NDA Syllabus 2027: Subject-Wise Topics for Maths, English & General Knowledge
By Delhi Career Group – NDA Coaching Academy
Every year, thousands of students dream of wearing the uniform of the Army, Navy or Air Force. The first big step towards that dream is the NDA written exam conducted by UPSC. Before you open a single book, you need to know one thing clearly: what exactly is in the syllabus?
In this guide, we explain the NDA Syllabus 2027 in simple language, subject by subject. Whether you are in Class 11, Class 12 or have just finished school, this article will help you plan your preparation in the right direction.
Quick Answer: What Is in the NDA Syllabus 2027?
The NDA syllabus 2027 has two written papers: Paper 1 Mathematics (300 marks) and Paper 2 General Ability Test (600 marks), which includes English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks). The written exam is of 900 marks in total, and the SSB interview carries another 900 marks.
- Maths: Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Calculus, Vectors, Statistics and Probability (Class 11 and 12 level)
- English: Grammar, vocabulary, error spotting, sentence ordering and comprehension
- General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Events
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NDA Syllabus 2027: Quick Overview
The NDA written exam has two papers. Both papers are objective type (multiple choice) and are held on the same day.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Paper 1 |
Mathematics |
120 |
300 |
2.5 hours |
|
Paper 2 |
General Ability Test (GAT) – English |
50 |
200 |
2.5 hours |
|
Paper 2 |
General Ability Test (GAT) – General Knowledge |
100 |
400 |
2.5 hours |
|
|
Total (Written) |
|
900 |
|
Students who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview, which carries another 900 marks. So the final merit is based on a total of 1800 marks.
Marking scheme: Each Maths question carries 2.5 marks and each GAT question carries 4 marks. There is negative marking for wrong answers (one-third of the marks of that question), so accuracy matters as much as speed.
Paper 1: NDA Maths Syllabus 2027
Mathematics carries 300 marks, and the level of questions is based on Class 11 and Class 12 (10+2) standard. Many students lose marks here only because they study topics in the wrong order. Here is the complete topic list, unit by unit.
1. Algebra
- Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan’s laws, relations and equivalence relation
- Real numbers and complex numbers (modulus, argument, cube roots of unity)
- Binary number system and conversion to decimal
- Arithmetic, geometric and harmonic progressions
- Quadratic equations and linear inequations
- Permutation and combination
- Binomial theorem and its applications
- Logarithms and their applications
2. Matrices and Determinants
- Types of matrices and their operations
- Determinant of a matrix and its properties
- Adjoint and inverse of a matrix
- Solving linear equations using the matrix method and Cramer’s rule
3. Trigonometry
- Angles in degrees and radians
- Trigonometric ratios and identities
- Sum, difference, multiple and sub-multiple angle formulae
- Inverse trigonometric functions
- Heights and distances
- Properties of triangles
4. Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D)
- Distance between two points, equation of a straight line in various forms
- Angle between two lines and distance of a point from a line
- Circle in standard and general form
- Parabola, ellipse and hyperbola (standard forms, eccentricity and axis)
- Points, lines, planes and spheres in three dimensions
- Direction cosines and direction ratios
5. Differential Calculus
- Functions: domain, range, graph, composite, one-one, onto and inverse functions
- Limits and continuity
- Derivatives and their geometrical meaning
- Derivative of sum, product, quotient and composite functions
- Increasing and decreasing functions
- Maxima and minima
6. Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Integration as the reverse of differentiation
- Integration by substitution and by parts
- Definite integrals and area under curves
- Order and degree of a differential equation
- Solving first-order and first-degree differential equations
7. Vector Algebra
- Vectors in two and three dimensions
- Unit vector, null vector, addition and scalar multiplication
- Dot product and cross product
- Simple applications in mechanics and geometry
8. Statistics and Probability
- Classification of data, frequency distribution and graphs
- Mean, median, mode, variance and standard deviation
- Correlation and regression
- Probability: addition and multiplication theorems, conditional probability and Bayes’ theorem
- Random variable and binomial distribution
📌 Our tip: Start with Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus, because they give the maximum number of questions in the paper. Then move on to Geometry, Vectors and Statistics.
Paper 2: NDA English Syllabus 2027
English carries 200 marks (50 questions) in the General Ability Test. The paper checks how well you understand and use the language. It is not about difficult words; it is about a clear base of grammar and reading.
Important topics are:
- Grammar and usage: tenses, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement, voice, narration and sentence structure
- Spotting errors in a given sentence
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution, and idioms and phrases
- Fill in the blanks with the correct word
- Ordering of words and sentences (rearranging jumbled parts)
- Comprehension: reading a short passage and answering questions based on it
- Cohesion in extended text
📌 Our tip: Read one English newspaper editorial every day and note down five new words. Within three months, you will see a clear difference in speed and accuracy.
Paper 2: NDA General Knowledge Syllabus 2027
General Knowledge carries the highest weight in the exam: 100 questions and 400 marks. The syllabus is wide, but if you divide it into six parts, it becomes easy to manage.
1. Physics
- Properties of matter: mass, weight, density, pressure, Archimedes’ principle
- Motion: velocity, acceleration, Newton’s laws, force and momentum
- Work, power, energy and gravitation
- Heat: temperature, specific heat, change of state and transfer of heat
- Sound and light: reflection, refraction, mirrors, lenses and the human eye
- Magnetism and electricity: Ohm’s law, simple circuits, electromagnetic induction, generators and transformers
- X-rays and radioactivity (basic idea)
2. Chemistry
- Physical and chemical changes
- Elements, compounds and mixtures
- Chemical equations and laws of chemical combination
- Air and water: properties and composition
- Oxidation and reduction
- Acids, bases and salts
- Common materials such as fuels, soap, fertilizers, fibres and metals
3. General Science (Biology)
- Living and non-living things, cell and protoplasm
- Growth and reproduction in plants and animals
- Human body, its main organs and their functions
- Balanced diet, vitamins and deficiency diseases
- Hygiene, sanitation and food chain
4. History and Freedom Movement
- Broad survey of Indian history with focus on culture and civilization
- India’s freedom struggle and important leaders
- Basic knowledge of the Indian Constitution and administration
- Panchayati Raj, national integration and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi
5. Geography
- The Earth: shape, size, latitudes, longitudes and time zones
- Movements of the Earth and their effects
- Rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, ocean currents and tides
- Atmosphere, winds, cyclones, humidity and rainfall
- Climate and natural regions of the world
- Geography of India: climate, vegetation, minerals, agriculture, industries, ports and trade routes
6. Current Events
- Important national and international events
- Defence news, sports, awards and books
- Science and technology developments
- Government schemes and major appointments
📌 Important Note: Do not try to "finish" General Knowledge in one go. Study one subject for 30 to 40 minutes daily, revise it every week, and keep a small notebook for current affairs.
How to Use This Syllabus: A Simple 4-Step Plan
- Print the syllabus and tick each topic once you complete it.
- Give time according to marks. Maths is 300 marks and GK is 400 marks, so both need regular attention. English is the easiest to score in, so do not ignore it.
- Revise every week. A topic that is not revised is soon forgotten.
- Practise previous year papers. They show you how UPSC actually asks questions from the syllabus.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Studying only Maths and leaving GK for the last month
- Skipping English because “it is easy”
- Not practising negative marking in mock tests
- Reading too many books instead of revising one or two good ones
- Ignoring physical fitness and SSB preparation until the result comes
Important Notes for NDA 2027 Aspirants
- Official source: The syllabus is prescribed by UPSC. Always confirm the final details on the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Two papers, two sittings: Mathematics and the General Ability Test are held as separate papers of 2.5 hours each.
- Negative marking: For every wrong answer, one-third of the marks of that question are deducted: 0.83 marks in Maths and 1.33 marks in GAT.
- Language of the paper: As per UPSC, the question papers (except English) are bilingual, in Hindi and English.
- No calculator: Electronic devices and calculators are not allowed in the exam hall, so practise calculations by hand.
- SSB depends on the written exam: Only students who qualify in the written exam are called for the SSB interview, so start the written preparation early.
- Books and revision: NCERT books of Class 11 and 12 Maths and school-level Science books are a strong base. Revise them more than once instead of collecting many new books.
NDA Coaching at Delhi Career Group: Branches in Delhi, Pune, Bhopal, Chandigarh & Kolkata
If you are looking for NDA coaching near you, Delhi Career Group guides students at five branches. Every branch follows the full NDA syllabus, with regular tests, doubt classes and guidance from experienced defence faculty. Hostel facility is available at all five branches, so students from other cities can also join without worry.
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- NDA coaching in Delhi: For students in Delhi and NCR who want the best NDA coaching in Delhi with proper syllabus coverage and mock tests.
- NDA coaching in Pune: For aspirants from Pune and Maharashtra who want NDA coaching with hostel facility.
- NDA coaching in Bhopal: For students from Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh preparing for the NDA written exam and SSB.
- NDA coaching in Chandigarh: For students from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh looking for a trusted NDA academy.
- NDA coaching in Kolkata: For students from Kolkata and Eastern India who want structured NDA preparation from Class 11 or 12.
Final Words
The NDA syllabus may look long at first, but when you break it down subject by subject, it is quite manageable. What you need is a clear plan, regular practice and the right guidance.
At Delhi Career Group, we have been guiding defence aspirants since 1999. Our experienced faculty, including retired defence officers, helps students understand the syllabus, practise smartly and prepare for the SSB as well. We have branches in Delhi, Pune, Bhopal, Chandigarh and Kolkata, and hostel facility is available at all five branches.
If you want personal guidance for NDA 2027, you are welcome to visit our academy or contact our counsellors. Your uniform is waiting; let us begin the journey together.
Related reading: NDA 1 2027: Age Limit, Notification, Exam Date, Syllabus & Eligibility | NDA Coaching in Pune
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is based on the official UPSC syllabus and exam pattern available at the time of writing. UPSC may update the syllabus, marks or exam rules at any time. Students are advised to check the latest official notification on upsc.gov.in before applying. This article is for guidance only and does not guarantee any exam result.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The NDA syllabus has two written papers: Paper 1 (Mathematics, 300 marks) and Paper 2 (General Ability Test, 600 marks), which includes English and General Knowledge.
The NDA Maths paper is based on the Class 11 and Class 12 (10+2) syllabus.
Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Events.
Yes. One-third of the marks of a question are deducted for each wrong answer.
The syllabus has remained almost the same over the years. Still, please check the official UPSC notification for the final update.
The written exam is of 900 marks and the SSB interview is of 900 marks, making a total of 1800 marks.
Yes. Students studying in Class 12 can apply, subject to the age and eligibility conditions given in the official notification.