- Know the syllabus and exam pattern well in advance.
- Sort out resources and most essential books for the examination.
- Do an analysis of the previous year's paper and most asked topics.
- Follow standard text and resources and rely on the most known books.
- Get your concepts clear for Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- Master grammar for English and practice comprehension.
- Find out How To Prepare Maths For NDA.
Find Out How to Prepare For NDA- Get Preparation Tips here.
How To Prepare GK For NDA And CDS
Preparing for any examination is not just random efforts leading to success by luck. The preparation for such examination demands much more analytical and well-planned efforts in a definite direction. Without a plan and constant review of progress in a Section like GK candidates can land up wasting time or getting demoralized. The preparation of GK for NDA and CDS needs to be approached in a scientific and objective manner. Candidates must know that Preparing GK is a step-wise process and each preceding step is as important as the next one. Below is the Step Wise analysis of How to prepare GK for NDA and CDS examination.Step 1: Get to know the Syllabus
Knowing the syllabus and understanding every word of it is essential for examinations conducted by UPSC. A number of hardworking candidates jump into the book without any prior idea of the Syllabus and by its very nature, the vast content of GS soon becomes overwhelming for them. The syllabus is like a lighthouse for GK preparation. If possible candidates must remember the important Topics asked in the GK section. The list of important topics in GS Section as mentioned by UPSC are:Check out
Physics | Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer. Motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation, elementary ideas of work, Power and Energy. Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature and Heat, change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of transference of Heat. Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical instruments. Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection and refraction. Spherical mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye. Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet. Static and Current Electricity, conductors and Nonconductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, Use of X-Rays. General Principles in the working of the following: Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses. |
Chemistry | Physical and Chemical changes. Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations, Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems). Properties of Air and Water. Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbondioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon—different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial. Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and GunPowder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency. |
General Science | Difference between the living and non-living. Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals. Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its important organs. Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention. Food—Source of Energy for man. Constituents of food, Balanced Diet. The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists |
History, Freedom Movement etc. | A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation. Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration. Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India. Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community Development. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence. French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution. Impact of Science and Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism. Role of India in the present world. |
Geography | The Earth, its shape and size. Lattitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects. Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification; Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anti-cyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation; Types of Climate, Major Natural regions of the World. Regional Geography of India—Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities. Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India. Main items of Imports and Exports of India. |
Current Events | Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports. |
UPSC NDA Syllabus 2022: Download Free Syllabus PDF Here!
Step 2: Go Through Previous Year Papers
The next important step is to go through the previous year's questions. The previous questions by UPSC are essential as it helps to:- Understand the pattern of examination.
- Know the standard of examination.
- Know UPSC's method of framing questions.
- Understand the important and recurring themes and questions.
- Often the questions are repeated in the examination, which might give the edge to candidates.
CDS Exam Pattern 2022: Check Subject-Wise Pattern, Marking Scheme, And Important Topics Here
Step 3: Make a List of Essential Books and Study Material
After knowing the syllabus and nature of questions asked, candidates must be clear about the essential books which they must have for the examinations. There is a large number of books by various publishing houses and writers but the candidates must stick to a few and reliable resources. The most essential books for any UPSC Examination are NCERTS as they are easy and comprehensive in coverage. But candidates can rely on the tested books mentioned below, if they have time thorough reading of NCERTS would do the work. They can also rely on our material which was framed after an in-depth study of Standard material. The essential study material that will solve- How to prepare GK for NDA and CDS Examination are as follow:Section | NCERT | Best Books |
Physics | Class 9 and 10 | Lucent GK |
Chemistry | Class 9 and 10 | Lucent GK |
Biology | Class 9 and 10 | Lucent GK |
History, Freedom Movement, etc. | NCERT by Satish Chandra If not available candidates may follow books of Tamil Nadu Board |
Lucent GK Path finder by Arihant Publication |
Polity | NCERT - Constitution at Work | Candidates preparing for CDS can go through M.
Laxmikant Lucent GK - Factual Aspects |
Economics | NCERT - Macro- Economics - Class 12th |
|
Geography | NCERT - 9 To 12 | Lucent GK For facts Pathfinder if time premits |
Current Events | Reading Daily newspaper - preferably The Hindu or The Indian Express. |
Our Coverage of Currents Affairs in form Of Monthly Magzine. |
Step 4: Read The Resources
Candidates must ensure that they approach the content with the exam in mind, Here the syllabus and previous paper will be helpful in selecting important topics.
Candidates must keep in mind the purpose of their study in to solve MCQ.
Some tips related to How to Prepare GK for NDA and CDS Examination from the books mentioned above:
- Writing and studying is proven scientifically the most suitable method to study and remember.
- Candidates must be patient with GK - you can not remember everything in 1 st go.
- Use visualization via - flow charts, memory images, or mind maps.
- Revise daily in order to be comfortable with GK.
Step 5: Make notes of important topics:
- Always maintain a separate notebook to note down important concepts and formulas. Go through it time and again until you have memorized them by heart. You can also refer to this notebook for your last-minute revisions as well.
- Most of the questions in the exam are repeated and require a similar approach to be followed to get solved. Keep a note of such questions and tricks to solve them. This will help you save time on the final exam.
Step 6: Solve Previous Year Papers Along with Test Series By Safalta.
Practise is essential to perform well in the examination. Question papers will help you to know your mistakes, strong points, and weak areas. Solving question is also a good way of revision. Join Now- NDA 2022 Free Mock Test Series for best questions and test your preparation.Step 7: Be Consistent and stay focused:
There may be times when you might feel bored or think that you cannot make it.
Do not panic in such situations.
It is the time when most candidates go out of the race.
Be consistent in your studies and believe in yourself.
Avoid negative people and always stay motivated.
You can check out the most reliable - UPSC NDA/NA (II) 2022 Study Material: Download Free Study Material For NDA/NA Exam Here!