Complete Guide to NDA chemistry syllabus questions practice 2026

Mastering the NDA chemistry syllabus questions practice is essential for clearing the General Ability Test (GAT) paper in the Union Public Service Commission National Defence Academy examination, where chemistry typically contributes around 15 to 20 questions carrying 60 to 80 marks, requiring a strong conceptual foundation in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry alongside rigorous numerical and theoretical problem-solving.

What is the Exam?

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is a prestigious national-level defense entrance test conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as the gateway for young, unmarried male and female candidates aspiring to join the elite tri-services of the Indian Armed Forces—namely the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force—as well as the Naval Academy. The selection process comprises a rigorous written examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview assessing psychological aptitude, intelligence, and physical endurance.

The written examination is divided into two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). While Mathematics tests advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, the GAT paper is a multi-disciplinary test evaluating English, General Knowledge, and General Science. Within General Science, the Chemistry section holds significant weight. To excel here, consistent practice free mock tests for Defence on ExamBhai is vital for aligning your preparation with the latest UPSC standards.

Key Highlights 2026

Staying updated with the official examination parameters ensures focused preparation. Below are the core highlights for the NDA 2026 examination cycle:

• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Frequency: Twice a year (NDA I and NDA II)
• Stages of Selection: Written Examination and SSB Interview
• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper-based using OMR sheets)
• Total GAT Marks: 600 marks (out of 1,400 total written marks)
• Chemistry Weightage: Approx. 60–80 marks within the General Science segment
• Marking Scheme: Correct answers fetch positive marks, while one-third (0.33) marks are deducted for every incorrect response
• Official Portal: upsc.gov.in

Syllabus 2026

The UPSC prescribes a comprehensive syllabus for Chemistry that tests fundamental concepts up to the Class 12 level. Candidates must focus heavily on core chemical principles, atomic structures, and everyday chemistry. Below is the detailed breakdown of the syllabus:

For targeted topic-wise practice, you can easily practice topic-wise questions for Defence on ExamBhai to strengthen your weak areas.

Exam Pattern

The General Ability Test (GAT) paper is designed to evaluate a candidate's general awareness, scientific temper, and linguistic proficiency. The chemistry questions appear under the General Science section (Part B of GAT).

• Total Duration: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
• Total Questions in GAT: 150 questions
• Total Marks for GAT: 600 marks
• General Science Weightage: 50 questions (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined)
• Chemistry Specific Questions: Usually 15 to 20 questions
• Mark per correct Chemistry answer: 4 marks
• Negative Marking: -1.33 marks for incorrect answers

To get accustomed to this high-pressure exam pattern, candidates should regularly practice full-length mock exams for Defence on ExamBhai under timed conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the official guidelines published on upsc.gov.in, candidates must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the NDA examination:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, a subject of Bhutan, Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962.
• Age Limit: Only unmarried male and female candidates born between specific notified dates are eligible (typically aged 16.5 to 19.5 years).
• Educational Qualification:
  • For Army Wing: Passed 12th Class of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent from a recognized State Education Board or University.
  • For Air Force and Naval Wings and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme: Passed 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit according to guidelines specified by the official notification.

Application Process

The application process for NDA is conducted entirely online through the official UPSC portal.

1. One-Time Registration (OTR): Candidates must first register on the One-Time Registration platform available on the official UPSC website.
2. Filling Out the Application Form: Log in with your credentials, select the NDA examination, and fill in personal, academic, and contact details.
3. Center Selection and Fee Payment: Choose your preferred examination center and pay the requisite application fee (exempted for female candidates and SC/ST candidates).
4. Final Submission: Verify all details and submit the application form, taking a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Preparation Strategy

Cracking the NDA chemistry section requires a blend of conceptual clarity and consistent question practice. Follow these proven strategies to maximize your score:

• Master NCERT Textbooks: Treat NCERT Science textbooks (Classes 9 to 12) as your primary bible. Most conceptual questions are directly derived from these texts.
• Focus on Reaction Mechanisms: Understand basic chemical reactions such as $CH_4 + 2O_2 \to CO_2 + 2H_2O$ and balance equations accurately.
• Memorize Key Trends: Periodic table trends like electronegativity, atomic radii, and ionization energy are recurring favorites in the exam.
• Practice Previous Years' Papers: Solve at least the last 5 to 10 years of NDA question papers to identify repetitive question patterns and high-yield chapters.
• Solve Numerical Problems: Practice mole concept calculations, concentration terms (molarity, normality), and gas laws regularly.

Cut-Off Trends

Official cut-off marks for the NDA written examination and final selection are published annually by the UPSC on upsc.gov.in. Typically, the written exam cut-off hovers around (25%) to (35%) aggregate marks (approx. 320 to 360 marks out of 900), provided candidates clear the sectional cut-off (usually (25%) in each subject). The combined score of the written test and SSB interview determines the final merit list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weightage of Chemistry in the NDA GAT paper?

Chemistry usually contributes around 15 to 20 questions in the GAT paper, accounting for approximately 60 to 80 marks out of the total 600 GAT marks.

Are NCERT books sufficient for preparing NDA Chemistry?

Yes, NCERT textbooks from Class 9 to Class 12 provide a strong foundation and cover almost the entire UPSC syllabus for NDA Chemistry.

Is there negative marking in the NDA Chemistry section?

Yes, for every incorrect answer in the GAT paper, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question are deducted as a penalty.

What are the most important topics in NDA Chemistry?

Important topics include atomic structure, acid-base theories, periodic table trends, carbon and its compounds, oxidation-reduction reactions, and common chemical substances.

Can female candidates apply for the NDA examination?

Yes, eligible unmarried female candidates can apply for the NDA exam across all three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force) as per current guidelines.

When should I start solving mock tests for NDA Chemistry?

Candidates should start practicing topic-wise mock tests alongside their syllabus completion and transition to full-length tests at least two months before the exam date.

Practice Question: Organic Chemistry Application

When phenol is treated with an excess of aqueous bromine (bromine water), a white precipitate of compound (X) is formed. Identify the chemical structure of the major product (X).

Oc1c(Br)cc(Br)cc1Br

Explanation: When phenol reacts with aqueous bromine, the activating effect of the phenolic group (-OH) is very strong, leading to the immediate replacement of hydrogen atoms at both ortho- and para-positions with bromine atoms, forming 2,4,6-tribromophenol as a white precipitate.