The entrance examination for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) will be held on Sunday, November 14. Following the Supreme Court's verdict, female candidates also will write this year's NDA and INA exam for the first time in history.
Those who have Class 12 qualification will be admitted to the academies on the basis of this entrance exam and the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
The multiple-choice exam will be held in two sessions on November 14: the first session will be at 10am and the second session at 2pm.
Some of the pointers that the candidates need to remember as they make the final round of preparations are given below.
Exam pattern
Candidates will have to attempt two papers of 2.30 hours each - Maths and General Ability. Only those who pass in both the papers will make it to the next round.
In the 300-mark Maths section, there will be 120 questions. Each correct answer will fetch 2.5 marks, while 0.83 marks will be deducted for the wrong answer. The 600-mark General Ability paper will have two parts - English and General Knowledge with a total of 150 questions. Each correct answer will fetch 4 marks, while 1.33 marks will be deducted for the wrong answer.
Final-round study plan
»Candidates should now concentrate on revising the portions covered till now.
»Prepare a study plan for the upcoming days.
» In the Maths paper, the challenge will be to write the answers for all questions within the given time. For this, candidates need to attempt mock tests. Also, check the previous years' question papers.
» Have a thorough understanding of the basics in Science and Maths.
» As soon as you get the question paper, quickly skim through all the questions and decide on the questions you will attempt first. Keep in mind that the negative marking will relegate your rank.
» Note down all the important formulae in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. Go through these, whenever you get time.
Other points to note
» At the exam centre you must furnish the original ID proof which has been specified in the admit card. If the photo on the admit card is not clear, you need to carry two passport-size photos as well.
» You must have entered the exam centre 10 minutes before the exam. No candidate will be allowed to enter the centre after 9.50am for the first session and 1.50 pm for the second session.
» For the exam, you must mandatorily use black ballpoint pen.
» Masks are mandatory. You can also carry sanitiser in transparent bottles, if needed.
» Calculator, smart watch and other electronic devices are not allowed. Mobile phones (even in switched-off mode) are not permitted.