Indian Army GD 2026 - Complete Exam Guide, Previous Papers & Preparation Strategy

Last Updated: March 2026

The Indian Army General Duty (GD) Examination is conducted for recruitment of soldiers in the General Duty category. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to crack the Indian Army GD 2026 exam and serve the nation as a proud soldier.

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Exam Overview

Attribute	Details
Full Form	General Duty
Conducting Body	Indian Army (Army Recruitment Office)
Job Profile	Soldier (General Duty)
Service Duration	15-17 years (extendable)
Job Type	Non-Technical Soldier
Training Academy	Various Regimental Centers

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Important Dates (Tentative - Army GD 2026)

Event	Expected Date
Notification Release	Throughout the year (Zone-wise)
Online Application	As per zone notification
Admit Card Release	2-3 weeks before exam
Written Examination	As per zone schedule
Physical Fitness Test	After written exam clearance
Medical Examination	After PFT clearance
Final Merit List	Zone-wise declaration

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Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

• Citizen of India
• Subject of Nepal
• Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam

Age Limit

Category	Age Limit	Born Between
GD (General Duty)	17.5 - 21 years	1st October 2005 - 1st April 2009
GD (Special Category)	17.5 - 23 years	As per notification

Note: Age calculated as on the date of recruitment rally/bharti.

Educational Qualification

Category	Qualification	Minimum Marks
GD	SSLC/Matric (10th) pass	45% aggregate, 33% in each subject
GD (Higher Education)	10+2 (Science/Arts/Commerce)	50% aggregate
GD (Sportsmen)	SSLC/Matric pass	As per sports quota norms

Physical Standards

Height Requirements

Region	Height
Western Himalayan Region	163 cm
Eastern Himalayan Region	160 cm
Plains Region	170 cm
Central Region	168 cm
Southern Region	166 cm

Weight Requirements

Height	Minimum Weight
160 cm	47 kg
163 cm	48 kg
166 cm	50 kg
168 cm	51 kg
170 cm	52 kg

Chest Requirements

Standard	Minimum	Expansion
General	77 cm	5 cm
High Altitude	76 cm	5 cm

Vision Standards

Parameter	Requirement
Better Eye	6/6
Worse Eye	6/9
Color Vision	CP III (Normal color vision)

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Indian Army GD 2026 Exam Pattern

Written Examination Structure

Section	Subject	Questions	Marks	Duration
I	General Knowledge	15	30
II	General Science	15	30
III	Mathematics	15	30
IV	Logical Reasoning	05	10
Total		50	100	60 Minutes

Marking Scheme

Detail	Value
Correct Answer	+2 marks
Incorrect Answer	-0.5 marks (1/4 negative marking)
Unattempted	0 marks

Qualifying Marks

Category	Minimum Marks
General	32 marks out of 100
SC/ST/OBC	30 marks out of 100

Note: Sectional cutoff may be applied. Candidates must pass in all sections.

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Army GD 2026 Syllabus

Section I: General Knowledge (15 Questions - 30 Marks)

Indian History

• Ancient Indian History
• Medieval Indian History
• Modern Indian History
• Indian National Movement
• Freedom Struggle
• Important Historical Events

Geography

• Physical Geography of India
• Indian States and Capitals
• Rivers, Mountains, Deserts
• Climate and Natural Vegetation
• Natural Resources

Indian Polity

• Indian Constitution
• Fundamental Rights and Duties
• Parliament and State Legislature
• Judiciary System
• Local Government (Panchayati Raj)

Indian Economy

• Basic Economic Concepts
• Five Year Plans
• Agriculture and Industries
• Banking System
• Government Schemes

Current Affairs

• National and International News
• Sports and Awards
• Defense News
• Important Appointments
• Books and Authors

Military Affairs

• Indian Army Structure
• Commands of Indian Army
• Regiments and their history
• Important Battles
• Gallantry Awards
• Defense Equipment

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Section II: General Science (15 Questions - 30 Marks)

Physics

• Physical Quantities and Measurement
• Motion and Force
• Work, Energy and Power
• Heat and Temperature
• Light and Optics
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Sound

Chemistry

• Matter and its States
• Elements and Compounds
• Acids, Bases and Salts
• Metals and Non-metals
• Carbon and its Compounds
• Chemical Reactions
• Environmental Chemistry

Biology

• Cell: Structure and Function
• Tissues
• Life Processes (Nutrition, Respiration, Transportation, Excretion)
• Control and Coordination
• Reproduction
• Heredity and Evolution
• Environment and Ecology
• Human Health and Diseases

General Science Topics

• Scientific Instruments
• Scientific Discoveries and Inventions
• Space Research (ISRO missions)
• Nuclear Science basics

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Section III: Mathematics (15 Questions - 30 Marks)

Number System

• Natural Numbers, Whole Numbers
• Integers, Rational Numbers
• Real Numbers
• HCF and LCM
• Squares and Square Roots
• Cubes and Cube Roots

Algebra

• Algebraic Expressions
• Polynomials
• Linear Equations
• Quadratic Equations
• Arithmetic Progressions

Geometry

• Lines and Angles
• Triangles
• Quadrilaterals
• Circles
• Constructions

Mensuration

• Area and Perimeter
• Surface Area and Volume
• Problems on Plane Figures

Trigonometry

• Trigonometric Ratios
• Trigonometric Identities
• Heights and Distances

Statistics and Probability

• Mean, Median, Mode
• Basic Probability

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Section IV: Logical Reasoning (5 Questions - 10 Marks)

Verbal Reasoning

• Series Completion
• Coding-Decoding
• Analogy
• Classification
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense
• Logical Venn Diagrams

Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Pattern Completion
• Figure Matrix
• Mirror Images
• Embedded Figures

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Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Solutions

Question 1: Number System

Problem: Find the LCM of 12, 18, and 24.

Solution: Prime factorization: 12 = 2² × 3 18 = 2 × 3² 24 = 2³ × 3

LCM = 2³ × 3² = 8 × 9 = 72

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Question 2: Percentage

Problem: If 25% of a number is 75, find the number.

Solution: Let the number be x 25% of x = 75 0.25x = 75 x = 75/0.25 x = 300

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Question 3: Profit and Loss

Problem: A man buys a watch for ₹500 and sells it for ₹600. Find the profit percentage.

Solution: CP = ₹500 SP = ₹600 Profit = SP - CP = 600 - 500 = ₹100

Profit % = (Profit/CP) × 100 = (100/500) × 100 = 20%

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Question 4: Simple Interest

Problem: At what rate percent per annum will ₹4000 amount to ₹4600 in 3 years?

Solution: Principal = ₹4000 Amount = ₹4600 Interest = 4600 - 4000 = ₹600 Time = 3 years

SI = (P × R × T)/100 600 = (4000 × R × 3)/100 600 = 120R R = 5%

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Question 5: Average

Problem: The average of 7 numbers is 25. If each number is multiplied by 3, find the new average.

Solution: If each number is multiplied by 3, the average is also multiplied by 3.

New average = 25 × 3 = 75

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Question 6: Ratio and Proportion

Problem: The ratio of boys to girls in a school is 4:5. If there are 800 boys, find the number of girls.

Solution: Boys : Girls = 4 : 5

If 4 parts = 800 Then 1 part = 800/4 = 200

Girls = 5 parts = 5 × 200 = 1000

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Question 7: Time and Work

Problem: 12 men can complete a work in 8 days. How many men are needed to complete the same work in 6 days?

Solution: Using the formula: M₁ × D₁ = M₂ × D₂

12 × 8 = M₂ × 6 96 = 6M₂ M₂ = 16

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Question 8: Speed and Distance

Problem: A car travels at 60 km/hr. How much distance will it cover in 15 minutes?

Solution: Time = 15 minutes = 15/60 hour = 1/4 hour

Distance = Speed × Time Distance = 60 × (1/4) Distance = 15 km

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Question 9: Area

Problem: Find the area of a triangle with base 12 cm and height 8 cm.

Solution: Area = (1/2) × base × height Area = (1/2) × 12 × 8 Area = 48 cm²

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Question 10: Volume

Problem: Find the volume of a cylinder with radius 7 cm and height 10 cm.

Solution: Volume = πr²h Volume = (22/7) × 7 × 7 × 10 Volume = 22 × 7 × 10 Volume = 1540 cm³

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Question 11: Algebra

Problem: If x = 2, find the value of x³ - 3x² + 2x + 5.

Solution: Substituting x = 2: = 2³ - 3(2)² + 2(2) + 5 = 8 - 3(4) + 4 + 5 = 8 - 12 + 4 + 5 = 5

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Question 12: Trigonometry

Problem: Find the value of sin² 30° + cos² 30°.

Solution: Using the identity: sin² θ + cos² θ = 1

Therefore, sin² 30° + cos² 30° = 1

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Question 13: Statistics

Problem: Find the mean of: 12, 15, 18, 21, 24.

Solution: Mean = Sum of observations / Number of observations Mean = (12 + 15 + 18 + 21 + 24) / 5 Mean = 90 / 5 Mean = 18

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Question 14: Compound Interest

Problem: Find the compound interest on ₹2000 at 10% per annum for 2 years.

Solution: Amount = P(1 + R/100)ⁿ Amount = 2000(1 + 10/100)² Amount = 2000 × (1.1)² Amount = 2000 × 1.21 Amount = ₹2420

CI = Amount - Principal CI = 2420 - 2000 = ₹420

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Question 15: Divisibility

Problem: Which of the following is divisible by 9? (a) 12345 (b) 23456 (c) 34567 (d) 45648

Solution: A number is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

(a) 1+2+3+4+5 = 15 (not divisible by 9) (b) 2+3+4+5+6 = 20 (not divisible by 9) (c) 3+4+5+6+7 = 25 (not divisible by 9) (d) 4+5+6+4+8 = 27 (divisible by 9)

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Reasoning Questions with Solutions

Question 1: Series Completion

Problem: Find the next term: 2, 5, 11, 23, 47, ?

Solution: Pattern: Multiply by 2 and add 1 2 × 2 + 1 = 5 5 × 2 + 1 = 11 11 × 2 + 1 = 23 23 × 2 + 1 = 47 47 × 2 + 1 = 95

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Question 2: Coding-Decoding

Problem: If 'ARMY' is coded as 'CQOA', how is 'NAVY' coded?

Solution: Pattern: Each letter is shifted by +2 A→C, R→T, M→O, Y→A (circular)

Applying to NAVY: N→P, A→C, V→X, Y→A

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Question 3: Analogy

Problem: Soldier : Uniform :: Doctor : ?

Solution: A soldier wears a uniform. Similarly, a doctor wears a white coat/apron.

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Question 4: Blood Relations

Problem: Pointing to a man, a woman said, "He is the only son of my mother." How is the man related to the woman?

Solution:

• Only son of woman's mother = Woman's brother

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Question 5: Direction Sense

Problem: A soldier walks 20 meters North, turns right and walks 15 meters, then turns right again and walks 20 meters. How far is he from the starting point?

Solution: Visualizing:

• Start at (0,0), walk 20 m North → (0, 20)
• Turn right (East), walk 15 m → (15, 20)
• Turn right (South), walk 20 m → (15, 0)

Distance from origin (0,0) to (15,0) = 15 m

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Question 6: Classification

Problem: Find the odd one out: Rifle, Tank, Gun, Sword.

Solution: Rifle, Tank, and Gun are firearms/modern weapons. Sword is a traditional weapon.

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Question 7: Logical Reasoning

Problem: Statements:

1. All soldiers are brave.
2. All brave men are strong.

Conclusions: I. All soldiers are strong. II. Some strong men are soldiers.

Solution: From statements: All soldiers ⊂ brave ⊂ strong

Therefore: I. All soldiers are strong - True II. Some strong men are soldiers - True

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Question 8: Number Series

Problem: Find the missing number: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, ?

Solution: This is the Fibonacci series: Each number is the sum of two preceding numbers. 1 + 1 = 2 1 + 2 = 3 2 + 3 = 5 3 + 5 = 8 5 + 8 = 13 8 + 13 = 21

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Question 9: Mirror Image

Problem: What is the mirror image of 'INDIAN ARMY'?

Solution: In a mirror image, the letters appear reversed horizontally. The mirror image would show the text flipped horizontally.

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Question 10: Calendar

Problem: What day of the week was August 15, 2024 (Independence Day)?

Solution: Using the odd days method:

• 1600 years: 0 odd days
• 400 years: 0 odd days
• 23 years: 17 ordinary + 6 leap = 29 odd days = 1 odd day
• Days till Aug 15, 2024: 31 + 29 + 31 + 30 + 31 + 30 + 31 + 15 = 228 days 228 mod 7 = 4 odd days

Total odd days = 0 + 0 + 1 + 4 = 5

5 odd days = Thursday

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General Knowledge Questions with Answers

Indian Army

Q1. Who is the current Chief of Army Staff (as of 2026)? Answer: General Upendra Dwivedi

Q2. How many commands does the Indian Army have? Answer: 7 Commands (Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, South Western, and Army Training Command)

Q3. What is the motto of the Indian Army? Answer: "Service Before Self"

Q4. Where is the headquarters of the Indian Army located? Answer: New Delhi

Q5. What is the highest gallantry award in India? Answer: Param Vir Chakra (PVC)

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Indian History

Q6. Who was the first President of India? Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Q7. When did India gain independence? Answer: 15th August 1947

Q8. Who wrote the Indian National Anthem? Answer: Rabindranath Tagore

Q9. Which movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942? Answer: Quit India Movement

Q10. Who was the first Prime Minister of India? Answer: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

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Indian Geography

Q11. What is the capital of India? Answer: New Delhi

Q12. Which is the longest river in India? Answer: Ganga

Q13. Which is the highest peak in India? Answer: Kangchenjunga (in Sikkim)

Q14. How many states are there in India? Answer: 28 states

Q15. Which is the largest state in India by area? Answer: Rajasthan

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General Science

Q16. What is the SI unit of force? Answer: Newton (N)

Q17. What is the chemical formula of water? Answer: H₂O

Q18. Who discovered gravity? Answer: Sir Isaac Newton

Q19. What is the main gas in Earth's atmosphere? Answer: Nitrogen (78%)

Q20. What is the powerhouse of the cell? Answer: Mitochondria

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English Questions with Solutions

Question 1: Spotting Error

Problem: Identify the error: "The soldiers has completed their training."

Solution: "Soldiers" is plural, so the verb should be plural.

Correction: "The soldiers have completed their training."

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Question 2: Synonyms

Problem: Choose the synonym of "Brave". (a) Coward (b) Courageous (c) Weak (d) Timid

Solution: Brave means showing courage. Courageous is the synonym.

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Question 3: Antonyms

Problem: Choose the antonym of "Victory". (a) Success (b) Win (c) Defeat (d) Triumph

Solution: Victory means winning. The opposite is defeat.

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Question 4: Idioms

Problem: What does "To stand at attention" mean? (a) To sit down (b) Military standing posture (c) To rest (d) To sleep

Solution: "To stand at attention" is a military drill position where soldiers stand straight with feet together and arms at sides.

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Question 5: Reading Comprehension

Problem: Read and answer:

"The Indian Army is the land-based branch of the Indian Armed Forces. It is the world's second-largest standing army with over 1.2 million active troops. The primary mission of the Indian Army is to ensure national security and national unity."

How many active troops does the Indian Army have? (a) 1 million (b) 1.2 million (c) 2 million (d) 0.5 million

Solution: The passage states: "over 1.2 million active troops"

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Previous Year Cutoff Marks

Written Examination Cutoff

Year	General	OBC	SC	ST
2024	72-76	68-72	60-65	55-60
2023	70-74	66-70	58-63	53-58
2022	68-72	64-68	56-61	51-56
2021	66-70	62-66	54-59	49-54

Physical Fitness Test Standards

Event	Standard
1.6 km (1600m) Run
- Group I	Upto 5 min 30 sec
- Group II	5 min 31 sec to 5 min 45 sec
Beam (Pull-ups)	Minimum 6 pull-ups
Zig-Zag Balance	Must qualify
9 Feet Ditch	Must qualify

Medical Standards

Parameter	Requirement
Height	As per region
Weight	Proportionate to height
Chest	77 cm (minimum 5 cm expansion)
Eyesight	6/6 (better eye), 6/9 (worse eye)
Hearing	Normal
Teeth	14 dental points

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3-Month Preparation Strategy

Month 1: Foundation Building

Week 1-2: General Knowledge

• Indian History (Freedom Movement)
• Indian Geography basics
• Indian Constitution basics
• Current Affairs (last 6 months)

Week 3-4: General Science

• Physics: Mechanics, Electricity
• Chemistry: Elements, Compounds
• Biology: Human body systems

Daily Schedule:

• 2 hours: GK study
• 2 hours: Science
• 1 hour: Mathematics
• 1 hour: Current Affairs

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Month 2: Mathematics and Practice

Week 5-6: Mathematics

• Number System
• Algebra and Geometry
• Mensuration
• Practice problems

Week 7-8: Mock Tests

• Full-length tests daily
• Previous year papers
• Time management

Daily Schedule:

• 2 hours: Mathematics practice
• 2 hours: GK/Science revision
• 1 hour: Mock test
• 1 hour: Analysis

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Month 3: Physical Training and Final Revision

Week 9-10: Final Revision

• Quick formula revision
• Important GK points
• Current Affairs revision
• Practice tests

Week 11-12: Physical Training Focus

• Daily running practice
• Pull-ups and exercises
• Mock PFT practice

Physical Training Schedule:

• Morning: 1.6 km running practice
• Push-ups: Minimum 20 daily
• Pull-ups: Practice till 10+
• Evening: General fitness

Subject-wise Tips

General Knowledge:

• Focus on Indian Army history
• Learn about regiments and gallantry awards
• Current Affairs: Defense news
• Practice previous year questions

General Science:

• Focus on basic concepts
• Physics carries more weight
• Learn important formulas
• Practice numericals

Mathematics:

• Speed is crucial
• Practice mental calculations
• Learn tables up to 20
• Focus on NCERT level questions

Physical Fitness:

• Start running early
• Build stamina gradually
• Practice beam exercises
• Maintain proper diet

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Best Books and Resources

General Knowledge

Book	Author	Purpose
Lucent's General Knowledge	Lucent	Comprehensive GK
General Knowledge 2026	Arihant	Current Affairs
Manorama Yearbook 2026	-	Current events

General Science

Book	Author	Purpose
NCERT Science (Class 9-10)	NCERT	Basic concepts
General Science	Lucent	Quick revision

Mathematics

Book	Author	Purpose
NCERT Mathematics (Class 10)	NCERT	Concept building
Quantitative Aptitude	R.S. Aggarwal	Practice

Reasoning

Book	Author	Purpose
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal	Reasoning practice
A Modern Approach to Reasoning	-	All topics covered

Online Resources

• Official Website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
• Practice Tests: Testbook, Gradeup
• YouTube Channels:
  • Army Bharti Preparation
  • MKC (Major Kalshi Classes)
  • Examपुर Defence Warriors

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can girls apply for Indian Army GD?

• NDA (after 10+2)
• CDS (after graduation)
• SSC (Technical) entry
• NCC Special entry
• JAG (Judge Advocate General) entry

The Indian Army is gradually opening more roles for women in various branches.

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Q2. What is the salary of an Army GD soldier?

• Starting Basic Pay: ₹21,700 (Level 3)
• Total Monthly Salary: ₹35,000 - ₹40,000 (including allowances)
• Allowances:
  • Dearness Allowance (DA)
  • Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹5,200
  • Kit Maintenance Allowance
  • Transport Allowance
  • Field Area Allowance (if applicable)
  • High Altitude Allowance (if applicable)

After training, soldiers also get:

• Free accommodation or HRA
• Free medical facilities
• Canteen facilities
• Leave Travel Concession
• Pension benefits

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Q3. What is the promotion scope for GD soldiers?

Rank	Timeframe
Sepoy (GD)	Entry level
Lance Naik	3-4 years of service
Naik	6-7 years of service
Havildar	12-14 years of service
Naib Subedar	17-20 years of service
Subedar	22-24 years of service
Subedar Major	26+ years of service
Honorary Lieutenant	Distinguished service
Honorary Captain	Exceptional service

Soldiers can also:

• Apply for ACC (Army Cadet College) to become officers
• Apply for various technical courses
• Specialize in different trades

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Q4. What happens after selection in Army GD?

1. Training:

   • 19 weeks of basic military training at regimental center
   • Training includes: Drill, Weapon handling, Field craft, Physical training

2. Regimental Centers:

   • Different regiments have different training centers
   • Examples: PARA (Bangalore), Rajputana Rifles (Delhi), Sikh Regiment (Ramgarh)

3. Posting:

   • Posted to various units across India
   • Can be deployed in operational areas

4. Career Progression:

   • Opportunity for specialized training
   • Can volunteer for PARA SF, NSG, or other special forces

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Q5. What is the difference between GD, Clerk, and Technical entries?

Aspect	GD (General Duty)	Clerk/SKT	Technical
Qualification	10th pass	10+2 (any stream)	10+2 (Science)
Job Role	Combat/Field soldier	Office work/Store keeping	Technical maintenance
Exam Level	10th standard	10+2 standard	10+2 (Science)
Training	19 weeks basic	19 weeks + clerical training	36 weeks technical
Career	Combat roles	Administrative roles	Technical roles
Salary	Same basic pay structure	Same basic pay structure	Same basic pay structure

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Important Contact Information

Detail	Information
Official Website	www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
Helpline Number	011-26173215
Email	feedback@joinindianarmy.nic.in
Headquarters	Integrated HQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi

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Final Tips for Success

1. Start Physical Training Early - Running and fitness take time to build
2. Focus on GK - It carries 30% weight in the exam
3. Practice Previous Papers - Understand the exam pattern
4. Stay Updated with current affairs, especially defense news
5. Maintain Medical Fitness - Eyesight is crucial
6. Be Disciplined - Army values discipline above all
7. Stay Motivated - Remember you're serving the nation
8. Proper Diet - Essential for physical fitness
9. Avoid Negative Marking - Attempt only sure-shot questions
10. Stay Calm during the PFT and medical tests

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Best wishes for your Indian Army GD 2026 journey! Jai Hind!

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Last Updated: March 2026