Aspirants aiming to join the prestigious armed forces must stay updated with the official National Defence Academy (NDA) guidelines. Conducted twice in a year (April and September) by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the offline examination serves as the primary gateway for defense aspirants. With UPSC NDA 2 Notification 2026 Released: 394 Vacancies Available - Click Here for Details, candidates need an absolute understanding of the curriculum and evaluation criteria. The upcoming NDA 2 Exam Date 2026 is slated for 13th September 2026.
NDA 2026 Exam Overview
The selection process is rigorous and comprises a written test featuring objective-type questions, followed by the Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB), and finally a comprehensive medical examination. Below is the quick snapshot of the key highlights regarding the exam parameters.
| Name of the Exam | National Defence Academy (NDA) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Vacancies | 394 |
| NDA 2 Exam Date 2026 | 13th September 2026 |
| Frequency Of Exam | Twice in a Year (April & September) |
| Selection Process | Written Test consisting of Objective Type Questions Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB) |
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Papers in NDA Exam | Mathematics and General Ability Test |
| Marks Segregation | Mathematics: 300 Marks GAT: 600 Marks |
| Total No. of Questions | Mathematics: 120 GAT: 150 |
| Negative Marking | Mathematics: -0.83 GAT: -1.33 marks |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 hours for each paper (5 hours total) |
| Language of Question Paper | English & Hindi (English Language paper has to be attempted in English). |
NDA Selection Process Stages
The comprehensive recruitment pathway involves the following milestones:
- Written Examination (900 marks)
- SSB Interview (900 marks)
- Comprehensive Medical Examination
Detailed Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The written test features two distinct papers split across a total of 5 hours (2.5 hours for each paper).
Paper I: Mathematics
| Total Marks | 300 Marks |
| Total No. of Questions | 120 |
| Marks awarded for Correct answer | 2.5 marks |
| Marks deducted for the wrong answer | -0.83 |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 Hours |
Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT)
| Total Marks | 600 marks |
| Total No. of Questions | 150 |
| No. of questions in English Section | 50 |
| No. Of questions in the General Knowledge Section | 100 |
| Maximum Marks for English | 200 marks |
| Maximum Marks for G.K. | 400 marks |
| Marks for Correct Answer | 4 marks in both sections |
| Marks for Incorrect Answer | -1.33 marks in both sections |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 Hours |
Comprehensive NDA Syllabus
Preparing effectively requires a granular breakdown of the syllabus across Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge sections.
Mathematics Syllabus & Question Distribution
| Topic | Topic-wise Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Real numbers, Complex numbers, Modulus, Cube roots, Conversion of a number in a Binary system to Decimals, and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations, Linear inequations, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem, and Logarithms. |
| Calculus | Concept of a real-valued function, domain, range, and graph of a function. Composite functions, one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions. The notion of limit, Standard limits, Continuity of functions, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative-application. Derivatives of sum, product, and quotient of functions, a derivative of a function concerning another function, the derivative of a composite function. Second-order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method. |
| Integral Calculus and Differential Equations | Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential, and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves—applications.Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of differential equations, solution of the first order, and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay. |
| Trigonometry | Angles and their measures in degrees and radians. Trigonometric ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles. |
| Vector Algebra | Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, the addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product, or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems. |
| Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension | Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. The angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and a general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three-dimensional space, the distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms. The angle between two lines and the angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere. |
| Statistics and Probability | Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary, and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical—examples. Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution. |
English Syllabus
| Topic | No. of Questions | No. of Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Spotting Errors | 5 | 20 |
| Comprehension | 6 | 24 |
| Selecting Words | 10 | 40 |
| Ordering of Words in a Sentence | 9 | 36 |
| Sentence Improvement | 10 | 40 |
| Antonyms | 5 | 20 |
| Synonyms | 5 | 20 |
| Total | 50 | 200 |
General Knowledge Syllabus & Weightage
| Topic | No. of Questions | No. of Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 23 | 92 |
| Chemistry | 16 | 64 |
| General Science | 11 | 44 |
| History & Freedom Movement | 16 | 64 |
| Geography | 17 | 68 |
| Current Affairs | 17 | 68 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Detailed Subject-Specific Subtopics
Physics Syllabus
- Physical Properties and States of Matter
- Modes of transference of Heat
- Mass, Weight, Volume, Sound waves and their properties
- Simple musical instruments
- Rectilinear propagation of Light
- Density and Specific Gravity
- Reflection and refraction
- Principle of Archimedes
- Spherical mirrors and Lenses
- Pressure Barometer
- Human Eye
- Motion of objects
- Natural and Artificial Magnets
- Velocity and Acceleration
- Properties of a Magnet
- Newton’s Laws of Motion
- Earth as a Magnet
- Force and Momentum
- Static and Current Electricity
- Parallelogram of Forces
- Conductors and Non-conductors
- Stability and Equilibrium of bodies
- Ohm’s Law
- Gravitation
- Simple Electrical Circuits
- Elementary ideas of work
- Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic effects of Current
- Power and Energy
- Measurement of Electrical Power
- Effects of Heat
- Primary and Secondary Cells
- Measurement of Temperature and Heat
- Use of X-Rays
- General Principles in the working of Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses.
Chemistry Syllabus
- Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction.
- Acids, bases and salts.
- Carbon— different forms
- Physical and Chemical Changes
- Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial
- Elements
- Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gunpowder
- Mixtures and Compounds
- Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom
- Symbols, Formulae, and simple Chemical Equation
- Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
- Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
- Valency
- Properties of Air and Water
General Science Syllabus
- Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention
- Difference between the living and non-living
- Food—Source of Energy for man
- Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues
- Constituents of food
- Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals
- Balanced Diet
- Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs
- The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists
History Syllabus
- Forces shaping the modern world;
- Renaissance
- Exploration and Discovery;
- A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation
- Freedom Movement in India
- French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and Russian Revolution
- War of American Independence,
- Impact of Science and Technology on Society
- Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration
- Concept of one World
- Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India
- United Nations,
- Panchsheel,
- Panchayati Raj, Democracy, Socialism and Communism
- Role of India in the present world
- Co-operatives and Community Development
- Bhoodan, Sarvodaya,
- National Integration and Welfare State
- Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi
Geography Syllabus
- The Earth, its shape and size
- Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition
- Latitudes and Longitudes
- Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones, and Anticyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation
- Concept of time
- Types of Climate
- International Date Line
- Major Natural Regions of the World
- Movements of Earth and their effects
- Regional Geography of India
- Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources;
- Location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities
- Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification
- Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India
- Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes
- Main items of Imports and Exports of India
Current Affairs
Regularly track developments using updated guides like Current Affairs. Topics include important national events of recent years, prominent personalities, cultural and sports activities, and prominent world events.
SSB Interview Stages & Evaluation Components
Qualifying the written exam unlocks the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, accounting for an additional 900 marks divided across distinct psychological, group testing, and personal interview tasks.
- Stage 1 - Screening Test: Verbal and non-verbal tests
- Stage 1 - Screening Test: PPDT
- Stage 2 - Psychological Test: Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Stage 2 - Psychological Test: Word Association Test (WAT)
- Stage 2 - Psychological Test: Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
- Stage 2 - Psychological Test: Self Description Test (SD)
- Stage 2 - Group Testing Officers Test: GD
- Stage 2 - Group Testing Officers Test: GPE
- Stage 2 - Group Testing Officers Test: PGT
- Stage 2 - Group Testing Officers Test: HGT
- Stage 2 - Group Testing Officers Test: IoT
- Stage 2 - Group Testing Officers Test: Command Task
- Stage 2 - Group Testing Officers Test: Snake Race/Group Obstacle Race
- Stage 2 - Group Testing Officers Test: Individual lecture
- Stage 2 - Group Testing Officers Test: FGT
- Stage 2 - Personal Interview & Conference
Next Steps for Aspirants
After reviewing the syllabus and pattern, candidates should map out their preparation timeline. Ensure that you track official notification releases, assemble study materials aligned with the 10+2 standard, and focus rigorously on mock tests to manage time effectively during the 5-hour written test window.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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