Land records in Delhi don’t manage themselves — someone tracks field-level changes, coordinates revenue work, and keeps the paper trail accurate, and that someone is a Patwari. For graduates wanting administrative responsibility with genuine job security, this DDA post delivers both.
What makes this exam different from a standard clerical test is the land-law component — candidates need working knowledge of relevant Acts and Delhi-specific awareness on top of the usual reasoning, numerical ability, English, and Hindi or Urdu sections. Skip that layer and you’ve missed a meaningful chunk of the paper. The DDA Patwari Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern lays out exactly where that land-law knowledge fits in — worth reading before you open a single notebook.

DDA Patwari 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | DDA Patwari Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Delhi Development Authority |
| Post Name | Patwari |
| Post Group | Group C |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours 15 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark for each wrong answer |
| Main Sections | GA, Reasoning, Numerical Ability, English, Hindi/Urdu, Relevant Acts, Computer Knowledge |
| Computer Knowledge | Mandatory but qualifying in nature |
| Job Focus | Land records, revenue support and administrative work |
DDA Patwari Exam Pattern 2026
The DDA Patwari exam is conducted as a computer-based test. The paper has 200 objective-type questions for 200 marks. Candidates get 2 hours 15 minutes to complete the paper.
There is negative marking in the exam. For every wrong answer, one-third of the marks allotted to that question is deducted. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions. So, candidates should avoid random guessing and focus on accuracy.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| General Awareness | 30 | 30 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 |
| Arithmetical and Numerical Ability | 30 | 30 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 30 | 30 |
| Hindi or Urdu Language and Comprehension | 30 | 30 |
| Knowledge of Relevant Acts | 25 | 25 |
| Computer Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Computer Knowledge is mandatory but qualifying in nature. This means candidates should prepare it seriously, even if its marks are not counted in the final merit in the same way as other sections.
DDA Patwari Selection Process 2026
The selection process is mainly based on the computer-based examination. Candidates must clear the required qualifying marks and perform well in the merit-based sections. After the written exam, shortlisted candidates may be called for document verification and other formalities as per DDA rules.
Candidates should keep graduation certificates, category certificates, identity proof, application details and other required documents ready. Since the Patwari role is connected with land and administrative records, candidates should also be comfortable with basic computer work and Hindi/Urdu language understanding.
DDA Patwari General Awareness Syllabus
General Awareness checks whether the candidate is updated with society, government, India and Delhi-specific matters. Important topics include current events, history, polity, Constitution, sports, art and culture, geography, economics, everyday science, scientific research and national or international organisations.
For DDA Patwari, Delhi-specific preparation is very important. Candidates should study the history, culture, demography, geography, economy, administrative setup and governance of NCT of Delhi. This section can become scoring if revised regularly.
General Intelligence and Reasoning Ability Syllabus
Reasoning checks logical thinking and problem-solving ability. Important topics include analogy, similarities, differences, space visualisation, problem solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal classification, figure classification and number series.
Candidates should practise reasoning daily. Start with easy topics like analogy, series and classification. Then move to mixed reasoning sets. Timer-based practice is useful because the paper has many sections and limited time.
Arithmetical and Numerical Ability Syllabus
This section checks basic maths up to the 10th standard level. Important topics include number system, simplification, decimals, fractions, LCM, HCF, ratio and proportion, percentage, average, profit and loss, discount, simple interest, compound interest, mensuration, time and work, time and distance, tables and graphs.
Candidates should revise tables, squares, cubes and percentage conversions. These basics help solve questions faster. Since negative marking is applicable, accuracy in calculation is very important.
English Language and Comprehension Syllabus
The English section tests the candidate’s understanding of the language. Important topics include vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, correct usage, reading comprehension, fill in the blanks, error spotting and sentence correction.
Candidates should read short English passages daily and revise common grammar rules. Do not depend only on vocabulary lists. Understanding sentence meaning and correct usage is more useful in the exam.
Hindi or Urdu Language and Comprehension Syllabus
Candidates have to prepare Hindi or Urdu language and comprehension as per their choice. This section checks vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, correct usage and comprehension.
This part should not be ignored because it carries 30 marks. Candidates who are comfortable in Hindi or Urdu can score well with regular practice of grammar, passage reading and sentence-based questions.
Knowledge of Relevant Acts Syllabus
This is one of the most important sections for DDA Patwari because it is directly linked with land and revenue-related work. Important Acts include Delhi Development Act, 1957, Delhi Land Revenue Act, 1954, land reforms in India, NCT of Delhi Laws Special Provisions Act, Land Acquisition Act, 1894, Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1887 and Delhi Land Reforms Act, 1954.
Candidates should also study the administrative setup and governance of NCT of Delhi. Make short notes of important provisions, years, purpose and practical relevance of each Act.
Computer Knowledge Syllabus
Computer Knowledge is mandatory and qualifying. Important topics include characteristics of computers, computer organisation, RAM, ROM, file system, input devices, hardware and software relationship, operating system, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Indian IT Act, digital signatures, e-governance, smartphones, information kiosks and Google Earth or similar applications.
Since the Patwari role may involve land records and digital tools, candidates should understand basic computer applications practically.
How to Prepare for DDA Patwari 2026
Start by dividing the syllabus into regular aptitude, language, Delhi GK, relevant Acts and computer knowledge. Give special attention to Relevant Acts and Delhi-specific awareness because these areas make the Patwari paper different from common government exams.
Practise maths and reasoning daily. Revise English and Hindi/Urdu grammar every week. For General Awareness, prepare current affairs along with Delhi history, geography and administration. For Relevant Acts, make short notes and revise them multiple times.
Smart Tips for DDA Patwari Aspirants
Do not leave land-related Acts for the last month. These topics may look dry, but they are important for this post. Read them in simple language and connect them with land records, acquisition, reforms and Delhi administration.
Attempt mock tests in the 200-question format. After every mock, check where marks were lost. Because of negative marking, avoid blind guessing. Also, prepare computer knowledge enough to qualify comfortably.
FAQs on DDA Patwari Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern
Q1. What is the exam pattern of DDA Patwari 2026?
The DDA Patwari exam has 200 objective-type questions for 200 marks. The duration of the exam is 2 hours 15 minutes.
Q2. Is there negative marking in DDA Patwari exam?
Yes, there is negative marking. For each wrong answer, one-third of the marks allotted to that question is deducted.
Q3. Which section is most important for DDA Patwari?
Knowledge of Relevant Acts and Delhi-specific General Awareness are very important because they are directly related to the Patwari post and DDA work.
Q4. How should beginners start DDA Patwari preparation?
Beginners should first understand the exam pattern, then prepare maths, reasoning, language sections, Delhi GK, relevant Acts and computer knowledge through short notes and mock tests.