One of the most difficult entrance exams in India is the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, which prepares young people to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. With the test only a few days away, applicants frequently ponder:
✔ How to revise effectively in the last few days?
✔ What are the most important last-minute preparation strategies for NDA?
✔ How can I organize my time and steer clear of errors during the test?
If you’re an NDA applicant searching for extremely helpful last-minute preparation tips for NDA, this guide will help you maximise your score and increase your confidence before the big day!
Recognize the NDA Exam Format and Scoring System
Before diving into last-minute preparation, ensure you are familiar with the exam pattern and marking scheme:
📌 Sections of the NDA Exam:
✔ Mathematics – 120 Questions | 300 Marks
✔ General Ability Test (GAT) – 150 Questions | 600 Marks
✔ Total Marks: 900
📌 Marking Scheme:
✔ Mathematics: +2.5 for the correct answer, -0.83 for the wrong answer.
✔ GAT: +4 for the correct answer, -1.33 for the wrong answer.
📌 Time Duration:
✔ 2.5 hours for Mathematics
✔ 2.5 hours for GAT
💡 Tip: Aim for at least 30% in each section for selection, but there is no sectional cut-off.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips for NDA Exam
1. Concentrate on Vital Subjects
💡 Focus on the most important topics from each subject in the final few days.
📌 Key subjects in mathematics:
✔ Algebra: quadratic equations, matrices, and determinants.
✔ Trigonometry: Identities, Heights, and Distances.
✔ Coordinate geometry: circles and straight lines.
✔ Calculus: Integration and Differentiation.
✔ Probability and Statistics: Mean, Median, Variance.
📌 Important GAT Topics:
✔ English – Grammar rules, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, Spotting Errors.
✔ Science – Physics (Laws of Motion, Electricity), Chemistry (Organic & Inorganic
Chemistry).
✔ History & Polity – Indian Freedom Struggle, Constitution, Governance.
✔ Geography – Indian and World Geography, Climate, Agriculture.
✔ Current Affairs – Recent government policies, Defence news, International relations.
🚀 Tip: Prioritize revision of strong topics first, then focus on weaker areas.
2. Revise Key Concepts, Formulas & Shortcuts
📌 How to revise effectively?
✔ Write down important formulas & shortcuts on flashcards.
✔ Revise concept-based questions rather than memorizing answers.
✔ Focus on NCERT-based concepts for Science & Mathematics.
🚀 Tip: Use sticky notes & mind maps for quick concept retention.
3. Practice Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests
📌 Why are mock tests important?
✔ Improves speed & accuracy.
✔ Helps in identifying weak areas.
✔ Boosts time management skills.
💡 How to attempt mock tests?
✔ Solve at least 2 full-length papers before the exam.
✔ Analyze mistakes & work on weak areas.
✔ Avoid guessing – only attempt if you’re 50% sure.
🚀 Tip: Solving the last 10 years’ papers will help you understand repeated questions.
4. Time Management During the Exam
📌 How to manage time effectively?
✔ To gain confidence, start with simple questions.
✔ Do not focus on a single question for longer than two minutes.
✔ In Mathematics, focus on accuracy over speed.
✔ In GAT, read passages quickly and answer direct questions first.
🚀 Tip: Keep the last 10 minutes for revising marked questions.
5. Maintain Your Mental and Physical Fitness
📌 Preparing mentally and physically is just as important for exam success as studying.
✔ Before the test, get 7-8 hours of good sleep.
✔ Consume wholesome, light meals to maintain your energy levels.
✔ Prevent last-minute anxiety by remaining composed and self-assured.
✔ Practice deep breathing exercises to stay focused.
🚀 Tip: A calm mind performs better than a stressed one!
What Should I Avoid on the NDA Exam?
🚫 Guesswork without logic: High negative marking can reduce your score.
🚫 Spending too much time on a single question: Manage time wisely.
🚫 Ignoring the GAT section: It carries 600 marks, so balance both sections.
🚫 Last-minute learning of new concepts: Stick to what you already know.
🚫 Ignoring OMR sheet filling: Prevent errors when marking responses.
🚀 Tip: Remain calm, focus, and play to your strengths.
Final Checklist for NDA Exam Day
✔ Admit Card & ID Proof: Keep multiple copies.
✔ Black Ballpoint Pen: Required for marking OMR sheets.
✔ Water Bottle & Light Snacks: Stay hydrated.
✔ Watch (Non-Digital): Manage time effectively.
✔ Positivity & Confidence: Have faith in yourself!
🚀 Tip: To reduce anxiety at the last minute, arrive at the exam location at least an hour early.
Conclusion
It takes strategic planning, efficient time management, and a composed attitude to ace the NDA exam. You can improve your performance and raise your chances of getting selected by using these last-minute NDA exam tips.
🎯 Final Takeaways:
✔ Concentrateon Vital Subjects & formula revision.
✔ Solve previous year papers & mock tests.
✔ Manage time wisely & attempt questions strategically.
✔ Maintain Your Mental and Physical Fitness for exam day.
🚀 Remain self-assured, try your hardest, and prepare to enlist in the Indian military!
FAQs for Last Minute Preparation Tips for NDA Exam
Ans. Yes, you can raise your score with targeted study sessions, practice exams, and effective time management.
Ans. High-weight topics include algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and coordinate geometry.
Ans. Attempt 80-90 questions in GAT and 50-60 questions in Mathematics with high accuracy.