To clear NDA exam, candidates should make thorough preparation to cover sections like Mathematics, English, Science, Geography and General Knowledge. It is better to work out as much problems as possible for scoring well in Mathematics. Newspapers and magazines will help to score good marks in English and General Knowledge. Candidates can make use of text books like Arihant NDA Entrance Exam Practice Sets, NDA Exam Guide etc. to prepare for all sections. Another method of preparation is to solve as many previous year question papers as possible.

NDA Exam Pattern

Two papers are there for NDA exam which include only objective type questions. First paper is Mathematics having total of 300 marks. Second paper is divided into Part A – English and Part B – General Ability with 200 and 400 marks respectively. Total 400 marks is distributed unevenly among the six sections in General Ability which are

• Physics – 100 marks
• General Science – 40 marks.
• Geography – 80 marks
• Chemistry – 60 marks
• History, Freedom Movement etc. – 80 marks
• Current Events – 40 marks

Candidates need to be cautious while attempting each question as 0.33 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer. Total time duration specified for Paper I and Paper II is 2 ½ hours each.

Preparation tips

To score well in Mathematics paper, one should be thorough about the basics of Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics and Probability. For that, assign certain time period to prepare for each section and solve maximum problems using text books and previous year question papers. Difficult sections should be covered first before going to easy sections. Note down formulas and try to remember it constantly.

Grammar books and previous years question papers will help to score well in English section. Read newspapers and note down difficult words and sentence constructions found in it. This will help to improve vocabulary and also grammar usage.

As general ability section is very vast, one should allocate more time to prepare for this section. Try to collect text books available for each section and refer main points in it within the allocated time period. Equal priority should be given to theory and problems in Physics and Chemistry. To score well in geography, it is better to refer text books which cover the topics given on the syllabus and prepare notes on important points. Newspapers and magazines are the good source of information for scoring well in general knowledge. Previous year question papers will also help to get acquainted with the nature of questions asked in general knowledge.

There are certain books available exclusively for NDA exam which include many model questions. Some of the popular text books are

• Arihant NDA Entrance Exam Practice Sets by RPH
• NDA Examination Solved Papers
• Practice Work Book by Dr. H. P. Sharma
• NDA Exam Guide by Datason RP
• NDA manual by Sahitya Bhawan Publications
• Work book NDA Examination by Dr. M. B. Lal

These text books are very helpful for doing  a thorough revision as the candidates can test their knowledge by attempting as many questions from it. Also, it is one of the best options for last minute preparation as it includes all the sections asked in the exam.