Introduction
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a significant step in the career of many students aspiring to join the Indian military services. One of the key components of the NDA exam is the Mathematics paper, which typically consists of 120 questions. This article aims to guide candidates on the optimal number of questions to attempt to maximize their chances of success in the NDA Mathematics paper.
Understanding the NDA Mathematics Paper Structure
The NDA Mathematics paper is designed to test the candidates' understanding of various mathematical concepts and their problem-solving abilities. Each question carries a certain weightage and attempting the right number of questions is crucial for a high score.
Question Distribution:
During the NDA Mathematics paper, candidates are required to attempt a maximum of 120 questions. While there is no specific minimum number of questions that candidates must attempt, it is highly recommended to attempt as many questions as possible within the given time frame. This is because the aim is to maximize your score while ensuring accuracy to avoid negative marking.
Strategy for Attempting Questions
To succeed in the NDA Mathematics paper, it is essential to adopt a well-thought-out strategy. Here are some recommendations to help you navigate the questions effectively.
Minimum Number of Questions to Attempt:
Since the NDA Mathematics paper consists of 120 questions, the absolute minimum number of questions a candidate should attempt is 40 to meet the cut-off. However, to ensure a competitive edge and a high score, you should aim to attempt at least 60-75 questions. This optimal number maximizes your chances of securing a safe score while also improving your position on the merit list.
Practice and Accuracy:
Accuracy is key to scoring well in the NDA Mathematics paper. Therefore, it is crucial to practice a lot to improve your accuracy. By doing so, you can expect to get between 55-65 questions correct, even if you attempt fewer questions.
Safe Score Range:
A safe score range is between 125 to 160 marks. This score ensures that you are not at risk of not qualifying for the SSB interviews. If you manage to get 50-55 questions correct, you will secure a safe score and can then focus on your General Ability Test (GAT).
Adjusting Based on the Difficulty Level
The cut-off for the NDA Mathematics paper is not a fixed value each year. The aim of the entrance examination conducted by the UPSC is to filter out the best candidates. Depending on the number of candidates taking the exam and the difficulty level of the paper, the cut-off can vary significantly.
Variable Cut-off Scenarios:
For instance, if the number of candidates who score 99 is around 5000 and 98 is slightly less, the cut-off may fall at 98. Conversely, if the paper is extremely difficult and no one scores more than 60, the cut-off might be 50, with 5000 candidates scoring 50 and above.
Conclusion
In summary, attempting at least 60-75 questions with high accuracy is the recommended strategy for success in the NDA Mathematics paper. However, every candidate's situation is unique, and the number of questions you attempt should be adjusted based on your comfort level, the paper's difficulty, and your desired score. Above all, always aim to maximize your score and secure a high position on the merit list.