The Direct–Indirect Speech topic is one of the most rule-based, high-yield, and predictable components of the English section in both NDA and CDS examinations. After the fundamental grammar rules and structures were covered in Live Class 1, the NDA & CDS 1 2026 English Live Class 2 focused extensively on advanced multiple-choice questions, deeper understanding of conversion rules, and the application of both Direct → Indirect and Indirect → Direct transformations.
This article summarises the learning objectives, MCQs practised in class, rules refined during the session, and the importance of mastering this topic for UPSC defence exams.
Focus of the Live Class 2
Live Class 2 emphasized practice-based learning, featuring:
- MCQs requiring conversion from Direct to Indirect Speech
- MCQs requiring reverse conversion Indirect to Direct Speech
- Mixed rule-based questions where tense, pronoun, reporting verb, and adverb changes had to be applied simultaneously
- Trick questions based on universal truths, modals, exclamatory reporting, and interrogative structures
- Strategies to eliminate wrong options quickly
Students learned to decode complex sentences, identify key grammatical markers, and apply the correct reporting rules under time pressure.
Types of MCQs Practised in Live Class 2
A. Advanced Direct → Indirect MCQs
These questions tested the ability to apply multiple rules in a single transformation.
Example pattern:
Direct: Rita said, “I will finish this work tomorrow.”
Indirect option analysis involves checking:
- tense (will → would),
- pronouns (I → she),
- adverbs (tomorrow → the next day),
- connector usage (that),
- reporting verb in past tense.
B. Indirect → Direct Speech MCQs
These were a key focus of Class 2, as UPSC often tests reverse-conversion.
Example pattern:
Indirect: He asked me where I was going.
Correct Direct: He said to me, “Where are you going?”
Students learned to reintroduce:
- inverted commas
- question mark
- subject–verb inversion for questions
- correct reporting verb (said to)
- correct WH-word placement
C. Reporting Commands, Requests & Advice – Both Directions
MCQs tested the use of reporting verbs such as requested, ordered, advised, and the application of to-infinitive in indirect speech or imperative form in direct speech.
Indirect to Direct example:
Indirect: She requested me to wait outside.
Direct: She said to me, “Please wait outside.”
D. Reporting Exclamations & Optative Sentences
Students solved MCQs that required identifying the emotion in the sentence.
Example:
Indirect: He exclaimed with joy that it was a wonderful sight.
Direct: He said, “What a wonderful sight it is!”
These questions tested emotional markers like joy, sorrow, surprise, and their correct usage in reporting.
E. Mixed Modals MCQs
Class 2 covered exam-style questions involving modals like:
- can → could
- may → might
- will → would
- must → had to
- could / would / should → remain unchanged
Students learned to recognize which modals change and which stay the same—a common MCQ trap.
Smart MCQ Strategies Taught in Live Class 2
✔ Check the reporting verb first
Predicts tense change and tone.
✔ Watch for adverb shifts
Words like then, there, that help quickly eliminate wrong choices.
✔ For Indirect → Direct MCQs, always restore punctuation
UPSC often gives options missing question marks or exclamation marks.
✔ Identify universal truths
Sentences like “The sun rises in the east” do not change tense.
✔ Apply the “Rule of Viewpoint” for pronouns
Ensures logical speaker–listener consistency.
Importance of Direct–Indirect Speech for NDA & CDS Aspirants
✔ Frequent in Exams
Every NDA and CDS exam includes 2–4 MCQs from this topic.
✔ Rule-Based and Easily Scorable
No guesswork needed—just formula-based conversion.
✔ Strengthens Grammar Foundation
Helpful for:
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Ordering of Sentences
✔ A Reflection of Precise Communication
UPSC uses it to test clarity, accuracy, and disciplined language handling—qualities essential for future officers.
Conclusion
The Direct–Indirect Speech Live Class 2 for NDA & CDS 1 2026 focused on high-level MCQ application, reverse transformations, and mastering all rule variations. Students learned to convert confidently in both directions, avoid common traps, and apply rule-based elimination to score full marks from this topic.
With continuous practice, this section becomes one of the most reliable scoring areas in the English paper.
