How to Prepare for NDA in 3 Months

Preparing for the NDA exam in just 3 months is challenging but achievable with perfect planning and right guidance. The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam provides the opportunity for the candidate to join the Indian Armed Forces.

In this article, we will help you to provide the full information regarding how to prepare for NDA 1/2026 within the respective time of three months.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern

Before you start your preparation, it’s important to know the exam pattern and criteria of the NDA written examination:

Exam Pattern: The NDA exam consists of two papers:

• Mathematics: 300 marks

• General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks (This includes English and General Knowledge)
  

Total Marks: 900 marks

2. Create a 3-Month NDA Study Plan

First Month: Foundation Building

In the very first month when you are preparing for the National Defence Academy examination, you need to complete your syllabus of at least the subjects of English and science, and you need to pursue the subject of mathematics and start preparing other subjects like general studies.

Second Month: Practice and Revision

In the second month, we need to fix our target by completing the syllabus of mathematics as well as the general studies, and start doing the revision of the first month’s subjects that we have completed, that is, English and science, with question practice of mathematics and general studies.

Third Month: Intensive Practice and Mock Tests

In third month we don’t need to start any of the new subject instead of that we need to start revision of all other subjects like mathematics English science and GS if suppose some of the portion that we have lived in the first and second month of the end of the subject we don’t need to go through with that concept in the third month the third month is also known as a revision month or mock test practised month it is the best time when you can prepare for your mock test and analyse your performance with respect to time that will help us to prepare for the similar situation as we will phase in the real-time examination.

3. NDA Time Management and Discipline

Daily Schedule:

• At least give 8 to 10 hours of self studies to your examination, which is essential and a crucial step to correct the NDA.
• Use the Pomodoro technique (25-minute study sessions followed by 5-minute breaks) to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
• Mental exercise like meditation and physical exercise like running and jogging will also help us to stabilize our studies in the Long term.

Weekly Targets:

Set a small target daily and try to complete it, and analyse your performance, and at the end take a one week off in a week that will help you to be fresh for a whole week or prepare you with a fresh mind for a new week.

4. Stay Updated with NDA Current Affairs

In this examination, we need to stay updated with current affairs or current news that we can go through with newspapers like the Indian Express, the Hindu, and from any of the social media platform which provides the essential news and current affairs regarding the particular examination that is conducted by UPSC, like NDA, CDS, and any of the another examination.

Final Thoughts

Wondering how to prepare for NDA in 3 months? The workload can be daunting, but it is well within reach if you have a solid plan and are disciplined and organized. Strengthen your foundation in Math, Science, English, and General Studies, and take the time to create a daily schedule that includes regular studying (use of online study aids), practice tests, and quizzes. To excel on your NDA Exams, keeping current with your studies and being committed to your success is the best way to prepare to pass your NDA Exams and obtain your desired score.

Trishul Defence Academy is known for its dedicated preparation and successful outcomes, making it considered one of the best coaching institutes for NDA preparation in India for serious learners who are looking to crack it within a limited time period.

Contact Trishul Defence Academy today to get personalized support for NDA Coaching.

FAQS:

1. Can I prepare for NDA in 3 months?

Yes, it is possible to prepare for NDA in 3 months if you follow the exam’s structure and guidelines. There are three distinct preparation phases you should work through: Foundation Phase, Practice Phase, and Revision Phase. By working through these three phases in sequence, you will have laid out an effective approach for preparing for the NDA exam that will allow you to efficiently learn all subject content for tests GAT and Mathematics.

2. How to start preparation for NDA?

When beginning your preparation for the NDA exam, the first step is to become familiar with the examination format and content. Once aware of the exam method, focus on your weaker subject areas while periodically reviewing your strong subject areas. This helps you learn how to prepare for NDA from the basics and enables you to prepare effectively for the Mathematics Test as well as the General Ability Test (GAT).

3. How to prepare for the NDA written exam?

The NDA written examination has two sections: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). To prepare effectively, it is essential to have a concerted effort with respect to Mathematics preparation, GAT preparation, the review of mathematical formulas and terms, and the review of relevant newspaper and magazine current affairs statements. Following daily study routines and mock tests is the key to knowing how to prepare for NDA written exam and score above the cut-off.

4. Can I crack NDA in 3 months?

Yes! It is possible to pass the NDA in three months by maintaining concentrated study habits, being organized with your time, and practicing consistently throughout this period. If you develop a strategic plan and follow through with the necessary amount of time each week, you will improve your chances of passing the NDA on the first try while also succeeding on the SSB interview. 

5. Is coaching important for NDA preparation?

Coaching is NOT required; if you are serious about passing the NDA, it would be extremely helpful to join a good coaching academy, such as Trishul Defence Academy. The benefits of joining a good coaching academy include having experienced mentors with enough experience to understand how to prepare for NDA, as well as having guidance with preparing your mock test.