Topper tips to prepare for NDA exam

The written test is NDA is scheduled to be conducted from April 19 where around five lakh young defence force aspirants across the country will compete to qualify for the SSB Interview. Clearing the written exam will take candidates a step closure towards joining the National Defence Academy’s Army, Navy and Air Force wings and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). The battle will be over only when candidates clear the SSB Interview.

NDA Exam 2018 Topper, Sparsh Kankane (AIR 1) believes that toppers are not extraordinary people but ordinary people who put extraordinary effort. He is of the view that hard work and practice are important to crack the exam. Candidates must focus on understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. It is also important to solve the previous years’ question papers to know the type of questions asked in the exam. Provided below is topper tips to prepare for NDA exam

Beginning of the journey

Sparsh Kankane said, “Toppers are not extraordinary people but ordinary people who put extraordinary effort. I did not prepare for the exam thinking to get AIR 1 but my only objective was to get admission into NDA and later join Air Force. My aim was to become a pilot. My base was built in Rashtriya Military School, Dhopur.”

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

The written exam is conducted for 900 marks. The exam consists of two papers. Paper 1 is of Mathematics with 120 questions and carries 300 marks. Paper 2 is of General Ability Test (GAT) which contains 150 questions of 600 marks. GAT comprises 200 marks English, 200 marks Science and 200 marks General Knowledge. The duration of each paper is for 2 ½ hours. There is a provision of negative marking in NDA, for every wrong answer, 1/3 mark allotted to that question are deducted.

How to ace each section?

Sparsh Kankane said, “In Maths, most of the questions are of Class 11 and 12. Candidates need to have accuracy and speed. Candidates should only practice for Maths. The basics should be clear from CBSE books. Candidates should cover all the topics.”

“Self-analysis is most important which means candidates should know their strong and weak areas. Most of the questions are direct and many others are formula based. Candidates should choose the questions wisely in the exam. It is not important to solve all the questions. Calculus, sets, matrices, etc are important and candidates should have good command. Candidates should prepare their own strategies. Candidates should prepare questions and prepare as per their weightage,” said Sparsh Kankane.

“GAT preparation can be started from Class 9 and 10 and do not wait for Class 11 and 12. Candidates should read Novels, Newspapers, Magazines and basic rules of grammar for English. Candidates must solve question banks. Science questions are of elementary level. Even GK questions are also basics. Begin preparation early and it will be good for candidates. Read NCERT textbooks of Class 6 to 10 because questions are directly asked from the textbooks. For GK candidates should read Lucent and Arihant books. Candidates should read the topics repeatedly or else they will forget” Kankane further added.

Also Read:

• NDA Exam Pattern 2020
• NDA Syllabus 2020
• NDA Question Papers 

Exam Day Strategy

“Students should trust in their own preparation. Peace of mind is very important. Candidates must have smart preparation. Do not panic if they are not able to solve any question. Candidates should leave those questions and proceed with the strong topics. For eg: In Maths there are 120 questions, if candidates solve 50 questions correctly it will solve the purpose. Solve the questions that candidates have strong command. GAT portion is more scoring. Take time to solve questions in GAT and do not be in a hurry. In GAT, candidates must solve questions from topics candidates are good,” he added.

SSB Interview Strategy

“SSB is a five days procedure. Candidates think that they will prepare in two to three months but this is not the case. You need to prepare the mindset early for SSB Interview. The personality should be good. Candidates must build their strong areas. The screening which is the first stage comprises YR and PPDT. Psychology comprises, SRT, word association and thematic apperception. These tests are time-bound and require practice. Candidates show their original personalities. In the interview, candidates should give a true picture of one’s personality and be confident. In GTO the main requirement is co-ordination in the group. Candidates should show their leadership abilities,” Kankane said

Importance of Mock test

Candidates must start the mock test should start the mock test only after completing all the topics. Mock tests help candidates to know their speed and accuracy. Candidates will also get to know their weak areas. Do not get demotivated with the marks of the mock tests. Candidates must analyze the result of the mock test. Click here for NDA mock test

Advice to future aspirants

The study should be goal-oriented. Candidates must be passionate and work upon their personalities. Candidates must focus on study and stay away from any sort of distractions. There should be no lack in efforts and give your best in the exam.

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