NDA 2026 Study Plan: Subject Wise Strategy for Success

Preparing for the NDA 2026 exam? Whether you’re aiming for the Army, Navy, or Air Force wings, the National Defence Academy exam demands smart strategy, consistent discipline, and the right subject wise approach. This guide breaks down a complete NDA 2026 study plan, helping you for every subject step by step.

 Overview of NDA Exam Pattern

Before diving into the plan, know what you’re preparing for:

Paper I – Mathematics

• Marks: 300

• Duration: 2.5 hours

Paper II – General Ability Test (GAT)

• Marks: 600

• Duration: 2.5 hours

• Includes English + General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Polity, Current Affairs)

Total = 900 Marks

To crack NDA 2026, focus equally on concept clarity, consistent revision, and mock tests.

 NDA 2026 Study Plan – Subject-Wise Strategy

 Mathematics (300 Marks)

Goal: Build speed + accuracy through regular practice.

Strategy:

• Cover NCERT Class 11 & 12 Maths thoroughly.

• Focus on key scoring areas:

  • Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Matrices, Vector Algebra, Statistics.

• Practice at least 20–25 questions daily from mixed topics.

• Solve one full-length paper weekly.

• Maintain a formula sheet — revise it every 3 days.

Pro Tip: Solve previous 10 years NDA Maths papers, patterns often repeat.

English (200 Marks in GAT)

Goal: Strengthen grammar and comprehension to score easy marks.

Strategy:

• Learn basic grammar rules - tenses, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement.

• Practice error detection and sentence improvement daily.

• Read newspapers or editorials for vocabulary and comprehension.

• Revise 10 new words daily + idioms and phrases weekly.

Pro Tip: English can be your rank booster - target at least 140+ marks here.

General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

Goal: Master NCERT concepts of Classes 9 to 12.

Strategy:

• Physics: Focus on Mechanics, Heat, Light & Electricity.

• Chemistry: Learn basic chemical reactions, atomic structure, acids & bases.

• Biology: Read human physiology, plant systems, cell biology.

• Create short concept notes for revision.

Pro Tip: Many questions are directly from NCERT lines also underline important facts.

History, Geography & Polity

Goal: Build factual as well as conceptual clarity.

Strategy:

• History: Focus on freedom movement, Mughal era, and important dates.

• Geography: Map work, rivers, climate, minerals, and agriculture of India.

• Polity: Indian Constitution, fundamental rights, duties, and governance.

Pro Tip: Watch short daily current affairs videos or read 'The Hindu' summary to link static GK with current topics.

Current Affairs & Defence Awareness

Goal: Stay updated with national and international news.

Strategy:

• Follow monthly current affairs magazines (like Pratiyogita Darpan).

• Focus on defence exercises, new appointments, awards, and government schemes.

• Revise monthly PDFs 2–3 times before the exam.

Pro Tip: Make a 'Defence Diary' note all events related to Indian Armed Forces.

 6-Month NDA 2026 Study Timeline

Month	Focus Area	Key Task
Oct–Nov 2025	Build concepts	Complete Class 11 Maths + GAT basics
Dec–Jan 2026	Strengthen weak areas	Revise Class 12 topics + English grammar
Feb–Mar 2026	Practice & Mocks	Attempt full-length papers + time management
Apr 2026	Revision mode	Formula sheets, GK facts, and PYQs

 Bonus Tips for NDA 2026 Aspirants

• Wake up early - replicate SSB discipline early on.

• Avoid random YouTube shortcuts; follow one reliable source.

• Attempt NDA mock tests weekly under real exam conditions.

• Stay fit & include daily running or push-ups, NDA demands both mind and body strength.

FINAL WORDS

Cracking the NDA 2026 is not about studying 12 hours a day it is about studying smart, steady, and strategically.Follow this subject wise plan with consistency, self-discipline, revision, and you will find yourself progressing confidently toward your ultimate goal the National Defence Academy.