UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026: Complete Guide to Crack the Exam

UPSC NDA Syllabus - Indian Defence Institute

The UPSC NDA Syllabus forms the backbone of preparation for aspiring candidates aiming to join the National Defence Academy. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA exam is a gateway to prestigious careers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Understanding the UPSC NDA Syllabus in depth is crucial for structured study and success in this highly competitive exam.

This comprehensive blog breaks down the latest UPSC NDA Syllabus, exam pattern, subject-wise topics, and expert preparation tips. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or refining your strategy, this guide will help you navigate the syllabus effectively.

UPSC NDA Exam Pattern: Know Before You Prepare

Before diving into the UPSC NDA Syllabus, familiarize yourself with the exam structure:

  • Written Examination: Two papers – Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (GAT) (600 marks).
  • Total Marks for Written Exam: 900 marks.
  • Duration: 2.5 hours per paper.
  • SSB Interview: 900 marks (after qualifying written exam).
  • Negative Marking: 0.83 marks for Mathematics and 1.33 marks for GAT per wrong answer.

The UPSC NDA Syllabus is divided into two main sections: Mathematics and GAT (which includes English and General Knowledge).

Detailed Breakdown of UPSC NDA Syllabus – Mathematics

The Mathematics paper tests Class 11 and 12-level concepts. It carries 300 marks with 120 questions. Key topics in the UPSC NDA Syllabus for Mathematics include:

Algebra

  • Sets, Venn diagrams, operations on sets.
  • Quadratic equations, complex numbers, and binomial theorem.
  • Arithmetic, Geometric, and Harmonic progressions.

Matrices and Determinants

  • Types of matrices, operations, adjoint, and inverse.
  • Solutions of linear equations using determinants and matrices.

Trigonometry

  • Trigonometric ratios, identities, and equations.
  • Heights and distances, properties of triangles.

Analytical Geometry

  • Cartesian coordinates, distance formula, straight lines.
  • Circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.

Differential Calculus

  • Functions, limits, continuity, and differentiability.
  • Derivatives, applications in tangents, maxima, and minima.

Integral Calculus and Differential Equations

  • Integration techniques, definite integrals.
  • Formation and solutions of differential equations.

Vector Algebra

  • Vectors in 2D and 3D, scalar and vector products.
  • Applications in geometry.

Statistics and Probability

  • Mean, median, mode, variance, and standard deviation.
  • Probability theories, Bayes’ theorem, binomial distribution.

Pro Tip: Focus on NCERT textbooks for building conceptual clarity in the UPSC NDA Syllabus Mathematics section.

UPSC NDA Syllabus – General Ability Test (GAT)

The GAT paper is worth 600 marks and consists of 150 questions. It is further divided into:

Part A: English (200 marks)

The English section evaluates:

  • Grammar and usage.
  • Vocabulary, comprehension, and cohesion.
  • Sentence improvement, spotting errors, and synonyms/antonyms.

Mastering this part of the UPSC NDA Syllabus enhances overall GAT performance.

Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks)

This covers a wide range of subjects:

  • Physics (25%): Mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, electricity.
  • Chemistry (15%): Elements, compounds, organic chemistry basics.
  • General Science (10%): Biology, human body, diseases.
  • History (20%): Ancient, medieval, modern India, freedom movement.
  • Geography (20%): Physical, economic, and Indian geography.
  • Current Affairs (10%): National and international events, sports, awards.

Staying updated with daily news is essential to tackle the GK portion of the UPSC NDA Syllabus.

UPSC NDA Syllabus: SSB Interview Preparation

Qualifying the written exam leads to the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which assesses:

  • Officer-like qualities (OLQs).
  • Psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview.

While not part of the written UPSC NDA Syllabus, SSB preparation should begin early.

How to Strategically Cover the UPSC NDA Syllabus

  • Create a Timetable: Allocate 40% time to Mathematics, 30% to GAT, and 30% to revision.
  • Use Standard Books:
    • Mathematics: R.S. Aggarwal, Arihant Pathfinder.
    • GAT: Lucent’s GK, Wren & Martin for English.
  • Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Analyze trends in the UPSC NDA Syllabus.
  • Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions weekly.
  • Revise Regularly: Focus on weak areas identified during mocks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing UPSC NDA Syllabus

  • Ignoring NCERT basics.
  • Overloading on reference books.
  • Neglecting English and Current Affairs.
  • Skipping physical fitness for SSB.

Why Choose Expert Guidance for UPSC NDA Syllabus?

Self-study is powerful, but structured coaching accelerates success. With the vast UPSC NDA Syllabus, expert mentors provide:

  • Personalized study plans.
  • Regular doubt-clearing sessions.
  • SSB-specific training.
  • Updated study material aligned with the latest syllabus.

Indian Defence Institute – recognized as the Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun – offers comprehensive training tailored to the UPSC NDA Syllabus. With experienced ex-defence faculty, proven selection track records, and advanced infrastructure, IDI ensures holistic preparation from written exams to SSB. Join Indian Defence Institute today and transform your NDA dream into reality!

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