The NDA exam is an entrance for young ambitions, which aims to join the Indian armed forces as officers. While both mathematics and GAT play an important role, it is often the mathematics paper that becomes a decisive factor for selection. The best part? Not all subjects take the same weight. By focusing only on 10 strategic topics, you can actually prepare for about 80% of the NDA 1 2026 Maths paper.
Let’s break down these subjects, their weight, and preparation tips so you can maximize your score without wasting time in areas with low primary.
1. Trigonometry
- It contains 15–20 Questions
- Trigonometric ratios
- Identities and equations
- Height & Distance problems
- Inverse trigonometric functions
2. Algebra
- It contains 20–25 Questions
- Quadratic equations
- Binomial theorem
- Arithmetic, Geometric & Harmonic progressions
- Logarithms

3. Matrices and Determinants
- It contains 10–12 Questions
- Basic operations on matrices
- Inverse & adjoint of matrices
- Solution of linear equations using matrices
4. Vector Algebra
- It contains 8–10 Questions
- Scalar and vector product
- Applications in geometry
- Direction ratios & cosines
5. Coordinate Geometry
- It contains 15–20 Questions
- Straight lines and a pair of lines
- Circles, Parabolas, Ellipses, and Hyperboloids
- Distance and section formula
6. Differential Calculus
- It contains 8–10 Questions
- Limits and continuity
- Derivatives and applications
- Maxima and minima
7. Integral Calculus
- It contains 8–10 Questions
- Indefinite and definite integrals
- Area under the curve
- Application of integration
8. Probability & Statistics
- It contains 8–10 Questions
- Mean, Median, Mode
- Variance and Standard Deviation
- Basic probability laws
9. Analytical Geometry of 3D
- It contains 8–10 Questions
- Equation of planes
- Angle between two lines/planes
- Distance problems in 3D
10. Mensuration & Geometry
- It contains 10–12 Questions
- Properties of triangles & circles
- Surface area & volume of 3D figures
- Geometry theorems (angle bisector, similarity)
Also Read:
Join Our Telegram Channel for Study Material, Daily Quizzes, and Latest Updates about NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF, and Air Force Agniveer:- Click Here to Join Channel
- NDA Syllabus 2026 PDF Download – Maths and GAT Syllabus
- Important Topics for NDA Maths 2026
- All About NDA Exam 2026 – NDA Exam a Complete Guide
Why Focus on These Topics?
NDA Mathematics paper follows a predictable pattern based on past year trends. These 10 topics collectively account for 220–240 marks out of 300 in Mathematics, making them high ROI (Return on Investment) areas. By mastering them, you’re already in the safe scoring zone.
Pro Tips for NDA 1 2026 Maths Success
- Solve at least 10 years’ worth of NDA papers to spot patterns.
- Simulate the examination status to improve speed and accuracy.
- Maintain a dedicated notebook for rapid change before the exam.
- First, try simple and formula-based questions, and then move towards long questions.
- Negative marking can use you; Avoid blind guessing.
Conclusion
The NDA Mathematics paper isn’t about covering the entire syllabus, but covering the right syllabus smartly. These 10 topics can help you obtain a good score in NDA 1 2026 without drowning in low-weightage chapters. Start early, practice regularly, and tune your development via mock tests.
Your intention? Precision, speed, and method. That’s the way you’ll flip the NDA 1 2026 Mathematics paper from a venture into an opportunity.
FAQs for 10 Important topics for NDA 1 2026 Maths
Ans. They cover most high-scoring questions and save preparation time.
Ans. Trigonometry is the topic that covers the maximum questions.
Ans. Around 80% of the Mathematics paper is prepared well.
Ans. No, revise them lightly for unexpected questions.
Ans. Statistics and Probability are quick and formula-based.
Ans. At least 2–3 hours with regular problem-solving.
Ans. Yes, they reveal the recurring question patterns.
