NDA Syllabus 2026 – Complete Subject-wise Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will publish the official NDA Syllabus 2026 through the NDA & NA (I) 2026 notification, expected in the second week of December 2025. Aspirants preparing for NDA 1 2026 and NDA 2 2026 must thoroughly review the syllabus to understand the exact topics included in the written examination.
The NDA written exam is divided into two papers — Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). GAT includes both English and General Knowledge, covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs and more.
This updated NDA Syllabus 2026 (English and Hindi) provides complete chapter-wise details, exam pattern, marking scheme, and preparation guidelines to help candidates plan their study strategy effectively.
Overview of UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026
| Conducting Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Examination 2026 |
| Frequency | Two times a year |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Written Test) |
| Papers | Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Total Marks | 900 (Written Test) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd for wrong answers |
| Duration | 2.5 hours for each paper |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Components of NDA Syllabus 2026
- Mathematics Paper – 300 Marks
- GAT Paper – 600 Marks (English + General Knowledge)
- SSB Interview – 900 Marks
- All questions are objective-type (MCQs)
- Syllabus designed to assess conceptual clarity and analytical skills
NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026 (Chapter-wise)
The Mathematics syllabus includes topics from Class 11 and Class 12 with higher difficulty. Chapter-wise topics include:
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan's laws, Relations, Cartesian product, Complex numbers, Binary numbers, AP/GP/HP, Quadratic equations, Linear inequalities, Permutations, Combinations, Binomial theorem, Logarithms. |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices, Matrix operations, Determinants, Inverse of matrices, Cramer's Rule, Solving linear equations. |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric ratios, Identities, Heights & Distances, Multiple angles, Inverse trigonometric functions, Properties of triangles. |
| Analytical Geometry | Coordinate geometry, Distance formula, Equation of a line, Circle equation, Conic sections (Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola), 3D geometry, Direction ratios, Equation of planes and lines, Spheres. |
| Differential Calculus | Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Derivative applications, Maxima-Minima, Increasing and decreasing functions, Composite functions. |
| Integral Calculus & Differential Equations | Indefinite/Definite integrals, Standard integrals, Area calculation, Differential equation order/degree, General and particular solutions. |
| Vector Algebra | Vectors, Unit vectors, Dot and cross product, Applications in geometry. |
| Statistics and Probability | Data classification, Graphs, Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Standard deviation, Probability theorems, Bayes theorem, Binomial distribution. |
NDA GAT Syllabus 2026 (English + General Knowledge)
English Syllabus
The English section checks grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and correct usage of the language.
- Spotting Errors
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Word substitution
- Sentence Improvement
- Ordering of Words
- Reading Comprehension
- Cohesion in long passages
General Knowledge Syllabus
The GK section is divided into Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Affairs.
Physics
- Motion, Newton Laws, Gravity, Work & Energy
- Heat, Temperature, Latent Heat
- Sound waves, Light reflection & refraction
- Electric current, Ohm’s Law, Magnetic effects
- Simple machines, X-rays, Mirrors and Lenses
Chemistry
- Physical & Chemical changes
- Acids, Bases, Salts
- Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide basics
- Atomic structure, Valency
- Everyday chemistry (Soap, Glass, Paper, Cement)
General Science
- Living vs Non-living
- Cell structure, Human body systems
- Nutrition, Balanced diet
- Epidemics and prevention
- Solar system and celestial bodies
History & Civics
- Indian culture and civilisation
- Freedom movement of India
- Basic Constitution knowledge
- Indian governance, Panchayati Raj
- Major revolutions and world history trends
Geography
- Earth shape, Latitude-longitude, Time calculation
- Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Rocks
- Climate, Winds, Cyclones
- Indian geography, agriculture, industries
- Sea ports, trade routes
Current Events
- National and international news
- Defence-related developments
- Sports achievements
- Science & Technology updates
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 2.5 hours |
Negative Marking: 1/3rd for each wrong answer.
SSB Interview Pattern (900 Marks)
Stage I
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
- Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT)
Stage II
- Interview
- Group Testing Officer Tasks
- Psychology Tests
- Conference
NDA Preparation Strategy 2026
- Start with NCERT Class 11–12 Maths, Physics, Chemistry
- Daily reading of newspapers for GK & English
- Practice previous year NDA question papers
- Give weekly mock tests
- Revise formulas, maps, charts regularly
NDA 2026 Syllabus in Hindi
NDA Syllabus 2026 को दो प्रमुख विषयों में विभाजित किया गया है — गणित और जनरल एबिलिटी टेस्ट। GAT को अंग्रेजी और सामान्य ज्ञान में बाँटा जाता है, जिसमें भौतिकी, रसायन विज्ञान, सामान्य विज्ञान, इतिहास, भूगोल और करेंट अफेयर्स जैसे विषय शामिल होते हैं।