How To Crack NDA ( Written )

Many people would find this post funny as there is a common believe that NDA written is very easy but still its not so easy for every champ. Before telling you how to clear NDA written , let us know the exam pattern.

There are 2 exam conducted on single day.

                                                               

1st Exam (MATHS) (2.5 hrs)

• No. of Questions :   120
• Weightage           :  + 2.5 marks for each correct answer                                                                                                 - 0.83 marks for each wrong answer
• Total Marks         :  120*2.5 = 300 marks

 

2nd Exam (GENERAL ABILITIES) (2.5 hours)

ENGLISH

• No. of Questions :  50
• Weightage           :  + 4 marks for each correct answer                                                                                                     - 1.33 marks for each wrong answer
• Total Marks          :  50*4 = 200

SCIENCE

• No. of Questions  : 45 (on average)
• Weightage          : + 4 marks for each correct answer                                                                                                      - 1.33 marks for each wrong answer
• Total Marks       :  45*4 = 180

SOCIAL

• No. of Questions  : 45 (on average)
• Weightage          : + 4 marks for each correct answer                                                                                                      - 1.33 marks for each wrong answer
• Total Marks       :  45*4 = 180

CURRENT AFFAIRS

• No. of Questions :  10 (on average)
• Weightage           :  + 4 marks for each correct answer                                                                                                      - 1.33 marks for each wrong answer
• Total Marks         :  10*4 = 40

GAT MARKS = ENGLISH + SCIENCE + SOCIAL + CURRENT AFFAIRS

                         = 200+180+180+40 =600 

TOTAL MARKS = MATHS + GAT = 300+600= 900

Now let us check the CUTOFF.

There is sectional cutoff which is mostly between 30-35%

i.e. MATHS  : 90-105 marks

      GAT       : 180-210 marks

and also overall cutoff too which jumps depending on the difficulty of exam but it has never touch 400.

Year	NDA-1 (Max Marks:900)	NDA-2 (Max Marks:900)
2010	263	193
2011	290	253
2012	333	322
2013	337	313
2014	348	368

NOW COMES A MAIN DEAL HOW TO CLEAR THE EXAM .

To be sureshot of clearing this exam you should min. aim for 50%

i.e MATHS - 60 question correct with no -ve marking

     GAT       -  75 question correct without -ve marking

OFCOURSE!! you can clear the exam without preparing.

but if being officer is your dream then i dont think so that you would  risk your career by just going through NCERT'S

So let's see who is the EXPERT here in books.

PATHFINDER NDA & NA

Pros -   * all in one book . no need to buy separate books for maths and gat

             * great theory for every chapter in maths with shortcuts

             * content above nda level in gat. but if you clearn your concept from it forsure clear.

Cons -  * too many errors.

             * some question highly difficult.

             * little costly

 OVERALL - Recommended to those who are intelligent in maths.

                       Not Recommended to average guys but they must read the shorcuts from that book.

NDA & NA by R.S. Aggarwal (for Maths)

Pros-   * cover all previous year question

            * ample no. of questions

            * make you learn formula through solving many question
            * almost no errors
            * content almost nda level
Cons-  * not suitable for too int. guys
OVERALL - Recommended to everyone.






G.K. by Manohar Pandey (ARIHANT) (for gat except english)
Pros-   * interesting text n facts in science
            * nda level
Cons-  * like every arihant book . it too has errors sometime very funny.
            * boring social, no photos
OVERALL- Recommended








G.K. by Tarun Goyal (for gat except english)
Pros-  * overall good for preparation
           * nda level
           * good social
Cons- * less interesting physics.
OVERALL- Recommended








G.K,  by Lucent
Pros-   * great content
            * nda level
Cons-  * makes me feel sleepy
OVERALL - Recommended, if you don't go to sleep fast.
(By any 1 among above 3 as all have same content )








CHAPTERWISE-SECTIONWISE NDA & NA(Arihant)
(previous year question paper)
Pros - * best recommended after prep.
OVERALL - strongly recommended after reading above books.

FOR PREPARATION!!

• Whatever you do, make it your strong point. you may leave some chapter in maths but always be dead sure about your preparation for those chapter you have covered.
• Never ever leave geography. scoring subject and not so difficult until n unless you keep maps beside you while studying.
• English is easy but read the question carefully and don't mix synonyms and antonyms.
• While giving exam, don't get stuck on difficult question.
• If you know you have not done that chapter leave that question ( time is precious) , you can later on come back on it.
• GAT should be revises minimum twice.
• Shortcuts are kings whereas old NCERT formula are queen. 
• To remember formula, paste small slip of formula on things you frequently use i.e refrigerator , wash room wall , mirrors , vehicle , laptop ,... ETC
• Make ridiculous abbreviation to learn an order of something. more ridiculous it is, more easy it is to remember
• Choose books as per your caliber special for maths.
• Always go for mock test or try previous year question paper

DON’T FEEL LIKE YOU CAN CLEAR .... ?

Don’t even think so. because if you have a dream then pursue it ;)
Every champ can clear NDA written. lets see whether you can or not

MATHS -   you can score easy 150 marks (60 question)
                  (don't say think so. you really can)
ENGLISH -you can easily score 120 min.(30 question) that's my guarantee
                  (the level of english is really damn easy)
SCIENCE- you can score 80 marks( 20 question)

                  (if you have min. just listened in class till 10th)
SOCIAL  - (OK, I know you suck at it . but min 15 question) 60 marks

CURRENT AFFAIRS  - 4 question . is it fine ? 16 marks

YOUR TOTAL = 150+ 120 + 80 + 60 + 16 = 426

 You made it. Now just chill. but for this also you have to work smart.