Given the increasing level of competition in our world, the lives of students are filled with stress and pressure. But for those in school, the outside world appears to be no less than a maze where navigating the right career path is a major challenge.
As school students undertake research and analyse available information to strategize their next move, the majority of them find themselves more confused amid the information overload. This is where the need for the right guidance and appropriate counsel can really make a difference. In order to foster better preparedness and understanding of different paths, students need career-specific guidance that can help them shape their future.
When it comes to defence services, students who aspire to serve their nation also need the right information. For instance, not many are aware of the relevance of their marks acquired in senior secondary examinations, which can play a major role in their dreams of donning an armed forces uniform.
How to Join the Indian Army
While considering how to join the Indian Army after 12th grade, two possible alternatives come to light: the Regular Army or the Territorial Army. The regular army is a full-time obligation, but the territorial army is more of a part-time commitment in which a candidate can join the defence forces when called upon during crises and national disasters.
The Territorial Army, on the other hand, is an essential component of the Indian Army that has been established to assist the country in the event of natural disasters or other emergencies. After candidates are done analysing which army they will join, they can soon apply for that very option.
Relevance of Board Scores for the NDA Exam
The candidates who are willing to join the Indian army and apply for the NDA Exam need to fulfil the educational qualifications as prescribed by the UPSC. This further leads to the major requirement which states that the applicants must have passed 12th class examinations from any recognised educational board. In addition, there are no minimum board scores required from the candidates in order to appear for this examination.
Applying to the Indian Army after Class 12th
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a renowned training institution for Army applicants, and its entrance examination is held across India for Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force aspirants.
The Army selection procedure is divided into three stages: first, candidates must pass the NDA written examination, followed by the Services Selection Board Interview Round, and last, medical testing. The final merit list is issued based on the combined scores of all three. The selected applicants are assigned to three years of training, during which they are taught B.Sc. with specialisation in their chosen field.
How to Pass the NDA Exam
According to the results announced by the UPSC, around 2.5 lakh candidates appeared for the NDA written examination in 2024. Out of those, only 7,208 candidates have qualified for the test and will appear for the interview round.
These numbers demonstrate the intense competition among the candidates that has resulted in a difficult screening process. Only those who are mentally and physically strong can make it through these tests with their rigorous preparation. Here’s a look at some of the basic tips that can be considered by the applicants in order to stay ahead of the curve:
- Understanding the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: After examining the NDA selection criteria, candidates must understand its exam pattern and syllabus. This is also an essential factor because the topics covered in the exam are from diverse streams, and it becomes imperative to figure out what should be read and what should be avoided.
- Analysing Previous Year Papers: Previous year’s papers are typically useful for cracking an exam since they provide an overview of the types of questions that can be expected and the level of difficulty that will be encountered. It will also assist in analysing the number of questions that can be asked on a particular topic while determining the amount of time that ought to be spent making preparations. As a result, going through the previous-year exam papers is vital for the UPSC NDA exam.
- Cut-off Marks Analysis: Cut-off marks are the milestones that are set by the recruitment organisation to determine the most capable applicants. As a result, understanding prior cut-off trends is essential, as it allows applicants to predict the degree of competition they will encounter in the next NDA examination and modify their study plan accordingly.
- Time Management: It is an important skill not only during the preparation phase but also in the written exam. This is because candidates must complete their paper on time, which can be learned with consistent practice.
Conclusion
Though the NDA exam pattern and syllabus might seem challenging, with the right strategies and effective time management, candidates can achieve their dream of joining the Indian Defence Forces.
Moreover, joining the army also demands an abundance of strength, perseverance, critical decision-making capabilities, leadership abilities, and so on. Candidates should keep in mind that they may face several challenges throughout their training, most of which will be difficult, both physically and emotionally. As a result, it is recommended that they obtain all of the necessary information before making an important decision about their career.
Article Credits – Shishir Dixit
Chairman, Centurion Defense Academy
