The Union Public Service Commission has detailed the UPSC NDA and NA II 2026 syllabus and exam pattern in the official notification for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination-II, 2026. The written examination will be held for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy.
As per the notification, the NDA II 2026 exam is scheduled for September 13, 2026. The application window closes on June 9, 2026, up to 6:00 PM. The recruitment process will fill approximately 394 vacancies, including 370 for male candidates and 24 for female candidates.
The selection process has two major stages: a written examination conducted by UPSC and an Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board. Candidates who clear the written exam are shortlisted for the SSB process.
Table of Contents
UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
The NDA written examination consists of two objective-type papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test. Mathematics carries 300 marks, while the General Ability Test carries 600 marks. Together, the written exam is held for 900 marks. The SSB Test/Interview also carries 900 marks.
| Paper | Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 01 | 2½ Hours | 300 |
| Paper II | General Ability Test | 02 | 2½ Hours | 600 |
| Total | Written Examination | — | — | 900 |
| SSB | Test/Interview | — | — | 900 |
UPSC has stated that all papers will consist of objective-type questions only. The question papers of Mathematics and Part B of the General Ability Test will be set bilingually in Hindi and English. Candidates are not allowed to use calculators, mathematical tables or logarithmic tables during the examination.
There will also be negative marking for wrong answers in the objective-type papers. Candidates must use a black ball pen for marking responses in the OMR sheet, and any error in filling details such as roll number or test booklet series may lead to rejection of the answer sheet.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026
The Mathematics paper is designed to test the candidate’s command over Class 11 and Class 12 level concepts, numerical ability, problem-solving speed and accuracy. The official syllabus covers algebra, matrices, trigonometry, geometry, calculus, vectors, statistics and probability.
In Algebra, candidates have to study sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, relations, equivalence relations, real numbers, complex numbers, binary numbers, progressions, quadratic equations, linear inequations, permutation and combination, binomial theorem and logarithms.
Matrices and Determinants include types of matrices, matrix operations, determinants, adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, and solving linear equations using Cramer’s rule and matrix method. Trigonometry covers angles, ratios, identities, sum and difference formulae, multiple and sub-multiple angles, inverse trigonometric functions, height and distance and properties of triangles.
Analytical Geometry includes two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometry, distance formula, equation of a line, angle between lines, circle, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola, direction cosines, direction ratios, plane, line and sphere. Differential Calculus covers functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, second-order derivatives, increasing and decreasing functions and applications of derivatives in maxima and minima.
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations include integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and parts, standard integrals, definite integrals, area under curves, order and degree of differential equations, formation and solution of first-order and first-degree differential equations, and applications in growth and decay.
Vector Algebra includes vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, direction, unit and null vectors, addition, scalar multiplication, dot product, cross product and applications in work done by force, moment of force and geometry. Statistics and Probability include classification of data, frequency distribution, graphs, mean, median, mode, variance, standard deviation, correlation, regression, random experiments, events, probability, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem, random variables and binomial distribution.
NDA General Ability Test Syllabus 2026
The General Ability Test carries the highest weight in the written exam. It has two parts: English and General Knowledge. Part A, English, carries 200 marks. Part B, General Knowledge, carries 400 marks.
The English section tests understanding of English and the practical use of words. The syllabus includes grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text. Candidates should focus on reading ability, sentence structure, word usage and basic grammar accuracy.
The General Knowledge section covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events. UPSC has clarified that the listed topics indicate the broad scope of the paper and are not exhaustive, which means questions of a similar nature may also be asked.
Subject-Wise General Knowledge Areas
Physics includes properties and states of matter, mass, weight, density, Archimedes’ principle, pressure, motion, velocity, acceleration, Newton’s laws, force, momentum, gravitation, work, power, energy, heat, sound, light, mirrors, lenses, magnetism, electricity and basic working principles of instruments such as pendulum, pulleys, hydrometer, pressure cooker, telephone, telescope, microscope and safety fuses.
Chemistry covers physical and chemical changes, elements, mixtures and compounds, symbols and formulae, air and water, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxidation and reduction, acids, bases, salts, carbon, fertilisers, and materials used in soap, glass, ink, paper, cement, paints, safety matches and gunpowder. It also includes elementary ideas of atomic structure, molecular weight and valency.
General Science includes living and non-living things, cells, protoplasm, tissues, growth and reproduction in plants and animals, human body and organs, common epidemics, food, balanced diet, solar system, meteors, comets, eclipses and achievements of eminent scientists.
History and Social Studies cover Indian history, culture and civilisation, freedom movement, Indian Constitution, administration, Five-Year Plans, Panchayati Raj, co-operatives, community development, Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, national integration, welfare state, teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and major world events such as the Renaissance, American War of Independence, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution.
Geography includes the Earth, latitude and longitude, concept of time, International Date Line, movements of Earth, origin of Earth, rocks, weathering, earthquakes, volcanoes, ocean currents, tides, atmosphere, winds, cyclones, climate, natural regions, Indian climate, vegetation, minerals, power resources, agriculture, industries, transport routes, ports and India’s imports and exports. Current Events cover important national and international developments and prominent personalities from India and abroad.
Weightage in General Knowledge
UPSC has provided approximate weightage for the General Knowledge part of the General Ability Test. Physics carries around 25% of the GK marks, Chemistry around 15%, General Science around 10%, History and related areas around 20%, Geography around 20%, and Current Events around 10%.
This makes Physics, History and Geography important scoring areas in the GAT paper. However, candidates should not ignore Current Events because it often helps in improving the overall score when prepared regularly from reliable sources.
SSB Test and Interview
Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the SSB process. The SSB procedure has two stages. Stage I includes Officer Intelligence Rating tests and the Picture Perception and Description Test. Only candidates who clear Stage I move to Stage II.
Stage II includes Interview, Group Testing Officer tasks, Psychology tests and Conference. These tests are conducted over four days. Candidates are assessed by the Interviewing Officer, Group Testing Officer and Psychologist, and the overall performance is considered before recommendation.
For Air Force candidates, the Computerised Pilot Selection System may also apply depending on eligibility, preference and branch. Candidates must qualify both the written examination and SSB requirements to be considered for final selection.
What Candidates Should Focus On
Candidates preparing for NDA 2026 should treat Mathematics and GAT differently. Mathematics requires formula clarity, timed practice and repeated revision. GAT needs broader coverage, especially English, science, history, geography and current affairs.
A practical preparation plan should include daily mathematics problem-solving, regular English reading, static GK revision and weekly current affairs coverage. Since calculators are not allowed, speed in manual calculation becomes important.
The NDA exam is not only about knowledge. It also tests discipline, alertness, accuracy and decision-making under time pressure. Candidates should practise previous papers and mock tests in exam-like conditions to improve speed and reduce avoidable mistakes.
