How to prepare for NDA & NA Exam without coaching - A Complete guide

How to prepare for NDA & NA Exam without Coaching – A Complete guide

Preparing for NDA & NA Exam without coaching has always been one of the things in mind of NDA & NA Exam aspirants since years. After the Covid-19 pandemic the preparation of entrance exams like NDA & NA Exam became a necessity rather than a choice for lot of students.

So now, a lot of students look for preparation straight from their Home rather than going to a coaching institute.

Here in this Article, you will get to know all the important things that you need to know for NDA & NA Exam preparation without coaching

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The Steps that a student must follow for NDA & NA Exam preparation without coaching are as follows:

Gather all relevant information about NDA & NA Exam : This is the first and foremost important step for your preparation. Gather all relevant information regarding NDA & NA Exam like Latest exam pattern, Syllabus, relevant topics, Books, Exam Timeline  and more.

The NDA & NA Exam Pattern  details are as follows:

NDA & NA Exam Pattern 2021: In Detail

NDA & NA Exam Pattern : General Ability Test (GAT)

NDA & NA Exam Pattern : Marking Scheme for Mathematics & GAT

NDA & NA Exam Pattern : SSB Interview

According to the SSB Interview,

• In this, there are two stages: stage 1 and stage 2.
• It contains 900 marks
• This test is conducted between 4 to 5 days.

SSB Interview: Stage 1

• Stage I comprises of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on combination of performance in OIR Test and PP&DT.

SSB Interview: Stage 2

• Stage II Comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over 4 days.

Syllabus for NDA & NA Exam :

PAPER-I

MATHEMATICS: (Maximum Marks-300)

1. ALGEBRA

 Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation.

 Representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity. Binary system of numbers. Conversion of a number in decimal system to binary system and vice-versa. Arithmetic,

Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations with real coefficients. Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its applications. Logarithms and their applications.

2. MATRICES AND DETERMINANTS :

 Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method.

3. TRIGONOMETRY :

 Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometrical ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.

4. ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS:

Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. Angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three dimensional space, distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms. Angle between two lines and angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere.

5. DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS :

 Concept of a real valued function–domain, range and graph of a function. Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits—examples. Continuity of functions—examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative—applications. Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect to another function, derivative of a composite function. Second order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima.

6. INTEGRAL CALCULUS AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS :

Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves—applications.  Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of a differential equations, solution of first order and first degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay.

7. VECTOR ALGEBRA :

 Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems.

8. STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY :

 Statistics : Classification of data, Frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution—examples. Graphical representation—Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon—examples. Measures of Central tendency—Mean, median and mode. Variance and standard deviation—determination and comparison. Correlation and regression.

 Probability : Random experiment, outcomes and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events.

Complementary, elementary and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical—examples. Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binominal distribution. 

GENERAL ABILITY TEST: (Maximum Marks—600)

 Part ‘A’—ENGLISH (Maximum Marks—200)

 The question paper in English will be designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English and workman like use of words. The syllabus covers various aspects like : Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English.

 Part ‘B’—GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (Maximum Marks—400)

The question paper on General Knowledge will broadly cover the subjects : Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events. - The syllabus given below is designed to indicate the scope of these subjects included in this paper. The topics mentioned are not to be regarded as exhaustive and questions on topics of similar nature not specifically mentioned in the syllabus may also be asked. Candidate’s answers are expected to show their knowledge and intelligent understanding of the subject.

Section ‘A’ (Physics)

 Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer.

 Motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation, elementary ideas of work, Power and Energy. Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature and Heat, change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of transference of Heat. Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical instruments. Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection and refraction. Spherical mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye.  Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet.

 Static and Current Electricity, conductors and Non-conductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, Use of X-Rays. General Principles in the working of the following:  Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses.

Section ‘B’ (Chemistry)

 Physical and Chemical changes. Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations, Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems).

Properties of Air and Water. Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbondioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon—different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial. Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and Gun-Powder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency.

Section ‘C’ (General Science)

Difference between the living and non-living. Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals. Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its important organs. Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention. Food—Source of Energy for man. Constituents of food, Balanced Diet. The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists.

Section ‘D’ (History, Freedom Movement etc.)

A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation. Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration. Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India. Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community Development. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence. French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution. Impact of Science and Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism. Role of India in the present world.

Section ‘E’ (Geography)

 The Earth, its shape and size. Lattitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects. Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification; Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anti-cyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation; Types of Climate, Major Natural regions of the World. Regional Geography of India—Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities. Important Sea ports and main sea, land and air routes of India. Main items of Imports and Exports of India.

Section ‘F’ (Current Events)

 Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in the recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports.

NOTE : Out of maximum marks assigned to part ‘B’ of this paper, questions on Sections ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ will carry approximately 25%, 15%, 10%, 20%, 20% and 10% weightages respectively.

Intelligence and Personality Test

 The SSB procedure consists of two stage Selection process - stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear the stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. The details are :

(a) Stage I comprises of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception * Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on combination of performance in OIR Test and PP&DT.

(b) Stage II Comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over 4 days. The details of these tests are given on the website joinindianarmy.nic.in

 The personality of a candidate is assessed by three different assessors viz. The Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist. There are no separate weightage for each test. The mks are allotted by assessors only after taking into consideration the performance of the candidate holistically in all the test. In addition, marks for Conference are also allotted based on the initial performance of the Candidate in the three techniques and decision of the Board. All these have equal weightage.

 The various tests of IO, GTO and Psych are designed to bring out the presence/absence of Officer Like Qualities and their trainability in a candidate. Accordingly, candidates are Recommended or Not Recommended at the SSB.

Know all Important Topics for NDA & NA Exam Preparation:

 Mathematics

 GAT

*Note: These above tables are as per the Number of Questions asked in NDA & NA Exam I 2021 conducted in April.

Exam Timeline:

Get the Best Books and Study Material: Having the right set of Books and preparation material is one of the most important requirements for cracking any entrance exam like NDA & NA Exam which has such high competition.

Best Books for GAT

Best Books for Mathematics

Read Newspapers regularly: This will not just help you in the GK and Current Affairs section but overall, you will also develop a good fast reading habit of passages which will also help you in section of GAT

Reading newspapers daily is a habit that keeps us informed about world politics and current affairs. It is also a reliable source to expand your English vocabulary.

Follow all monthly Current Affairs: It will always be good for a student preparing for NDA & NA Exam to subscribe to some weekly or monthly current affairs newsletters etc so that in NDA & NA Exam they can score really well, The current affairs are also very dynamic in nature as they are constantly changing. Owing to this importance and dynamic nature, current affairs is a section that is present in every competitive exam. This is to test a student's ability to be abreast of what is happening in the world. This section in NDA & NA Exam contains maximum number of questions and holds highest weightage in the exam

Give the best Mock Tests and analyse your performance on time: Giving the Right Mock Tests at the Right Time and in the Right amount is the key to success for your NDA & NA Exam Preparation. It’s always good to analyse your Preparation regularly and know your stand among competition at regular intervals as this is a Competitive examination and the best way to do the same is to check your performance in popular mock tests that are available online. This is one of the major reasons why students join coaching institutes. Here are some of the major Mock Tests available online which have been referred by some past year toppers and have delivered good results recently.

Some of the Most Popular Mock Tests available for NDA & NA Exam as recommended by experts for best Results are as follows:

Mock Test Series for NDA & NA Exam by Cavalier Academy

Mock Test Series for NDA & NA Exam by Testbook

Mock Test Series for NDA & NA Exam by Gradeup  

Mock Test Series for NDA & NA Exam by Testseries edugorilla

Mock Test Series for NDA & NA Exam by Testmocks

Mock Test Series for NDA & NA Exam by Toppersexam  

Mock Test Series for NDA & NA Exam by Tcyonline

Solve Past year Papers:

This is a very useful strategy for candidates preparing for NDA & NA Exam without coaching. Solving NDA & NA Exam paper from the previous years will provide the candidates with an idea about the pattern of questions asked in the examination and also help them improve their time-management skills.

This has always been recommended by past year Toppers as well as Coaching Institutes and other NDA & NA Exam experts.

Please Find below the NDA & NA Exam Past year Papers that you can Download for free:

NDA & NA Exam I 2021 Question Paper – GAT

NDA & NA Exam I 2021 Question Paper – Maths

NDA & NA Exam I & II 2020 Question Paper – GAT

NDA & NA Exam I & II 2020 Question Paper – Maths

To Download all NDA & NA Exam Past year Papers Click here

Make Proper Schedule and Revision Strategy :

If you have decided that you want to go into this field which consists of punctuality & discipline,  you've to become like that from the starting as those eyes were always on you to check whether you've that potential or not. when you feel like you are gaining skills but how are they going to affect your performance or feel underconfident about yourself in the paper, try doing mock tests. And second, the important thing is revision when there is just about one month left, you should focus on practicing the things you already, both these things will help in building that powerful pillar of confidence that you require on the final day. Proper Revision before the examination is a must to seal your seat

Take out time for self and relaxation :

Now, you know how to build your skills and to being confident about them, but both of these things won’t work if you are not enjoying the process, so remember to enjoy it cause it’s just a test.

Here are some of the Videos that you can watch for making Preparation Strategy:

https://youtu.be/VcC6gz2qAqE

https://youtu.be/u22Wi-NPAHU

https://youtu.be/sEj6DoH7tUw

https://youtu.be/BvMZq39FvmU

https://youtu.be/8gntU4H7ty8

https://youtu.be/nmlvDU5z_JE

*Please Note: Although in the above article we have tried our best in including everything regarding NDA & NA Exam Preparation without Coaching. Still if you find anything above that might not be true or if there is something that is missing and should have been included etc. Please share your suggestions at [email protected] so that we can include all the important things and it helps every NDA & NA Exam aspirant of our country.