NDA I 2021 Preparation Tips for Mathematics, GAT & SSB Interview
Updated On -
Mar 19, 2021
Exams Prepmaster
UPSC organizes the National Defence Academy exam to recruit candidates for Air Force, Indian Military (Army), and for the Indian Navy twice a year. The conducting body has notified that NDA I 2021 Exam will be conducted on April 18, 2021. Check NDA exam dates
The NDA Exam consists of a written test and a personality cum intelligence test called SSB Interview. The candidates, who clear both the exams, are recommended for the final selection. Check NDA selection process
The written stage has two papers - 1) Mathematics (300 marks) and 2) General Ability Test (600). The time duration for each paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Before the preparation, candidates should know about the NDA exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
How to prepare for NDA 2021 exam?
You have to build a suitable personality, work on your spoken language, general knowledge, and other factors. To help you out with such factors, we provide you the best NDA Preparation Tips:
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Thorough knowledge of NDA Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Before jumping into the preparation, get a printed copy of the NDA syllabus and Exam pattern. This will help candidates to cover the topics one by one and plan the timetable accordingly. NDA written exam has two subjects - mathematics and general ability test. Check NDA Syllabus here.
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Create a customized Time-table
Candidates must know the remaining preparation time for the written exam and make a list of how many topics are required to be completed and from that find out how much time it will take to complete everything. Based on that, allocate your time for every subject as well as your other activity.
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Clear Your Basics
First, you should clear your basic concept by following the NCERT Books and then start off with brushing up on the theories of concepts that you have already covered. Then the topics which are untouched, start with clearing the basic understanding.
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Make Short Notes
While doing preparation work for NDA, a very large number of books and notes have to be consulted. Therefore, it is better to write short notes which handy and you can revise them without taking much time and which are actually useful and important.
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Track current Events
All major events that have taken place in India or the world in the last five years are very crucial. Make a habit of watching the news, reading the newspapers, listening to the interviews of famous personalities, keeping track of all the awards and prizes, on a daily basis.
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Stay fit
You can’t afford to lose health and stamina. Remember that we are talking about National Defence Academy here, you have to treat your health as a priority. Maintain a proper diet filled with nutritious food, regular exercise, or yoga is mandatory and at least 6 - 8 hours of sleep is required as well.
How to prepare for the NDA Math section?
- Mathematics is very important for you if you are planning to face the NDA Exam.
- Candidates must obtain the speed of making calculations as you can’t afford to waste time in calculations while solving the mathematics section.
- Start preparing the important topics first, at the same time, delegate time for the difficult topics.
- For better practice, take previous year papers and sample papers under consideration.
- Memorize simple calculations such as squares and cubes and learn tips, tricks, and shortcuts for efficient time management.
- As there is negative marking in the exam, they should mark the answer only if they are sure about it. Do not guess the answers during the exam.
How to prepare for the GAT section of the NDA 2021?
- While preparing for NDA, get your basic concepts cleared of Physics, chemistry, and biology from the NNCERT Books of Class XI & XII.
- For History, Civics, and Economics, all you need is to memorize a few major concepts, but nothing tricky.
- GAT covers the major portion of the NDA test and so, you just can’t ignore any aspect of this section.
- Go through the syllabus for the GAT section very carefully and prepare for each and every topic mentioned under the heading.
- For English in this section, brush up on the grammar rules.
How to prepare for SSB Interview?
SSB Interview is consisting of Intelligence Test and Psychological Test. Go through the following content to get an idea about the SSB Interview:
- Maintain both physical and mental health.
- Improve your eating habit and hence, have a look at your diet plan. Do exercise regularly.
- You should do work hard to improve your English speaking skills
- Build a good habit of reading newspapers regularly to enhance your knowledge of English.
NDA Last Minute tips
- In your last few days, do not go for the uncovered topics. Try to practice the previous year papers and sample question papers.
- Eat healthy food and sleep for at least 8 hours which will help your mind to stay active and focused.
- Revise your short notes that you have made while the preparation.
- Reach the location of the exam centers 1 day before the exam with required documents, which you help you to avoid any possibilities of being late.
- As you must be knowing that there is a negative marking scheme applicable in the NDA Exam. Therefore, try to avoid making wild guesses in the exam.
- Invest the exam duration wisely. Go for the easier answers first and do not waste time in predicting answers.
Toppers Tips for NDA Preparation 2021
To crack the NDA Exam 2021, the aspirants can go through the following content to get an idea about the toppers’ preparation tips:
Piyush throve: Rank: AIR 16 in NDA 2019
- The aspirants should have clear and in-depth knowledge about the subjects
- Read thoroughly the NCERT books
- Divide the entire syllabus into sections and prepare a routine and then follow it accordingly while studying.
- Try to keep yourself calm, do not take stress unnecessarily.
Sparsh Kankane: Rank: AIR 1 in NDA 2018
- To get a good score, the aspirants should practice more and work hard
- You should have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and the NDA syllabus.
- Try to practice previous years' question papers for knowing the pattern of questions.
Recommended Books for NDA 2021 Exam
In NDA 2021, questions are asked from class 12 Mathematics. Also, candidates are required to be aware of the current happenings around the world to attempt a General Ability Test. Some of the recommended books for candidates are mentioned below.
| Subjects | Books | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Mathematics for NDA and NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy | R S Aggarwal |
| Mathematics | Quantitative aptitude for competitive examinations | RS Aggarwal |
| English | NDA and NA National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Entrance Examination: 10 Practice Sets (English) | Expert Compilations |
| English | NDA INA Practice Papers: Conducted by UPSC (English) | Sachchida Nand Jha |
| General Knowledge | Objective General Knowledge & Current Affairs (Level 1) | Disha Experts |
| General Knowledge | Objective General Knowledge & Current Affairs (Level 2) | Disha Experts |
NDA Preparation FAQs
Ques. Is the NDA exam difficult?
Ans. The first and the foremost question that hovers in candidates’ minds is if the exam is tough. The NDA exam can be cracked with proper preparation.
Ques. Are NCERT books are enough for NDA exams?
Ans. The NDA exam consists of questions that are of Class 12 standard. Therefore, to clear the basic concepts, NCERT Books are the primary requirements. For advanced preparation, candidates should follow other reference books as well. Read NDA Refence Books
Ques. Is coaching necessary for NDA?
Ans. The coaching is not mandatory for NDA reparation. Candidates can rely on the coaching centers as additional help but the self- study is the ultimate key to success.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.