Qualifying NDA 1 2026 isn’t just about mastering Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). One of the biggest score-boosters—yet often underestimated—is Current Affairs. From the written paper for your SSB interview, awareness of national and worldwide events may be the finding out factor between choice and rejection.
In this guide, you will be aware of important current affairs topics for NDA 1 2026 and how to prepare them effectively.
1. Defence & Military Updates
The UPSC always emphasizes topics related to India’s defence preparedness. For NDA 1 2026, focus on:
- New weapon inductions such as Tejas Mk2 updates, INS Vikrant, and Agni-V test launches.
- Military exercises such as Yudh Abhyas, Garuda Shakti, Milan, Varuna.
- Defence agreements such as the Indo-French Rafale pact, India-US defence deals.
- New appointments such as Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force, and Chief of Defence Staff.
Tip: Read PIB and Ministry of Defence press releases weekly.
2. Space & Science Achievements
India’s space program is in the spotlight. You must be updated on:
- Global space events such as the Artemis program and China’s moon missions.
- ISRO missions such as Aditya-L1, Gaganyaan, and Chandrayaan-4 developments.
- New satellites such as GSAT, PSLV & GSLV launches.
3. National & International Awards
Questions in NDA often test your recall of recent award winners:
- Bharat Ratna & Padma Awards recipients.
- Global recognitions such as Nobel Prizes, Booker Prize, Oscars
- Sports-related awards such as the Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award.
4. International Relations & Summits
The world’s geopolitics directly impacts India. Focus on:
- G20 Presidency updates.
- Go through the meetings such as BRICS, QUAD, and their outcomes.
- Know about Border issues such as India-China LAC tensions, India-Pakistan LoC updates.
5. Economic & Government Policies
UPSC loves asking about new schemes and policies:
- Go through the highlights of the Union Budget 2026.
- Collect information related to Economic factors such as GDP growth and inflation trends.
- Know about New government schemes such as PM Gati Shakti, Make in India 2.0.
6. Environment & Climate Change
- COP summits & India’s climate commitments.
- Major cyclones, floods, and disaster management efforts.
- Conservation projects – Project Tiger updates, Green Hydrogen Mission.
7. Sports & Cultural Events
- Paris Olympics 2024 results.
- Cultural festivals and heritage recognitions by UNESCO.
- Questions related to Cricket tournaments such as the ICC T20 World Cup, Asia Cup.
NDA 1 2026 Preparation Tips for Current Affairs
- Daily Reading: Read the newspaper daily and the monthly magazines
- Note-Making: Always Keep a current affairs notes with short bullet points and mind maps.
- Revision:
- Weekly quizzes.
- Revise through apps like PIB Summary, GK Today.
- Link to SSB:
- Be ready to discuss current affairs topics in GD and PI.
- Form balanced opinions rather than extreme views.
Conclusion
Current issues for NDA 1 2026 are not just about memorizing facts – they are about understanding the world you want to serve as an officer. A well -prepared candidate not only shows consciousness, but also shows India’s ability to link events with strategic interests.
If you include current affairs in your routine, you will qualify for both the written exam and SSB interview.
FAQs for Top Current Affairs Topics for NDA 2026
Ans. They help you score in GAT and impress in SSB discussions.
Ans. Cover at least the last 6–8 months before the exam.
Ans. Defence updates, government schemes, international summits, and sports.
Ans. Mostly as direct MCQs in the GAT paper.
Ans. They provide talking points for group discussions and interviews.
Ans. Weapon inductions, joint military exercises, and DRDO projects.
Ans. Yes, for opinion-based questions and improving communication skills.
Ans. PIB, The Hindu, Yojana, and monthly defence current affairs compilations.
Ans. 30–45 minutes is enough with consistency.
Ans. Yes, when linked with recent events like locations, historical context or personalities.