The topic Direct–Indirect Speech (also known as Reported Speech) is one of the most rule-based and high-scoring areas in the English section of NDA & CDS exams. The UPSC frequently tests candidates on the ability to convert quoted statements into reported statements while maintaining correct grammar, tense, pronoun usage, and sentence structure.
In the NDA & CDS 1 2026 English Live Class, aspirants practised a wide range of MCQs, revised conversion rules, and learned easy shortcuts to tackle exam-level questions efficiently. This article summarises everything covered in the session and explains why this topic is crucial for upcoming defence exams.
Overview of the Live Class
The live class focused on:
- Understanding the grammatical structure of Direct Speech and Indirect Speech
- Step-by-step rules for converting Direct to Indirect Speech
- Special cases: commands, requests, questions, exclamations, reporting verbs, and modal changes
- Solving exam-style MCQs modeled on NDA & CDS papers
- Eliminating tricky wrong options using rule-based reasoning
Students were trained to identify changes in tense, pronouns, sentence connectors, and reporting verbs—skills essential for both NDA & CDS English sections.
Key Rules of Conversion Taught in Class
The live class emphasized simple, exam-focused rules candidates must apply.
Rule 1: Change in Reporting Verb
- said to → told
- asked / enquired for questions
- requested / ordered / commanded / advised for imperatives
- exclaimed / wished / prayed for special sentences
This helps identify the tone and structure of the sentence.
Rule 2: Change in Tense (When Reporting Verb Is in Past Tense)
- Simple Present → Simple Past
- Present Continuous → Past Continuous
- Present Perfect → Past Perfect
- Simple Past → Past Perfect
However, universal truths and habitual facts do not change.
Rule 3: Pronoun Changes
Pronouns change depending on:
- the subject of reporting verb
- the object of reporting verb
- the speaker or listener
Formula:
- I → he/she
- you → I/we/they (depending on context)
Rule 4: Adverb of Time & Place Changes
Common conversions include:
- now → then
- today → that day
- tomorrow → the next day
- yesterday → the previous day
- here → there
- this → that
- these → those
MCQs often test these subtle changes.
Rule 5: Removal of Quotation Marks & Insertion of Connectors
- Use that for statements.
- Use if/whether for Yes/No questions.
- Use the same Wh-word for Wh-questions.
- Use to + verb for orders and requests.
Rule 6: Sentence Structure Changes
Interrogative sentences shift to assertive structure in Indirect Speech.
Example:
Direct: “Do you know her?” he said.
Indirect: He asked if I knew her.
Importance of Direct–Indirect Speech Topic for NDA & CDS Exams
✔ Frequently Asked Topic
Every NDA & CDS exam includes 2–4 questions from Direct–Indirect Speech. These are easy marks if rules are memorized.
✔ Highly Scoring & Rule-Oriented
Unlike vocabulary topics, this section rewards systematic rule application. One small clue in the sentence helps eliminate wrong options instantly.
✔ Strengthens Grammar for Other Topics
Understanding tense, pronoun usage, and connectors improves:
- Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Improvement
- Ordering of Sentences
✔ Tests Communication Skills Expected from Defence Officers
UPSC uses this topic to assess clarity, accuracy, and logical structure of reported communication—skills essential for military leadership.
Techniques Shared in Class for Solving MCQs Quickly
✔ Identify the Reporting Verb First
It determines tense change and tone.
✔ Check Pronoun Conversion
Incorrect pronouns eliminate 50% of wrong options.
✔ Scan for Adverb Changes
Words like now, today, next, yesterday quickly reveal errors.
✔ Avoid Overthinking—Apply the Rule Directly
These questions are mechanical and depend on memory, not interpretation.
✔ Practice Makes Patterns Familiar
Students were advised to solve mixed MCQs regularly to improve accuracy.
Conclusion
The Direct–Indirect Speech live class for NDA & CDS 1 2026 provided aspirants with a structured understanding of conversion rules, reporting verbs, tense changes, and common exam traps. By solving exam-style MCQs and applying rule-based elimination, students strengthened their grammar foundation and improved their ability to score high in this section.
With consistent practice and a rule-oriented approach, this topic becomes one of the easiest scoring areas in both NDA and CDS English papers.
