NDA Preparation Tips 2020 - Know Complete Strategy & Guide

by Cadets Academy NDA, CDS, SSB Coaching Centre in Delhi, India

NDA is a national-level exam conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). NDA is conducted twice a year and comprises two stages, written exam, and SSB Interview. Approximately, 6 lakh aspirants appear in the exam, of which around 6,000 qualify for SSB Interview. Let us take a look at NDA preparation tips.

NDA Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus will open doors to success in the exam. The written exam consists of two papers. Paper 1 is of Mathematics which carries 120 questions of 300 marks. Paper 2 is the General Ability Test (GAT), which contains 150 questions of 600 marks. Each paper is of 2 1/2 hours. For selection, candidates are judged out of 1800 marks, where 900 marks are assigned to the written test and 900 marks to SSB.

Previous years' question papers & marking scheme

It is recommended to go through the previous years' NDA question papers. Candidates will get an idea of the type of questions asked in the exam. Multiple choice questions are asked in the exam. The language od questions are either in Hindi or English. In Mathematics, candidates will score 2.5 marks for the correct answers while 0.83 marks will be deducted for wrong answers. For a correct answer in GAT, 4 marks will be awarded to candidates while 1.33 marks will be deducted for wrong answers.

Paper-wise NDA Preparation Tips

Now that candidates are aware of the exam pattern, syllabus, question papers and marking scheme, check below the paper-wise preparation tips for NDA exam.

NDA Preparation Tips 2020 for Paper 1: Mathematics

In Maths, questions are asked from Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Algebra, Vector Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Analytical Geometry, Statistics & Probability. Check below the preparation tips for this section:

Candidates must have clarity in concepts.
Candidates must go back to the basics if concepts are not clear and try to solve as many mathematical problems as possible.
For this paper, effective time management is very important, candidates need to solve all questions within the stipulated time.
Candidates should practice previous years' question papers.

Check here NDA preparation tips for Maths

NDA Preparation Tips 2020 for Paper 1: GAT

GAT comprises two parts. Part A comprises questions from English while Part B consists of questions from Chemistry, General Science, History, Freedom Movement, etc., Geography, Current Events. Check the preparation tips for both the parts below:

Part A: English

The English test is held for 200 marks and covers topics from vocabulary, grammar and usage, and comprehension. To prepare this section, candidates should read newspapers and magazines daily. Also, candidates should focus on basic grammar rules. While reading, if the candidates are unable to understand the meaning of certain words, then they should look into the dictionary for those words.

Part B: General Knowledge

The GK test carries 400 marks and assesses a candidate's understanding of the Current Affairs. The test comprises questions from General Science, Indian history, Physics, Geography, Chemistry, and Current Events. Check the preparation tips for this section:

Follow the news updates regularly.
Candidates must be aware of events like sports, arts, literature, etc.
Read about the current economic scenario, the recent and past policy, topics related to India and its neighboring countries.

Importance of Mock Test

A mock test is very important to improve speed and accuracy. Candidates after completing their syllabus must appear for the mock test. It also helps candidates to know their level of preparation. They will be able to analyze their strong and weak areas.

How to prepare for SSB Interview?

SSB Interview comprises Psychological Aptitude Test and Intelligence Test. Candidates should follow the tips below for SSB Interview.