The selection process for the UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination II 2026 consists of a Written Examination followed by an Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview). Candidates must qualify for both stages to be considered for the final merit list.
Scheme of Written Examination
| Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 01 | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 02 | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total Marks for Written Exam | 900 | ||
| SSB Test/Interview | 900 | ||
Marking Scheme and Exam Rules
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper-based) using OMR sheets.
- Question Type: Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions).
- Negative Marking: There will be a penalty for wrong answers. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted for every incorrect response.
- Language: The question papers (test booklets) of Mathematics and Part B of the General Ability Test will be set bilingually in Hindi and English.
Detailed Syllabus for UPSC NDA II 2026
Paper I: Mathematics (Code No. 01)
This paper tests the candidate's understanding of concepts up to the 10+2 level. Major topics include:
- Algebra: Set theory, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers, Modulus, Argument, Cube roots of unity. Binary system of numbers. Quadratic equations with real coefficients. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Permutations and Combinations. Binomial theorem. Logarithms.
- Matrices and Determinants: Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, 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.
- Trigonometry: Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometrical ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, Properties of triangles.
- Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions: Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. Angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three-dimensional space, distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios.
- Differential Calculus: Concept of a real valued function, domain and range. Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits, Continuity of functions, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative-applications.
- 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. Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples.
- Vector Algebra: Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar product and vector product of two vectors. Scalar triple product.
- Statistics and Probability: Classification of data, Frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution. Graphical representation-Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon. Measures of Central tendency-Mean, median and mode. Variance and standard deviation-determination and comparison. Correlation and regression. Probability, Random experiment, outcomes and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, Bayes’ theorem.
Paper II: General Ability Test (Code No. 02)
Part A: English (200 Marks)
The syllabus covers various aspects like Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English.
Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
The question paper on General Knowledge will broadly cover the subjects: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events. The approximate weightage for each section is as follows:
| Section | Topic | Weightage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Section A | Physics | 25% |
| Section B | Chemistry | 15% |
| Section C | General Science | 10% |
| Section D | History, Freedom Movement, etc. | 20% |
| Section E | Geography | 20% |
| Section F | Current Events | 10% |
Section-wise Detailed Topics:
- Physics: Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density, Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer, Motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation, elementary ideas of Work, Power and Energy, Heat, Light, Static and Current Electricity, Magnetism, Sound.
- Chemistry: Physical and Chemical changes. Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations, Law of Chemical Combination, Properties of Air and Water, Carbon and its forms, Atom, Atomic Structure, Acids, Bases and Salts, Fertilizers, Materials used in the preparation of substances like Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paint, Safety Matches and Gunpowder.
- General Science: Difference between the living and non-living, Basis of Life-Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues, Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals, Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its important organs, Common Epidemics, Food-Source of Energy for man, Balanced Diet.
- History, Freedom Movement, etc.: A broad survey of Indian History, Culture and Civilisation. Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration. Five Year Plans of India. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State. Impact of Science and Technology on the modern world.
- Geography: The Earth, its shape and size. Lattitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects. Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification. Weathering-Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition. Regional Geography of India.
- Current Events: Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India and the world in the recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports.
SSB Interview: Intelligence and Personality Test
The SSB procedure consists of two stage Selection process - Stage I and Stage II. Only those candidates who clear the Stage I are permitted to appear for Stage II.
- Stage I: Comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II: Comprises Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over 4 days.
- The personality of a candidate is assessed by three different assessors viz. The Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist.
Instructions for the Examination Hall
- Candidates must bring their Admit Card along with a photo ID proof.
- Only Black Ball Point Pen is allowed for marking the OMR sheet.
- Mobile phones, calculators, and any other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the exam premises.
- Candidates should reach the examination center at least 60 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the exam.