How to Prepare for NDA Chemistry

The NDA (National Defence Academy) test is cracked by many candidates who devote all their efforts to Mathematics while unwittingly neglecting the Chemistry section, which has a good scoring opportunity. Typically, there are 15-20 questions in Chemistry in the NDA General Ability Test (GAT), and they account for around 60-80 marks.

Chemistry can be your “secret weapon” to raise your total GAT score, as the questions are primarily based on concepts and applications rather than on lengthy calculations.

NDA Chemistry Syllabus 2026: Key Topics

The UPSC defines a broad syllabus for Chemistry, but it focuses largely on 10th to 12th-grade level concepts.

Category	Important Topics
Physical Chemistry	States of Matter, Physical & Chemical Changes, Laws of Chemical Combination, Atomic Structure, Molecular Weights, and Valency.
Inorganic Chemistry	Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide, Acids, Bases & Salts, Oxidation & Reduction.
Materials & Everyday Life	Preparation and properties of Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gunpowder.
Elements & Compounds	Carbon (different forms), Fertilisers (Natural and Artificial), Metals and Non-Metals.
Environmental	Properties of Air and Water, Common Chemical Equations.

How to Prepare for NDA Chemistry

In order to tackle Chemistry, one has to make a proper mix of getting to know the main Scientific concepts and getting acquainted with Everyday Chemistry. 

1. Take Control of the NCERTs 

In the case of NDA, the NCERT Class 9 and 10 textbooks are your scriptures. Roughly 70-80% of the Chemistry problems come from these books directly.

• Action: Read through each chapter, pay attention to the “Box” info, and do the exercises given after each chapter.
• Pro Tip: For subjects such as Atomic Structure or Organic Chemistry foundations, go through the Class 11 NCERT for better comprehension. 

2. Put “Applied” Chemistry into Focus 

UPSC enjoys questioning about the chemicals that are present in our daily use. You are required to know the following:

• Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking soda) vs. Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda).
• Plaster of Paris vs. Gypsum.
• The makeup of Glass, Cement, and Steel.

3. Chemical Formulas and Laws Learning

Although the NDA does not generally require intricate derivations, it is good if you are at least:

• Familiar with the various Laws of Chemical Combination, which include the Law of Conservation of Mass, Law of Constant Proportions, etc.
• Accommondate the Symbols & Formulas: Learn by heart the symbols of elements and how to balance only the simplest of chemical equations.

4. Appropriation of Your Study

Split the syllabus into different parts, i.e. “Static” (definitions and facts) and “Conceptual” (how the reactions work).

• Static: Types of Fertilisers, kinds of Glasses, and the formulation of Gunpowder.
• Conceptual: Oxidation/Reduction, Acids/Bases (pH scale), and the trends in the Periodic Table.

Recommended Books for NDA Chemistry

Primarily for your preparation to be effective, refrain from stockpiling a lot of resources. Utilise only the following:

• NCERT Science Textbooks (Class 9th to 12th): Essential for concept formation.
• Pathfinder for NDA & NA by Arihant Publications: Ideal for precise notes and practice according to the topic.
• Lucent’s General Science: Useful for a rapid factual examination of Inorganic Chemistry.

Quick Tips for the Exam Day

• Steer Clear of Measurement by Guessing: Because GAT has a penalty marking of -1.33, only answer queries you are 90% confident about.
• Words are Hints: In Chemistry, terms such as “Permanent Hardness,” “Isotopes,” or “Allotropes” frequently lead directly to the right choice.
• Examine Last Year’s Papers (PYQs): Working through the NDA papers of the last 10 years will show that some areas (like Carbon and its compounds) are asked nearly every year.

Read More: How to Prepare for NDA Biology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Chemistry a major scoring section in the NDA exam?

Yes, Chemistry accounts for roughly 15–20 questions (60–80 marks) in the GAT paper. Since the questions are mostly factual and direct, it is often easier to score here than in Mathematics or Physics.

Which books are best for covering the NDA Chemistry syllabus?

The Class 9 and 10 NCERT Science books are essential for building a strong foundation. For targeted practice and summarised notes, the Arihant Pathfinder is highly recommended by toppers.

Do I need to study Class 11 and 12 Chemistry for NDA?

While 70% of the syllabus comes from 10th-grade concepts, you should study Class 11/12 topics like Redox Reactions, Atomic Structure, and Organic Chemistry for an edge. You don’t need deep numerical mastery, just conceptual clarity.

What are the most important topics in NDA Chemistry?

Focus heavily on Acids, Bases & Salts, Carbon & its Compounds, Physical & Chemical Changes, and “Everyday Chemistry” like the composition of glass, cement, and fertilisers.

How much time should I dedicate to Chemistry during NDA preparation?

If you are from a science background, 3–4 hours a week of revision and PYQ practice is sufficient. Non-science students should spend 1 hour daily for a month to master the basic concepts and formulas.