The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is a specialised military university in Nigeria that trains students to become Naval, Army and Air Force officers.
According to a report in the Punch newspaper, there are over 264 universities in Nigeria comprising federal, state, and private universities.
However, of these numbers, only one university called the NDA trains cadets for commissioning to either of the three armed forces. This is why admission is highly competitive compared to conventional universities, with several choices.
The structure of the NDA screening exam is to test your knowledge, aptitude, and intelligence. Passing this exam on the first attempt requires hard work, dedication, and preparation.
You must clearly understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme to pass this exam. You must also develop effective study habits and techniques to manage your time efficiently.
In this article, I will walk you through helpful tips and strategies to help you pass the NDA screening exam. So, let’s get started!
Table of contents
Admission Requirements
You must meet certain admission requirements to be eligible for the NDA Screening Exam. These requirements include being a Nigerian citizen between 17 and 21 years old and having a minimum of five credits in your O’level examination.
Additionally, you must meet specific physical and medical requirements, such as being physically fit and free from any medical conditions that would prevent you from serving in the military.
Preparation Strategies
It would be best to prepare adequately to increase your chances of passing the screening exam on the first attempt.
Study Material and Resources
The first step to passing the NDA screening exam is to have suitable study material and resources..
Ensure that your materials cover all the topics tested in the exam. Some recommended study materials include past questions and answers, textbooks, and study guides.
Additionally, you can attend tutorial classes or hire a private tutor to guide you through your studies.
Developing a Study Plan
You must develop a study plan to prepare for the NDA screening exam effectively. A study plan will help you organize your study time and ensure that you cover all the necessary topics before the exam. Your study plan should be realistic and consider your daily routine and other commitments.
When developing your study plan, allocate more time to complex topics and less time to easier ones. Also, ensure you take breaks between study sessions to avoid burnout.
Time Management and Discipline
Time management and discipline are crucial to passing the NDA screening. You must manage your time effectively to ensure you cover all the necessary topics before the exam. Avoid procrastination and ensure that you stick to your study plan.
Discipline is also essential in ensuring that you achieve your goals. It would be best to be disciplined enough to follow your study plan, avoid distractions, and focus on your studies.
Additionally, it would be best if you cultivate good study habits such as taking notes, reviewing your work, and seeking clarification when necessary.
Screening Test Details
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
The NDA Screening Exam is a computer-based test (CBT) that assesses your knowledge of Mathematics, English, and General knowledge. The test consists of 150 questions, with a time limit of 2.5 hours. You will be required to answer all questions within the given time frame.
The CBT format allows a more accurate and efficient assessment of candidates’ knowledge and skills. It also reduces the likelihood of errors in grading and provides instant feedback on your performance.
Test Centres Across Nigeria
The NDA Screening Exam is conducted in 23 centres across 16 states in Nigeria. The test centres are strategically located to ensure that candidates from all parts of the country can access the exam. You can choose a test centre that is closest to your location during the registration process.
Documents and Items Required
To gain entry into the test centre, you must present your NDA Screening Exam admission card, which will be issued to you after successful registration. You should also bring a valid form of identification, such as a National ID card, Driver’s License, or International Passport.
It is important to note that electronic devices, such as mobile phones, calculators, and smartwatches, are not allowed in the test centre. You should also avoid bringing other prohibited items, such as food, drinks, or weapons.
How to Pass the NDA Screening Exam
Passing the NDA Screening Exam in Nigeria on the first attempt requires discipline, dedication, and problem-solving skills.
Here are some essential tips that will help you succeed:
- Start Preparing Early
- Get Familiar with the Exam Pattern
- Practice, Practice, Practice
- Focus on Your Weak Areas
- Stay Calm and Confident
1. Start Preparing Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to start preparing for the exam. Begin your preparation at least six months before the exam date. This will give you enough time to cover all the topics and practice enough questions.
Your preparation should start by getting all the study materials required for the exam. This includes past questions and textbooks.
The next step would be to draft a study timetable that you must follow religiously. Always ensure you stick to a consistent study schedule.
A mistake you must never make is cramming past questions expecting to see a repetition on the day of the exam. Rather, you must use past questions as a study guide to understand the exam format and determine your readiness for the screening.
2. Get Familiar with the Exam Pattern
It is essential to understand the exam pattern before you start preparing. The NDA Screening Exam comprises Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge. Be familiar with the types of questions asked, the time allotted, and the marking scheme.
This point emphasizes why you must obtain the exam past the question to get familiar with the exam process. It is the ultimate step to getting a high score in the examination.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice is critical to success in any exam. Solve as many previous year’s question papers as possible. This will give you an idea of the questions asked and help you manage your time better.
But as you practice, don’t fall into the temptation of cramming the past questions. It is a wrong study technique.
Ensure your practice is comprehensive, involving you using the test syllabus and practising questions alongside.
Whenever you fail a practice question, you study further to know the reason for the answer and not just cram the correct answer.
4. Focus on Your Weak Areas
Identify your weak areas and work on them. Spend more time on the topics you find difficult.
Seek help from your teachers or mentors if required. Do not sit idle, hoping for a miracle to happen with your exam preparations.
One of the best approaches would be to watch tutorials on YouTube on difficult subjects. This platform contains tutorials on every topic that are easy to understand.
Also, you could get a private teacher or attend lesson tutorials if your parents can foot the bill.
5. Stay Calm and Confident
On the day of the exam, stay calm and confident. Don’t panic if you encounter a difficult question. Instead, please take a deep breath, read the question carefully, and try to solve it logically.
You can pass the NDA Screening Exam in Nigeria on the first attempt with discipline, dedication, and problem-solving skills.
But you must know that your ability to stay calm and confident is determined by your level of preparation. If you study hard, you won’t have any problems on the exam day.
Conclusion
I know your dream is to become an Army, Naval or Air Force officer. But now is the time to put in the work to achieve your goals.
Despite the competitiveness of the NDA admission process, it is still possible for you to succeed if you put in the hard work.
Let me know in the comment if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to hear from you. I wish you the very best.
Pls can I have a past questions
Ahmad,
I don’t have a soft copy of the past question at the moment.
I advice you get the hardcopy for your exam preparations. Let me know if you have further questions.