NDA Syllabus for 2026 Exam
NDA II Syllabus 2026 – Complete Subject-wise Guide (Maths & GAT)
The NDA II Syllabus 2026 is prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination II, scheduled for 13th September 2026. Understanding the full syllabus is the most critical first step for any aspirant. The written exam consists of two papers — Mathematics (300 marks) and the General Ability Test or GAT (600 marks) — totalling 900 marks. Both papers are objective-type (MCQs) and are based broadly on the Class 11 and 12 NCERT curriculum.
NDA II Syllabus 2026 – Overview
|
Parameter |
Details |
|
Conducting Body |
|
|
Exam Name |
NDA & NA Examination II 2026 |
|
Exam Date |
13th September 2026 |
|
Total Papers |
2 (Mathematics + GAT) |
|
Total Marks (Written) |
900 |
|
Medium of Exam |
English and Hindi |
|
Mode |
Offline (OMR-based MCQs) |
|
Syllabus Level |
Class 11–12 (NCERT standard) |
NDA II Maths Syllabus 2026
The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks with 120 questions, each worth 2.5 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.83 marks for every wrong answer. The syllabus covers the following topics:
NDA II Maths Syllabus – Topic-wise Breakdown
|
Topic |
Sub-topics |
Approx. Weightage |
|
Algebra |
Sets, Relations, Complex Numbers, Binomial Theorem, Permutations & Combinations, Quadratic Equations, Logarithms |
25–29% |
|
Matrices & Determinants |
Types of Matrices, Operations, Determinants, and Inverse |
8–10% |
|
Trigonometry |
Angles, Trigonometric Ratios, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Heights & Distances |
15–18% |
|
Analytical Geometry (2D) |
Rectangular Cartesian System, Lines, Circles, Conic Sections |
10–12% |
|
Analytical Geometry (3D) |
Planes, Straight Lines in 3D, Skew Lines, Sphere |
5–7% |
|
Differential Calculus |
Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Application of Derivatives |
10–12% |
|
Integral Calculus & Differential Equations |
Integration, Definite Integrals, Differential Equations |
8–10% |
|
Vector Algebra |
Vectors, Dot Product, Cross Product, Applications |
5–6% |
|
Statistics & Probability |
Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Standard Deviation, Probability, Bayes' Theorem |
8–10% |
High Priority Topics: Algebra and Trigonometry together account for roughly 40% of the paper. Candidates are advised to master these first before moving on to Calculus and Statistics.
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NDA II GAT Syllabus 2026
The General Ability Test (GAT) carries 600 marks with 150 questions, each worth 4 marks. There is a negative marking of 1.33 marks per wrong answer. The GAT is split into two parts: Part A – English and Part B – General Knowledge.
GAT Part A – English Syllabus
|
Topic |
Details |
|
Grammar & Usage |
Articles, Prepositions, Tenses, Sentence Correction |
|
Vocabulary |
Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word Substitution |
|
Comprehension |
Reading passages with questions |
|
Cohesion |
Para-jumbles, Sentence Completion |
GAT Part B – General Knowledge Syllabus
|
Subject |
Key Topics |
Marks (Approx.) |
|
Physics |
Newton's Laws, Optics, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism, Sound |
~100 marks |
|
Chemistry |
States of Matter, Acids & Bases, Chemical Bonding, Periodic Table, Metals & Non-Metals |
~60 marks |
|
General Science |
Biology: Human Body, Nutrition, Diseases, Ecology |
~40 marks |
|
History |
Indian Freedom Movement, Battles, Dynasties, Modern Indian History |
~80 marks |
|
Geography |
Physical, Political, Economic Geography of India & World |
~80 marks |
|
Current Events |
National & International Affairs, Sports, Awards, Defence News |
~40 marks |
NDA II Syllabus PDF 2026 – How to Download
Candidates can download the official NDA II syllabus PDF from the UPSC website:
-
Visit upsc.gov.in
-
Click on "Examinations" → "Active Examinations"
-
Find NDA & NA Examination II 2026
-
Download the detailed notification which contains the complete syllabus
NDA II 2026 Preparation Strategy
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Start with NCERT books for Class 11 and 12 to build a strong conceptual base.
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Focus on Algebra and Trigonometry in Maths as they carry the highest weightage.
-
For GAT, prioritise Physics and History/Geography, which collectively carry 50–60% of GK marks.
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Solve at least 10 years of previous year question papers to understand question patterns.
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Take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy; the exam has a strict 2.5-hour limit per paper.
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Use the negative marking strategy: attempt questions you are confident about; avoid random guessing.
NDA II Notes 2026 – What to Cover
Good notes should include:
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Formulae sheets for Maths (all chapters)
-
Chapter-wise summaries for Physics and Chemistry
-
Timeline-based notes for History
-
Map-based notes for Geography
-
Monthly current affairs compilations from reliable sources
Aspirants can download NDA II handwritten notes and study material from trusted defence coaching platforms, or prepare their own notes from NCERT and standard reference books.
Summary
The NDA II Syllabus 2026 is extensive but manageable with a structured plan. The two-paper pattern — Maths and GAT — tests a candidate's mathematical aptitude as well as general awareness and English proficiency. Begin your preparation early, focus on NCERT fundamentals, and supplement with NDA-specific practice papers. The written exam is just the first step; performing well in it secures your place for the SSB Interview, which carries an equal 900 marks in the final selection.
