With a little less than a month’s time left before the examination for selection of NDA (I) & (II), 2020 applicants are conducted, now is the time to indulge in revisions and clarify any confusion. However, contrary to traditional beliefs, it is still not very late to work hard for some extra marks. As a matter of fact, the Union Public Service Commission is conducting a common exam for NDA (I) and (II) selections this year due to the COVID-19 crisis. Nevertheless, this is not expected to affect the scholastic standards of the NDA examination. Candidates who applied for the exam were shortlisted and admit cards for NDA (I) and (II) 2020 have already been issued through the website upsc.gov.in. Only those who secure marks equal to or above the specified cut-offs are shortlisted for the SSB interviews. Therefore, we take you through smart strategies and actionable recommendations to score that extra marks in NDA 2020.
The NDA examination is held for the papers of Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) with the former carrying a total of 300 marks while the latter carries a total of 600 marks. Candidates must aim to score a combined score of 50% or more i.e. 450+ marks in order to have a chance to be selected for SSB interviews. As such, our recommendations are chalked out considering the limitations in the time left before the exam and the need to score higher marks in the papers.
One of the most important aspects of scoring higher marks in the NDA exam is targeting those topics that carry higher marks. However, one must refer to the previous year question papers of NDA exam to get an idea of the specific topics and sub-topics of Mathematics and GAT paper that carry the highest marks. For example, based on previous year questions, the topics of Algebra and Trigonometry in the Mathematics paper carry a significant weightage of marks. Candidates must focus on these areas to ensure that they are able to secure a higher number of good attempts and consequently secure higher marks. In the GAT paper, the English section consists of 50 questions and is a very high scoring area.
Now that you have a strategy to focus more on the areas that carry higher marks, it is best to get some good learning resources. Although question banks are readily available in the markets, studying from previous year question papers can also serve the purpose. Repetition in questions are often encountered and candidates can benefit from this. However, when it comes to scoring high in the Mathematics part, practising has no alternative and candidates are advised to practice calculations and solving complex numerical. NCERT Books for Class 11 & 12 are often recommended for preparation of the Mathematics paper of NDA.
It is only a matter of a few weeks before the NDA 2020 exam commences and candidates must indulge in revisions. One of the best methods to supplement the revisions is solving mock tests. By solving mock tests, you can not only revise what you have studied but simulate a real-time exam scenario where limited time is available. Set up a timer and attempt to solve a paper within the fixed duration. Remember effective time management is also essential and it is not wise to spend more time on one question than is allowed.
