Thinking of preparing for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam? That too without coaching? — It’s entirely possible. Let it be a money or time problem; the only things that matter is your dedication, strategy, and the right resources. When it comes to self-study for a difficult and competitive exam like the NDA, choosing the best books for NDA preparation is very crucial so that you can cover the comprehensive syllabus and can do ample practice.
If you are also one of the NDA aspirants trying to focus better on self-study, this blog is for you. Here we will talk about how you can choose the right study resources and strategize your preparation to score well. So, let’s start.
Understand the NDA Exam Structure
Before diving into books, it’s essential to understand the structure of the NDA exam:
Conducting body: UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)
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Papers:
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Paper 1: Mathematics (300 marks)
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Paper 2: General Ability Test (600 marks), which includes English and general knowledge
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Mode: Offline (pen and paper)
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Eligibility: 12th pass or appearing (PCM for Air Force/Navy)
📚 Best Books for NDA Preparation Without Coaching
The best book for NDA preparation is the one that covers all the syllabus, has short notes, and has enough questions for your practice. You can also download e-books and notes to read and revise on the go.
English book for NDA (GAT Section)
- Study Objective General English, which covers grammar rules, vocabulary, and comprehension—all in line with NDA exam trends.
- Practice mastering grammar and sentence structure, especially helpful for descriptive understanding.
GK book for NDA
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The best GK book for NDA can be useful for current affairs and static GK, ideal for NDA’s GAT section.
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Don’t forget to cover history, geography, polity, economics, and science.
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Bonus: NDA Practice & Mock Tests
To crack NDA without coaching, self-study, practice, and evaluation are the keys. Make sure to:
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Solve NDA mock test 2025 regularly.
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Solve NDA practice sets online with a timer to simulate real exam conditions.
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Practice time tracking to improve speed and accuracy.
Tips for Self-Study
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Stick to a daily schedule with fixed hours for each subject.
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Make notes for revision and practice formulas regularly.
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Solve previous year papers (at least 10 years).
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Analyze mistakes and track your progress weekly.
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Conclusion
Cracking the NDA without coaching might sound very difficult, but it is achievable. All you need is the right resources, consistent practice, and the right mindset. Start from the beginner-level books and notes and move on to the advanced ones. Include timely revision in your study routine to identify your weaknesses.
All the best!
