The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination twice every year. Candidates preparing for the UPSC NDA & NA Examination 2026 must clearly understand the latest syllabus and exam pattern to score well in the written examination.
In this post, we have provided the complete and official NDA & NA syllabus 2026 for Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) as prescribed by UPSC.
UPSC NDA & NA Exam Overview
- Exam Name: UPSC NDA & NA Examination
- Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Level: National
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Type of Questions: Objective (MCQs)
- Total Marks (Written Exam): 900
NDA & NA Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination is common for both NDA and Naval Academy (NA) candidates and consists of two papers.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | 900 |
⚠️ Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers.
NDA & NA Syllabus – Are They Different?
Many candidates get confused between NDA syllabus and NA syllabus.
✔️ The NDA and Naval Academy (NA) have the SAME written examination syllabus.
✔️ There is no separate syllabus for NA.
✔️ Both candidates appear for Mathematics and GAT papers.
The difference between NDA and NA comes after the written exam, during:
- SSB Interview
- Medical examination
- Final service and academy allocation
NDA & NA Syllabus 2026 – Mathematics (Paper I)
The Mathematics syllabus is based on Class 11 and Class 12 level concepts.
1. Algebra
- Sets, relations, and functions
- Complex numbers
- Quadratic equations
- Arithmetic, Geometric, and Harmonic Progressions
- Permutations and combinations
- Binomial theorem
- Logarithms
2. Matrices and Determinants
- Types of matrices
- Determinants and their properties
- Inverse of matrices
- Solution of linear equations
3. Trigonometry
- Trigonometric ratios and identities
- Heights and distances
- Inverse trigonometric functions
4. Analytical Geometry
- Straight lines
- Circles
- Parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola
5. Differential Calculus
- Limits and continuity
- Differentiation
- Applications of derivatives
6. Integral Calculus
- Integration techniques
- Definite integrals
- Area under curves
7. Vector Algebra
- Vectors and scalars
- Dot and cross products
8. Statistics & Probability
- Mean, median, and mode
- Basic probability concepts
NDA & NA Syllabus 2026 – General Ability Test (GAT)
The GAT paper tests a candidate’s English language skills and general awareness.
Marks Distribution
- English: 200 Marks
- General Knowledge: 400 Marks
English Syllabus
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension passages
- Sentence correction
- Synonyms and antonyms
General Knowledge Syllabus
Physics
- Motion and laws of motion
- Work, energy, and power
- Heat and thermodynamics
- Sound and light
- Electricity and magnetism
Chemistry
- Physical and chemical changes
- Acids, bases, and salts
- Metals and non-metals
- Carbon and its compounds
General Science
- Human body and nutrition
- Diseases and prevention
- Environmental science
History
- Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history
- Freedom struggle
- Important historical events
Geography
- Earth and universe
- Climate and weather
- Indian geography
- Natural resources
Current Events
- National and international events
- Defence-related news
- Sports, awards, and honours
NDA & NA SSB Interview (900 Marks)
Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the SSB Interview, which includes:
- Intelligence tests
- Psychological tests
- Group tasks
- Personal interview
Final selection is based on written exam + SSB marks.
NDA & NA Preparation Tips
- Focus on accuracy in Mathematics
- Read newspapers daily for current affairs
- Study NCERT Class 11 & 12 books thoroughly
- Solve previous year NDA question papers
- Take mock tests regularly
NDA & NA Syllabus 2026 PDF
Candidates are advised to download the official NDA & NA syllabus PDF down below or from the UPSC website for complete and authentic details.
Important Links
- Official Notification PDF : National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination
- Apply Online: ONLINE APPLY
- Check the full Details
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is NDA and NA syllabus the same?
👉 Yes, NDA and Naval Academy (NA) have the same written exam syllabus.
Q2. What is the total marks of NDA & NA written exam?
👉 The written examination is conducted for 900 marks.
Q3. Is NDA syllabus based on NCERT?
👉 Yes, the NDA & NA syllabus is mainly based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT level.
Q4. Is there negative marking in NDA & NA exam?
👉 Yes, negative marking is applicable for wrong answers.
Understanding the UPSC NDA & NA syllabus 2026 is the first and most important step for cracking the examination. Since the syllabus is common for both NDA and Naval Academy, candidates should prepare smartly by following the official exam pattern and topic-wise syllabus.