The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is among the most respected and competitive tests in India, conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). For candidates preparing for the NDA 2025 exam, the last 15 days are critical. These days can prove to be the difference between success and failure, wherein structured planning, concentration, and persistent effort become the ultimate key to succeed in the exam.
This blog will give a step-by-step plan on how to make the most of the last 15 days preparation before the NDA 2025 exam, both for the written test and the mental preparation needed to face the challenges that lie ahead.
Day 1-5: Strengthen Core Concepts
Goal: Identify your weak areas and revise key topics.
Mathematics:
- Focus on topics like Trigonometry, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, and Calculus.
- Solve previous years’ question papers to identify frequently asked questions.
- Practice mock tests daily and time yourself.
GAT:
- Brush up important English grammar rules, comprehension, synonyms-antonyms, and spotting errors.
- Revise key Science topics: Physics (Laws of Motion, Optics), Chemistry (Periodic Table, Reactions), and Biology (Human Physiology).
- Go through important topics in History, Polity, and Geography.
Tip: Don’t start anything new now. Focus only on revision and clarity of existing knowledge.
Day 6-10: Practice with Mock Tests & Analysis
Objective: Enhance speed and accuracy.
- Achieve 1 full-length mock test a day under simulated exam conditions.
- Spend 2-3 hours after each test reviewing your errors.
- Rework the questions that you answered incorrectly and know why.
Important areas to focus:
- Ramp up speed in Mathematics without reducing accuracy.
- Refine English grammar and vocabulary – it is the most scoring section if well-prepared.
- Memorize important current affairs from the past 6 months (for GAT).
NDA preparation at this stage should be test-driven, not content-driven.
Day 11-13: Rapid Revision & Flashcards
Objective: Sudden recall and memorization.
- Utilize flashcards or concise notes for rapid revision of formulas, dates, definitions, and important concepts.
- Quickly revise all the tough questions you faced in the last mock tests.
- Read significant NDA previous year papers to find recurring trends and question patterns.
NDA preparation isn’t merely a matter of how much you read—it’s a matter of how intelligently you revise.
Day 14: Full Revision Day
- No new mock tests.
- Go through all your notes, formula sheets, and marked questions.
- Edit existing current affairs, science tidbits, and grammar rules.
- Maintain your confidence level and do not compare your preparation with others.
Day 15: Rest, Reflect, and Get Ready
- Do light revision only and avoid heavy or stressful material.
- Eat nutritious food, drink plenty of fluids, and sleep well.
- Have your admit card, stationery, and documents ready.
- Picture yourself entering the exam center confidently.
This is a mental NDA preparation day more than studies. Your tranquil mind will enable you to beat stress and anxiety.
Final Thoughts
The final 15 days prior to the NDA exam are not for introducing new material but mastering what you already possess. Systematic revision, intelligent test-taking techniques, and remaining composed are the pillars of an effective NDA preparation course. Don’t forget, it’s not how much you prepare, but how well you do so.
