NDA 2026 Preparation Guide — Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Strategy
Complete NDA 2026 preparation guide — exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, SSB interview, physical fitness requirements, and month-wise study plan.
NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year for entry into the Indian Armed Forces. Written exam: 900 marks (Maths 300 + GAT 600). SSB Interview: 900 marks. Age: 16.5–19.5 years. Class 12 passed/appearing (PCM for Navy/Air Force). This guide covers complete preparation strategy.
NDA Exam Structure
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| Written Total | 270 | 900 | 5 hours | |
| SSB Interview | — | 900 | 5 days | |
| Grand Total | — | 1800 | — | |
Paper 1: Mathematics Syllabus
| Topic | Key Areas | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | Complex numbers, Quadratic equations, Sequences & Series, Permutations, Binomial theorem | 25–30% |
| Matrices & Determinants | Operations, inverse, solving equations | 10–15% |
| Trigonometry | Identities, equations, inverse trig, heights & distances | 15–20% |
| Calculus | Limits, differentiation, integration, differential equations | 15–20% |
| Coordinate Geometry | Straight lines, circles, conics | 10–15% |
| Vectors & 3D | Vector operations, 3D coordinate geometry | 5–10% |
| Statistics & Probability | Mean, variance, probability distributions | 5–10% |
Maths tip: NDA Maths is Class 11–12 level (NCERT). It is easier than JEE Main but you need speed — 120 questions in 150 minutes = 1.25 minutes per question. Practise speed with previous year papers.
Paper 2: GAT (General Ability Test) Syllabus
Part A: English (200 marks)
| Section | Topics | Marks (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar | Sentence correction, fill in blanks, spotting errors, synonyms/antonyms | 80 |
| Comprehension | Unseen passages with questions | 60 |
| Vocabulary | Idioms, phrases, one-word substitutions | 60 |
Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks)
| Section | Topics | Marks (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Class 11–12 NCERT level — Mechanics, Heat, Optics, Electricity | 80 |
| Chemistry | Class 11–12 NCERT level — Elements, Reactions, Everyday Chemistry | 60 |
| Biology | General science — Human body, diseases, nutrition, botany basics | 40 |
| History | Indian freedom struggle, World Wars, ancient civilisations | 60 |
| Geography | India & World — physical, climate, resources, maps | 60 |
| Current Affairs | Last 6 months — national, international, defence, sports, awards | 60 |
| General Science | Scientific inventions, space, defence technology | 40 |
Strengthen your Maths for NDA
Super Tutor has chapter-wise Class 11–12 Maths practice with solutions — exactly what you need for NDA Paper 1.
Start Maths Practice — Free6-Month Preparation Plan
| Month | Maths | English | GK | Physical Fitness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | Algebra + Trigonometry basics from NCERT | Grammar rules (Wren & Martin) | Start reading newspaper daily | Running: 2 km daily |
| Month 2 | Coordinate Geometry + Calculus basics | Vocabulary building (10 words/day) | Physics + Chemistry (NCERT) | Running: 3 km, push-ups |
| Month 3 | Matrices + Vectors + Statistics | Comprehension practice daily | History + Geography | Running: 4 km, pull-ups |
| Month 4 | Previous year paper solving | Previous year English papers | Current affairs compilation | Running: 5 km, obstacle training |
| Month 5 | Full mock tests (weekly) | Mock tests | Revision + current affairs | Full fitness routine daily |
| Month 6 | Revision + weak areas | Final revision | Last 3 months current affairs | 1.6 km in under 6 min |
SSB Interview — What to Expect
| Day | Test | What It Assesses |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Screening: OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) + PPDT (Picture Perception & Discussion Test) | Basic intelligence + ability to perceive and discuss |
| Day 2 | Psychological Tests: TAT (Thematic Apperception Test), WAT (Word Association Test), SRT (Situation Reaction Test), Self Description | Personality, thought patterns, reactions |
| Day 3–4 | Group Testing: GD, GPE (Group Planning Exercise), PGT, HGT, Lecturette, Command Task | Leadership, teamwork, communication, initiative |
| Day 4–5 | Personal Interview + Conference | Overall personality, motivation, knowledge |
SSB tip: Be genuine. The assessors look for OLQs (Officer Like Qualities) — not acting or memorised answers. Qualities they assess: initiative, courage, determination, cooperation, self-confidence, sense of responsibility, and ability to influence.
Physical Fitness Requirements
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1.6 km run | Under 6 minutes 30 seconds |
| Push-ups | Minimum 20 (more is better) |
| Sit-ups | Minimum 20 |
| Chin-ups (pull-ups) | Minimum 6–8 |
| Height (Male) | Minimum 157 cm (Army), 157 cm (Navy), 162.5 cm (Air Force) |
| Height (Female) | Minimum 152 cm |
| Vision | 6/6 for Air Force. 6/12 correctable to 6/6 for Army/Navy. |
Start physical training from Day 1 of preparation. Fitness cannot be built in the last month. Run daily, do push-ups and pull-ups, and gradually increase intensity.
Important Dates — NDA 2026
| Event | NDA I (2026) | NDA II (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Notification | December 2025 | May–June 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | January 2026 | June–July 2026 |
| Written Exam | April 2026 | September 2026 |
| SSB Interview | June–September 2026 | November 2026–February 2027 |
| Course Starts | January 2027 | July 2027 |
Apply on upsc.gov.in. Fee: ₹100 (SC/ST/Female: Nil).
Books for NDA Preparation
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | NCERT Class 11–12, RS Aggarwal (Quantitative Aptitude), Pathfinder for NDA (Arihant) |
| English | Wren & Martin (Grammar), Word Power Made Easy (Vocabulary) |
| General Knowledge | NCERT Class 6–12 (History, Geography, Science), Lucent's GK, Monthly current affairs magazine |
| Previous Year Papers | Arihant NDA/NA Previous Year Papers (last 10 years) |
Exam pattern and eligibility based on UPSC NDA 2025 notification. Physical standards from Indian Army/Navy/Air Force recruitment guidelines. UPSC may update eligibility or pattern for 2026. Check upsc.gov.in for official notifications. Last updated: February 2026.
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Start free practiceFrequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility for NDA exam?
Age: 16.5–19.5 years on the first day of the course. Education: Class 12 passed or appearing (any stream for Army; PCM compulsory for Navy and Air Force). Gender: Both male and female candidates can apply. Marital status: Must be unmarried. Physical fitness: Must meet height, weight, and vision standards. No tattoos on visible body parts (some exceptions).
How many times can I attempt NDA?
NDA is conducted twice a year (NDA I in April, NDA II in September). You can attempt as long as you meet the age criteria (16.5–19.5 years). Most candidates get 3–4 attempts depending on their age. Each attempt is independent — previous scores do not carry forward.
What is the NDA exam pattern?
NDA Written Exam has 2 papers: Paper 1 — Mathematics (120 questions, 300 marks, 2.5 hours) and Paper 2 — General Ability Test (GAT) (150 questions, 600 marks, 2.5 hours). GAT includes English (200 marks) + General Knowledge (400 marks covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Current Affairs). Total: 900 marks. Negative marking: 1/3rd of marks for wrong answers.
What happens after clearing the NDA written exam?
After clearing the written exam, you are called for SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview — 5 days of testing including: Day 1: Screening (OIR + PPDT), Days 2–3: Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, Self Description), Days 3–4: Group Testing (GD, GPE, GTO tasks), Day 5: Personal Interview + Conference. SSB carries 900 marks. Final merit: Written (900) + SSB (900) = 1800 marks.
Is coaching necessary for NDA?
Not mandatory but helpful. Self-study is possible if you: (1) follow NCERT Class 11–12 Maths thoroughly, (2) read newspapers daily for current affairs, (3) practise previous year papers, (4) prepare for SSB through mock interviews. Coaching helps with: structured study plan, SSB preparation, physical training guidance. Many candidates clear NDA through self-study.
What is the training after NDA selection?
Selected candidates join the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune for 3 years. Training includes: academic education (BSc/BA degree), military training, physical fitness, adventure activities, and leadership development. After NDA, cadets go to their respective service academies: IMA (Army), INA (Navy), AFA (Air Force) for 1 year. Total: 4 years before commissioning as an officer.