force and Momentum
- Static and Current Electricity
- Parallelogram of Forces
- Conductors and Non-conductors
- Stability and Equilibrium of bodies
- Ohm’s Law
- Gravitation
- Simple Electrical Circuits
- Elementary ideas of work
- Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic effects of Current
- Power and Energy
- Measurement of Electrical Power
- Effects of Heat
- Primary and Secondary Cells
- Measurement of Temperature and Heat
- Use of X-Rays
- General Principles in the working of 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
NDA Chemistry Syllabus
- Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction.
- Acids, bases and salts.
- Carbon— different forms
- Physical and Chemical Changes
- Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial
- Elements
- Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gunpowder
- Mixtures and Compounds
- Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom
- Symbols, Formulae, and simple Chemical Equation
- Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
- Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
- Valency
- Properties of Air and Water
NDA General Science Syllabus
- Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention
- Difference between the living and non-living
- Food—Source of Energy for man
- Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues
- Constituents of food
- Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals
- Balanced Diet
- Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs
- The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists
NDA History & Freedom Movement Syllabus
- Forces shaping the modern world;
- Renaissance
- Exploration and Discovery;
- A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation
- Freedom Movement in India
- French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and Russian Revolution
- War of American Independence,
- Impact of Science and Technology on Society
- Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration
- Concept of one World
- Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India
- United Nations,
- Panchsheel,
- Panchayati Raj, Democracy, Socialism and Communism
- Role of India in the present world
- Co-operatives and Community Development
- Bhoodan, Sarvodaya,
- National Integration and Welfare State
- Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi
NDA Geography Syllabus
- Earth, its shape and size
- Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition
- Latitudes and Longitudes
- Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones, and Anticyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation
- Concept of time
- Types of Climate
- International Date Line
- Major Natural Regions of the World
- Movements of Earth and their effects
- Regional Geography of India
- Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources;
- Location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities
- Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification
- Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India
- Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes
- Main items of Imports and Exports of India
NDA Current Affairs Syllabus
Latest events in India, Important current events around the world, Cultural and Sports Activities in India and the World, and Prominent National and International Personalities.
Topic-wise Distribution in General Knowledge
| Topics | No.of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 23 | 92 |
| Chemistry | 16 | 64 |
| General Science | 11 | 44 |
| History & Freedom Movement | 16 | 64 |
| Geography | 17 | 68 |
| Current Affairs | 17 | 68 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Recommended Books for NDA 2026
| Subjects | Books | Authors/ Publishers |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | Mathematics for NDA and NA | RS Aggarwal |
| Quantative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | RS Aggarwal | |
| General Science | Science and Technology in India | Kalpana Rajaram (Spectrum) |
| History & Freedom Movement | History of Modern India | Bipan Chandra |
| English | Objective General English for Competitive Exams | SP Bakshi |
| Current Affairs | Manorama Yearbook | Mammen Mathew |
Consistent practice and a well-structured study approach are essential for effective NDA preparation. By staying updated with current affairs, strengthening core concepts in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, and improving vocabulary and grammar through regular reading, candidates can build a strong foundation. Referring to NCERTs, using visual aids, and revising formulas regularly will further enhance retention, ultimately helping aspirants perform confidently in the exam.
| Relevant Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| NDA Exam Pattern | NDA Mock Test Series | NDA Study Material |
| NDA Selection Process | NDA Question Papers 2023 | NDA Previous Year Question Papers |
NDA Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Ques: What are the important topics for the NDA syllabus?
Ans: The two main sections of the NDA 2025 Exam are Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). GAT section is further divided into two sections, English and General Knowledge.
Ques: Is the NDA 2026 Exam syllabus the same every year?
Ans: Generally the syllabus is the same but it can be updated or revised every year, so it's important to check the latest syllabus before starting preparation.
Ques: How can I prepare for the General Ability Test section of the NDA 2026 Exam?
Ans: Candidates can prepare for the General Ability Test section by improving their General Knowledge, Current Affairs, English Language Skills, and Reasoning Abilities.
Ques: What is the syllabus for the NDA exam?
Ans: The syllabus for the NDA exam includes two subjects: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The Mathematics section covers topics such as Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, etc. The General Ability Test (GAT) section consists of two parts - English and General Knowledge.
Ques: Which subject is very important for NDA?
Ans: Candidates need to prepare well especially for the General Awareness section as it is a vast section that includes Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.
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