UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission which is an autonomous body responsible for conducting certain examinations popularly known as UPSC exam for various posts of India. This Post covers everything about UPSC exam, UPSC Syllabus, NDA Exam and other details at one place.

Scroll down to get links of all UPSC Mains Optional Papers.

One Stop Solution for UPSC Exam|UPSC Syllabus |NDA exam

In the end of this post, you would be able to get answers to all questions related to UPSC exam for civil services, NDA Exam and  UPSC Syllabus for all exams.

Link for UPSC Optional Paper Syllabus is given below.

The Indian Government machinery has always been dependent on the prudence and skill of the civil servants. It will not be wrong, if we say, they work as the representative of the Government both at the Central and State levels, by virtue of which they command a great degree of respect and prestige in the society. Though, in the present scenario of a market driven economy, Civil Services have lost some of the sheens. Civil Services still enjoy the status of most preferred career options among the young and aspiring youth.

Duties of Civil Servants are mostly which were prescribed during the British era. In the past, civil servants were considered to be having immense administrative powers as they were responsible for maintaining law and order, along with the collection of tax, providing justice as per British Laws and timely collection of tax due. The only change is that the Civil Servants now have to carry out their responsibilities in the limits of democracy and must carry out welfare for all, unaffected by whims and fancies of certain powerful individuals or groups.

Though entry into the Civil Services is considered very tough, yet the prospects of earning social dignity and satisfied life on professional front are worth the hard work required for clearing the exam. In other words, the UPSC Exams opens the door of lucrative careers for the youth.

Q.1 What is UPSC Exam Pattern and its stages?

Ans.1 UPSC exam for civil services are conducted in three stages by Union Public Service Commission. Aspirants who clear first stage leads to the second stage called UPSC Exam mains.

• Preliminary Examination:

  Stage -1 of UPSC Exam is of objective type questions. Click given link to read about prelims Exam Pattern.

• Mains Examination:

  Stage-2 of UPSC Exam  is of essay type questions. Mains of UPSC Exam includes nine papers. Out of Nine, two are qualifying papers and seven papers will be counted for ranking. Below you will find detailed UPSC Syllabus for these papers.

• Interview:

  Last Stage of UPSC Exam is of face to face interview with Board.For Preparation of Interview, read our article related to interview preparation.

Q.2 What is the UPSC syllabus for UPSC Exam?

Ans.2 UPSC gives syllabus with its notification of Exam. You can find UPSC syllabus for Civil Services Exams by clicking on given links.

• UPSC Syllabus for Preliminary Examination :

  UPSC Syllabus of Prelims exam is common to all. Even a candidate of Indian Forest Services appears in same exam. Link for UPSC Syllabus for prelims.

• UPSC Syllabus for Mains Examination

  The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has revised its pattern in 2015 for  Civil Services Main examination.  UPSC Syllabus for mains exam in detail is here. Get ready for nine papers of mains, two are only qualifying papers and marks of  seven papers will be counted for ranking.

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  UPSC Exam-Mains, Total Papers and Marks

  Papers	Marks	Subject/Topic
  I	300	One Of The Indian Languages Chosen From The Prescribed List
  II	300	English
  III	250	Essay
  IV/V/VI/VII	1000	General Studies (250 Marks For Each Paper)
  VIII & IX	500	Optional Subject

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  UPSC Exam Mains qualifying papers:

  In this category, two papers of 300 marks each have been kept. Candidates need to qualify these papers only, marks obtained in these papers will not be considered for ranking. They are…

  Paper	Marks
  I. Any Indian Language	300
  II. English	300

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  UPSC Exams Mains Seven Papers other than qualifying papers.

  You can select any of the languages mentioned as in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or in English to give remaining seven papers of UPSC Mains Exam.List of seven papers is as given below.

• Paper	Subject	Marks
  Paper – I	Essay Can be written in the medium or language of the candidate’s choice	250
  Paper-II	General Studies- I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)	250
  Paper-III	General Studies- II (Governance, Polity,Constitution,  Social Justice and International relations)	250
  Paper-IV	General Studies- III (Technology, Economic Development,Environment, Security, Bio-diversity, and Disaster Management)	250
  Paper-V	General Studies- IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)	250
  Paper-VI	Optional Subject – Paper 1	250
  Paper-VII	Optional Subject – Paper II	250

  UPSC Syllabus of Common Papers

• UPSC Mains syllabus can be collected in two parts. First of all get complete syllabus of UPSC common and general studies papers one to five which includes one paper of Essay and four papers of General Knowledge Papers which will be common for all aspirants. Click link for UPSC Mains Common Papers.
• Secondly, collect UPSC syllabus for your optional paper. List of Links of all optional subjects syllabus is given below.
  

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  UPSC Exam Mains ‘Optional Subjects’ and UPSC Syllabus:

  You can select any one subject from the given list as your optional paper for UPSC Exam. If you wish to take up literature as an optional subject and you are not a graduate in that language’s literature, no need to worry, Go ahead, you can select any Literature Language as your optional subject. For Detailed UPSC syllabus, click on subject name.

  UPSC Syllabus-Literature Language	UPSC Syllabus -Optional Subjects
  Assamese	UPSC Syllabus for Agriculture
  Arabic	UPSC Syllabus for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
  Bengali	UPSC Syllabus for  Anthropology
  Bodo	UPSC Syllabus for  Botany
  Dogri	UPSC Syllabus for  Chemistry
  French	UPSC Syllabus for Civil Engineering
  German	UPSC Syllabus for Commerce and Accountancy
  Gujarati	UPSC Syllabus for Economics
  Hindi	UPSC Syllabus for Electrical Engineering
  Kannada	UPSC Syllabus for Geography
  Kashmiri	UPSC Syllabus for Geology
  Konkani	UPSC Syllabus for History
  Maithili	UPSC Syllabus for Law
  Malayalam	UPSC Syllabus for Management
  Manipuri	UPSC Syllabus for Mathematics
  Marathi	UPSC Syllabus for Mechanical Engineering
  Nepali	UPSC Syllabus for Medical Science
  Oriya	UPSC Syllabus for Philosophy
  Persian	UPSC Syllabus for Physics
  Punjabi	UPSC Syllabus for Political Science and International Relations
  Russian	UPSC Syllabus for Psychology
  Sanskrit	UPSC Syllabus for Public Administration
  Santhali	UPSC Syllabus for Sociology
  Sindhi	UPSC Syllabus for Statistics
  Tamil	UPSC Syllabus for Zoology
  Telugu
  Urdu
  English

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  Latest UPSC Vacancy 

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  Quick Links

  UPSC Online Application

  UPSC Eligibility

  UPSC Exam Pattern

  UPSC Prelims Syllabus

  UPSC Mains Syllabus

  UPSC Result

  UPSC Cut off

  UPSC Prelims Preparation

  UPSC Mains Preparation

  UPSC Interview Preparation

  Toppers’ Success Mantras

Q.3 From where we can get dates of various UPSC Exams ?

Ans.3 UPSC publishes annual calendar which covers scheduled dates of all the exams. All UPSC exams are covered in the calendar. UPSC also publishes notifications for all exams. Click on the given link to know UPSC exam dates of all exams.

Q.4  How can we apply for UPSC Exams?

Ans. 4 Procedure to apply for UPSC Exam: –

1. A candidate can apply online for UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION through official website with the help of UPSC Online portal.
2. Applications can be submitted to apply through online mode only. No other mode is allowed for submission of applications.

Q.5 What is Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Civil Services Exam?

Ans.5 A candidate should be minimum 21 Years of age. UPSC gives all exam eligibility criteria along with its notification. A candidate should check upper age limit, physical standards and educational qualification before applying for UPSC exams.

Q.6 How should we start our preparation for UPSC Exams ?

Ans. 6 It is well known saying that “Early birds catches the worm”. An IAS aspirant cannot wait for perfect time to come. They have to make everything perfect themselves only. An early start with proper Time Management will give edge over others. To know the required skills and strategies to follow,

Click for IAS Prelims Preparation , IAS Mains Preparation, Essay Preparation and Interview Preparation.

Q.7 How a centre for an exam is allotted to candidates in UPSC Exam?

Ans.7 Exam centre for preliminary is allotted out of your given choices but to get your most preferred choice, you need to fill online form earliest at your end. To know the names of upsc exam centre and procedure of centre allotment click on the link.

Q.8 Is UPSC Preliminary Examination same for IAS and Indian Forest Services?

Ans.8 Yes. UPSC conducts all three stages for IAS, IPS, IFS (Foreign) and Indian Forest Services. Preliminary Examination is common for all. To know more about Indian Forest Services, click on the link.

Q.9 I missed last date of Online Application. Can I apply offline?

Ans.9. No.

Q.10 Is there any provision of Negative Marking in UPSC exam?

Ans. 10 Yes. In objective type question of a preliminary examination, UPSC keeps the provision of negative marking.

Q.11 Which documents are required by UPSC as a Birth Date Certificate?

Ans.11 Proof to show Date of Birth in UPSC Exam

UPSC  accepts the date of birth which would be entered in  Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate or certificate issued by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation or in a report of a Register of Matriculates which is maintained by a University or an equivalent examination certificate.

UPSC does not accept given Document as birth Proof

1. Affidavits
2. Birth extracts from Municipal Corporation etc.
3. Horoscopes

Note- While filling examination form, all care should be taken as the date of birth entered while filling UPSC Online application is being considered and updated in UPSC records and any subsequent request for change is not entertained.

Q.12 What are Facilitation Counters of UPSC?

Ans.12 UPSC makes arrangement for these counters for clearing doubts of applicants. UPSC also released contact nos. of the help.You can get the detail of Facilitation centre and contact no from the offical website.

Q.13 What are rules related to use of mobiles in the UPSC exam room?

Ans.13  Like all reputed exams, UPSC also does not permit the use of mobiles in the exam hall.

Q.14 What are various optional subjects and UPSC syllabus for UPSC Main Examination?

Ans.14 There is a long list of optional subjects which UPSC offers. Above we have given list of optional papers along with link of detailed UPSC Syllabus.However,popular subjects are given below.

Q.15  What are various posts offered after clearing UPSC Examination?

Ans. 15 UPSC conducts various exams: –

• If you clear the  UPSC-NDA or CDS exam:You will get the post in army, navy or air force.
• If you clear the IES exam conducted by UPSCYou will get employed in Indian Railway Engineering service (IERS), Military Engineering Service (MES), Central Engineering Service (CES) etc. on the post of Engineer.
• If you clear the SSC examYou will get the post in drug  inspector, railway etc
• But if you clear Civil Services Examination:you may get any post depending on your marks scored in UPSC exam and your preferences opted.

Q.16  How many attempts are permitted for UPSC Civil Services?

Ans.16

Q.17 Is there any Fee for UPSC Civil Service Exam?

Ans.17 UPSC Exam Fees

Q.18 Is there any restriction on appearance in the UPSC exam for Government employees?

Ans.18 If you are already in Government Service,  permanent or temporary or as work-charged employees other than casual or daily rated employees or serving under any Public Enterprises, You have to submit in writing to your head that you have applied for the Examination.

If you fail to inform your head about your application to the commission in such condition your application will be liable to be rejected/candidature will be liable to be cancelled.

Q. 19 From where we can get information related to recruitment advertisement for filling Vacancy under UPSC?

Ans. 19 This website will update you with latest UPSC notifications for recruitment and Vacancy. You are also advised to check official website of UPSC time by time to get updates.

Q.20 What are roles of various civil services officers.

Ans.20 The role of civil servants varies from service to service. IAS, IPS, IFS and IRS all are civil servant ranks under the Central Government of India. UPSC conducts the exams for all these. Normally, in that hierarchy row of IAS, IPS and IFS,  highest rankers often opt for IAS. Few high rankers opt for IPS and IFS also.

ROLE OF CIVIL SERVANTS

Indian Administrative Service

IAS officers from the Indian Administrative Service and work as key persons of central and state government bodies and PSUs. As per the demand of assignment, IAS officers may also be given foreign assignments and may be asked to visit their along with the IFS. They work on posts like sub-divisional magistrates, municipal commissioners, district collectors, various central and state secretaries as they are assigned. But, the highest post in the State is that of the Chief Secretary and at the top of the hierarchy list of IAS Officers is the Cabinet Secretary in the union government.

To appear in UPSC Exam and to check UPSC Syllabus for IAS, visit this site.

Indian Police Service

IPS officers from the Indian Police Service take charge of the police bodies in states and union territories.There are 5 designations with various time scales for IPS.

1. First designation is Superintendent of Police.
2. Second designation is Deputy Inspector General.
3. Third designation is Inspector General.
4. Fourth designation is Additional Director General
5. The last designation is Director General of Police.

IPS officers all around India are responsible for maintaining  Law and order in the country.

Roles of IPS officer change according to different IPS officers rank. However, some basic task which each IPS officer needs to perform irrespective of their rank or allotted state or district.

• Maintaining Peace
• VIP Security
• Drug and Human trafficking prevention
• Disaster management
• Perform their duty with complete integrity
• Prevent offences both physical and economic.
• Commanding Police Forces
• Commander role for security Agencies such as
• CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation),
• CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force),
• NSG (National Security Guard),
• IB (Intelligence Bureau),
• BSF (Border Security Forces) and
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police
• Work in Collaboration with other civil services members
• Collaborate with Indian Army

To appear in UPSC Exam and to check UPSC Syllabus for IPS, visit this site.

Difference between IAS and IPS

Indian Foreign Service

IFS officers from the Foreign Service of India form the senior management officers of India’s foreign service and manage foreign relations of India. Posts on which they are appointed are  Ambassador,  High Commissioners, Foreign Secretary, or work in the PMO or Ministry of External Affairs.

To appear in UPSC Exam and to check UPSC Syllabus for IFS, visit this site.

Don’t Miss: Tips for Preparation of IAS Exam

Indian Revenue Service

Indian Revenue Services is a common name for all candidates selected for Customs Departments and Income Tax and Central Excise. Both are the main Revenue collecting agencies of the GOI. The officers beginning from Assistant Commissioners and riches to  Commissioners of Income Tax within 20 years of service, then Chief commissioners Of Income Tax within another 8 years. The top position in the Income Tax department is Chairman of Central Board Of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

To appear in UPSC Exam and to check UPSC Syllabus for IRS, visit this site.

Indian Railway Service

The Indian Railway Service is responsible for the huge network of railways in India. It has four non-technical branches which are filled by Civil Services Examinations. Railway also has technical or engineering which is selected through the Indian Engineering Services exam conducted by UPSC.

Non-Technical Branches of Railways and their roles.

The Indian Railway Traffic Service deals with the scheduling for the movements of trains and the passengers.They are also responsible for the freight carried by these trains.

The Indian Railway Personnel Service is the branch which deals with the recruitment of staff which includes officers and other administrative workers.

The Indian Railway Accounts Services is responsible for maintenance of accounts and in charge of looking after the accounts of this vast system.

The Railway Police Service is responsible for maintaining the security of the system that includes railway properties such as railway tracks, personnel, equipment, etc., and especially the passengers.

Technical Branch of Railways and its role.

Technical Branch of the railway is made up of those officers who are responsible for managing the Civil Engineering Organization of the Indian Railways System.

Indian Postal Service

The Staff of the Indian Postal Service is responsible for looking after the workings of the country’s postal network. At Initial level officers join as Senior Superintendent of Post Offices or Assistant Post Master General. The postings can be at all India level and also in the Ministry at the Centre.

To appear in UPSC Exam and to check UPSC Syllabus for IPS, visit this site.

Indian Audit & Accounts Service

Indian Audit & Accounts Service comes under the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG). CAG  is responsible for the maintenance and audit of accounts of the Union and State Governments. These officers appointed in these services work in the audit offices under CAG and in Central Ministries and State Governments.

Specialised branches of Indian Audit & Accounts Service:

Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS): It is responsible for maintaining and auditing of accounts of the Defence Services.

Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS): It provides financial management services to government and works under the control of Secretary (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance.

Indian Information Service (IIS)

The Indian Information Service falls under the purview of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. These officers are responsible for running Government-owned broadcasting and advertising agencies like  Doordarshan, and Prasar Bharti.  The Service is also responsible for handling the press and public relations for the various Central Ministries, PSUs and Defence Forces.

If on any stage of preparation, you loose your confidence,visit to our personality development section. This section will help you to believe in yourself. This website also updates currents affairs and News related to UPSC. We wish you good luck in all your positive efforts.

 ALL ABOUT NDA EXAM

Q.1 What actually NDA Exam stands for?

Ans.1 NDA stands for The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the Joint Services academy of all the three Indian Armed Forces. All the cadets who join the NDA after their 10+2 Examination are trained in the Academy for three years. Cadets of the three services, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force get training together before going to pre-commissioning one-year training in their respective service academies.

The NDA is located at Khadakwasla which is near Pune in Maharashtra. NDA  is the first tri-service academy in the world.

Selection in NDA is done twice a year through a written exam which is conducted by UPSC. Candidates who get success in clearing first round faces second round generally called interview which is being conducted by SSB. SSB tests several things like team skills, psychology test, general aptitude, physical and social skills and medical fitness.

NDA exams are conducted two times every year as two batches join every year in semester starting in July and January.

Approx 4,50,000 applicants appear for each written exam and out of it about 6,300are invited to interview. Every Semester approx. 320 cadets are accepted to the academy out of which  70 cadets are accepted for the Air Force, 42 for the Navy and 208 for the Army.

Q.2 Why NDA Exam?

Ans.  Here you will get answer why you should join Indian Armed Foces through the gateway of NDA?

In present scenario when students  are confused about their career choice because if one career guarantees financial freedom then it lacks job security, if one career guarantees adventure in life then it lacks respect from society.  If one guarantees respect then it demands long years to spent for study.

Many children do not know that NDA is one of the best options after clearing xii.  School Authorities should arrange counselling programmes to make students aware about NDA. In fact, such types of programmes should be organised for the students of class tenth. So that they can frame their mind to join Indian Armed Force after XII.

Here, in this post we are trying to explore benefits which Indian Armed Forces offers as a good career choice.

1. Opportunity to Update Academic Profile in NDA:

First object which your parents will keep in front of you that you should complete your studies. You should be minimum graduate. Tell them you are not going to remain intermediate (10+2) only. After clearing NDA Entrance, you will be joining undergraduate programme which will be full time residential. After three years of study either you will be having degree of Bachelor awarded by Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Not only this,NDA Officers get  paid leave for two years with pay to pursue higher study  No other company in the world will give so much paid leave with pay to its employee to pursue this quantum of studies.

Technical officers of  Indian Navy, Army and Air Force have special quota in prestigious technical and management institutes such as IIMs and IITs to study M Tech and MBA.

2. Pay and Allowances through NDA

Second thing which will come to your mind is how much will I get per month after joining NDA?

Seventh pay commission has made it Rs.60,000 and plus per month for a freshly passed out and commissioned officers in the armed forces. Not only this several the allowances that you will get are flying pay, high altitude allowance, sailing allowance, island allowance, pilotage allowance, diving allowance, submarine allowance, commando allowance, etc. etc etc  In fact if we talk in terms of private organisations Cost to Company is uncomparable.

3. Job Security which NDA offers

 In India, job security is a issue of great concern. This security is difficult to find  private companies. In current environment where stability of  economy is not certain, your well wishers will suggest you to go for a government job. In government job employees will never be asked to leave. Not only this, Government Job will never go for  pay cuts, it will always give  increments and pay as per revised pay commission. Join NDA to get this security.

4. Top Class Facilities through NDA

NDA gives you opportunity to enjoy top class facility for you and your family. Whatever, you may think for that will be available. Let’s start with Sweet Home.You will get excellent accommodation where ever you are posted, for food you will get canteen facility , for recreation you will get facilities like swimming pool, squash courts, tennis court,etc are part of your accommodation. Schooling will be free for your children. You don’t need to think on health front too as medical facilties will be free for your dependants. If required in any case, provision of loan facility is also there. Senior officers get car. Once a year you and your family can enjoy facility of free air tickets to travel anywhere in India. Memberships to Clubs, gyms and golf courses are so cheap that they are almost  free.

5. Best Quality Food without any charge

Best quality which you can imagine, will be available that too free of cost. After your marriage, ration will be available free of cost. Can you think any aspect of life, where you are not getting support from armed forces?  Of course, decision of joining NDA will give you one financial security.

6. Foreign Tours and Assignments

Indian Armed forces send Officers with diplomatic visas to Foreign Countries as Defence Attaches in the Embassy as a peace posting. It  actually gives an opportunity to them to chill out. Officers even go to do Masters in Reputed Defence Colleges. Every year, Indian  Navy sends  a handfull of Officers to the Royal War College, London, US Marine Staff College, etc.

7. Admiration and regard in society

At the time when you are sweating in tranning in NDA academy , you are actually earning regard, honour and respect of every individual of the society which you will get with interest once you pass out from the academy. Why I used word interest? Because your family will get same respect as interest. This is the thing which any other job can never give you. Remember the campaign of Hero Honda. Every time , I see this advertisement, I wish I would have joined NDA.

8. All opportunity to stay Physical Fit.

Joining NDA demands physical fitness and also allow its officers to stay fit, play a sport, do some physical exercises or joining adventure activity like mountaineering fun time. If you prefer a healthier lifestyle, joining NDA will be good for you.

9. Post Retirement Facilities which NDA offers

Officers not only get handsome amount but also get monthly pension throughout your life. Now a day, several private organisations are looking for retired officers from the armed forces on leadership positions on a very lucrative salary package. Yes, if you wish you can start second inning in private organisation.

10. Uniform makes U real Hero.

The moment you will be in uniform, all world class celebrities will fail in front of you. You will look coolest guy of the world. Style and charisma which your uniform will give you, cant be purchased from any big Brand store.So get ready to experience it. Apply for NDA Exam and earn all mentioned above.

Below, you will find all details related to NDA exam eligibility , NDA exam pattern and NDA preparation tips etc.

*as seen in previous years exams it should be verified from UPSC notification for NDA Exam.

 Q.3 What is syllabus for NDA  Exam?

Ans.2  Its is basically based on syllabus of 10+2 level of education. For details, click on the given link of NDA Syllabus.

Q.4 What is the role of UPSC in three wings of the Indian Army via NDA Exam?

Ans.3 The Union Public Service Commission is responsible for issuing guidelines for selection and the final conduct of the entrance examination for NDA and Naval Academy.

Q.5 What is Pattern of NDA Exam?

Ans.4  NDA written exam will be objective type will be asked in Hindi and English both. In link given above you can find detail.

Q.6 What are stages of NDA exam and NDA exam date for NDA (I)2018?

Ans. Click  on the link to get details of NDA exam date, stages, NDA eligibility and documents required?

Q.7. Can any candidate deny to join commission after training of NDA ?

Ans.5  No. Its not possible. A cadet can decline a commission only in case of a serious permanent medical condition caused during the program.

Q.8 What is PABT?

Ans.6 Applicants who wants to join the Air Force needs to  go through a Pilot Aptitude Battery Test.  The Pilot Aptitude Battery tests consist of two parts.

1. Defence Academy Written test (On basic Air Craft Instrument reading) In it candidates will be shown examples prior to taking this test.
2. Machine test. This is to judge whether a  candidate can control simple joy stick and rudder controls.

Note : A candidate can  take this test only once in his life time. Failure in PABT test will permanently debar the candidate from appearing for Indian flying branch.

Q.9If any candidate is not a student with science back ground ,is it possible for him to become a pilot by appearing in NDA Exam?

Ans.7 No. He should have studied Mathematics and Physics at least at +2 level.

Q.10 How to  prepare for NDA written Exam?

Ans. 10 Given link will give you detailed information regarding preparation of NDA written exam.

Q.11 What is SSB? What are several tests of SSB and how we can prepare for it?

Ans. Read given link to get detail of SSB STAGES and SSB preparation.

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