How to crack the NDA exam? – NDA Preparation Tips
NDA is a prominent examination among the students who wish to join Indian Defence Forces. The exam is conducted by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) twice a year. It is the gateway for students who wish to join the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. It is not a cakewalk to crack the NDA exam and the SSB interview. One needs to make an effective study plan to come out with flying colors. The students looking for some tips to prepare for the NDA exam can go through this article and gather all the beneficial information.
How to prepare for the NDA exam?
Be thorough with the syllabus & exam pattern: Understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is very important before starting the preparation. Once you have a clear knowledge of the exam, you will find it easier to plan your preparation. Knowing the syllabus will also help you segregate what you know and the areas you need to emphasize.
Clear your basics: Start preparing for all the subjects from basics. Clear your basics of Science (Chemistry, Physics, and Biology), Geography (physical features of India – rivers, their deltas & estuaries, mountains, etc.), History (ancient, medieval, and modern), Economics (economic terms, 5-year plans, Census, etc.), Polity (Indian politics & constitution), Mathematics (Algebra, Percentage, Ratios). You can use NCERT to clear your concepts of all the subjects.
To prepare for Current Affairs, read newspapers, magazines, blogs, and articles, watch the news.
Set a realistic timetable: Make a plan according to your potential and priorities. Decide how many hours you will devote a day for your preparation and then how much time you will spend on each subject every day.
Remember to make short-term preparation plans so you can easily follow and finish the course on time.
Prepare notes: Make notes of formulas, equations, current affairs, and important points from all the subjects. This will come in handy and be helpful for your last-minute preparation.
While making notes for current affairs, make sure you’re making them systematically and pointwise, like science & technologies news, major economic/budget news, inventions and discoveries, awards and honors, sports, books and authors, currencies, abbreviations, important dates & days, government schemes, etc.
Make sure to revise these notes time and again, so you don’t forget what you read in the past.
Practice with previous year’s papers and mock tests: Solving the previous year’s question papers of the exam will help you know the exam pattern and the difficulty level of the paper. Try to solve as many mock tests and question papers as possible, as it will help you know where you’re lacking, the topics that require more effort, and also guide you to manage your time effectively for the exam.
Revise regularly: Do not think that you’ll only revise in the last. Make sure you’re revising every week so you’re in sync with the previous chapters and everything doesn’t seem new to you.
Also, finish your preparation well in advance, so you have sufficient time in hand to revise. Revise all the subjects and topics in the end weeks to ensure you remember everything.
Time Management Tips for the NDA Exam
- Divide time by setting daily and weekly targets.
- Applicants should start their preparation way before the actual exam date so they can complete their syllabus in time.
- While practicing, students should self-time themselves and solve the question at a specific time.
- Take short breaks after completing a topic to avoid boredom.
- Give time to regular exercises, meditation, and yoga for body functioning and good sleep.
- Time management is a key in every exam, so candidates need to learn to improve their efficiency in the allotted time.
Toppers Strategy to Prepare for the NDA Exam
- Prepare a strategy for the NDA exam and divide the portion of the syllabus.
- Focus on understanding the exam pattern and syllabus.
- Refer to the NCERT books
- A knack over all the subjects will help you crack any questions asked in the NDA exam.
- Do not take stress before the exam
- Solve as many question papers and mock tests as possible.
- The only success mantra to crack the exam is hard work.
The Final Word
To all the aspirants, let your dreams be a reality by working hard and not giving up.
All the Best!
FAQs
Q1. What is the selection process of the NDA exam?
Ans. The NDA examination has three stages in its selection process: written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination.
Q2. Is it mandatory to join a top coaching institute to prepare for the NDA exam?
Ans. Coaching is not mandatory, but it can help you with the right guidance in this competitive environment. The institutes nowadays also help you with the SSB interview.
Q3. What is the ideal time for NDA preparation?
Ans. The ideal time for NDA preparation is at least 6-7 months prior to the release date of notification.
Q4. Is there any negative marking in the NDA exam?
Ans. Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3 marks in the exam.
Q5. Is the NDA exam conducted online or offline?
Ans. The NDA exam is conducted in offline mode, i.e., pen and paper mode.
Also read – Best Coaching Institute for NDA