UPSC NDA & Naval Academy Syllabus

This page is a structured preparation map. Always compare it with the latest official notification because UPSC can revise wording, paper rules, optional subjects or qualifying conditions.

Syllabus at a glance

Mathematics covers algebra, matrices and determinants, trigonometry, analytical geometry, differential and integral calculus, vector algebra, statistics and probability. The General Ability Test covers English, physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography and current events.

Detailed preparation buckets

General awareness and current affairs

Follow national and international events, government schemes, constitutional and institutional developments, economy, science and technology, environment, disaster management, internal security and defence-related developments as relevant to the exam. Use primary government and institutional sources wherever possible.

Language and comprehension

Practise reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, précis, structured answers and time-bound writing whenever the examination includes English, Hindi or descriptive papers. Maintain an error log rather than only collecting notes.

Quantitative and analytical ability

Build fundamentals first, then practise mixed timed sets. Focus on accuracy, estimation, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data interpretation, reasoning and decision-making according to the exam’s paper list.

Subject-specialist preparation

For IFoS, cover the chosen optional subjects at the required depth. For NDA and CDS, give mathematics the level and daily practice it needs. For CAPF, connect general studies with internal security, governance, constitutional structure and contemporary national issues.

Study workflow

Foundation: complete one reliable source per subject and make short revision notes.
Integration: map current affairs to the syllabus and solve topic-wise questions.
Testing: take full-length papers under the official time limit.
Revision: revisit mistakes, facts, formulas, vocabulary and weak topics on a fixed cycle.
Written/SSB/physical readiness: add the non-written stages early where applicable.

What not to do

Do not prepare from an old syllabus alone, ignore qualifying papers, assume CSE preparation covers every paper, or wait for the written result before starting the next stage.

Recent official reference

The official NDA & NA (II), 2026 notification was issued on 20 May 2026; applications closed on 9 June 2026 and the examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026. It notified 394 tentative vacancies: NDA Army 208, Navy 42, Air Force 120 and Naval Academy 24, with the male/female split stated in the notice. The age window is 1 January 2008 to 1 January 2011, both dates inclusive as specified, for unmarried male/female candidates.

This guide is evergreen. The current notification controls dates, vacancies, age limits, reservations, fees, application steps, medical standards, paper instructions and course-specific rules.

Official links

Before applying

Check the latest official notification, advertisement, corrigendum and timetable. Do not rely on an old date, vacancy, fee, age limit, physical standard or paper pattern.

Search intent covered by this syllabus page

This page targets searches for UPSC NDA 2026 syllabus, subject-wise syllabus, paper-wise topics, what to study, books and resources, previous-year questions and preparation strategy.

UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 latest notification snapshot

The official NDA & NA (II), 2026 notification was issued on 20 May 2026. Applications closed on 9 June 2026 and the examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026. The notice lists 394 tentative vacancies: Army 208, Navy 42, Air Force 120 and Naval Academy 24, with male/female distribution stated separately.

For this intake, unmarried male/female candidates born between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2011 are eligible, subject to all conditions. The examination fee is Rs. 100, with the exemptions specified by UPSC.

Subject-wise study checklist

Static foundation

Use the official syllabus as the master checklist for history, geography, polity, economy, science, environment, current affairs, language, mathematics, reasoning, security or specialist papers applicable to the exam.

Current affairs

Maintain separate notes for national events, government schemes, defence and security, environment, international relations, science and technology, economy, awards, reports and important institutions. Every note should answer: what happened, why it matters, the institution involved and the likely syllabus connection.

Previous-year paper method

Download official papers from UPSC.
Classify each question by syllabus topic.
Record the recurring concepts and question style.
Re-solve the paper without notes.
Convert mistakes into a short revision list.

Answer and language practice

Where the exam includes descriptive writing, essay, précis, comprehension or a written SSB-related assessment, practise structure, clarity, grammar, word control and time management every week.

Resource strategy

Start with the official syllabus and notification, then use one standard source per subject, official government reports and recent UPSC papers. Avoid collecting multiple books before completing revision and testing.

Common syllabus mistakes

Preparing CSE alone for an exam with a different paper mix.
Ignoring qualifying papers or specialist optional subjects.
Reading current affairs without mapping them to the syllabus.
Postponing mathematics, essay, language, physical or SSB preparation.
Treating an old notification as the current rulebook.

UPSC NDA frequently asked questions

What is the NDA exam?

It is the UPSC entrance examination for admission to the National Defence Academy and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy.

Can a Class 12 student apply?

Candidates appearing in or having passed the qualifying 10+2 examination may apply subject to the notification. Class 11 candidates are not eligible.

Is PCM compulsory for NDA?

PCM is required for the Air Force and Naval Wings and the 10+2 Naval Academy entry. Army Wing eligibility is based on 10+2 or equivalent.

What is the NDA written exam total?

Mathematics is 300 marks and GAT is 600 marks, followed by a 900-mark SSB test/interview.

Is NDA only for male candidates?

No. The notification specifies eligibility for unmarried male and female candidates, with vacancies and selection lists handled according to the notified rules.

UPSC NDA 2026 Syllabus

Summary