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• By supriya - Jan 07 ,15

The NDA is a joint services Academy of the Indian Armed Forces. Here, the cadets of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force get trained together before they embark on a pre-commissioning training in respective academies. The NDA applicants are chosen through a written exam conducted by UPSC, followed by an Intelligence and Personality test conducted by Services Selection Board (SSB) which includes General Aptitude, Physical and Team Skills. The UPSC conducts the exam twice a year in 41 centers’ across the country.

Eligibility Criteria

The Aspirant having age between 16.5 years to 19.5 years is eligible to apply for National Defence Academy.

Only unmarried male candidates are eligible to sit in the written examination.

No reservation in age allowed for SC/ST/OBC

10+2 qualified or appearing both can apply subject to prescribed age limit

While applying the candidate has to choose first NDA or NA (Naval Academy)

If selected NDA, candidates can opt for their preferences of Indian Army, Air Force and Navy

To select Air Force or Indian Navy, candidates must have studies with Math and Physics in 10+2. However, for Indian Army, candidates need not be from science background.

The examination consists of 2 Papers, Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks) with objective type questions. The duration for each Paper is 2 ½ hours. Negative marking is applicable.

The concepts to clear against each category are:

Mathematics: This test will cover topics like Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Algebra, Vector Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Analytical Geometry, Statistics & Probability. To prepare for this section, the first and foremost requirement is to have clarity in concepts. The questions will test your basic understanding of the concepts. Go back to the basics if concepts are not clear and try to solve as many sums as possible. Do try to solve mock questions too to a great extent. For this paper, you will also have to learn effective time management, wherein you solve all the questions within the stipulated time. Ideally, there would be 200 questions to be solved within 120 minutes, so you will have to practice to come up with the answers in less than a minute. Here, emphasizing on mental mathematics may be a good idea where you learn to solve the questions mentally most of the time.

General Ability: General Ability is further divided into:

Part A: English

The English test is for 200 marks and covers topics like vocabulary, grammar and usage and comprehension. This test evaluates the basic command a person has on the language. To prepare for this test, read English newspaper daily, learn new words, go back to basic grammar and learn the rules thoroughly. Try to solve as many English tests as possible. There are many English tests available online as well. Try to attempt them as much as possible.

Part B: General Knowledge (GK)

The GK test is for 400 marks and will check a candidate’s general understanding and his insight into the Current Affairs within the country and outside. The test will comprise six sections: General Science, Indian history, Physics, Geography, Chemistry and Current Events. To prepare for this test, follow the news updates regularly, be aware of the latest happenings in the field of sports, arts, literature, and the like. Read about the current economic scenario in the country, the recent and past policy changes and such other topics that are directly related to India and its neighbouring countries.

Preparing for Intelligence and Personality test

For this test, concentrate on developing your personality. The test usually assesses the candidates for officer-like qualities, which includes sense of responsibility, reacting to situations, social adaptability, team work, etc. To prepare for this test, you can start practicing psychological tests that enable you to know yourself. The better you know yourself, the better you will be able to control your reactions and groom yourself to develop officer-like qualities.

Few more Generic tips for you to prepare on the upcoming NDA Exam

Fix your goal and start preparing early, as early as after your Class X exam. This will give you an edge over other students.

Understand the syllabus thoroughly and make a firm routine so that you cover all the subjects

Go back to your basics, even if that means referring to your Class VI, VII, VIII, books for certain subjects.

Improve your English. Start reading a newspaper daily and make it a regular habit to watch news on TV. Also brush up your Grammar skills.

Refer to the past years question papers so that you have a fair idea of what to expect.

Solve as many mock question papers and past question papers as possible.

Identify your weak subjects and start working on them so that you gain a stronghold.

Prepare yourself to be calm in the examination hall and answer the questions within the stipulated time.

As there would be negative marking, try to prepare yourself in such a manner that you do not have to make any guesses in the examination hall. It is best to answer only if you are very sure of the answer. Guesses are not going to pay here.

Spend time on understanding yourself, your weak areas and try to strengthen them. Last but not the least, start thinking and behaving like an officer.

All the Best!!