How to Prepare for SDA & FDA Exam Without Coaching Complete Self-Study Guide
Preparing for SDA (Second Division Assistant) and FDA (First Division Assistant) exams without coaching is not only possible but has already been achieved by thousands of candidates across India. With the right strategy, discipline, and smart use of free resources, self-study can be as effective sometimes even more effective than paid coaching.
1. Understand the SDA & FDA Exam Before You Start
Before opening a single book, clarity about the exam is essential.
Common Features of SDA/FDA Exams (Across States)
- Objective-type questions (MCQs)
- Subjects usually include:
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Indian Constitution & Polity
- General English / General Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning / Mental Ability
- Computer Basics (in some states)
Key Insight:
Most SDA/FDA syllabi across India overlap by nearly 70–80%. This makes self-study highly practical using standard resources.
2. Create a Clear, Realistic Study Plan (No Coaching Needed)
One major reason candidates fail without coaching is lack of structure, not lack of ability.
Ideal Daily Study Structure
- 3–4 hours daily (working candidates: 2–3 focused hours)
- Divide time into:
- Concept learning
- Practice questions
- Revision
Example (Daily Plan)
- 1 hour – General Knowledge / Polity
- 45 minutes – Quantitative Aptitude
- 45 minutes – English or Language
- 30 minutes – Revision or mock questions
RAAD WORLD Tip:
Consistency beats intensity. Studying 3 hours daily for 6 months is better than 10 hours daily for 15 days.
3. Choose Limited but High-Quality Study Materials
You do not need dozens of books. Too many resources cause confusion.
Must-Have Resources (Self-Study Friendly)
- One standard GK book (India-focused)
- One Polity book (Indian Constitution basics)
- One Quantitative Aptitude book (basic to moderate level)
- One English grammar book
- Previous years’ question papers (very important)
Why This Works
SDA/FDA exams test clarity of basics, not advanced or coaching-level tricks.
4. Master the Indian Constitution & Polity (High-Scoring Area)
Polity is one of the safest scoring sections if prepared properly.
How to Study Without Coaching
Focus on:
- Fundamental Rights & Duties
- Directive Principles
- Parliament & State Legislature
- President, Governor, Prime Minister
- Constitutional Articles (important ones only)
- Revise repeatedly instead of reading new topics daily
Self-Study Advantage:
You can revise Polity 4–5 times calmly, which coaching students often don’t get time to do.
5. General Knowledge & Current Affairs – Smart Approach
GK is vast, but SDA/FDA exams focus on relevant basics, not random facts.
What to Prioritise
- Indian history (freedom movement basics)
- Indian geography (states, rivers, climate)
- Economy (basic terms)
- Awards, schemes, important days
- Current affairs of last 6–12 months
Best Self-Study Method
- Read daily news for 30 minutes
- Make short notes in your own words
- Revise weekly
6. Quantitative Aptitude – Practice Over Theory
You don’t need coaching tricks to clear SDA/FDA maths.
Important Topics
- Percentages
- Ratio & Proportion
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Work
- Average
- Basic Arithmetic
Self-Study Rule
- Learn one concept
- Solve 20–30 questions
- Analyse mistakes carefully
Truth:
Most failures happen due to calculation mistakes, not lack of formulas.
7. English / Language Section – Daily Small Effort Wins
This section improves only with regular exposure, not memorisation.
Focus Areas
- Grammar basics (tenses, prepositions, articles)
- Synonyms & antonyms
- Sentence correction
- Reading comprehension
Without Coaching, You Can:
- Read one English article daily
- Practice 10 grammar questions daily
- Revise common mistakes weekly
8. Previous Year Question Papers Are Your Best Teachers
If you can study only one thing, study previous year papers.
Why They Matter
- Reveal repeated questions
- Show real difficulty level
- Help predict important topics
How to Use Them
- Solve papers like real exams
- Analyse weak areas
- Revise related topics immediately
9. Mock Tests – Use Them Wisely
You don’t need expensive test series.
- Smart Mock Strategy
- Start mocks after covering syllabus once
- Attempt 1–2 mocks per week
Focus on:
- Accuracy
- Time management
- Question selection
Important:
Mocks are for learning, not judging your self-worth.
10. Discipline, Mindset & Self-Belief Matter More Than Coaching
Many coaching students fail. Many self-study candidates succeed.
Keys to Success Without Coaching
- Fixed study timing
- Weekly self-evaluation
- Avoid comparison
- Believe in gradual improvement
Remember:
Government exams reward patience and persistence, not shortcuts.
Most Important Websites For Your Studies
| No. | Website Name | Purpose | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Digital Library of India | Free books, study materials, academic resources | Visit Website |
| 2 | SWAYAM | Free online courses by Indian universities | Visit Website |
| 3 | DIKSHA | Learning platform for students and teachers | Visit Website |
| 4 | ePathshala | NCERT textbooks and study materials | Visit Website |
| 5 | IndiaBIX | Aptitude, reasoning, GK practice questions | Visit Website |
| 6 | Testbook | Mock tests and exam preparation | Visit Website |
| 7 | BYJU’S Exam Prep | Government exam preparation content | Visit Website |
| 8 | Unacademy | Online learning for competitive exams | Visit Website |
| 9 | Wikipedia | Basic concept reference and explanations | Visit Website |
| 10 | Coursera | Skill-based courses and certifications | Visit Website |
READ THIS: Best Websites for Competitive Exam Question Papers with Answers 2026 Guide
Conclusion:
Can You Clear SDA/FDA Without Coaching?
- Yes—100% possible.
If you:
- Understand the syllabus clearly
- Follow a disciplined study plan
- Revise consistently
- Practice previous year questions
Then coaching becomes optional, not mandatory.
Thousands of candidates across India have cleared SDA and FDA exams through self-study alone. With dedication and the right strategy, you can be one of them.
About The Author
Rahul Bidnal 