Complete Guide to NCERT books for NDA science preparation 2026

For NDA science preparation, Class 9 and 10 NCERT Science textbooks are non-negotiable foundations. Candidates must master these to grasp fundamental concepts, while Class 11 and 12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology NCERTs should be selectively utilized for advanced topics. They ensure conceptual clarity required to clear the high-stakes UPSC NDA examination.

What is the Exam?

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is a prestigious national-level entrance test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as the gateway for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA and the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). We at Exam Bhai view this exam not just as a test of academic knowledge but as a rigorous evaluation of a candidate's aptitude, physical endurance, and officer-like qualities. Science constitutes a significant portion of the General Ability Test (GAT) paper, making NCERT books the bedrock of your success journey.

Key Highlights 2026

• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Exam Level: National
• Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)
• Frequency: Twice a year (NDA I and NDA II)
• Selection Process: Written Exam followed by Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview
• Science Weightage: Roughly 200 marks out of 600 in the GAT paper

Syllabus 2026

The Science syllabus is comprehensive, testing your grasp of Physics, Chemistry, and General Science. The UPSC mandates deep conceptual understanding rather than rote learning.

Exam Pattern

The GAT paper is divided into two parts: English and General Knowledge. Science falls under the General Knowledge section. To excel, you should practice free mock tests for Defence on Exam Bhai to get accustomed to the time-bound nature of the paper.

Each correct answer carries +4 marks, while incorrect answers attract a penalty of -1.33 marks. Consistent practice via our NDA science test series helps minimize these negative marking errors.

Eligibility Criteria

As per the official notifications published on upsc.gov.in, the eligibility criteria are:

• Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age.
• Educational Qualification: For Army Wing, 10+2 pass. For Air Force and Naval Wings, 10+2 pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Nationality: Citizen of India, subject of Nepal, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before Jan 1, 1962.

Application Process

The application process is strictly online. Candidates must visit upsc.gov.in during the active notification window. The process involves two stages: Part I registration (basic details) and Part II registration (fee payment, center selection, and photo/signature upload).

Preparation Strategy

We at Exam Bhai advocate a systematic approach.

1. Phase 1 (Foundation): Read Class 9 and 10 NCERT Science books cover to cover. Focus on the 'Summary' and 'Points to Ponder' sections.
2. Phase 2 (Specialization): For Physics, focus heavily on optics and electricity from Class 11/12 NCERTs. For Chemistry, prioritize organic chemistry basics and periodic properties.
3. Phase 3 (Testing): You must attempt daily quizzes for Defence exams on Exam Bhai to track your progress.
4. Revision: Maintain short notes for quick review of chemical formulas and physical constants.

Cut-Off Trends

Official cut-offs are published by the UPSC at upsc.gov.in after the final results. Historically, the written exam cut-off typically hovers between 340 and 360 marks out of 900. Scoring well in the Science section is crucial because it is high-accuracy and high-scoring compared to the unpredictable General Studies section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are NCERT books enough for NDA Science? A1: Yes, NCERT books are sufficient for building core concepts, but you must supplement them with previous year question papers and mock tests.

Q2: Which chapters are most important in Class 9-10 NCERT? A2: Optics, Electricity, Work-Energy-Power, and Chemical Reactions are high-yield topics.

Q3: How should I handle the Biology section? A3: Focus on human physiology, nutrition, and common diseases mentioned in the NCERTs. Biology questions are usually direct and factual.

Q4: Should I read Class 12 Biology for NDA? A4: It is generally unnecessary unless you have extra time. Class 9 and 10 Biology is usually sufficient for the GAT paper.

Q5: How does negative marking affect science scores? A5: With 1.33 marks deducted per wrong answer, guessing is risky. We recommend focusing on accuracy over quantity.

Q6: Is coaching mandatory if I study NCERTs? A6: Not mandatory. If you are disciplined and use resources like Exam Bhai for testing and strategy, self-study with NCERTs is highly effective.