The NDA GAT syllabus 2027 covers Paper II of the UPSC NDA written exam, a 600-mark General Ability Test and is divided into two parts. Part A tests English for 200 marks; Part B tests General Knowledge for 400 marks across Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Events.

With NDA 1 2027 scheduled for 11 April 2027, this guide explains the subject-wise syllabus, exam pattern, approximate weightage and preparation priorities. The official 2027 syllabus will be confirmed in UPSC's notification scheduled for 2 December 2026.

NDA GAT 2027 at a Glance: Marks, Questions and Negative Marking

GAT is one 150-minute paper, scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM on exam day. English and GK sit in the same question booklet and run on the same clock, so the order you attempt them in is your call.

• The -1.33 is one-third of the 4 marks each question carries. A blank answer costs nothing, but marking two options counts as wrong.
• One number should shape your study plan: GK alone is worth 400 marks, more than the entire 300-mark Maths paper.

A few sites still quote GAT marking as +2/-0.6. That’s incorrect; check the [UPSC notification] instead. For how GAT combines with Maths, see our [full NDA marking scheme].

NDA English Syllabus 2027 (Part A): What UPSC Actually Tests

UPSC tests how well you understand and use English, not your knowledge of literature. Officially, the syllabus carries 200 marks (50 questions) and covers grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text. In the actual paper, that becomes ten recurring question types.

These ranges come from recent NDA papers, so read them as priorities, not a fixed split. Error spotting alone can be worth up to 40 marks.

English is the most controllable part of GAT. The rules don't change from paper to paper, so daily practice lifts your score faster here than anywhere else. That's good news if you studied in Hindi medium.

NDA GAT GK Syllabus 2027 - Complete Subject-Wise Topics

The NDA GAT General Knowledge syllabus 2027 carries 400 marks (100 questions). It covers six subjects: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Events. Questions are provided in both English and Hindi.

1. Physics

The NDA GAT Physics syllabus tests fundamental concepts and their practical applications.

• Matter: Physical properties, states of matter, mass, weight, density, volume and specific gravity.
• Mechanics: Motion, velocity, acceleration, Newton's laws, force, momentum, gravitation, pressure and equilibrium.
• Work and Energy: Work, power, energy, heat, temperature and heat transfer.
• Light and Sound: Reflection, refraction, mirrors, lenses, the human eye and sound waves.
• Electricity and Magnetism: Ohm's law, electric circuits, conductors, magnets and effects of current.
• Everyday Applications: Pulleys, levers, pumps, pendulums, pressure cookers, telescopes, microscopes and safety fuses.

2. Chemistry

The NDA GAT Chemistry syllabus focuses on basic chemical principles, substances and everyday applications.

• Physical and chemical changes; elements, compounds and mixtures.
• Chemical symbols, formulae, equations and laws of chemical combination.
• Atomic structure, valency, atomic weight and molecular weight.
• Acids, bases, salts, oxidation and reduction.
• Properties of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
• Carbon, fertilisers, soaps, glass, cement and other everyday chemical products.

3. General Science

General Science includes Biology, human physiology and fundamental scientific knowledge.

• Living and non-living organisms.
• Cells, protoplasm and tissues.
• Growth and reproduction in plants and animals.
• Human body, organs and their functions.
• Nutrition, balanced diet and common epidemics.
• Solar system, meteors, comets and eclipses.
• Achievements of eminent scientists.

4. History, Freedom Movement and Social Studies

This section covers Indian history, political developments and important world events.

• Indian History: Ancient civilisations, culture, heritage and major historical developments.
• Freedom Movement: India's independence struggle, significant movements and national leaders.
• Indian Polity: Constitution, administrative machinery, Panchayati Raj and community development.
• Social Development: Five-Year Plans, cooperatives, Bhoodan, Sarvodaya and Gandhian principles.
• World History: Renaissance, American Independence, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution.
• International Relations: United Nations, democracy, socialism, communism and India's global role.

5. Geography

The NDA GAT Geography syllabus includes physical geography, climate and India's natural and economic resources.

• Earth's shape, size, rotation, revolution, latitudes and longitudes.
• International Date Line and time zones.
• Rocks, weathering, earthquakes and volcanoes.
• Atmosphere, temperature, pressure, winds and cyclones.
• Ocean currents, tides, rainfall and climatic regions.
• Indian climate, natural vegetation and mineral resources.
• Agriculture, industries, transport routes, seaports, imports and exports.

6. Current Affairs

The NDA GAT Current Affairs syllabus tests awareness of significant national and international developments.

Preparation topics include:

• National and international news.
• Defence exercises, agreements and military developments.
• Government schemes and important appointments.
• Sports events, awards, books and authors.
• Science, technology and space developments.
• International summits and climate conferences.
• Important personalities, places and organisations in the news.

Preparation Tip: Maintain monthly current-affairs notes and revise them regularly. UPSC does not prescribe a fixed number of months for current-affairs preparation.

Where Students Lose GAT Marks (and How to Fix It)?

“Most students don’t lose GAT marks on hard questions. They lose them guessing in Current Events and skipping Physics because it feels like Maths. Fix those two habits and the score moves.” - Saurabh Singh, Academic Director, Major Kalshi Classes

A five-step fix:

1. Build your base with [NCERT] Science and Social Science from Classes 6 to 10.
2. Study GK in weightage order, starting with Physics, History and Geography.
3. Give English 20 to 30 minutes every day.
4. Update a one-page current affairs sheet every month.
5. Take one timed GAT mock a week and review every wrong answer.

Remember the maths of guessing: three wrong answers cancel one right one (3 × 1.33 ≈ 4). Attempt a question only when you can rule out at least two options.

How to Prepare for the NDA GAT Syllabus Before April 2027?

To complete the NDA GAT syllabus 2027, follow a balanced study routine that covers English, Science, Social Studies, and Current Affairs.

1. Practise English Daily: Spend 20-30 minutes on grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.
2. Rotate Science Subjects: Study Physics, Chemistry and General Science on alternate days.
3. Revise History and Geography: Use NCERT textbooks, short notes and weekly revision.
4. Track Current Affairs: Maintain monthly notes covering national, international and defence developments.
5. Attempt Timed Mock Tests: Solve NDA PYQs, analyse incorrect answers and improve accuracy.

Pro Tip: Prioritise weaker subjects based on mock-test performance rather than guesswork.

How Major Kalshi Classes Help You Cover GAT Without Guesswork?

GAT is wide, so structure matters more than hours. At Major Kalshi Classes, we teach GK subject by subject in weightage order, compile current affairs monthly with defence news kept separate, and run weekly timed GAT mocks that show exactly where marks leak.

After each NDA exam, our faculty also publishes a same-day [GAT paper analysis], so students prepare for what UPSC actually asks, not what guidebooks assume.

Final Thoughts: Start Your NDA GAT Preparation for 2027

The NDA GAT syllabus 2027 looks huge until you see its shape: 600 marks, an English section that rewards routine, and a GK section where three subjects carry most of the weight. Practise English daily, take GK in weightage order, and plan backwards from exam day.

The written paper is only the first gate. SSB follows soon after, so get familiar with the [NDA selection process 2027] early.

Download MKC's free NDA 1 2027 Starter Kit to track your preparation, then explore our NDA courses, mock tests and expert guidance.

[Download the Starter Kit] · [Talk to an MKC Counsellor]