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How to prepare for NDA? Please give me some tips.


Priya Khanduri 19th Mar, 2019
Answers (2)
Ashish Dubey 18th Aug, 2022

Hello Aspirant,Hope ypu are doing well

NDA/NA Examination is conducted by Union Public Service Commission twice a year in the month of april and december to select young boys and girls in indian armed forces as officers.

The basic requirement for NDA is knowing what to study as the syllabus is pretty extensive and try to avoid unnecessary burden by studying from many different sources.

Information about the examination:

  • The exam will be conducted through pen and paper based mode.
  • The exam will consist of two sections that are Mathematics and General Ability Test.
  • Two and half hours will be given for each section respectively.
  • The questions will be in English & Hindi.
  • There will be negative marking which is 1/3rd of the allotted marks to the question.

Syllabus and Marks distribution:

Paper-1 Mathematics (Code No. 01) :

The paper of mathematics consists of 120 questions. Maximum marks for this section is 300. 2.5 marks is allotted to each question with a deduction of 0.833 for wrong answer. You have 150 minutes for 120 questions so you have to be quick along with being accurate.

Paper-II General Ability Test (Code No. 02) :

The second section is of 600 marks. It has a total of 150 questions with each weighing 4 marks with a penalty of 1.33 for wrong answer.This section is further divided into two parts-

Part A English:

This part has 50 questions for 200 marks.

Part B General Knowledge :

This part has 100 questions for 400 marks.

General Knowledge has six sections with the break-up of 400 marks as below:

  • Section for Physics 100 marks.
  • Section for Chemistry 60 marks.
  • Section for General Science 40 marks.
  • Section for History, Freedom Movement (Social Studies) 80 marks.
  • Section for Geography 80 marks.
  • Section for Current Events 40 marks.

Now let's have a look at the syllabus for NDA :

Mathematics: Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry – 2D and 3D, Differential Calculus, Integral calculus and Differential equations, Vector algebra, Statistics and Probability.

The syllabus for mathematics is covered in NCERT books of 10th ,11th and 12th. There is no need to buy any fancy books as questions asked in NDA exams are pretty standard.

Tips and tricks ( things that matter) :

  • Sectional cutoff : One needs minimum of 20 % in both the sections of written examination which means a minimum of 60 marks in maths and 120 marks in general ability.
  • Overall cuttoff: The overall cutoff has been varying from 300 - 240. Scoring 320+ ensures a good chance not only in written but for overall merit list.
  • Build timelines: Study with time goals this ensures timely completion of syllabus and ample time for mock.
  • Mock tests and Previous year papers: This is the most important part of the preparation and one should take the test to check if they are able to manage the time and self assessment to work on weaker sections. Questions from previous years are repeatedly asked and provide you with a fair idea of examination.
  • Most important guys which books you have to read are LUCENT GK BOOK (POLITY;HISTORY;ECO;GENERAL SCIENCE)
  • R.X SHARMA OR R.S AGGARWAL FOR MATHEMATICS.

Hope it Helps,

Thank you.

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Himani Mamgain 19th Mar, 2019

Hello Aspirant.

Top Tips For NDA Preparation: -

1-Be Thorough With The Syllabus & Exam Pattern: First, go through the NDA selection process and exam pattern. Then have a clear understanding of the NDA syllabus – know the various concepts included in the syllabus. Once you have a clear knowledge of the syllabus and exam pattern, you will find it easier to plan your preparation.

2-Prioritize Your Tasks: You need to categorize the different concepts in the syllabus into difficult and easy concepts.

3-Create A Realistic Timetable: Now take a pen and paper and write how much you can study daily (how many hours), how much topics you need to cover, and from that find out how much time it will take to complete everything.

4-Clear Your Basics: Now, start off with brushing up the theories of concepts that you have already finished.

5-Make Notes Of Important Points: Make notes of or at least, highlight the equations, formulas, etc. Memorize them by heart. Go through them and practice them regularly until they get in your head.

6-Practice Diligently: Every time you finish a chapter, solve as many practice questions as possible.

7-Revise Regularly: Make sure you revise what you have learned on a regular basis.

8-Finish The Easy Topics First: With the time in hand, go for the easier topics first because you will be able to finish them fast and have enough time left for difficult topics. This will ensure you finish most of the syllabus.

9-Take Regular Breaks: Give your mind regular breaks to freshen yourself up. Sometimes it’s best you engage yourself in something not related to exams. Playing sports or going for a walk will be really helpful.

10-Take Help Of Your Teachers And Friends:Discuss things which you have learned where you get stuck with your friends and teachers. Clear your doubts. You might even find a different approach to arrive at the answer or you will learn some new things.

11-Do Not Compromise With Your Health:Take enough sleep and drink enough water. Eat healthy food. No matter what, you cannot compromise with your health.

.Section-wise Strategy For NDA Preparation: -

1-Calculus (Integration and Differentiation) has to be covered first. If you see the previous year papers, you will find that at least 30 questions are asked from these two chapters. These two chapters are highly important. Those who don’t have Maths in their 11th or 12th need to cover the basics of Calculus and Integration.

2-The second most important chapter is Matrices, then Straight Lines and 3D Geometry. At least 10 questions will come from these chapters. Finish Arithmetic Progressions, Geometric Progressions, Probability, and Trigonometry as well. If you finish all these chapters then you will cover 120 questions

3-For General Ability, brush up the History, Civics, and Geography, brush up the NCERT textbooks of high school. For Physics and Chemistry, refer to the NCERT textbooks of Class 11 and 12.

I hope my answer will help you, if you have any doubt regarding NDA preparation then, feel free to ask your query. All the best.


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