UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination Syllabus 2026
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
The UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Naval Academy (NA). The written examination consists of two objective-type papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Candidates qualifying the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, followed by a Medical Examination. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Duration
Mathematics: 2 Hours 30 Minutes General Ability Test: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Marking
* Mathematics: 120 questions carrying 300 marks. * General Ability Test (GAT): 150 questions carrying 600 marks. * Total Written Examination: 900 marks. * Candidates qualifying the written examination are called for the SSB Interview, which carries 900 marks.
Negative marking
Approximately 0.83 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in the Mathematics paper and 1.33 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in the General Ability Test. There is no penalty for unanswered questions.
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | Questions | Marks |
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 |
Subject-wise Syllabus
Mathematics
### Algebra, Sets, Venn Diagrams, Relations & Functions, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Binomial Theorem, Permutations & Combinations, Progressions, Logarithms, ### Matrices & Determinants, Types of Matrices, Matrix Operations, Determinants, Inverse of Matrix, Solution of Linear Equations, ### Trigonometry, Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, Heights & Distances, Properties of Triangles, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, ### Analytical Geometry, Straight Lines, Circle, Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola, Three-Dimensional Geometry, ### Differential Calculus, Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Applications of Derivatives, ### Integral Calculus & Differential Equations, Integration, Definite Integrals, Differential Equations, Applications of Integration, ### Vector Algebra, Vectors, Scalar Product, Vector Product, Applications of Vectors, ### Statistics & Probability, Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Standard Deviation, Probability
General Ability Test (GAT)
### English, Grammar, Vocabulary, Synonyms & Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, Sentence Improvement, Spotting Errors, Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Usage & Comprehension, ### General Knowledge, #### Physics, Motion, Force, Work, Energy & Power, Heat, Sound, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, #### Chemistry, Atomic Structure, Chemical Reactions, Acids, Bases & Salts, Metals & Non-Metals, Everyday Chemistry, #### General Science, Human Body, Nutrition, Diseases, Environment, Ecology, Scientific Developments, #### History, Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, Indian Freedom Movement, World History (Basics), #### Geography, Physical Geography, Indian Geography, World Geography, Climate, Resources, Population, #### Current Events, National Current Affairs, International Current Affairs, Defence Exercises, Sports, Awards & Honours, Science & Technology, Government Schemes
Preparation Tips
- Master Class 11 and 12 NCERT Mathematics before moving to advanced problems.
- Build a strong foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and General Science.
- Read newspapers daily for Current Affairs and Defence-related news.
- Improve English grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension through regular practice.
- Solve previous years' UPSC NDA question papers to understand the exam pattern.
- Attempt full-length mock tests regularly to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
- Prepare simultaneously for the SSB Interview by developing communication skills, leadership qualities, and personality traits.