Preperation

The NDA exam (by UPSC) has two written papers + SSB interview.

Paper    Subject    Marks    Duration

Paper 1    Mathematics    300    2½ hours
Paper 2    GAT (General Ability Test)    600    2½ hours
—    Total (Written Test)    900    —
—    SSB Interview    900    —

Total = 1800 marks

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📚 2. Subject-wise Preparation Needs

🧮 Mathematics (300 marks)

You must be strong in:

Algebra

Trigonometry

Coordinate Geometry

Calculus

Statistics & Probability

Vectors

Matrices & Determinants

🔹 Books & Resources:

NCERT Class 11 & 12 Maths (best foundation)

RS Aggarwal / RD Sharma (for practice)

NDA Pathfinder (by Arihant)

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🌍 GAT (General Ability Test – 600 marks)

Part A – English (200 marks)

Grammar rules, vocabulary, synonyms-antonyms

Reading comprehension

Spotting errors, sentence improvement

Part B – General Knowledge (400 marks)

Physics: Basic concepts (Class 11–12 level)

Chemistry: Everyday science, chemical reactions

Biology: Human body, plants, animals

History: Freedom struggle, Indian culture

Geography: Earth, climate, rivers, industries

Current Affairs: National & International events

🔹 Books & Resources:

NCERTs (Class 9–12)

Lucent’s General Knowledge

Daily newspaper or news app

NDA Pathfinder (covers GAT + English)

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💪 3. Physical Preparation

NDA needs a fit and disciplined candidate.

Area    Target

Running    2.4 km in 15 minutes
Push-ups    20–25
Sit-ups    30–35
Chin-ups    6–10
Rope Climbing    Practice regularly

Also maintain:

Balanced diet

Proper sleep

No smoking/drugs/alcohol

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🧩 4. SSB Interview Preparation

After clearing written exam, you’ll face 5-day SSB interview, including:

Screening test (OIR + PPDT)

Psychological tests

Group tasks

Personal interview

🎯 To prepare:

Read newspapers daily (for communication & awareness)

Practice speaking confidently in English

Join NDA/SSB coaching (optional but helpful)

Watch motivational SSB videos/interview examples

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🕐 5. Time Management Plan (Ideal for Class 11–12 Students)

Time    Focus

Class 11    Build Maths + English + GK basics (NCERTs)
Class 12    Practice NDA papers + strengthen weak areas
After 12    Full revision + mock tests + physical training

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📘 6. Practice Sources

NDA Pathfinder (Arihant)

NDA/NA previous year question papers (UPSC website)

Online mock tests (Unacademy, BYJU’s, Gradeup, etc.)