NDA 2026 Exam Pattern and Subject-Wise Syllabus: Complete Preparation Guide

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is the gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. As we approach 2026, candidates preparing for this esteemed examination need comprehensive and authentic information about the exam pattern and syllabus to strategize their preparation effectively. The NDA 2026 examination will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year, offering aspiring candidates multiple opportunities to fulfill their dreams of serving the nation.

Ground Zero Defence Academy has established itself as a leading institution for NDA preparation, providing expert guidance and comprehensive coaching to help candidates excel in this competitive examination. With years of experience in defense coaching and a track record of successful candidates, Ground Zero Defence Academy offers specialized training programs designed to meet the specific requirements of the NDA examination. For more information about our coaching programs and preparation strategies, visit groundzerodefenceacademy.com.

NDA 2026 Exam Schedule and Important Dates

The UPSC has already released the examination calendar for 2026, providing clarity on the NDA exam dates. This advance notice allows candidates to plan their preparation timeline effectively.

NDA 1 2026 Schedule:

• Notification Release: December 10, 2025
• Application Period: December 10-30, 2025
• Written Examination: April 12, 2026
• Result Declaration: Expected by April 26, 2026

NDA 2 2026 Schedule:

• Notification Release: May 20, 2026
• Application Period: May 20 – June 9, 2026
• Written Examination: September 13, 2026
• Result Declaration: Expected by end of September 2026

Comprehensive NDA 2026 Exam Pattern

The NDA examination follows a well-structured pattern consisting of two main stages: the written examination and the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Understanding this pattern is crucial for effective preparation.

Written Examination Structure

The written examination comprises two papers conducted on the same day, each lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes:

Paper I – Mathematics:

• Total Questions: 120
• Maximum Marks: 300
• Marking Scheme: +2.5 marks for correct answers, -0.83 marks for incorrect answers
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Language: English only

Paper II – General Ability Test (GAT):

• Total Questions: 150
• Maximum Marks: 600
• Sections: English (50 questions, 200 marks) and General Knowledge (100 questions, 400 marks)
• Marking Scheme: +4 marks for correct answers, -1.33 marks for incorrect answers
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Language: English and Hindi (General Knowledge section available in both languages)

Total Written Examination: 900 marks over 5 hours

Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview

Candidates who qualify the written examination proceed to the SSB interview, which carries 900 marks. This stage includes psychological tests, group testing officer tasks, and personal interviews conducted over 4-5 days.

Detailed Mathematics Syllabus for NDA 2026

The Mathematics paper tests candidates’ conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities across various mathematical domains. The syllabus is comprehensive and covers topics primarily from the 10+2 level.

Algebra

• Concept of sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws
• Cartesian products, relations, equivalence relations
• Real numbers representation, complex numbers with basic properties
• Binary number system and conversions
• Arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic progressions
• Quadratic equations with real coefficients
• Permutations and combinations
• Binomial theorem and applications
• Logarithms and applications

Matrices and Determinants

• Types of matrices and matrix operations
• Determinant properties and calculations
• Adjoint and inverse of square matrices
• Applications in solving linear equations using Cramer’s rule and matrix methods

Trigonometry

• Angle measurements in degrees and radians
• Trigonometric ratios and identities
• Sum and difference formulas
• Multiple and sub-multiple angles
• Inverse trigonometric functions
• Applications in height, distance, and triangle properties

Analytical Geometry (Two and Three Dimensions)

• Rectangular Cartesian coordinate system
• Distance formula and line equations
• Angle between lines and point-to-line distance
• Circle equations in standard and general forms
• Conic sections: parabola, ellipse, hyperbola
• Three-dimensional geometry concepts

Differential Calculus

• Function concepts: domain, range, composite functions
• Limits and continuity
• Derivatives and their geometric interpretations
• Applications in maxima and minima problems

Integral Calculus and Differential Equations

• Integration as inverse differentiation
• Integration by substitution and parts
• Definite integrals and area calculations
• Differential equations: formation and solutions

Vector Algebra

• Vector concepts in two and three dimensions
• Vector addition and scalar multiplication
• Dot product and cross product applications
• Applications in work and moment calculations

Statistics and Probability

• Data classification and frequency distributions
• Measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode
• Probability concepts and elementary theorems
• Conditional probability and Bayes’ theorem
• Binomial distribution

Comprehensive General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus

The GAT section evaluates candidates’ English language proficiency and general knowledge across diverse subjects.

English Section (200 Marks)

The English component tests language skills through various question types:

Grammar and Usage (Approximately 20 questions):

• Spotting errors in sentences
• Sentence improvement and correction
• Fill in the blanks with appropriate words

Vocabulary (Approximately 10 questions):

• Synonyms and antonyms
• Word meanings and usage

Reading Comprehension (6 passages):

• Reading passages with multiple questions
• Testing understanding and inference abilities

Sentence Formation (Approximately 14 questions):

• Ordering words in sentences
• Sentence arrangement for coherence

General Knowledge Section (400 Marks)

The General Knowledge portion covers a wide range of subjects with specific question distribution:

Physics (Approximately 23 questions, 92 marks):

• Mechanics: motion, force, momentum, Newton’s laws
• Heat and thermodynamics
• Optics: light properties, reflection, refraction
• Sound waves and properties
• Electricity and magnetism
• Modern physics concepts

Chemistry (Approximately 16 questions, 64 marks):

• Atomic structure and periodic table
• Chemical bonding and molecular structure
• Acids, bases, and salts
• Oxidation and reduction reactions
• Organic chemistry basics
• Environmental chemistry

General Science (Approximately 11 questions, 44 marks):

• Biology: life processes, human physiology
• Nutrition and health
• Diseases and immunity
• Ecology and environment

History and Freedom Movement (Approximately 16 questions, 64 marks):

• Ancient Indian history
• Medieval Indian history
• Modern Indian history
• Indian freedom struggle
• World history highlights

Geography (Approximately 17 questions, 68 marks):

• Physical geography: earth structure, atmosphere
• Indian geography: rivers, mountains, climate
• World geography basics
• Economic geography
• Environmental geography

Current Events (Approximately 17 questions, 68 marks):

• National and international current affairs
• Defense and military developments
• Sports and awards
• Science and technology advancements
• Political and economic developments

Preparation Strategy with Ground Zero Defence Academy

Ground Zero Defence Academy provides comprehensive coaching that covers all aspects of the NDA syllabus systematically. The academy’s approach focuses on building strong conceptual foundations while developing problem-solving skills essential for success in the NDA examination.

Mathematics Preparation:

• Conceptual clarity through expert faculty guidance
• Regular practice sessions with previous years’ questions
• Shortcut techniques for quick calculations
• Mock tests simulating actual exam conditions

GAT Preparation:

• English language skills development
• Current affairs updates and analysis
• Subject-wise coverage of all GK topics
• Comprehensive study material and resources

Additional Support:

• Personality development for SSB interviews
• Regular counseling and motivation sessions
• Performance tracking and improvement strategies
• Doubt clearing sessions with experienced faculty

For detailed information about coaching programs and admission procedures, visit groundzerodefenceacademy.com.

Recent Updates and Changes for NDA 2026

Based on the latest information available, the NDA 2026 examination maintains the traditional pattern with some administrative improvements. The syllabus remains consistent with previous years, ensuring continuity in preparation strategies. However, candidates should stay updated with official notifications for any last-minute changes.

The examination will continue to be conducted in offline mode using OMR sheets, and candidates must use black ballpoint pens for marking answers. The negative marking system remains unchanged, emphasizing the importance of accurate answering.

Vacancy Details and Service Preferences

The NDA 2026 examination will offer approximately 400+ vacancies across different services. The distribution includes:

• Army Wing: 208 vacancies (including 10 for female candidates)
• Navy Wing: 42 vacancies (including 6 for female candidates)
• Air Force Wing: 120 vacancies across Flying, Ground Duties (Technical), and Ground Duties (Non-Technical)
• Naval Academy: 36 vacancies (including 5 for female candidates)

Candidates must indicate their service preferences clearly in the application form, as selection will be based on merit and preference order.

Final Preparation Tips

Time Management:

• Allocate specific time slots for each subject
• Practice time-bound mock tests regularly
• Develop speed and accuracy simultaneously

Subject-wise Focus:

• Mathematics: Master formulas and practice numerical problems
• English: Improve vocabulary and reading comprehension
• General Knowledge: Stay updated with current affairs and revise static GK

Physical Fitness:

• Maintain physical fitness standards required for SSB
• Regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits
• Mental preparation for the overall selection process

Brief Summary

The NDA 2026 examination follows a structured pattern with two papers: Mathematics (300 marks, 120 questions) and General Ability Test (600 marks, 150 questions). The Mathematics syllabus covers algebra, trigonometry, calculus, analytical geometry, matrices, determinants, vector algebra, and statistics. The GAT includes English language skills (200 marks) and comprehensive General Knowledge (400 marks) covering physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography, and current events. Ground Zero Defence Academy provides expert coaching for comprehensive NDA preparation, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for both written examination and SSB interviews.

For daily current affairs updates, which are essential for NDA exam preparation, especially for the General Knowledge section, candidates are encouraged to regularly visit groundzeroinstitute.com. This official platform provides a dedicated current affairs section with up-to-date information on national and international events, defense news, politics, economy, and more, helping aspirants stay well-prepared.

Additionally, focusing on the important “AUS” (Aptitude, Understanding, and Synthesis) section is critical to scoring well in the General Ability Test. Ground Zero Defence Academy offers specialized coaching to help candidates excel in this section through targeted practice and expert guidance.

Stay connected with Ground Zero Defence Academy at groundzerodefenceacademy.com for complete NDA preparation, and visit groundzeroinstitute.com daily for current affairs updates.

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