How Did Tashika Sharma Do It When Others Failed? NDA Success Revealed
After clearing the NDA test, Tashika Sharma walked in for an interview at the Nation Defence Academy without a trophy and a broad smile. She quietly entered and sat down, saying, "In my second month, I almost gave up. The one line brought everyone to a halt in the room. Here is the entire discussion — and believe me, what she said next is something every NDA aspirant should hear.
She Started Just Like You
NDA: Congratulations, Tashika, first of all. But when did you first think of going for an NDA?
Tashika: Honestly? To be honest, I didn't completely understand the full extent of what an NDA means until I heard it for the first time. I was in the 11th class… a friend talked of it. I looked for it, and it all made sense. This is what I want, I thought. I didn't have a plan for how it would turn out, though. None.
NDA: What was the first thing you did?
Tashika: I knew that I would not be able to do this on my own, and so I initiated a search for proper NDA Coaching in Pune. I didn't know what the syllabus was, what the SSB was, physical standards, nothing. I was in need of someone to lead me from the beginning.
The Part Nobody Talks About — The Struggle
NDA: Many students believe that toppers do not face any problems. What was your reality?
Tashika: No, no, no, I did not fail my first mock test; it was just really bad. Maths was their fear. I would sit with the paper and just look at it. In the first month, I cried 2 times. This was seriously not me, I thought.
NDA: So what changed?
Tashika: I started to not compare myself to others. This was the greatest change. I also began the preparation of NDA after 10th in Pune, but not in a haphazard manner, but with a habit. I created a schedule, followed it, and set aside 1 day each week for no work at all. It's true that rest day actually got me more done!
The Strategies That Actually Worked
NDA: What two or three things about the preparation of your speech made it successful?
Tashika: 1 — revision on new topics. I had to rethink my running plan and concentrate on what I had, with new content in sight. Number two — pretend tests, one each week. Not only trying them, but sitting around afterwards with the answer key and asking “Why did I get that wrong?” All that analysis was...
And number 3 — I joined NDA Classes in Pune that taught me not only for the written exams but also on how to develop my personality for the SSB. Many students overlook that the written exam is simply a door. The proof is in the pudding.
NDA: Did you ever feel like quitting?
Tashika: Yes. Approximately the third month. That syllabus was so extensive in writing that I had a bad week physically. But I said to myself – it's just one more week. And then another week. That's how I coped. One week at a time.
What She Wants Every Aspirant to Know
NDA: What would you be telling your Day 1 self if you could go back in time?
Tashika: Begin when you're not ready. I wasted almost two months waiting to feel "prepared enough" to actually begin. That was a time I will never look back on. And, one more thing — don't look down on the General Ability Test. Everyone is on the same page as regards Maths, and the GAT is so sneaky that it eats away at your score.
NDA: Any guidance for school-going students who are planning for the future?
Tashika: Start the custom of reading newspapers. It's never too early to get physically fit, so work on it now, not on exam day. And also locate a structured environment, which is very difficult to do for most people when they study on their own.
One Last Thing She Said That Stayed With Everyone
As the interview was wrapping up, someone asked Tashika if she had any regrets. She paused, looked at the window, and said:
"I only regret not starting with a proper structure earlier. Once I got into NDA Residential Coaching in Pune, everything came together — the discipline, the guidance, the environment. It became easier to stay consistent. I wish I had that from Day 1."
And with that, she smiled, picked up her bag, and walked out — leaving a room full of aspirants with a lot to think about.
Penny stock traders might find it impossible to empathize with Tashika, but the truth is, the farther you are from where you want to be, and the farther Tashika is from where she wants to be, the decision to start.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. When should I start NDA coaching?
Begin your studies at Class 11 level. Preparation in the early stages allows for ample time to get caught up with the syllabus.
Q2. Does Coaching Make a Difference in NDA?
It's not required, but structured coaching ensures that you stay disciplined, on track and exam-ready — particularly in the SSB.
Q3. Which is the most important subject in NDA?
Weightage is given to Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Both require regular daily exercises.
Q4. How much does it take to study each day?
Focused hours of 5 to 6 should suffice. Long, distracted study sessions are never as good as quality.
Q5. Is coaching for SSB provided in NDA?
Good coaching applies to both — the written test and SSB personality development. Please check before enrollment.
Also Read This:
The NDA Preparation Formula Most Students Discover Too Late
Contact Nation Defence Academy:
Nation Defence Academy
Phone no. 06239331662
Our Branches: Pune, Chandigarh, Delhi, Bhopal, Kolkata
Address: Nation Defence Academy - Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Boys Military School, adjoining Phulgaon, Maharashtra 412216
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