Introduction: The National Defense Academy (NDA) is the academy where all applicants after selection train together despite the fact that they will join the Army, Navy or the Air Force. From here the cadets are first trained together then they are sent to their particular academies for further training in the core area of the chosen armed force.
The NDA is one of the best academies in the world and is supposed to top the rank in the number of cadets trained here every year. The training pattern in the academy is of three years which eventually turns into graduation with BA, BSc or BCs (computer science) degree.
The candidates are awarded the Baccalaureate degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University after clearing all the exams in the time line of 3 years of study.
In fact, the focus is also on the overall development of a cadet with many sports and physical activities are done round the clock where mental and physical strength is developed. Life at NDA is full of discipline and living under strict rules and regulation.
From here the cadet learn all the tradecraft of an excellent army officer before they are moved ahead to their respective academies for specialized training for Army, Navy and the Air force before they finally get the commission.
How to prepare for NDA entrance exam?
The National Defense Academy (NDA) entrance exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year generally in the month of March and August. As it one of the most taken up entrance exams of India so obviously there are many exam centers in India where a student could appear for the said exam.
The written test is divided into two papers which are as follows.
- Paper I (Mathematics): Algebra, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Statistics, Probability, Analytical Geometry and Matrices.
Paper I will consist of Mathematics in which there will be 200 questions and you will have only 120 minutes to solve the problems. The way to approach the mathematics paper is to practice solving questions in a timeline.
Also learn tips and tricks to quickly solve many Mathematics questions in lesser time. Try to clear all the basic concepts first so that you develop a sound clarity over any question asked in the question paper and you can do the calculation in the mind itself.
- Paper II: It consists of two parts A and B total (600 marks)
Paper A (English): Grammar, Article Writing, Basics of English, Comprehension, Synonymous, Antonyms and Vocabulary.
The Paper II, Part A consists of English exam which is in total of 200 marks and covers the English topics widely related to language proficiency. To start your English exam preparation you should invest in some good grammar books which will help you realistically and give a good grasp upon the language.
Secondary preparation pointer to improve your English is by reading a good English newspaper daily with underlining the difficult words which you don’t understand and looking up their meaning in the dictionary sometime later. Also practice writing small compositions on various topics. You could make up your own comprehension topics or also look up over the internet.
Paper B (General Knowledge): Geography, Economics, General Science, Physics, Chemistry, History, Current Affairs and Social Studies.
The Paper B is consist of the General Knowledge test which is a total of 4oo marks the question paper comprises of major six sections which are as follows History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Current Events and General Science.
Applicants should look into competitive examination magazines and current affair books to update their knowledge on latest developments in India and abroad. One should also watch news daily and take up latest questions as a mock test for oneself.
Candidate should also refresh their knowledge base on Physics and Chemistry and other general subjects as well. Best way to approach this is to solve previous year questions. Where you will have an idea on what types of questions are asked in the NDA exam.
Top 10 NDA preparation Tips
- NDA aspirants should not only focus on written exam but also side by side built physical strength by working out 6 days a week. Your workout regime should be running, resistance training, pull ups and pushups, physical drills and swimming. This help you prepare for the grueling SSB assessment that also includes physical strength assessment.
- Discipline yourself by following a strict time table. NDA life will not be easy; you have to be in good shape mentally and psychologically so that maneuvering of the daily activities in the training academy should not feel daunting to you.
- Previous years papers are one of the best bet to crack the NDA entrance exam. So collect all the previous year papers and mock papers that will help you prepare better for the exams. Focus on the subjects more where you feel weak so that there is no weakness lest by the time it comes to finally writing the exam.
- The NDA examination marking pattern is of negative marking which means that any wrong answer you will give will result in deduction of marks. So be very clear of this fact and prepare base as strong as possible so that you do not make mistakes while writing an answer.
- Learn about the exam syllabus again and again, if possible break it down into smaller categories so that you could prepare in fine details and cover all the subjects well in time. One should also be aware that there is a limited time period of the examination so how fast you will finish will only depend upon how your grasping are on the subjects.
- Prepare a time table for physical training and studying simultaneously and follow it religiously. This will also help you prepare for NDA life as well. When you know what to do and when to do then you can only focus on doing which helps you achieve better and prepare strong.
- The best pointer to achieve success in the entrance exam would be invest in good books, always remember your goal is not to just crack the written exam but it will also be to create a solid base with sound understanding of the subjects.
- Track your progress with self assessment; you could also track your goals and achievement by comparing your progress with your peers. The peers also help in giving you some good advice on how they are preparing for the NDA.
- Beside the written exam Service Selection Board (SSB) interview is also very crucial part in the selection process so please check online on questions asked during the personal interviews also work on your confidence level so that when time comes to face the panel of interviewers you will not fear anything.
- As far as Medical interview is concerned you should also get a medical examination done in a government hospital by a general physician. So that you also prepare for medical examination, few medical problems if addressed in time could be fixed permanently. Be aware that medical checkup is very strict in NDA and it is also as per the selected armed force of interest.
Read our full article on National Defense Academy (NDA) career and life.
Sharing is appreciated.
