Believe, faith and trust in the above lines have convinced us that even during the massive outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic nothing is impossible to achieve when you have enthusiasm, optimism, confidence, and commitment.

The pandemic though has created an arresting repercussion across the generation of Homo sapiens living on the globe yet turning the tables would allow us to insight into a parallel universe where students preparing for the competitive exam have an edge and more chances of succeeding and clearing the competitive exams since the ratio of the student registering and appearing for the exam has gone down by 40 percent.

This factual basis would serve as a boon for the NDA I and II 2021 Exam the dates of which have been recently released. The exam will be held on April 18, 2021 (for NDA I) and September 5, 2021 (for NDA II) respectively.

The students who have been working hard diligently since the outbreak of this pandemic and continued their effort would definitely have a brighter chance to emerge victoriously.

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The main aim of writing this article is to provide insight and relevant information to the candidate who is preparing for the prestigious NDA examination 2021 conducted by UPSC.

As we know that the National Defence Academy (NDA) located in Khadakwasla, Maharashtra, conducts the prestigious and highly competitive examination NDA I and II through a national-level entrance exam twice in a year thereby admitting the most suitable and capable candidates before these candidates start their commissioned training in respective service cadres.

It is a sign of relief for the students appearing for NDA I to be held on April 18, 2021, that the level of competition is going to be less seeing the UPSC NDA & NA (1) and (2) 2020 online Exam, which was held on September 6, 2020, which witnessed 40 percent fewer students appearing for the examination who registered and the paper I and the paper II were moderate level.

Important tips for UPSC NDA I Exam 2021:

1. The most important thing right now is to be clear with the syllabus, the pattern of questions asked, of both the subjects i.e., mathematics and English competency, and General Aptitude Test. Paper 1 which is the mathematics paper is marked out of 300 marks which have to be completed in a time span of 150 minutes. Similarly, paper 2 is the English competency and General Aptitude Test which is going to be is marked out of 600 marks and which has to be completed in a time span of 150 minutes too.

2. Paper 1 i.e., of mathematics is considered to be very scoring, and only practice can make candidates competitive clear it and it includes algebra, matrices, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, decimal fractions, percentage, average, ratio, and proportions, etc.

Paper 2 commonly known as GAT can only be cleared by following a planned approach that includes is a variety of subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, History, and Current Affairs. Apart from studying English grammar books, regular reading of English newspapers, watching English news channels will also help a lot in clearing the latter part of Paper 2.

3. The syllabus is vast and very intense and it requires months of dedicated preparation and diligence. Here are some of the ways which will help you to focus and clear the examination which is on way in 2021.

4. Create a study environment: A good study environment will allow students to maintain concentration and maximize learning efficiency. Choose a place with proper ventilation, lighting, and minimal distractions where you can study peacefully. Try to keep your study place clean as this will help eradicate any distractions.

5. Set realistic goals: Set your goals according to your potential and priorities. Having realistic targets keeps you motivated and helps you focus better rather than getting worked up over unrealistic goals. Stick to specific short-term goals and work towards them with a proper study plan.

6. Set a time to complete a task: Before you start any task evaluate the time required and efforts to complete it. Be determined to complete the task within the specified time. Plan and schedule your daily activities and try not to let anything interrupt your schedule.

7. Using mnemonics to help build memory: Mnemonics are memory techniques that help us remember information by associating it with images, sentences, or words. There are many ways you can make mnemonics such as associating a concept with a visual image. You can build acronyms with the first letter of every word of a sentence or make a rhyme of all the words. This will help you retain and recollect a concept or formula with ease.

8. Clear your basics: Clear your basics of science (Physics, chemistry, and biology) by using any basic science books. Thoroughly read the basic books of geography (Physical features of India- Mountains, Rivers, their deltas and estuaries, etc.), polity (Indian constitution), economics (5-year plans, economic terms, Census, etc.) and history (Ancient, Medieval and Modern) which are very interesting too.

For, Current affairs, use all resources like magazines, internet, TV, and newspapers and always prepare notes, systematically. One should make pointwise notes on major economic/budget news, science & technologies news, inventions and discoveries, who is who, sports, currencies, books and authors, awards and honors, abbreviations, important days, organizations (national and international), government schemes, etc.

9. Solve Previous Year’s Question Papers: Once you feel that you are prepared, refer to the previous year’s question papers of the NDA exam and find out where you are lacking, and again focus on those topics. So, start well in advance, work hard, be determined, and dedicated to studies that will ensure greater success. Solving mock question papers also works.

10. Discuss what you learned: Have a discussion with your peers on what you learned that day. This helps you revise the day’s learning and helps you retain it for a longer period. Peer discussions also help you check your progress and exchange knowledge while offering friendly/healthy competition.

11. Take regular breaks: Taking regular breaks is very critical to enhance learning capacity. Ensure you take a short break after every hour to keep your brain from overworking. Use these short intervals to stretch, listen to a song, or relax for a few minutes. These short breaks will make your study time more efficient and productive.

12. Meditation and physical exercise: Meditation can help calm your mind and improve your concentration power. Physical exercise relaxes and rejuvenates your body while enabling you to take your mind off things. Physical and mental exercise helps keep stress levels in check.

13. Sleep well: Sleep improves attention and concentration. Lack of sleep affects your mood, focus, and motivation. Getting adequate sleep by going to bed early helps in better retention of all that is studied. Hence, ensure you sleep at least 7-8 hours every day.

14. Keep away from social media: The numerous distractions that come from your phone and other electronic gadgets are the biggest barriers to maintaining concentration. Engaging in such activities during your study time might break your focus. Refrain from using any gadgets during your study time except during breaks.

15. Time management: Time management and planning to solve the question paper is very important to succeed in any exam, so, don’t waste your time on a question that is not known to you; switch to the next question and attempt it at last.

16. Be Positive: Always be positive and believe in yourself to achieve excellence in all that you do.

17. Given the current pandemic and the uncertainties associated with it, students will likely be feeling stressed as their complete study schedule has turned topsy-turvy. As we are all adapting to the circumstances, we must recognize that it is a difficult situation and find ways to keep ourselves motivated and on track with our goals. Students must keep their long-term ambitions in mind and supplement their study efforts with a healthy diet, proper hydration, exercises, and fun activities to break the monotony.

Moreover, it is equally important for teachers and parents to give unconditional support and positive reinforcement for students who will be writing their exams.

Do not forget SSB:

Joining the prestigious Indian defense services would not be possible if you do not clear the SSB Interview. However, the NDA SSB Interview round will be organized only after you cleared the written test.

So, if you are preparing for NDA I the rigorous you must also be prepared for the five-day-long SSB Interview which will be comprising of psychological tests, situation reaction test, word association test, self-description test, and thematic apperception test followed by Military Planning Exercise, Group Discussion Test, Intergroup Obstacle race, Lecturettes, Snake Race, Progressive Group Task, command task & personal interview and the announcement of results.

So, know yourself, prepare as thoroughly as possible, Start polishing your personality and keep a positive and optimistic attitude, an alert mind, quick reflexes, good decision making, the ability to work under stress and to handle any difficult situation are the main tips for clearing the SSB Interview.

Most importantly, be positive, be focused and believe in yourself. Prepare strategically and put in a lot of hard work.

You will perform well in the exam and the day will be yours.

All the very best, dear candidates!