When preparing to study for the NDA after completing the 12th standard, the first important step is to select an appropriate NDA NA book. Thousands of applicants participate in the competition for the few seats at the National Defence Academy each year. This is a competitive exam and requires discipline, planning, and a systematic method to clear. After finishing school, you get a lot of time to prepare alone. This is the time to take as a tactic to strike a balance between academic work and physical fitness.
This blog will discuss an exam-specific curriculum recommended by experts for NDA aspirants who have just completed Class 12. With the help of a targeted daily routine and the appropriate learning materials, one can acquire more opportunities to succeed in the NDA written exam and SSB interview.
Understand the NDA Exam Format
It would be useful to know the format of the NDA exam before you set up your preparation timetable:
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Mathematics Paper: 300 Marks
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General Ability Test (GAT): 600 Marks
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SSB Interview: 900 Marks
The GTA contains the English Language Section, GK, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. Both Mathematics and GAT require constant drilling and revisions. This frame helps to understand that the approach of the study has to be balanced to address both papers.
Why the Post-12th Phase is Crucial?
Passing class 12 is the beginning of the process of preparation for those aspiring to join the NDA. You have the free time on your hands since you do not have school examinations and extra-curricular activities. At this time, develop the following:
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Good theory support
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Speed and precision in solving problems
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Discipline in written tests as well as physical norms
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Courage to do mock tests periodically
Having the picture of your exam and syllabus, you will be able to plan the day without getting confused.
Daily Expert Routine for NDA Preparation
Creating a daily routine is essential for NDA. A healthier routine will prevent burnout and guarantee that all academic material is taught in a logical order.
Early Morning Routine (6 AM to 9 AM)
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Physical Training (45 minutes)
To stay in physical shape, running, push-ups, and sit-ups are helpful.
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Breathing Exercises or Meditation (10 minutes)
Assists in the creation of a concentration and decreases mental tension.
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Quick Revision of Previous Day’s Topics (30 minutes)
Revising the notes that were made the previous day will lead to retention.
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Mathematics Practice (1 hour)
Concentrate on one subject daily with your NDA entrance exam book.
Mid-Morning Routine (10 AM to 1 PM)
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Study theoretical courses such as Physics, Chemistry, History, and Geography.
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Learn key content and take notes on major ideas.
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Check theory examples for better understanding.
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Look at the recommended sources, such as your NDA entrance exam book, to get chapter-wise clarity.
Afternoon Session (2 PM to 4 PM)
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Emphasize the General Ability Test (GAT).
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Study grammar, vocabulary, reading, and simple science.
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You can use any reliable GK book for NDA to cover the topics of current affairs and static GK together.
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Do some mini quizzes to see your understanding of each topic.
Evening Practice (5 PM to 7 PM)
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Use this session to answer last year's questions.
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Use a good NDA PYQ book and do at least 40-50 questions every day.
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Know the pattern, sorts of questions, and mistakes.
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Use the final 15 minutes of this session to read through mistakes to prevent them again.
Night Study (8 PM to 10 PM)
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Make a summary of whatever you have been studying all day.
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Solve multiple-choice questions for a revision.
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Set what you plan on studying for tomorrow.
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Studying short passages from a contemporary affairs magazine or GK Book for NDA is always suggested before finishing the day.
By following this routine, aspirants will be able to study all the subjects comprehensively without getting overwhelmed.
Selecting the Best Study Materials
A successful preparation process starts with the correct selection of study materials. The lack of systematic and correct material can lead to the failure of your activities.
Recommended Materials:
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An NDA entrance exam book covering Mathematics and General Ability Test helps you get a good score. Choose books offering sufficient practice questions.
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A well-structured GK book for NDA containing both static GK topics as well as current affairs.
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A solved NDA PYQ book to assist you in practicing your previous year papers systematically.
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Your NCERT textbooks for 11th and 12th are fundamental to understanding the concepts.
Also, the best thing to avoid is using too many books. Pay attention to 2-3 resources for one subject to avoid confusion.
Read More: How to Improve English for NDA GAT Paper (Toppers’ Advice)?
Importance of Solving Previous Year Questions
The previous year’s questions are strategically relevant to solve in preparation for the NDA. NDA papers have many questions that follow a similar pattern or concept of questions from previous years. Solving them regularly will assist you:
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Get acquainted with types of questions
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Find out significant and recurrent topics
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Better accuracy and faster speed
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Get acquainted with the level of difficulty during the real tests
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Do not panic on the exam day
An NDA PYQ book is a strong resource. Set a goal to answer at least 300-400 previous years’ questions each month and gradually improve the speed of answering questions.
Role of General Knowledge in NDA
GK is very important in the General Ability Test. Some of the candidates do not take GK seriously because they think they are less significant, which is a wrong approach. A good GK score will guarantee that you reach the overall cut-off easily.
Tips for GK Preparation:
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Read the newspaper daily to know the latest events.
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Spend 30-40 minutes daily on GK.
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Use visual aids to learn maps, historical timelines, and political structures.
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Create personal GK notes to revise.
Remember, GK is not something you can master overnight. Daily studying in small portions is the most effective way.
Significance of Mock Tests and Self-Analysis
Mock tests are part and parcel of the preparation for NDA. Regularly sitting in mock exams is useful to you in the following way:
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Simulate exam day pressure
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Train to have the capacity to concentrate for long hours
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Find what you are good at and bad at
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Change your time management skills
Take mock tests every weekend in full-length. Following every mock test, assess your results in detail and revise your study plan according to the weak points.
Stay Disciplined and Motivated
Studying hard is not the only way to prepare for NDA. You also have to train your body and mind. Keeping a relatively balanced lifestyle ensures long-term productivity. These are the final keys to expertise:
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Be consistent with your routine.
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Eliminate unnecessary distractions such as overusing mobile phones.
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A reward for the accomplishment of study objectives.
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Focus on both written exams and physical fitness equally.
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Do not have any distractions in the place where you study.
Clear thinking, strong physical health, and a sense of concentration in studying will come in handy to enable one to pass the NDA examination.
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Conclusion
The strategies and hard work should go together to pass the NDA exam. The first step of your preparation should be the selection of the best NDA NA book to start acquiring your foundation. Then, have a strict day schedule, doing theory, practice, and revision in order. Concentrate on Math, GAT, previous year’s questions, and physical training. With consistency, discipline, and self-confidence, your NDA goal will be within your reach.
