Posted on by Successlynk
You want to make a career into the Indian Armed Forces and have written the NDA & NA Exam. Even if you have not cleared in your first attempt, you can still attempt the exam till you attain 19.5 years of age. The Exam is conducted twice a year (April and September) by the UPSC. If you are repeating the exam, here are a few things you need to avoid to succeed this time.
1. Avoid assumptions: Since you have already written once the exam, do not assume that you know everything about the exam. Get to know the updates and latest information on the exam from SuccessLynk portal. Know the entire syllabus, exam pattern and the important dates. You will be called for interview only when you qualify in the objective-type written exam. The written exam of the NDA & NA has two papers namely, Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks), each to be completed in two and a half hours.
2. Avoid ignoring NCERT text books: Do not just depend on guides or some practice books. First read NCERT books as they bring clarity in concepts. Also, there is a chance for direct questions. Refer class 12 books for Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry and Class 10 books for Biology, Geography, History, Political Science and Economics.
3. Avoid considering English as easy: The second paper General Ability Test, has two sections: Part A English (Maximum Marks – 200) and Part B General Knowledge (Maximum Marks – 400). Be good at Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion. Follow these tips to set you apart from other candidates:
- Read Newspapers (such as the Hindu or the Indian Express) and monthly news magazines.
- Watch English News on TV.
- Have good knowledge and command over the English language.
- Improve your vocabulary by reading books such as Word Power Made Easy.
4. Avoid confusion in GK section: Almost 1/3rd of the NDA question paper contains memory-based questions. The question paper on GK covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events. You will get memory-based questions from Indian History, Geography, current affairs and Vocabulary. Almost thirty questions may be from antonyms-synonyms. Be familiar with at least 8 to 10 months of current affairs. Focus on the history of Modern India and freedom movement. Be familiar with the physical and economic geography.
5. Avoid rote methods of studying: Prepare your notes in your own handwriting and note the important points. Have a revision sheet for important mathematics points and formulae. Practice properly the concepts. Review the knowledge you have gained by assessing yourself through online tests. Click https://www.successlynk.com/exams/nda/nda-i to view the range of practice exams you can have from SuccessLynk . These practice tests give you first-hand experience of your knowledge, speed and accuracy. Take the feedback and analyse your test results carefully. See if you have done some silly mistakes. Try to avoid them next time. Know your weak areas. Study and improvise.
Lastly, during the exam, answer only those questions of which you very sure of. Do not guess. Many candidates do not clear the cut-off’s because of negative marking.
Success is about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. With hard work, drive and passion, you can achieve your dream. All the best!
Posted in NDA & NA