How NDA AIR-1 Anurag Sangwan Scored 600+ in NDA Written Exam | His Preparation & SSB Experience

Every year, thousands of aspirants appear for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam with dreams of donning the olive green. Among them, only a few make it to the top. Anurag Sangwan, who secured All India Rank 1 in NDA, not only cleared the exam but did so with a jaw-dropping 600+ score in the written test. In Episode 124 of The Fauji Show, Anurag shared his entire journey—from rigorous written exam preparation to cracking the SSB interview. Here's a deep dive into his success story and key takeaways for aspirants.

Anurag’s Background: A Foundation of Discipline & Clarity

Anurag hails from a modest background with strong academic roots and a focused mindset. He had a deep interest in the armed forces from a young age, and his preparation was driven by clarity of purpose rather than just ambition. He was consistent, strategic, and self-motivated.

Cracking the NDA Written Exam with 600+ Marks

Scoring 600+ in the NDA written exam is no small feat. Here’s how Anurag approached it:

1. Smart Study Strategy

• He focused on NCERTs for basics, especially in Maths and General Ability Test (GAT).

• Anurag emphasized understanding concepts deeply rather than rote memorization.

• He practiced previous years’ papers extensively, which gave him a real-time idea of the exam pattern.

2. Time Management

• He followed a strict timetable, balancing school studies with NDA preparation.

• Allocated daily hours specifically for Maths problem-solving and current affairs revision.

3. Coaching and Self-Study

• Anurag credits both his coaching support and self-study. Coaching helped him stay on track and provided mock tests, while self-study ensured conceptual clarity.

4. Focus Areas

• Mathematics: Targeted scoring above 180 by practicing complex problem sets regularly.

• GAT: Focused on English grammar, vocabulary, and current affairs.

• Made reading newspapers and editorials a daily habit to stay updated.

SSB Interview Experience: Confidence, Clarity & Character

Anurag cleared his SSB interview in the very first attempt, proving that a well-rounded personality and clarity of thought are key.

Highlights from His SSB Preparation:

• Psych Tests: He practiced consistently and remained honest in his responses.

• GTO Tasks: Focused on group cooperation, leadership, and quick thinking.

• Personal Interview: Stayed calm, confident, and gave authentic answers, showcasing his motivation to join the forces.

He also mentioned that practicing for PPDT, TAT, and WAT in real-time scenarios helped him sharpen his instincts.

Key Takeaways for NDA Aspirants

1. Start Early: Begin your NDA preparation in class 11 or early 12th.

2. Clarity of Purpose: Know why you want to join the armed forces.

3. Balanced Preparation: Give equal weightage to written and SSB interview prep.

4. Practice & Revision: Solve previous year papers and take mock tests regularly.

5. Stay Physically Fit: Regular exercise and stamina-building are essential for SSB tasks.

Final Thoughts

Anurag Sangwan’s journey is a perfect blend of determination, planning, and discipline. His achievement of NDA AIR-1 and a written score of 600+ serves as an inspiration for every defence aspirant. He proves that with the right mindset, strategic preparation, and inner motivation, anything is possible.

If you’re preparing for NDA, take a page out of Anurag’s book—and remember, success doesn’t come overnight, but with consistent effort, it surely does.