NDA GAT • English Syllabus
NDA English Syllabus for GAT
The English component of the General Ability Test checks whether a candidate can understand and use English accurately in exam conditions. Use this page as a focused study map, then practise each area through the linked resources.
What UPSC specifies for NDA English
In the NDA/NA scheme, English forms Part A of the General Ability Test. The notified syllabus focuses on grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text. In preparation terms, that means you should combine rule-based accuracy with reading, contextual vocabulary and sentence-level understanding.
Core areas to prepare
Grammar & UsageSubject–verb agreement, tenses, articles, prepositions, pronouns, modifiers, conjunctions, voice, narration and error spotting.
VocabularySynonyms, antonyms, idioms, one-word substitutions, phrasal verbs, confusing words and contextual meaning.
ComprehensionMain idea, inference, factual understanding, tone, contextual meaning and logical reading.
Cohesion & Sentence SenseOrdering, connectors, sentence relationships and choosing language that makes a passage coherent.
How to convert the syllabus into a study plan
- Learn or revise one grammar/vocabulary area at a time.
- Solve topic-wise PYQs immediately after revision.
- Maintain an error notebook for rules and words you repeatedly miss.
- Shift to year-wise PYQs to understand mixed-paper difficulty.
- Use timed sample papers to build decision speed and accuracy.
Official reference: UPSC NDA & NA Examination page. Examination dates, eligibility windows and instructions can change by notification.