If your dream is to serve the nation by joining the Indian Armed Forces, then clearing the NDA written exam is your first big step. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the NDA exam, but only a few succeed in the first attempt. So, what sets them apart?
In this blog, the expert faculty at Chanakya Career Institute – India’s leading NDA coaching institute – shares proven tips and strategies to help you ace the NDA written exam with confidence.
Understanding the NDA Written Exam Pattern
Before diving into preparation, it’s crucial to know the structure of the exam:
Paper 1: Mathematics
- 120 Questions
- 300 Marks
- Duration: 2.5 hours
Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT)
- 150 Questions
- 600 Marks
- Duration: 2.5 hours
Subjects: English, General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, History, Polity, Geography, Current Affairs)
Negative Marking: 0.83 marks deducted in Mathematics and 1.33 marks in GAT for each wrong answer.
Tip #1: Start Early & Be Consistent
Success in NDA doesn’t come from last-minute studying. Whether you’re in Class 11 or 12, starting early gives you a huge advantage. Our NDA Foundation Course at Chanakya Career Institute is ideal for students who want to balance school with NDA prep.
- Create a daily study schedule
- Study smart, not just hard
- Track your progress weekly
Tip #2: Master NCERTs – Especially for Maths & Science
- NCERT books (Class 9 to 12) are your best friends for NDA.
- For Maths: Solve every example and exercise in NCERT 11th & 12th books.
- For Physics & Chemistry: Focus on conceptual clarity and definitions.
- For Geography & History: Learn through maps, timelines, and diagrams.
- At Chanakya, our subject experts break down tough concepts with simple explanations and practice sessions.
Tip #3: Work on English & Vocabulary Daily
- Don’t ignore English—it carries 200 marks in the GAT section!
- Improve grammar through daily exercises
- Read newspapers and novels to expand vocabulary
- Practice comprehension and cloze tests regularly
- Our English modules are designed to strengthen grammar, comprehension, and communication.
Tip #4: Solve Previous Year Papers Religiously
Practicing previous year NDA question papers helps you:
- Understand question trends
- Improve time management
- Avoid silly mistakes
- Gain confidence
Chanakya’s NDA test series and mock papers replicate the real exam pattern, helping you assess and improve with every test.
Tip #5: Stay Updated with Current Affairs
- The Current Affairs section in GAT can fetch you easy marks if you’re consistent.
- Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express
- Follow weekly news capsules & defence-related updates Use monthly current affairs PDFs for quick revision
- We provide monthly current affairs magazines curated specially for NDA aspirants.
Tip #6: Time Management is Everything
- With 300 questions in total, speed and accuracy are crucial.
- Learn to manage time between sections
- Don’t spend too long on one question
- Avoid guesswork—negative marking can reduce your score
- At Chanakya, every test comes with a timer-based assessment, helping you train under real exam pressure.
Tip #7: Join a Trusted NDA Coaching Institute
Self-study alone may not be enough. Choosing the right coaching can boost your chances tremendously.
Why Choose Chanakya Career Institute?
Highest NDA Selection Rate in North India Experienced Faculty from Defence Backgrounds Smart Classes + Doubt Sessions Updated NDA Study Material SSB & Physical Training Support
“जो देखाहैवदी का सपना, उसेपराू करनेका वक्त आ गया है– Chanakya केसाथ!”
Final Thoughts: Your NDA Success Journey Starts Today!
The NDA written exam is tough—but not impossible. With the right guidance, disciplined NDA preparation, and expert mentorship, you can clear it in your first attempt.
At Chanakya Career Institute, we ensure you are ready not just to write the exam, but to ace it.
