NDA Exam 2026: Syllabus, Dates & Strategy
The NDA Exam 2026 offers aspiring candidates a gateway to prestigious careers in the Indian Armed Forces. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this examination selects individuals for training at the National Defence Academy, leading to commissions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Early preparation is crucial for success in the NDA Exam 2026, given its rigorous selection process and high competition. Starting now allows candidates to build a strong foundation in key subjects and develop the necessary discipline.
Ground Zero Defence Academy, a trusted institute for NDA preparation in Dehradun, supports aspirants with structured guidance to navigate this challenging journey effectively.
What is NDA Exam 2026 ?
The NDA Exam is administered by the UPSC, the central agency responsible for conducting various national-level examinations in India.
Its primary purpose is to recruit young candidates for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA), where they undergo comprehensive training before joining the Armed Forces.
Successful candidates gain entry into the Army, Navy, or Air Force wings, fostering leadership, strategic skills, and a commitment to national service.
NDA Exam 2026 – Important Dates
The UPSC has released its annual calendar for 2026, providing official dates for the NDA Exam 2026.
For NDA I 2026, the notification was issued on December 10, 2025, with the last date for applications being December 30, 2025. The written exam is scheduled for April 12, 2026.
For NDA II 2026, the notification will be released on May 20, 2026, with applications closing on June 9, 2026. The exam date is September 13, 2026.
These dates align with the official UPSC schedule and are subject to any updates from the commission.
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
The NDA Exam Pattern 2026 consists of a written examination followed by SSB interviews.
The written exam includes two papers: Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hours) and General Ability Test (GAT) (600 marks, 2.5 hours).
Mathematics has 120 questions, while GAT comprises 150 questions, all objective-type.
Negative marking applies: one-third of the allotted marks are deducted for each incorrect answer in both papers.
NDA Syllabus 2026 (DETAILED & ACCURATE)
The NDA Syllabus 2026 remains consistent with official UPSC guidelines, focusing on Class 11 and 12 level concepts.
Mathematics Syllabus for NDA Exam 2026
The NDA Maths Syllabus covers algebra, matrices, trigonometry, calculus, and more.
- Algebra: Concept of sets, 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 inequations of two variables by graphs. Permutation and combination, binomial theorem and its applications, logarithms and their 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 radians, trigonometric ratios, trigonometric identities, sum and difference formulae, multiple and sub-multiple angles, inverse trigonometric functions. Applications—height and distance, properties of triangles.
- 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 general form, standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a 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 between two planes, equation of a sphere.
- Differential 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 differential equations, solution of 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 or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems.
- 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 binomial distribution.
GAT Syllabus for NDA Exam 2026
The NDA GAT Syllabus includes English and sections on science, humanities, and current affairs.
- English: Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English.
- Physics: 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.
- Chemistry: 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, and carbon dioxide, oxidation and reduction. Acids, bases, and salts. Carbon—different forms. Fertilizers—natural and artificial. Material used in the preparation of substances like soap, glass, ink, paper, cement, paints, safety matches, and gunpowder. Elementary ideas about the structure of atom, atomic equivalent and molecular weights, valency.
- General Science: Difference between the living and non-living. Basis of life—cells, protoplasms, and tissues. Growth and reproduction in plants and animals. Elementary knowledge of human body and its important organs. Common epidemics, their causes, and prevention. Food—source of energy for man. Constituents of food, balanced diet. The solar system—meteors and comets, eclipses. Achievements of eminent scientists.
- History: A broad survey of Indian history, with emphasis on culture and civilisation. Freedom movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and administration. Elementary knowledge of five-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.
- Geography: The Earth, its shape and size. Latitudes and longitudes, concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects. Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification; weathering—mechanical and chemical, earthquakes and volcanoes. Ocean currents and tides, atmosphere and its composition; temperature and atmospheric pressure, planetary winds, cyclones, and anti-cyclones; humidity; condensation and precipitation; types of climate, major natural regions of the world. Regional geography of India—climate, natural vegetation. Mineral and power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and industrial activities. Important sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India. Main items of imports and exports of India.
- Current Affairs: Knowledge of important events that have happened in India in the recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities—both Indian and international including those connected with cultural activities and sports.
NDA Preparation Strategy for 2026
A solid NDA preparation strategy involves balanced focus on all areas.
For NDA written exam preparation, prioritize NDA Maths syllabus by practicing problems daily to build speed and accuracy.
In GAT, strengthen English through reading, and cover science subjects with NCERT books. For history, geography, and current affairs, use standard references and newspapers.
Effective time management includes allocating specific hours for each subject, with regular revisions.
Mock tests are essential to simulate exam conditions and identify weaknesses.
Physical fitness preparation should include running, push-ups, and other exercises as per SSB standards.
For current affairs preparation, follow daily news from reliable sources like The Hindu or PIB.
Why Early Preparation Matters for NDA 2026
The NDA Exam 2026 faces intense competition, with thousands vying for limited seats.
Early start enables thorough concept building, reducing last-minute stress.
It instills discipline and a routine, vital for defence careers.
Role of Expert Coaching
Expert coaching provides structured guidance, helping candidates avoid common pitfalls.
It offers a tailored study plan, combining academics with personality development.
Mentorship includes physical training and interview preparation, enhancing overall readiness.
Why Ground Zero Defence Academy for NDA Preparation
Ground Zero Defence Academy stands out as a best NDA coaching institute in Dehradun, known for its defence-oriented approach.
With experienced faculty specializing in NDA coaching in Dehradun, the institute delivers focused training on exam patterns and strategies.
The discipline-infused environment, combined with Dehradun’s status as a defence hub, fosters holistic development for aspirants.
Conclusion
Embarking on the NDA Exam 2026 journey demands commitment and strategic effort.
Stay disciplined, follow a consistent plan, and view this as a defining step toward serving the nation.
Success in NDA 2026 opens doors to honorable service in the Armed Forces—prepare with determination.