UPSC NDA

Test Structure

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the NDA (National Defence Academy) 2026 exam schedule. NDA 1 will be held on April 12, 2026, and NDA 2 on September 13, 2026. The notification for NDA 1 will be released on December 10, 2025, and the application window will be open from December 10 to 30, 2025. The notification for NDA 2 will be released on May 20, 2026, and the application window will be open from May 20 to June 9, 2026. 

Key Dates for UPSC NDA 2026:

NDA (1) 2026:

• Notification Release: December 10, 2025

• Application Period: December 10 - 30, 2025

• Exam Date: April 12, 2026

NDA 2 (II) 2026:

• Notification Release: May 20, 2026

• Application Period: May 20 - June 9, 2026

• Exam Date: September 13, 2026 

Eligibility:

• Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age on the date of the exam. 

• For NDA 1, both male and female candidates must born between July 2, 2005 - July 1, 2008. 

• For NDA 2, only unmarried male/female candidates between January 2, 2006 - January 1, 2009, are eligible. 

• Candidates must have passed their 12th standard (or equivalent). 

SYLLABUS:

Paper 1: Mathematics Syllabus (300 Marks)

Covers Class 11 & 12 NCERT level concepts.

Algebra

• Set theory, Venn diagrams

• Complex numbers: real & imaginary parts, moduli

• Quadratic equations: roots, factorization

• Sequence & series: AP, GP, HP

• Permutations & combinations

• Binomial theorem

 Matrices & Determinants

• Types: diagonal, symmetric, inverse

• Operations: addition, multiplication

• Solving linear equations using matrices

 Trigonometry

• Trigonometric identities

• Heights and distances

• Inverse trigonometric functions

• Properties of triangles

Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D)

• Straight lines: slope, equation

• Circles, parabolas, ellipses, hyperbolas

• 3D geometry: direction cosines, distance between points

• Equation of a plane and line in space

Differential Calculus

• Limits and continuity

• Derivatives: definition, rules

• Maxima and minima applications

 Integral Calculus & Differential Equations

• Indefinite & definite integrals

• Applications of integrals (area under curves)

• First-order differential equations

 Vector Algebra

• Magnitude and direction

• Vector addition and subtraction

• Scalar and vector product

• Applications in geometry

Statistics & Probability

• Mean, median, mode

• Variance and standard deviation

• Simple probability theory

• Conditional and independent events

Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT – 600 Marks)

Divided into two parts:

• Part A: English (200 Marks)

• Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)

Part A: English (200 Marks)

Grammar & Usage

• Spotting errors

• Tense, voice, narration

• Articles, prepositions, conjunctions

• Sentence structure

 Vocabulary

• Synonyms, antonyms

• One-word substitutions

• Idioms and phrases

 Comprehension & Cohesion

• Reading passages

• Sentence completion

• Para jumbles

• Logical arrangement of sentence

Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)

Divided into 6 sections:

(a) Physics – 100 Marks

• Motion, Newton’s laws

• Work, energy, power

• Heat, sound, optics

• Electricity and magnetism

• Nuclear physics & radioactivity

• Units and measurements

• Pressure, buoyancy, gravitation

(b) Chemistry – 60 Marks

• Physical and chemical changes

• Elements, compounds, mixtures

• Atomic structure, periodic table

• Acids, bases, salts

• Carbon compounds, hydrocarbons

• Environmental chemistry

(c) General Science – 40 Marks

• Human body systems

• Food, nutrition, health & hygiene

• Living vs non-living

• Reproduction, growth, genetics

• Environmental awareness

• Biotechnology basics

(d) History, Freedom Movement – 80 Marks

• Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history

• Indian national movement: key events, leaders

• Freedom struggle: major milestones

• Social and cultural developments

• Constitution and Indian democracy

• World history: Industrial & French Revolutions, WWI & WWII

(e) Geography – 80 Marks

• Earth’s structure and origin

• Latitudes and longitudes

• Climate, weather, and seasons

• Rivers, mountains, oceans

• Soil, minerals, natural vegetation

• Economic & political geography of India

• Maps and diagrams

(f) Current Events – 40 Marks

• Recent national and international events

• Sports, awards, literature

• Defence, space, science & tech developments

• Important government schemes and policies

• UN, WTO, WHO, and other international bodies

Final Stage: SSB Interview (900 Marks)

• Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test, Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT)

• Stage II: Psychological tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO), Personal Interview, Conference

How to Prepare

• • Avoid cramming — understand concepts clearly
  • Practice writing answers in neat, clean steps (especially for Math)
  • Focus on improving confidence, clarity, and presence of mind for SSB
  • Stay disciplined and consistent

Important Dates

• September,2025

Important Links

https://upsc.gov.in

https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/National-Defence-Academy-Naval-Academy-Examination

https://upsconline.nic.in

https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Exam-Syllabus-NDA-NA.pdf

https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/notifications

Frequently Asked Questions