How Non-Maths Students Prepare for the NDA Exam
How Non-Maths Students Prepare for the NDA Exam a complete guideline has been provided for students preparing for NDA. Make a schedule to study for GAT and Maths topics for exam.
Nigam Sharma23 Jun, 2025
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How Non-Maths Students Prepare for the NDA Exam: The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is one of India's most prestigious defense exams, opening doors to a career in the Indian Armed Forces. While the exam covers a broad range of subjects, Mathematics is often a major concern for students from non-mathematics backgrounds. However, with the right strategy, study plan, and dedication, non-maths students can overcome this hurdle and excel in the NDA exam. NDA 2 Exam scheduled for 14th September through the offline mode.
In this article, we will explore how non-maths students can prepare for the NDA exam , effective strategies to tackle mathematics, and subject-specific preparation tips. We will also discuss the importance of focusing on General Ability Test (GAT) and other subjects to compensate for weaker areas.Understanding the NDA Exam Pattern
Before diving into preparation strategies, it's essential to understand the exam pattern. The NDA exam consists of two papers:- Mathematics (300 marks)
- General Ability Test (GAT) (600 marks)
How to Tackle Mathematics for Non-Math Students
Mathematics Section covers a vast syllabus of topics. It seems like non-math students may face difficulty. It can happen in that situation when they don't focus on the conceptual thing. Start focusing on the conceptual thing and begin solving questions for the paper. Take note of the strong and weak topics. Solve topic-wise questions. Then, solve Mock Tests and PYQs for the exam.1. Focus on Basic Concepts
Start by revising basic concepts and fundamentals of topics like algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and arithmetic. Non-maths students should focus on grasping the core principles before moving on to more complex problems.2. Prioritize Important Topics
Not all math topics carry the same weight. Below is a table of important topics to focus on:| Topic | Importance in NDA |
|---|---|
| Algebra (Quadratic Equations, etc.) | High |
| Trigonometry | High |
| Arithmetic (Ratio, Proportion) | Moderate |
| Geometry (Lines, Angles, Circles) | High |
| Mensuration (Area, Volume) | Moderate |
| Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode) | Low |
3. Practice Previous Year Question Papers
Solving previous year question papers will help you get familiar with the type of questions asked and improve your speed and accuracy. It will also give you a sense of the topics that appear most frequently.4. Use NCERT Books
For non-maths students, starting with NCERT mathematics books from classes 9 to 12 is the best approach. These books explain concepts clearly and are aligned with the NDA exam syllabus. Revise the GAT and Maths concepts and memorise them for the exam.5. Focus on Shortcuts and Tricks
Learn shortcuts and tricks for solving mathematical problems efficiently. This will save time during the exam and help you approach complex problems with ease.Preparation Strategies for GAT (General Ability Test)
Since the General Ability Test (GAT) carries 600 marks, non-maths students can use this to their advantage by maximizing their score in this section. The GAT paper is divided into two parts:- English (200 marks)
- General Knowledge (GK) (400 marks)
1. English Preparation Tips
The English section is relatively scoring and includes questions on grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and sentence structure.- Read English newspapers daily to improve vocabulary and general awareness.
- Practice grammar rules and solve exercises related to sentence correction, spotting errors, and fill-in-the-blanks.
- Work on improving your reading comprehension by practicing passages.
2. General Knowledge Preparation Tips
The GK section is vast and covers science, current affairs, history, geography, and politics. Focus on the current news sections. Pickup the topics for the exam wisely. Begin with making the current affair notes and revise them regularly.- Current Affairs: Read newspapers and follow reliable online portals for the latest updates on national and international events.
- Science: Focus on basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology. For non-science students, concentrate on general science topics covered in school textbooks.
- History and Geography : Use standard reference books like NCERT and Lucent's General Knowledge to cover history and geography basics.
| Section | Importance in NDA GAT |
|---|---|
| English | High |
| General Knowledge | High |
| Current Affairs | Moderate |
| Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | High |
| History and Geography | Moderate |
Time Management and Study Plan for Non-Maths Students
Non-Maths Students preparing for NDA exam. They should focus on the time management aspect. Begin the day with a fresh mindset in the morning. Revise and solve Mathematics questions. Then, revise GAT topics for the exam. Solve quizzes to memorise the concepts. At night, prefer to solve Maths and GAT questions. NDA exam is on 14th September. Make the most of the time available smartly to achieve the target scores on the paper.| Period | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning (2-3 hours) | Mathematics revision and practice |
| Afternoon (2 hours) | GAT English preparation |
| Evening (2-3 hours) | General Knowledge and Current Affairs |
| Night (1 hour) | Revision and Mock Tests |
Importance of Mock Tests
Taking regular mock tests is vital for evaluating your progress. Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment, helping you identify areas where you need improvement. Time yourself during these tests to develop speed and accuracy. Preparing for the NDA exam as a non-maths student may seem challenging, but it is entirely achievable with the right mindset, consistent effort, and a well-structured study plan. Focus on mastering the basics of mathematics, utilize your strength in the GAT paper, and regularly practice mock tests to assess your performance.
How Non-Maths Students Prepare for the NDA Exam FAQs
Q1. Can non-maths students crack the NDA exam?
Ans. Yes, non-maths students can crack the NDA exam by focusing on basic mathematics and maximizing their score in the General Ability Test (GAT).
Q2. What math topics should non-maths students focus on?
Ans. Non-maths students should focus on important topics like algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and arithmetic.
Q3. Are NCERT books enough for NDA math preparation?
Ans. Yes, NCERT books from classes 9 to 12 are a great resource for understanding the basic concepts needed for the NDA exam.
Q4. How can non-maths students improve their GAT score?
Ans. Non-maths students can improve their GAT score by focusing on English, general knowledge, science, and current affairs.
Q5. How many hours should non-maths students study math daily?
Ans. Non-maths students should dedicate 2-3 hours daily to math preparation, focusing on basics and solving practice papers.
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