UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026
National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination
The NDA exam is conducted by UPSC for entry into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. Open only to unmarried male/female candidates who have passed or appearing in Class 12.
Eligibility Criteria
- Education
- 12th passed (PCM mandatory for Air Force & Navy wings)
- Age Limit
- 16.5–19.5 years (appearing/passed 12th)
Selection Process
- 1Written Exam (Mathematics + GAT)
- 2SSB Interview (5 days)
- 3Medical Examination
Exam Pattern
| Stage / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 hr | Objective MCQ (negative marking) |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 2.5 hr | Objective MCQ (negative marking) |
| SSB Interview | — | 900 | — | Stage I: OIR/PPDT; Stage II: Psychology, GTO, Interview |
Detailed Syllabus
1
Mathematics
300 Marks
AlgebraMatrices & DeterminantsTrigonometryAnalytic Geometry (2D & 3D)Differential CalculusIntegral Calculus & Differential EquationsVector AlgebraStatistics & Probability
2
GAT — Part A: English
200 Marks
Grammar & UsageVocabularyReading ComprehensionSpotting ErrorsFill in the BlanksPara JumblesPrecis Writing
3
GAT — Part B: General Knowledge
400 Marks
Physics — Properties of matter, heat, electricity, magnetism, opticsChemistry — Physical & Chemical changes, metals, acids-bases, elementsGeneral Science — Biology (living world, human body, food, diseases)Social Studies — Freedom struggle, Panchayati Raj, geography, economicsGeography — Physical features of India, climate, vegetation, populationCurrent Events — National & international
🎯 Must-Prepare Topics for UPSC NDA
Class 11-12 Mathematics (NCERT)
Class 9-12 Physics & Chemistry (NCERT)
SSB Interview preparation (OIR, PPDT, GTO)
Physical fitness
Current Affairs
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