📘UPSC NDA Syllabus 2026

Exam pattern, marks and subject-wise topics

Exam at a glance परीक्षा एक नज़र में

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy examination for selecting eligible candidates into the Army, Navy, Air Force wings, and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme. The selection process consists of an objective type written examination followed by a Services Selection Board interview and psychological aptitude tests.

270Questions

900Marks

5 hoursDuration

Mathematics: +2.5 correct, -0.83 incorrect; General Ability Test: +4 correct, -1.33 incorrectMarking

Selection stages चयन प्रक्रिया

Written Examination
SSB Interview / Intelligence and Personality Test

Exam pattern परीक्षा पैटर्न

Section	Questions	Marks	Time (min)
Mathematics	120	300	150
General Ability Test	150	600	150
Total	270	900	300

Detailed syllabus विस्तृत पाठ्यक्रम

Mathematics· Written Examination

Algebra: Sets, Complex Numbers, Binary System, Progressions, Quadratic Equations, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Logarithms
Matrices and Determinants: Types of Matrices, Operations, Determinants, Adjoint and Inverse, Linear Equations
Trigonometry: Angles, Trigonometrical Ratios, Identities, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Heights and Distances
Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D): Cartesian and Polar Coordinates, Straight Lines, Circle, Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola, Vectors in 2D and 3D, Sphere, Cone, Cylinder
Differential Calculus: Functions, Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Applications of Derivatives
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations: Integration, Standard Integrals, Differential Equations, First Order Equations
Vector Algebra: Scalar and Vector Products, Triple Products
Statistics and Probability: Classification of Data, Frequency Distribution, Measures of Central Tendency, Variance and Standard Deviation, Correlation and Regression, Probability

General Ability Test - English· Written Examination

English Grammar and Usage: Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Ordering of Words, Fill in the Blanks
Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Selecting Words
Comprehension: Passage-based Questions

General Ability Test - Physics· Written Examination

Mechanics and Properties of Matter: Physical Properties and States, Archimedes Principle, Pressure, Motion of Objects, Newton's Laws of Motion, Gravitation, Work, Power and Energy
Heat, Sound and Light: Effects of Heat, Temperature, Vibrations and Sound, Light Reflection and Refraction, Optical Instruments
Electricity and Magnetism: Electric Current, Ohm's Law, Electrical Circuits, Magnetic Effects, X-rays

General Ability Test - Chemistry· Written Examination

Chemical Substances and Reactions: Physical and Chemical Changes, Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols and Formulae, Laws of Chemical Combination, Acids, Bases and Salts, Oxidation and Reduction
Elements and Materials: Properties of Air and Water, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Carbon and its Forms, Fertilizers

General Ability Test - General Science· Written Examination

Biology and Health: Human Body and Organs, Living and Non-living Things, Cells and Tissues, Plant and Animal Growth, Nutrition and Vitamins, Diseases and Prevention
Environment and Universe: Solar System, Atmosphere, Climate, Census and Population

General Ability Test - History· Written Examination

Indian History and Freedom Struggle: Ancient, Medieval and Modern India, Indian Freedom Movement, Role of Leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Bose
World History and Governance: Renaissance and Revolutions, Five Year Plans, Panchayati Raj, Role of Armed Forces, United Nations

General Ability Test - Geography· Written Examination

Physical Geography: Earth Shape and Size, Latitudes and Longitudes, Rocks and Minerals, Weather and Climate, Ocean Currents
Indian Geography and Resources: Rivers and Mountains, Soils and Climate, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Trade, Ports

General Ability Test - Current Events· Written Examination

Current Affairs: National and International Events, Persons and Places, Awards and Sports, Books and Inventions

FAQs अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

How many questions are there in the UPSC NDA exam?

270 questions, 900 marks, 300 minutes.

Is there negative marking in UPSC NDA?

Mathematics: +2.5 correct, -0.83 incorrect; General Ability Test: +4 correct, -1.33 incorrect

Which subjects are in the UPSC NDA syllabus?

Mathematics, General Ability Test - English, General Ability Test - Physics, General Ability Test - Chemistry, General Ability Test - General Science, General Ability Test - History, General Ability Test - Geography, General Ability Test - Current Events.

What are the stages of the UPSC NDA selection process?

Written Examination → SSB Interview / Intelligence and Personality Test.

Free UPSC NDA mock tests →📄 Official notification

Written by the Sarkari Abhyash team from the official notification, last checked 16 Oct 2026. The official notification is final: please read it before you apply. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.