Every year around February when board exam forms are being filled Minerva Defense Institute receives calls from parents (sometimes the aspirant themselves) asking something along the lines of "My son is in class 10th he wants to join the Army... What should he do now?"
To answer them we always say; prepare him for NDA from now not from "after class 12th" or "boards are over" but now itself
How students must prepare for NDA from Class 10
Since the NDA is an exam held after class 12th students often think there is no need to prepare until then but this is a common misconception stemming from a lack of awareness about the exams pattern. The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam tests students on a combination of Mathematics and General Ability (which includes English and General Knowledge) and the level of these subjects is designed keeping in mind a learning curve since class 8th.
How class 10th to 12th is time wasted if you want to join NDA in future
If there is such a thing as wasted time in preparing for NDA it would be class 10th to 12th.
The important step while preparing for the NDA is to make informed choices while studying in class 10th and 11th so that they allow you to focus better while preparing for the exam. Here are the ways in which one can do that:-
1. Choosing the stream for class 11th
If you are thinking about joining the Army Air-force or Navy choosing Science and Math (PCM) as your stream is mandatory for technical posts in the Air-force or Navy. However if you are considering a career in the Army your stream for class 11th doesn't matter much although your Math and English scores in class 10th and 11th will affect the SSB interview. So the choice of stream in class 10th is your step towards NDA.
2. Studying Math to the core
Although the math section in NDA is comparatively simple one does need to have a good foundation in the subject in order to solve questions under the time limit. Students who start practicing NCERTs during class 11th find the Math section in NDA comparatively easier. Concepts like Trigonometry, Algebra, Co-ordinate geometry and Calculus are important. Students should be thorough with these subjects even if it involves extra practice.
3. Reading much as you can (especially newspapers)
A lot of students are surprised by the general ability section (English and General Knowledge) and its lack of defined syllabus.In order to score well in the General Ability Test you will need a general knowledge of various topics like History, Geography, Science, etc. This can only be achieved by reading a lot of newspapers and books. Hence it's important you develop this habit from class 11th.
4. Don't neglect fitness
This tip seems obvious. It isn't. While the written examination for NDA is relatively straightforward (but not easy) the SSB interview has physical and medical tests. Moreover it is not possible to get in shape for these tests in a period of time. Thus it is important you start working out and exercising regularly so that you have a level of physical fitness by the time you reach SSB. Similarly keeping your eyes healthy and maintaining the BMI is necessary if you wish to clear the medical test on the first try.
5. Knowing what happens during an SSB interview:-
The SSB interview is the most important part of the selection process for NDA right after the written exam. However most students don't know much about it until after they clear the written examination. Knowing about the stages of the SSB interview beforehand helps you prepare for it better in the long run. It also helps you channelize your energies in the direction while in school so that you have the best possible mindset when the time comes for the interview. Thus it is important to learn about the SSB interview and its various stages early as you can.
6. Joining your schools NCC
Although it may seem like something that could wait it is important that you join the National Cadet Corps (NCC) if your school has an NCC wing. Not will it help you prepare for the various tests and activities during the SSB interview but it may also give you certain benefits during the exam (depending on your branch). These benefits however have to be received by you while you're in class 9th or 10th.
The takeaway is
NDA preparation from class 10th and onwards does not mean preparing for the NDA exam per se but using the next two years in your life to prepare for the same. Thus students who consider class 12th as a period dedicated to NDA exams and not the years preceding it tend to find themselves behind at the time of writing the exam. They aren't well prepared, mentally or physically for the challenges posed by the exam. At Minerva Defense Institute we recognize this. Try to provide our candidates with the best possible experience, in preparing for NDA.