• Updated on 4 Sept, 2026 by Paulami Chandra
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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has provided a detailed subject-wise syllabus for the NDA 2 exam 2026 through the official notification. The NDA Syllabus 2026 is divided into two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). The Mathematics syllabus covers topics such as Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential and Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability. The NDA Mathematics Paper 2026 carries 300 marks. The GAT syllabus includes English and General Knowledge, covering subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Events, and carries a total of 600 marks. This makes the total marks of the NDA 2 written exam 2026 to 900. Candidates can refer to the detailed topic-wise syllabus for the NDA exam 2026 below to understand the subjects and important areas covered in each paper.
Latest Update: NDA 2 2026 will be conducted on September 13, 2026. The written exam consists of a 300-mark Mathematics paper and a 600-mark GAT paper. The GAT includes English and General Knowledge, with GK covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events.
Table of Contents
- NDA Syllabus 2026: Exam Overview
- NDA Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Weightage
- NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026
- NDA GAT Syllabus 2026
- NDA English Syllabus 2026
- NDA Physics Syllabus 2026
- NDA Chemistry Syllabus 2026
- NDA General Science Syllabus 2026
- NDA History & Social Studies Syllabus 2026
- NDA Geography Syllabus 2026
- NDA Current Affairs Syllabus 2026
- NDA Syllabus 2026: SSB Interview & Tests
- NDA Syllabus 2026: Written Exam vs SSB
- NDA Syllabus 2026: Important Topics for Preparation
- How to Prepare NDA Syllabus 2026
- NDA Syllabus 2026: Is the Syllabus Changed?
- NDA Syllabus 2026 FAQs
NDA Syllabus 2026: Exam Overview
The NDA exam 2026 consists entirely of objective-type questions. Mathematics and Part B of GAT are set bilingually in Hindi and English, while the English section is conducted in English. Candidates are not permitted to use calculators or mathematical/logarithmic tables.
| Particular | NDA 2026 Details |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| NDA 2 Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Written Papers | 2 |
| Paper 1 | Mathematics |
| Mathematics Marks | 300 |
| Mathematics Duration | 2½ hours |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test (GAT) |
| GAT Marks | 600 |
| GAT Duration | 2½ hours |
| Written Exam Total | 900 marks |
| SSB Test/Interview | 900 marks |
| Question Type | Objective |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Calculator | Not permitted |
The official UPSC scheme confirms 300 marks for Mathematics, 600 marks for GAT and 900 marks for the SSB Test/Interview.
NDA Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Weightage
The NDA written exam syllabus consists of Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT), with the detailed topics for each subject prescribed by UPSC given below. Among the two papers, GAT carries the higher weightage of 600 marks, including 200 marks for English and 400 marks for General Knowledge, while the General Knowledge section covers subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.
| Paper / Section | Marks | Major Areas |
| Mathematics | 300 | Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus, Vectors, Statistics & Probability |
| GAT – English | 200 | Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion |
| GAT – General Knowledge | 400 | Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, Current Events |
| GAT Total | 600 | English + General Knowledge |
| Written Exam Total | 900 | Mathematics + GAT |
| SSB Test/Interview | 900 | SSB assessment |
This means GAT accounts for two-thirds of the written examination, making it important even for candidates who are stronger in Mathematics.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026
The NDA Mathematics syllabus 2026 contains eight major areas:
- Algebra
- Matrices and Determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical Geometry
- Differential Calculus
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Vector Algebra
- Statistics and Probability
These are the broad areas specified by UPSC in the official syllabus.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus: Important Topics
| S. No. | Unit | Major Topics | Key Areas to Prepare |
| 1 | Algebra | Sets and relations | Sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan's laws, Cartesian products, relations and equivalence relations |
| 2 | Algebra | Number systems | Real numbers, complex numbers, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity and binary numbers |
| 3 | Algebra | Progressions | AP, GP and related problems |
| 4 | Algebra | Quadratic Equations | Quadratic equations and their roots |
| 5 | Algebra | Permutations & Combinations | Fundamental counting principles, permutations and combinations |
| 6 | Algebra | Binomial Theorem | Expansion and applications |
| 7 | Algebra | Logarithms | Logarithmic expressions and applications |
| 8 | Matrices & Determinants | Matrices | Types, operations, properties and applications |
| 9 | Matrices & Determinants | Determinants | Evaluation, properties, minors, cofactors and inverse |
| 10 | Trigonometry | Trigonometric Ratios | Ratios, identities and relationships |
| 11 | Trigonometry | Trigonometric Formulae | Sum/difference, multiple and sub-multiple angles |
| 12 | Trigonometry | Inverse Trigonometry | Inverse functions and related problems |
| 13 | Trigonometry | Applications | Heights and distances |
| 14 | Analytical Geometry | Coordinate Geometry | Coordinate system and distance-related concepts |
| 15 | Analytical Geometry | Straight Lines | Equations and properties of straight lines |
| 16 | Analytical Geometry | Circles | Equations and properties of circles |
| 17 | Analytical Geometry | Conic Sections | Parabola, ellipse and hyperbola |
| 18 | Analytical Geometry | 3D Geometry | Coordinates and basic three-dimensional geometry |
| 19 | Differential Calculus | Functions & Limits | Functions, limits and continuity |
| 20 | Differential Calculus | Differentiation | Derivatives and applications |
| 21 | Differential Calculus | Applications | Increasing/decreasing functions, maxima and minima |
| 22 | Integral Calculus | Integration | Indefinite and definite integration |
| 23 | Integral Calculus | Applications | Areas and applications of integration |
| 24 | Differential Equations | Differential Equations | Formation and solution of basic differential equations |
| 25 | Vector Algebra | Vectors | Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction |
| 26 | Vector Algebra | Vector Operations | Unit/null vectors, addition and scalar multiplication |
| 27 | Vector Algebra | Products | Scalar/dot product and vector/cross product |
| 28 | Statistics | Data | Classification and frequency distributions |
| 29 | Statistics | Graphical Representation | Histogram, pie chart and frequency polygon |
| 30 | Statistics | Central Tendency | Mean, median and mode |
| 31 | Statistics | Dispersion | Variance and standard deviation |
| 32 | Statistics | Correlation & Regression | Correlation and regression |
| 33 | Probability | Probability Basics | Random experiments, outcomes, events and sample space |
| 34 | Probability | Probability Rules | Union, intersection and complementary events |
| 35 | Probability | Advanced Basics | Conditional probability and Bayes' theorem |
| 36 | Probability | Distribution | Random variables and binomial distribution |
UPSC's syllabus specifically includes topics such as sets, complex numbers, binary numbers, progressions, quadratic equations, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem and logarithms under Algebra, followed by matrices, trigonometry, analytical geometry, calculus, vectors, statistics and probability.
NDA GAT Syllabus 2026
The NDA GAT syllabus 2026 has two components:
- Part A – English: 200 marks
- Part B – General Knowledge: 400 marks
The General Knowledge section broadly covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events. UPSC also clarifies that the listed topics are indicative rather than exhaustive, so questions on topics of a similar nature may also be asked.
| GAT Section | Marks | Major Topics |
| English | 200 | Grammar, usage, vocabulary, comprehension, cohesion |
| Physics | Part of 400 | Matter, mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism |
| Chemistry | Part of 400 | Matter, elements, compounds, reactions, acids, bases, carbon |
| General Science | Part of 400 | Biology, human body, health, food, scientific developments |
| Social Studies/History | Part of 400 | Indian history, freedom movement, Constitution, world history |
| Geography | Part of 400 | Earth, atmosphere, climate, India, resources, agriculture |
| Current Events | Part of 400 | National and international events, sports, culture, personalities |
NDA English Syllabus 2026
Candidates preparing for the NDA English paper should focus on language skills such as grammar, vocabulary, and understanding written passages. The syllabus also evaluates how well candidates can apply English in context and understand how ideas are organised and connected within longer passages.
| S. No. | Topic | What to Prepare |
| 1 | Grammar | Rules and correct usage of English |
| 2 | Vocabulary | Word meanings and contextual usage |
| 3 | Comprehension | Understanding and interpreting passages |
| 4 | Usage of Words | Correct use of words in sentences |
| 5 | Cohesion | Logical connection and flow in extended text |
NDA Physics Syllabus 2026
Physics is one of the subjects included in the 400-mark General Knowledge section of the NDA GAT paper 2026. The official syllabus covers fundamental concepts involving matter, mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism.
| S. No. | Unit | Major Topics | Key Areas |
| 1 | Matter | Physical properties and states of matter | Mass, weight, volume, density, specific gravity |
| 2 | Fluid Mechanics | Pressure | Archimedes' principle, pressure and barometer |
| 3 | Mechanics | Motion | Velocity, acceleration and motion of objects |
| 4 | Mechanics | Force | Newton's laws, force and momentum |
| 5 | Mechanics | Equilibrium | Parallelogram of forces, stability and equilibrium |
| 6 | Gravitation | Gravitation | Basic concepts of gravitational force |
| 7 | Work & Energy | Mechanics | Work, power and energy |
| 8 | Heat | Thermal Physics | Temperature, heat and change of state |
| 9 | Heat | Heat Transfer | Modes of transfer and latent heat |
| 10 | Sound | Waves | Production and properties of sound |
| 11 | Light | Optics | Reflection, refraction, mirrors and lenses |
| 12 | Electricity | Current Electricity | Current, circuits and electrical effects |
| 13 | Magnetism | Magnetism | Magnetic effects and basic concepts |
NDA Chemistry Syllabus 2026
The NDA Chemistry syllabus covers basic concepts of matter, elements, compounds, chemical reactions, acids and bases, carbon, and everyday applications of chemistry.
| S. No. | Topic | Areas to Prepare |
| 1 | Matter | Physical and chemical changes |
| 2 | Elements & Compounds | Elements, mixtures and compounds |
| 3 | Chemical Formulae | Symbols, formulae and basic equations |
| 4 | Chemical Laws | Laws of chemical combination |
| 5 | Air & Water | Properties and composition |
| 6 | Important Elements | Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide |
| 7 | Chemical Reactions | Oxidation and reduction |
| 8 | Acids & Bases | Acids, bases and salts |
| 9 | Carbon | Carbon and its forms |
| 10 | Agriculture Chemistry | Natural and artificial fertilisers |
| 11 | Everyday Chemistry | Materials used in common products |
| 12 | Atomic Structure | Atoms, molecular weights and valency |
NDA General Science Syllabus 2026
In the NDA GAT syllabus, General Science is a separate area covering biology and everyday scientific knowledge, in addition to the Physics and Chemistry topics.
| S. No. | Section | Topics Covered | Preparation Focus |
| 1 | Biology Basics | Living and non-living organisms | Fundamental characteristics |
| 2 | Cell Biology | Cells, protoplasm and tissues | Basic cell structure |
| 3 | Plants & Animals | Growth and reproduction | Life processes |
| 4 | Human Biology | Human body and organs | Major systems and functions |
| 5 | Health | Common diseases and epidemics | Causes and prevention |
| 6 | Nutrition | Food and energy | Balanced diet and nutrients |
| 7 | Astronomy | Solar system | Planets, comets, meteors and eclipses |
| 8 | Science & Scientists | Scientific achievements | Important discoveries and scientists |
NDA History, GK & Social Studies Syllabus 2026
The History/Social Studies portion covers Indian history, India's freedom movement, political developments and selected major events in world history.
| S. No. | Area | Topics Covered | Key Focus |
| 1 | Indian History | Ancient and medieval India | Major historical developments |
| 2 | Indian Culture | Indian civilisation and culture | Cultural developments |
| 3 | Freedom Movement | Indian freedom struggle | Major movements and leaders |
| 4 | Constitution | Indian Constitution | Basic constitutional framework |
| 5 | Administration | Panchayati Raj and administration | Governance |
| 6 | Social Development | Community development and national integration | Nation building |
| 7 | Gandhi | Mahatma Gandhi and his teachings | Role in freedom movement |
| 8 | Renaissance | Renaissance | Major developments |
| 9 | Exploration | Discoveries and exploration | Major historical developments |
| 10 | Revolutions | American, French and Russian Revolutions | Causes and consequences |
| 11 | Industrial Revolution | Industrialisation | Major effects |
| 12 | Science & Technology | Impact of science and technology | Historical development |
| 13 | International Organisations | United Nations | International cooperation |
| 14 | International Relations | Panchsheel | India's international outlook |
| 15 | Political Systems | Democracy, socialism and communism | Basic concepts |
| 16 | Contemporary World | India's role in the world | Major developments |
NDA Geography Syllabus 2026
Geography is part of the General Knowledge section of GAT. The NDA Geography syllabus covers physical geography, climatology, world geography, Indian geography, and economic geography.
NDA Geography Syllabus: Topic-Wise
| S. No. | Section | Topic | Sub-Topics / Coverage |
| 1 | Physical Geography | Earth | Shape and size of the Earth |
| 2 | Physical Geography | Coordinates | Latitudes and longitudes |
| 3 | Physical Geography | Time | Time and International Date Line |
| 4 | Physical Geography | Earth Movements | Movements of the Earth |
| 5 | Physical Geography | Earth Formation | Origin of the Earth |
| 6 | Geomorphology | Rocks | Rocks and their classification |
| 7 | Geomorphology | Weathering | Weathering |
| 8 | Geomorphology | Natural Hazards | Earthquakes and volcanoes |
| 9 | Oceanography | Ocean Movements | Ocean currents and tides |
| 10 | Climatology | Atmosphere | Structure and characteristics of atmosphere |
| 11 | Climatology | Temperature & Pressure | Temperature and atmospheric pressure |
| 12 | Climatology | Winds | Planetary winds |
| 13 | Climatology | Storm Systems | Cyclones and anti-cyclones |
| 14 | Climatology | Atmospheric Moisture | Humidity, condensation and precipitation |
| 15 | Climatology | Climate | Climate and climatic patterns |
| 16 | World Geography | Natural Regions | Major natural regions |
| 17 | Indian Geography | India | Geography of India |
| 18 | Biogeography | Vegetation | Natural vegetation |
| 19 | Economic Geography | Resources | Mineral and power resources |
| 20 | Economic Geography | Agriculture | Agriculture |
| 21 | Economic Geography | Industry | Industrial activities |
| 22 | Transport Geography | Transport Routes | Major land, sea and air routes |
| 23 | Indian Geography | Ports | Major Indian ports |
| 24 | Economic Geography | Trade | India's imports and exports |
NDA Current Affairs Syllabus 2026
Current Events is included in the General Knowledge component of GAT. UPSC's syllabus refers to recent events in India and the world, along with prominent personalities associated with cultural activities and sports.
For NDA 2 2026, candidates should track current affairs consistently before the September 13, 2026 examination rather than relying only on last-minute revision.
| Area | What to Cover |
| National Events | Major developments in India |
| International Events | Important global developments |
| Defence | Defence-related developments and exercises |
| Science & Technology | Major discoveries and developments |
| Sports | Major tournaments, winners and records |
| Awards | Important national and international awards |
| Culture | Important cultural developments |
| Personalities | Prominent personalities and their achievements |
NDA Syllabus 2026: SSB Interview & Tests
The SSB stage is separate from the written NDA syllabus. Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the SSB Test/Interview.
The SSB Test/Interview carries 900 marks, equal to the maximum marks of the written examination.
| Stage | Major Assessment |
| Stage I | Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) |
| Stage I | Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT) |
| Stage II | Psychological Tests |
| Stage II | Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks |
| Stage II | Personal Interview |
| Final Stage | Conference |
The SSB assessment is not another academic paper based on the Mathematics/GAT syllabus. It evaluates candidates through intelligence, psychological, group and interview-based assessments.
NDA Syllabus 2026: Written Exam vs SSB
| Component | Maximum Marks | Purpose |
| Mathematics | 300 | Mathematical ability |
| GAT | 600 | English + General Knowledge |
| Written Examination | 900 | Shortlisting for SSB |
| SSB Test/Interview | 900 | SSB assessment |
| Written + SSB | 1,800 | Overall selection framework |
The UPSC examination scheme confirms the 900 + 900 mark structure for the written examination and SSB Test/Interview.
Important NDA Syllabus Topics for Preparation
Candidates should not treat every topic as having the same preparation priority. A useful approach is to divide the syllabus into high-practice subjects and revision-heavy subjects. The following topics are preparation priorities and should be used as a study guide.
| Subject | First Priority | Second Priority | Practice Method |
| Mathematics | Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus | Matrices, Geometry, Probability | Timed numerical practice |
| English | Grammar, vocabulary | Comprehension, cohesion | Passage + grammar practice |
| Physics | Mechanics, heat, electricity | Light, sound, magnetism | Concept + MCQs |
| Chemistry | Basic chemistry, reactions | Elements, acids, carbon | Concept revision + MCQs |
| General Science | Biology, human body | Health, astronomy | Short-note revision |
| History | Freedom movement, Indian history | World revolutions, Constitution | Timeline-based revision |
| Geography | India, physical geography | Climate, resources, transport | Maps + MCQs |
| Current Affairs | Recent national/international events | Sports, defence, science, awards | Monthly revision |
How to Prepare NDA Syllabus 2026
A structured preparation cycle can be divided into four stages:
1. Complete the Syllabus
Finish every major area before moving exclusively to mock tests. Mathematics requires particular attention because it involves extensive numerical practice.
2. Revise Subject-Wise
Create short revision notes for formulas, historical events, geography facts, scientific concepts and current affairs.
3. Solve Previous-Year Papers
UPSC publishes previous-year NDA question papers, including separate Mathematics and General Ability Test papers. These papers are useful for understanding the actual question format and difficulty.
4. Take Full-Length Tests
Once the syllabus is substantially complete, practise both papers under the actual time limit:
- Mathematics: 2½ hours
- GAT: 2½ hours
The objective format makes speed and accuracy particularly important. UPSC also prohibits calculators and mathematical/logarithmic tables, so candidates should practise without them.
NDA Syllabus 2026: Is the Syllabus Changed?
No major change has been indicated in the core NDA written syllabus for 2026. The examination continues to include Mathematics and GAT. Candidates should nevertheless refer to the NDA 2 notification 2026 for the syllabus topics. The official syllabus covers Mathematics through Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Calculus, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability. GAT covers English and General Knowledge, including Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events.
For NDA 2 2026, candidates should use the UPSC notification for the current examination cycle as the final reference. UPSC lists NDA and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 as an active examination, with the examination scheduled for September 13, 2026.
NDA Syllabus 2026 FAQs
How to prepare for NDA 2 2026?
To prepare for the NDA 2 exam 2026, candidates should first complete the UPSC-prescribed syllabus for Mathematics and GAT, focusing on concept clarity and regular practice. Solve previous years’ question papers and take timed mock tests to improve accuracy and time management. Regular revision of Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, and Current Events is also important. Since the NDA 2 2026 examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026, candidates should use the remaining time to revise important topics and practise questions under exam-like conditions.
What is the NDA 2 syllabus 2026?
NDA 2 2026 follows the Mathematics and GAT structure. Mathematics carries 300 marks, while GAT carries 600 marks. GAT includes English and General Knowledge covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events.
What are the subjects in NDA 2026?
The written examination has two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test. GAT consists of English and General Knowledge.
What is the NDA Mathematics syllabus?
NDA Mathematics includes Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability.
What is included in the NDA GAT syllabus?
GAT includes English for 200 marks and General Knowledge for 400 marks. General Knowledge broadly covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events.
Is English included in the NDA syllabus?
Yes. English is part of GAT and carries 200 marks. The syllabus includes grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text.
Is current affairs included in the NDA syllabus?
Yes. Current Events is part of the 400-mark General Knowledge component of GAT. UPSC includes recent events in India and the world, along with prominent personalities associated with cultural activities and sports.
Is the NDA syllabus based on Class 11 and Class 12?
The NDA syllabus broadly covers concepts studied at the senior-secondary level, especially in Mathematics and science-related subjects. However, candidates should prepare according to the syllabus topics specified by UPSC, as the GAT also includes English, History, Geography, General Science, and Current Events, which are not limited to the Class 11 and 12 curriculum.
What is the level of NDA Mathematics?
NDA Mathematics covers senior-secondary-level concepts across Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Calculus, Vectors, Statistics and Probability. Candidates need both conceptual understanding and speed because the paper is objective and time-bound.
Which topics are important for NDA Mathematics?
Candidates should prioritise Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Vector Algebra, Probability and Statistics. These areas form the major blocks of the official Mathematics syllabus.
How many marks is NDA Mathematics?
Mathematics carries 300 marks and has a duration of 2½ hours.
How many marks is NDA GAT?
GAT carries 600 marks and has a duration of 2½ hours. English accounts for 200 marks and General Knowledge for 400 marks.
Is there negative marking in NDA 2026?
Yes. The NDA papers are objective-type examinations with negative marking for incorrect answers as prescribed in the UPSC examination instructions. Candidates should refer to the current notification for the applicable marking provisions.
Can I use a calculator in the NDA examination?
No. UPSC states that calculators and mathematical/logarithmic tables are not permitted for answering the objective papers.
What happens after qualifying the NDA written examination?
Candidates who qualify the written stage are shortlisted for the SSB Test/Interview. The SSB stage carries 900 marks and is followed by the remaining selection and medical requirements.
Is SSB included in the NDA syllabus?
SSB is not an academic syllabus like Mathematics or GAT. It is a separate selection stage involving intelligence, psychological, group, interview and conference-based assessments.
What is the NDA 2 2026 exam date?
The NDA 2 2026 examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026. UPSC released the notification on May 20, 2026, and the last date to submit applications was June 11, 2026.
Where can I download the official NDA syllabus 2026?
Candidates should refer to the NDA notification published by UPSC. The official examination notice contains the scheme and detailed syllabus for Mathematics and GAT. UPSC also publishes NDA question papers through its previous-year question paper section.