While mock tests might sound promising, some of the free tests might be useless, as some platforms will present just a few questions to the user. Others might make the candidate register in order to see the result or even make a score of their attempt without any explanation of the mistake.
This is a common problem faced by NDA aspirants. They take numerous tests, get a percentage score and still do not know how to revise properly NDA Previous Year Question Papers..
In order to avoid such situation, all of your mock tests should be taken as diagnostics. They need to reveal your weak concepts, your poor decision-making and the mistakes you could have avoided. The result of such test should affect your next study session, otherwise it is just another test.
Below there are some recommendations on how to choose and take a free mock test online without wasting your attempts.
Know What the Mock Test Is Supposed to Measure
NDA Mock Test written examination consists of two different papers:
- Mathematics
- General Ability Test (GAT)
They both have objective questions, but they measure different skills.
Mathematics examines a candidate’s ability to recall and apply concepts, calculate accurately, use a proper method and control the time.
GAT has English section and topics like Science, History, Geography, General Knowledge. A candidate can have different strong points in Mathematics and GAT.
A free mock test needs to examine at least one of the following skills:
- Concept understanding
- Selection ability
- Accuracy and speed
- Performance under time limits
- Strengths and weaknesses by sections
- Ability to avoid risky guesses
Every test does not necessarily need to simulate the whole examination process. An algebra test consisting of 15 questions can be helpful if algebra is the area that requires practice currently. But it cannot be considered a full-length mock test.
Choose the Free Test Platform Carefully
Before you start a mock test, check what platform provides.
A good test needs to show:
- The subject it tests
- The number of questions
- Its duration
- How it is marked
Also it should explain why some answer is considered incorrect.
A score alone is not very helpful, since it does not show whether it was the matter of knowledge, calculation, reading or decision-making.
Below are six elements that you need to look for:
- Coverage of Mathematics and GAT
- Labels of topic, sectional or full-length test
- Visible timer
- Explanations of incorrect answers
- Report on the number of attempted and unattempted questions
- Information about login or paid access requirements
Same considerations as in a framework for comparing digital tools can be applied here. In this case, the name of the test is not so important as usability, workflow, restrictions and the output that you will get from the test.
Those who need subject-by-subject practice can take a free online mock test of NDA, but they should carefully read the instructions beforehand and find out what kind of result page it gives.
Use the First Test as a Benchmark
Your first mock test is not a prediction of your future examination score. It is a benchmark.
Do not use any additional materials, like formula sheets or Google search.
Note everything you answered with uncertainty, even if you were correct.
Then after submitting the test note:
- Total score
- Number of confident attempts
- Number of uncertain attempts
- Incorrect answers
- Unattempted questions
- Remaining time
These data are much more informative than score alone.
Imagine two candidates having the same score – 62%.
The first one took some guesses during the test and finished with nothing left for checking the answer.
The second one attempted less questions and had some time left.
The percentages are the same, but preparation difficulties are different.
The first candidate should work on question-selection skill.
The second one needs more coverage of the syllabus.
Use Two-Pass Attempt Strategy
Answering all of the questions in succession can take a lot of time.
One difficult question can occupy you with several minutes and disturb your further answering process.
The two-pass strategy can help.
First Pass: Get the Secure Marks
Choose the questions that are familiar and relatively fast.
Skip everything you consider difficult or require a long calculation.
You should not try to answer as many questions as possible.
You should secure those questions that you are likely to answer correctly.
