6 Preparation Tips to Crack UPSC NDA Exam 2021

6 Preparation Tips for NDA 2021 Exam

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UPSC NDA is one of the toughest exams among the candidates willing to join the Indian Defence Force. This examination is conducted for the aspirants who wish to secure admission to Defence Forces including Army, Air Force, and Navy. It is not so easy to crack the exam if you lack a preparation strategy. UPSC NDA exam is held twice a year.

The exam is conducted in two stages which are Written Exam & SSB Interview. Therefore, it is important for the candidates to plan a proper strategy for both stages of the exam. A good preparation strategy has a major contribution to the selection of candidates. Thus, they are advised to prepare an effective study plan and get complete information about the NDA exam including application form, UPSC NDA Admit Card, pattern and syllabus, answer key, and so on. Read this article further to know the six preparation tips to crack the UPSC NDA exam.

Go through Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Focusing on exam patterns and syllabus before starting the preparation will be a gateway for the candidates to ace the exam. UPSC NDA Selection process comprises two stages i.e. Written Exam & SSB Interview. There will be two papers in the written exam. Paper 1 consists of Mathematics sections which contain 120 questions carrying 300 marks. Paper 2 consists of a General Ability Test which contains 150 questions carrying 600 marks. The overall time duration of each paper is 2 hours 30 minutes. The overall mark of the SSB Interview is 900 marks. Thus, the total marks of both the stages of the exam are 1800.

Select the best study resources and books

A good Preparation Strategy will be helpful only when there is the right selection of the study resources. Therefore, the candidates are advised to select the most recommended books for their UPSC NDA preparation. In the first place, they should brush up on their basic concept from NCERT books and then move forward with the core preparation.

Solve Previous Year Question Paper

The candidates are advised to practice questions from the previous year’s question paper. By doing this, they can draw a general idea about the types of questions asked every year and gain knowledge about different types of multiple-choice questions after solving them. In the Mathematics section, the marks allotted for every right answer are 2.5 marks and a negative marking of 0.85 for every wrong answer. In the GAT section, the marks allotted for every right
answer are 4 marks and a negative marking of 1.33 for every wrong answer.

Focus on General Knowledge and English Speaking Skills

Candidates are advised to read newspapers, magazines, and journals daily to ace the English and General knowledge section. GAT comprises of English Section which carries 200 marks and the General knowledge section which carries 400 marks. Reading newspapers will improve your English speaking skills and will keep you updated about current affairs.

Practice UPSC NDA Mock test

Mock tests play a major role in the improvement of the speed and accuracy of the candidates. Candidates are advised to complete the syllabus at least 2 months before the exam to have enough time to practice from the mock test. Practicing mock tests will help the candidates in evaluating the level of the preparation and identifying their strengths and weak areas of their preparation.

Maintain Health and Personality

Candidates are advised to stay fit and focused by improving their diet and eating routine. They should not only focus on preparing for the written exam but also maintain their health and personality. They can opt for yoga, meditation, and other exercises every morning to reduce stress during exam preparation.