Introduction
The NDA April 2026 Exam (NDA-I 2026), conducted by UPSC, is one of the most competitive exams for defence aspirants. To clear it, students need concept clarity, rigorous practice, and the right study materials. While NCERT books are the foundation, having the best reference books helps aspirants practice exam-level questions and improve their chances of success.
In this guide, we provide a subject-wise list of best reference books for NDA-I 2026 and preparation tips. We’ll also share how Victor Growth Coaching helps students combine books with structured coaching for maximum results.
Subject-Wise Best Reference Books for NDA April 2026
1. Mathematics (300 Marks)
Mathematics is one of the toughest sections of NDA and requires regular practice.
Best Books:
NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12) – Foundation building.
Mathematics for NDA/NA by R.S. Aggarwal – Covers all NDA topics with solved examples.
Pathfinder for NDA/NA Entrance Examination by Arihant Publications – Great for practice and mock tests.
Objective Mathematics by R.D. Sharma – Advanced practice for difficult topics.
👉 Tip: Maintain a formula notebook and revise it weekly.
2. English (200 Marks in GAT)
English is highly scoring if prepared strategically.
Best Books:
Wren & Martin – High School English Grammar & Composition – Grammar rules and practice.
Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) – Best for error detection, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis – Vocabulary building.
Previous Years NDA English Papers – Practice-based improvement.
👉 Tip: Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express to boost comprehension and current vocabulary.
3. General Knowledge (400 Marks in GAT)
GK covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.
Physics & Chemistry:
NCERT Science (Class 9 & 10) – Basics.
NCERT Physics & Chemistry (Class 11 & 12) – Core concepts.
Objective NCERT at Your Fingertips – Physics & Chemistry (MTG).
Biology:
NCERT Biology (Class 9–12) – Must-read.
Trueman’s Biology (Vol 1 & 2) – For deeper understanding.
History & Geography:
NCERT History & Geography (Class 9–12) – Strong foundation.
General Knowledge Manual by Manohar Pandey (Arihant).
Lucent’s General Knowledge – Compact, exam-ready book.
Current Affairs:
Pratiyogita Darpan Magazine
Monthly Current Affairs by Arihant
Daily Newspaper (The Hindu/Indian Express)
👉 Tip: Make short notes for revision of GK topics and current affairs.
Why Reference Books Alone Aren’t Enough
While reference books provide knowledge and practice, NDA success requires:
Exam temperament training (time management + accuracy).
Mock test practice under real exam conditions.
SSB interview preparation (personality, communication, fitness).
This is where coaching plays a vital role.
Why Choose Victor Growth Coaching for NDA April 2026?
At Victor Growth Coaching, we combine the best reference books with structured training:
Comprehensive Classroom + Online Classes covering entire syllabus.
Exclusive NDA Test Series with UPSC-pattern questions.
Printed Study Materials (summarised notes from standard books).
Shortcut Methods & Problem-Solving Techniques for Maths.
English Vocabulary & Grammar Workshops.
Current Affairs & GK Capsules updated monthly.
SSB Interview Guidance with mock interviews and group tasks.
Affordable Fee Structure for all aspirants.
👉 With Victor Growth, aspirants get a complete ecosystem of books, mentorship, and practice, making preparation more effective than just self-study.
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FAQs on NDA Reference Books
Q1. Are NCERT books enough for NDA April 2026?
Yes, NCERT is the foundation, but additional reference books and practice tests are needed.
Q2. Which book is best for NDA Mathematics?
R.S. Aggarwal’s Mathematics for NDA/NA and Arihant Pathfinder are highly recommended.
Q3. Which English book should NDA aspirants use?
Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi and Word Power Made Easy are the best.
Q4. Is Lucent GK enough for NDA?
Lucent GK is useful, but NCERTs and current affairs must also be covered.
Q5. Can I clear NDA just with self-study books?
It’s possible, but structured coaching ensures better time management, doubt-solving, and practice.
Q6. Does Victor Growth provide its own study materials?
Yes. Victor Growth offers printed notes, question banks, and revision capsules along with coaching.
Q7. Which is the best all-in-one book for NDA?
Arihant Pathfinder for NDA/NA is the best one-book solution, but pairing it with NCERTs gives maximum results.
