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Defence Exam 2026: Pattern, Syllabus & Free Practice
NDA, CDS, AFCAT, Coast Guard, Territorial Army
The Defence exam at a glance
Written Exam → SSB Interview (5-day process) → Medical
NDA: 12th Pass | CDS: Graduate | AFCAT: Graduate (60%)
NDA: Apr & Sep | CDS: Feb & Sep | AFCAT: Feb & Aug
Mathematics, General Ability, English, General Knowledge
NDA: ~5 lakh | CDS: ~3 lakh applicants
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Take a free quizDates and eligibility are indicative — always confirm on the official notification before applying.
Practise for Defence
Defence quizzes are being added. Meanwhile, practise any subject:
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Defence syllabus — section by section
NDA — Mathematics
- Algebra, matrices & determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical geometry
- Differential & integral calculus
- Vectors, statistics & probability
English & General Ability
- Grammar & usage
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Physics, chemistry & general science
- History, freedom movement, geography & current events
CDS & AFCAT
- English
- General knowledge
- Elementary mathematics (CDS) / numerical ability (AFCAT)
- Reasoning & military aptitude (AFCAT)
SSB Interview
- Psychological tests
- Group tasks
- Personal interview
- Medical examination
How to prepare for Defence
- 1Build maths fundamentals early for NDA; they take the longest to develop.
- 2Read English daily — grammar accuracy decides many marks.
- 3Cover General Science and current defence affairs with regular MCQ practice.
- 4Start SSB preparation (fitness, communication, confidence) alongside the written exam.
- 5Attempt full mocks under real timing; the written cut-off is competitive.
Study material for Defence
Previous year papers
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Frequently asked questions
What is the eligibility for NDA?
12th pass (unmarried male/female candidates), age 16.5-19.5 years, with a written exam followed by SSB interview.
What is the SSB interview process?
A rigorous 5-day Services Selection Board process covering psychological tests, group tasks and a personal interview, held after clearing the written exam.
How is CDS different from NDA?
CDS is for graduates seeking entry into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Naval Academy or Air Force Academy, while NDA is for 12th-pass candidates joining a combined training academy.
Is AFCAT open to non-engineering graduates?
Yes, AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is open to graduates from any stream with at least 60% marks, for both flying and ground duty branches.