Hello, NDA aspirants my name is Yogesh Vitthal Joshi and I am merit out candidate of NDA 142 course ( AIR 425,  medical status: Army Fit). I am not writing this blog to share how to get recommended or how I got recommended. you can read plenty of those on various websites/forums, I am here rather to share some of my personal advice regarding how not to getting merit out.  I was not going to write this blog as It has been quite a while that I have got merit out,  but  I saw not many people writing blog regarding this topic: Merit out/How to not get merit out.so I decided to write one as, its never too late for such informative and motivational blogs. moreover, this might help others who will be appearing for the NDA exam in the near future. and I don’t want others to repeat the same mistakes which I made!

Disclaimer : These are based on my personal experience and with thorough research at my personal level, if anything of you find it to be factually incorrect information, feel free to correct me and let me know in comments section.

Before getting started I would like to give some background about myself. I hail from Pune. I use to live in an army cantonment ( MILIT, Girinagar to be specific ) which is just on the opposite bank of Khadakwasla lake where NDA is located. Imagine while going school (KVDIAT ) I could daily see a glimpse of Sudan block ( NDA HQ ) on the other side of the lake throughout my schooling days, as I was in the same school from 1^st till 12^th . having been to NDA 100’s of times, I  could sense the josh in the environment and could feel the Goosebumps all over my body,  the adrenaline rushing through my veins inside me, whenever I entered NDA or saw NDA cadet. so right from my childhood, my sole aim was to join the prestigious National Defence Academy!

Having been this lucky (living near NDA, visiting its countless times, attending POPs often )  in terms of motivation, I was not able to crack my NDA exam in first 2 attempts ( the credit goes to the over attempting, lack of execution on D-DAY ), though in my third and the last attempt, ( technically not the last NDA chance ) I was able to crack my exam. Got recommended from 11 SSB Allahabad on 8th of April 2019 and returned back home after medicals ( got TR for over Weight ) on 18 of April. As I was confident that I will get a decent rank in merit so I decided not to go for NDA 1 2019( on 21 April 2019 )  written which I deeply regretted later. The merit list came in and I was 425th in the list of 520 total candidates and This was the turning point in the whole happy journey and this was the time I realized some of the mistakes I made throughout my journey, which now I am about to share.

How not to get merit out in NDA :

1.     Be Wise While Choosing the service preference during online form filling of NDA exam:

 it’s your personal decision but one thing I would like to tell you is that please don’t put 0 preference to any service for eg. NAVAC ( INA ). Don’t do so as you never know what might happen in the merit list and you don’t get that preferred service. down the line, sudden change of mindset happens and now you are ready to join the non-preferred service but it was not allotted to you as its preference was 0 in the online NDA registration form. so be careful!

2.    Written examination is the King :

 this is the most important point and the deciding factor of your rank in the merit list.  just to put the things into perspective, the mistake which cost me my great rank  in the merit list was low written score (written cutoff was 325, I secured 342 and 395 in SSB).just clearing written + SSB is not sufficient, it’s highly important to get a great rank in merit, especially for those whose 1st preference is Army and are medically declared as ARMY fit only ( like me).cause such candidates don’t have the privilege of getting allotted other service if in case army vacancies are over. thus the situation is like “you will get allotted ARMY or NOTHING” and unfortunately I fell prey to this.

 In my case NDA 2 2018 (NDA 142 course) the last guy to join NDA ( Army wing ) was AIR 417, he got 740 marks( written + SSB Interview marks) in total. I secured AIR 425 (737 marks written + SSB).thats it, just 3 marks ie 1 GAT MCQ  (which is of 4 Marks ) cost me my dream ( I was not allotted NAVAC/ NAVY as I was only army fit). Now every time I pass by NDA campus and see cadets, it really hurts and the flashback did come in my mind for an initial couple of months. I was agonized that time when I got to know AIR 417 was the last ARMY candidate to join NDA and that time I realized,  even if one GAT MCQ would have been ticked correctly today I would have been in one of the squadrons of NDA( though now I have moved on and looking forward to CDSE entry ). I am telling you this not to gain sympathy rather to make you understand the value of each and every mark you score in your written exam as it’s in your hand.give your  110%. don’t let clearing cutoff with a margin of 10 20 + marks come in your head, target 400+ 410+ for those who are weak in maths or English or social science part. remember friends, if one is your weakness then you must either convert your weakness into strength or focus more on its counterpart( ie if your maths is strong then demolish maths section get an exception score same applies for other subjects) .dont neglect English or Social science section for that matter, give dedicated time to those subjects as well.

Tip for those weak in maths:30% + in maths ( majority of the times) will clear sectional cutoff, now u have to score good in gat to reach 400+, 410+ mark. if you have a score greater than to 410 marks and get recommended even the gods can’t stop you from joining the academy. the So those who are appearing for NDA 1 2020 written or subsequent attempts and really want to make in into academy get this thing ingrained into your mind. NOTE that writing is the thing that is completely in your hand, unlike SSB where getting recommended itself is a big thing moreover Marking system of SSB is very unpredictable and confidential.

3.    Appear for computerized pilot selection system (CPSS) :

 this is the second most important point ( especially for those who have passed the exam with not so much great score ). When you appear for SSB interview (FOR ARMY/ NAVAL SSB ) either during the beginning ( 1^st/2^nd day ) or after you get recommended ( in my board 11 SSB we were asked later after getting recommended )  the authorities there will ask you  DO YOU want to give CPSS or NOT? I THINK you should say a big YESSSSS !!!. now let me explain why do they ask you and how does it help you to not get merit out.

It’s clear that in AFSB it’s mandatory to undergo CPSS as far as I know ( now the situation might be different, as from now onwards NDA is inducting cadets for IAF ground duty as well but at least it was so for my course as IAF wing in NDA was only for the flying branch ).

the candidates who are recommended by army or naval board, they will undergo medicals as per that service ( mostly army and navy medicals is same only the difference which I know is eyes criteria, CP 3 and CP1 eye ratings to be more precise, I got CP -3 rating thus was declared army fit).

Now if you undergo CPSS and qualify CPSS despite you having your 1^st service preference as ARMY/NAVY. you will undergo medical as per air force standard and if you are fit for the air force ( thus you are fit for all services ). then even if your rank is low, there is 99.99 % chance that you will make it to the academy given that You are fit for all services and have qualified CPSS. This is because mostly airforce seats in NDA never get fully filled ( during my course NDA -142,12 seats went vacant for IAF as far as I know ).

 Consider, that you appeared for cpss, qualified it and are declared fit for all. even if you don’t get army ( 1^st preference) due to low merit rank/vacancies are fulfilled, they will consider your candidature for subsequent service as per the preferences you have filled in your form.

So what I want to say is appear for CPSS, find out relevant information regarding CPSS to be mentally prepared for D- DAY during SSB, as it is once in a lifetime opportunity.

Bonus information : If any Naval or Air Force cadet is unable to cope up with the B Tech program, the change of service to the Army will be granted to the cadets with the parent’s consent during the first term itself. So the change of service is possible in exceptional cases.

this is the exact line I copied from the joining instruction brochure of NDA. So even if you are a hardcore army lover its possible that you can change your service from IAF/NAVY to the army ( not vice versa).

My story: I didn’t appear( Unwilling ) for CPSS when I was asked, as at that time I didn’t know advantages of appearing for qualifying CPSS and getting FIT for all service.

• SSB Interview eBook Pack
• Thematic Apperception Test – TAT
• Lecturette Topics Part-1 eBook [100 Topics]
• Word Association Test – WAT
• Situation Reaction Test – SRT
• Officers Intelligence Test – OIR

4.     Don’t neglect IO ( individual obstacles ) :

 you know it very well the SSB marking system is very unpredictable and confidential. But it’s a known fact that doing extra obstacles in IO can fetch you more marks . in my case I did 9 obstacles ( couldn’t do balancing beam ). So starting running beforehand to improve your stamina to be able to do more obstacles. Every extra mark counts!

So these were some of the advice from my side. All the best !!! And please take, seriously whatever I have said especially regarding the written exam part, and CPSS if you want to join NDA!. Remember guys, competition is very high and the stakes are too. Work as if some else around you is working 24/7 to take away the seat you deserve!

I will conclude with the line: “It’s said that a wise person learns from his mistakes. but wiser one learns from others‘ mistakes”

we both have a lesson to learn!

Every dream that is worthy of being achieved should give you sleepless nights or it isn’t just big enough. Hey! My name is Osheen Guleria, AIR 3 (CDS 1, 2019) and this is my story. In my recent attempt, I was recommended from 21 SSB, Bhopal.  I started this long journey in June, 2017 as a fresher right after my graduation. The first time I took the CDS exam, I was 20 years old and the last time I gave it, I was 23. Time and life truly have their ways of testing people, and they did. From getting recommended in my first attempt, to finally making it to the merit in my sixth, it surely has been one hell of a journey. Getting recommended as a fresher, I thought everything would be so perfect and I’d sail to the academy right after my graduation. But life doesn’t always happen as you plan it and I got merit out. One after the other, repetitive merit outs did leave me a little dejected but also gave me an opportunity to reflect upon my performance and make improvements as needed.

If I talk about the way I’ve dealt with the tests, I’d start right from the day of reporting. So many faces, different vibes, jitters, excitement and curiosity. For ladies, the reporting is generally in the afternoon. Post reporting at the railway junction, we are taken to the selection centre in the bus. After keeping our luggage in the rooms, we are asked to report outside a specific hall. I felt it imperative to start following instructions as soon as I reported. I always made sure that my documents and the number of photocopies needed were in place well in advance (according to the call letter). This initial organization helped me remain calm and avoid unnecessary hassles. I always kept a balanced and focused approach during my stay at the selection centre. I was serious but also ensured that I had an absolutely amazing time at the SSB. In the bargain, I made friends for life.  Before documentation, the candidates are split into freshers, previously screened out candidates, repeaters and previously recommended candidates to form groups for Day 1 tests. Post the documentation, I spent time talking to other candidates, strolling for a while, having my dinner and sleeping in time. I feel that it was always very important for me to wake up fresh for the Stage 1 testing- The Screening Test.

Day 1 has two tests- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test, and the Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT). I always attempted more than 95% questions in both my verbal and non-verbal Test. I felt extremely confident and motivated when my test went well. However, even when I was unsatisfied, I used to shift my focus to PPDT and leave the OIR behind. During the PPDT, I followed instructions closely with respect to filling the particulars in the box and writing the story. I feel that if one listens to and follows the instructions, half of the job is well done. I focused on writing a story wherein the central character would perform a task or find solutions via a step-by-step process. However, I never made my character do things that I couldn’t do or relate to, in reality. My stories have always been around issues that I’ve dealt with or have the capacity and power to deal with. I wrote simple and logical stories. I made sure that I narrated the story well and took adequate part in the group discussion that followed in groups of 18-20 candidates each. I pitched my ideas but finally went ahead with the consensus. For me, it was important to be heard, but the bigger goal was the group story. I never stuck too much to my story. With a final group story, the first day ends.

The results are announced post lunch, after which we are given our new chest numbers for stage 2, followed by 3 Personal Information Questionnaires (PIQs) to fill. I made sure that I fill my PIQs very consciously and put in every detail that was crucial to my academic or personal life. Post filling these forms, we retire for the day. Stage 2 consists of three tasks- a set of four psychological tests, GTO tasks and an interview followed by a conference on the last day. Day 1 of Stage 2 has psychological tests starting from the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). I did not practise stories in advance for I believe that it is good to let your natural thought process flow and rehearsed stories can never exhibit the real you. However, I kept in mind that the central character in my story should be someone I can relate to, who performs actions, doesn’t just motivate or preach but finds solutions. The stories involved experiences from my life or things that I’ve read about. I used to read articles on websites such as Better India. This was to know of the new and interesting things that people do in order to improve my knowledge, and inculcate those as themes in my stories if they fit. Reading and observing helped me in writing better and non-repetitive stories.

Lady candidates are shown pictures in which the hero is generally a female, who could be talking, discussing or doing something. I observed the pictures well and wrote stories on whatever instantly came to my mind. For the blank slide too, I wrote a story that came to my mind at that point in time and never wrote a previously planned one. I tried to not let one test impact the other. In the Word Association Test (WAT), I made sure that I wrote all the 60 sentences or at least 58 of them in a pithy and concise way. I generally wrote sentences depicting an action and on whatever that came to my mind in the first go. Post that, we are given a short tea-snack break. After the break, we take the Situation Reaction Test (SRTs) for thirty minutes. I always tried attempting all of them but generally used to complete 55-59.  The SRT for women include situations that women specifically face, such as being denied the right to pursue higher education or a dream job, being followed by a stranger on a lonely road etc. The focus is on the situation tackling abilities of the ladies.

The last test is the Self-Description Test which I used to write small notes in advance for. I consulted my parents, teachers and friends to write the SD. I then jotted those qualities (both positive and negative) down along with the measures that I was taking to improve myself. I kept analysing my strengths and weaknesses periodically to make changes as and when needed. Some people have their interviews scheduled on the same day as the psychological tests while others have them after their GTO (Group Testing Officer) tasks. Day 2 and 3 of the Stage 2 consist of the very engaging GTO tasks for which we are divided into groups. I used to always be very excited for the GTO tasks and thoroughly enjoy them. Waking up at 5 in the morning, having breakfast by 5:30 and reaching the ground by 6 on the double would be the norm. As the day started with two group discussions, I used to make sure that I make enough points and mark my presence but not try to cut people a lot or hog limelight. I stayed calm and made points when I felt like.

Further, in the Group Planning Exercise (GPE) I focussed on reading the narrative of the problem, rationally thinking my solution out and writing it in a well-structured way, keeping in mind the resources, destination, time and men. During the discussion, I made valid points, gave solutions and suggested amendments to help the group in moving ahead. In next task which is the Progressive Group Task (PGT), I gave opinions and solutions as and when I could. When I couldn’t, I’d help the group in executing the plans that others were suggesting by placing the plank or tying the ropes. I never kept standing behind doing nothing. I observed the rules and made sure I heard other’s ideas. PGT is followed by The Snake Race or the Group Obstacle Race which used to be my favourite. This race bonds the group really well. It is extremely motivating to see one person help the other across obstacles. I’ve always been the person who pulled people up the walls, I encouraged others and bucked them up when they got stuck. I have always relished the Snake Race because the beautiful comradery in the group during the task is a sight to behold. Post this, we are given a short break followed by the Half Group Task (HGT) where I contributed to the best of my capabilities.

The last task of the day is the Lecturette which was always fun for me because I’ve been on the stage all my life. I chose topics that I’d be comfortable in speaking on (mostly current affairs). I feel that I’ve always fared well at this task. After this, we were sent back to be interviewed or roam around the city. Every time I found some free time, I’d go out with others to roam around the city and explore it. The next day again starts early with Individual Obstacles which I used to try attempting as many as possible (generally 7/8). This is followed by the Command Task where as a sub-ordinate I only followed orders and commanded well when my role was switched to a commander. I used to have a lot of fun during the command task. The last task is the Final Group Task (FGT) where I gave my best. In the GTO tasks, I focussed on group-oriented results. The group as a whole became important and I contributed to the best of my capabilities.

• SSB Interview eBook Pack
• Thematic Apperception Test – TAT
• Lecturette Topics Part-1 eBook [100 Topics]
• Word Association Test – WAT
• Situation Reaction Test – SRT
• Officers Intelligence Test – OIR

The final task of Stage 2 is the interview. For the same, I did a thorough analysis of my personality, my family, school, college, teachers and friends. The interview is all about you and if you know yourself well, things shall become easier. It is basically to test your presence of mind. I also read current affairs to answer if asked in the interview. I made sure that I knew everything about whatever I had written in my PIQ. I’ve been grilled too but I held my ground in those situations. I listened patiently during the interview and answered consciously. I’ve been nervous before every interview but always grew comfortable once I entered the room. It is important to believe in yourself, stay calm and focused during the interview. Tackling interview questions is a skill one can comfortably master. My interviews have lasted for about 50-55 minutes. The last day of Stage 2 is the conference wherein all our accessors meet and discuss our final result one-by-one.

After everyone’s conference is done, we are given the stage 2 results. Of the six times that I’ve given the SSB, I’ve realized that people come with a lot of misnomers and misunderstandings to the SSB. All one should do is not listen to random advice, focus on your performance, belief and just be yourself entirely because a lot of such misnomers and myths are broken during the SSB. One must always seek guidance and advice from a trustworthy, experienced and authentic source to soar high instead of listening to anyone randomly because it might lower the standard of your performance. What might work for one individual make not work at all for the other one because everyone is different and our lives are not the same. Everybody cannot have the same way to do a thing and that’s why there’s nothing wrong or right at an SSB. It is the test of one’s personality and if you fake yourself, you are bound to be caught. Just know that nobody can exactly pinpoint the things that they did to make it work for them because it is an overall effort which yields the result. Each task needs to be in sync with the other to reflect the same qualities and while you may feel you’ve depicted a quality; the accessor might have interpreted it very differently. So, just be yourself and let everything naturally happen. Ladies, if you get merit out, hang in there. I know it isn’t easy but it will happen. Look at me, it took me four recommendations and six attempts; your day is bound to come. I hope this helps! Good luck and believe that you have it in you. Cheers!