NDA 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern for NDA 1 & 2

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the prestigious NDA & INAC examination to select candidates for the Indian Armed Forces. With the NDA 1 2026 exam scheduled for 12 April 2026, thousands of aspirants are preparing to secure their future. To excel, understanding the official exam pattern and syllabus is paramount. This comprehensive guide breaks down the NDA 2026 syllabus and structure to streamline your preparation.

NDA 2026 Exam Syllabus and Structure

Strategic preparation begins with a clear grasp of the exam syllabus. The NDA 2026 exam covers Mathematics, English, History, Polity, Economics, General Science, and Physics. By aligning your study schedule with the official curriculum, you can prioritize high-yield topics and focus on core concepts. Use this detailed syllabus guide to build a structured and effective revision plan for your 2026 attempt.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026 Explained

The NDA 2026 exam is divided into two primary papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). These papers are meticulously designed to evaluate your analytical, logical, and linguistic aptitude. Candidates who successfully qualify for the written examination will proceed to the SSB interview, which assesses personality, leadership potential, and psychological readiness. Find the full exam pattern details outlined below.

NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026

The Mathematics section of the NDA 2026 exam is designed to test your quantitative reasoning and problem-solving efficiency. Key areas of focus include Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Analytical Geometry. Mastery of these subjects, reinforced by rigorous practice, is the key to securing a high score in this section.

1. Algebra
2. Matrices and Determinants
3. Trigonometry
4. Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
5. Differential Calculus
6. Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
7. Vector Algebra
8. Statistics and Probability

Below are the core subjects categorized for your exam-oriented preparation:

1. Algebra

• Sets and Relations: Concept of sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan's laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation.
• Real Numbers: Representation on a number line, complex numbers (properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity), binary system, conversion between decimal and binary systems.
• Sequences and Series: Arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic progressions.
• Quadratic Equations: Quadratic equations with real coefficients, solution of linear equations of two variables by graphs.
• Permutations and Combinations: Counting principles, permutations, combinations, binomial theorem, and its applications.
• Logarithms: Properties of logarithms, solving equations involving logarithms.

2. Matrices and Determinants

• Types of matrices (square, rectangular, row, column, diagonal, scalar, identity, zero, triangular).
• Operations on matrices (addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, matrix multiplication, transpose, inverse, adjoint).
• Determinants of matrices (2x2, 3x3, and larger matrices), properties of determinants.
  Applications of matrices: Solving systems of linear equations using Cramer's rule and matrix method.

3. Trigonometry

• Angles and their measures (degrees, radians).
• Trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, cosecant).
• Trigonometric identities (sum and difference formulae, multiple and sub-multiple angles, inverse trigonometric functions).
• Applications of trigonometry (height and distance problems, properties of triangles).

4. Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D)

• 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 general form.
• Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola, eccentricity, and axis of a conic.
• Point in three-dimensional space, distance between two points, direction cosines and direction ratios.
• Equation of a plane and a line in various forms, angle between two lines and two planes, equation of a sphere.

5. Differential Calculus

• Concept of a real-valued function (domain, range, graph).
• Composite functions, one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions.
• Limits and continuity of functions.
• Derivatives of functions (sum, product, quotient, composite functions).
• Higher-order derivatives, increasing and decreasing functions.
• Applications of derivatives (maxima and minima problems).

6. Integral Calculus and Differential Equations

• Integration as the inverse of differentiation.
• Integration by substitution and by parts.
• Standard integrals (algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, hyperbolic functions).
• Definite integrals and their applications (area under curves).
• Differential equations: order, degree, formation, general and particular solutions, first-order and first-degree equations.
• Applications of differential equations (growth and decay problems).

7. Vector Algebra

• Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction.
• Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector.
• Scalar product (dot product) and vector product (cross product) of two vectors.
• Applications of vectors (work done by a force, moment of a force, geometrical problems).

8. Statistics and Probability

• Statistics: Classification of data, frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution, graphical representation (histogram, pie chart, frequency polygon), measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), variance, standard deviation, correlation, and regression.
• Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, 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), elementary theorems on probability, conditional probability, Bayes' theorem, random variables, binomial distribution.

NDA Mathematics Marking Scheme

The NDA 2026 Mathematics paper consists of 120 questions totaling 300 marks, with a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The marking scheme includes a penalty for incorrect answers: each correct response carries 2.5 marks, while 0.83 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. Understanding this negative marking system is crucial for optimizing your accuracy and speed during the exam.

NDA GAT Syllabus 2026

The General Ability Test (GAT) is the second paper, worth 600 marks, consisting of 150 questions. The test is divided into two parts: English (50 questions) and General Knowledge (100 questions). The GK section spans Physics, Chemistry, Geography, History, and Current Affairs. Read on for a breakdown of the 2026 GAT syllabus.

NDA English Syllabus (Part A)

NDA Syllabus 2026: General Knowledge (Part B)

The GAT Part B tests candidates across six domains: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. A well-rounded performance in these areas is essential, as the paper evaluates both your academic knowledge and your awareness of current national and international events.

NDA Physics Syllabus (Section A)

The Physics section evaluates conceptual understanding. Key topics include Newton's Laws of Motion, Mechanics, Properties of Matter, Work, Power, and Energy. Use this list of topics as a roadmap for your Physics preparation.

• Physical Properties and States of Matter
• Mass, Weight, Volume, Density, and Specific Gravity
• Principle of Archimedes
• Pressure Barometer
• Motion of Objects, Velocity, and Acceleration
• Newton’s Laws of Motion
• Force and Momentum
• Parallelogram of Forces
• Stability and Equilibrium of Bodies
• Gravitation
• Elementary Ideas of Work, Power, and Energy
• Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature, and Heat
• Change of State and Latent Heat
• Modes of Transference of Heat
• Sound Waves and Their Properties
• Simple Musical Instruments
• Rectilinear Propagation of Light, Reflection, and Refraction
• Spherical Mirrors and Lenses
• Human Eye
• Natural and Artificial Magnets
• Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet
• Static and Current Electricity
• Conductors and Non-Conductors
• Ohm’s Law
• Simple Electrical Circuits
• Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic Effects of Current
• Measurement of Electrical Power
• Primary and Secondary Cells
• 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 (Section B)

The Chemistry section covers the basics of matter and chemical reactions. Core topics include Elements, Mixtures, Compounds, Acids, Bases, Salts, and their industrial applications. Review the table below for the most frequent exam topics.

• Physical and Chemical Changes
• Elements, Mixtures, and Compounds
• Symbols, Formulae, and Simple Chemical Equations
• Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
• Properties of Air and Water
• Preparation and Properties of: Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide
• Oxidation and Reduction
• Acids, Bases, and Salts
• Carbon – Different Forms
• Fertilizers – Natural and Artificial
• Materials Used in the Preparation of: Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, Gunpowder
• Elementary Ideas about the Structure of Atom
• Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
• Valency

NDA General Science Syllabus (Section C)

General Science questions focus on biological processes, daily life science, and nutritional health. Major topics include the basis of life, growth, reproduction, and the human diet.

NDA History Syllabus (Section D)

History focuses on modern Indian history, major freedom movements, social and cultural revolutions, and the Indian Constitution. Study these topics to gain a strong understanding of India's development.

Key History Topics: Freedom Movement & Constitutional Development

• A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation.
• Freedom Movement in India.
• Elementary study of the Indian Constitution and Administration.
• Elementary knowledge of the Year Plans of India.
• Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community Development.
• Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Forces shaping the modern world: Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery, War of American Independence.
• French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution.
• Impact of Science and Technology on Society.
• Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism.
• Role of India in the present world.

NDA Geography Syllabus (Section E)

This section explores the physical and social aspects of Geography, covering the Earth's origin, atmospheric phenomena like cyclones and winds, and geological features like rocks and landforms.

NDA Current Affairs (Section F)

Stay updated on recent national and international events. Focus on prominent personalities, major cultural activities, significant sports milestones, and global political shifts relevant to the current year.

NOTE: The GAT Part B follows a weightage distribution: Sections A (Physics) ~25%, B (Chemistry) ~15%, C (General Science) ~10%, D (History) ~20%, E (Geography) ~20%, and F (Current Affairs) ~10%.

NDA GAT Subject-Wise Weightage 2026