NDA CDS AFCAT 1 2026 Exam English Spelling

The topic of Spelling is one of the most scoring yet frequently ignored parts of the English section in NDA, CDS & AFCAT examinations. A...

The topic of Spelling is one of the most scoring yet frequently ignored parts of the English section in NDA, CDS & AFCAT examinations. A single incorrect spelling can change the meaning of the word entirely, leading to loss of marks in questions that are otherwise very easy. In the English Live Class for NDA, CDS & AFCAT 1 2026, students revised high-frequency spelling errors, solved exam-oriented MCQs, and learned practical strategies to identify correct spellings using pattern recognition and reading habits.

This article summarizes the important points covered in class, the MCQ patterns discussed, and explains why strong reading skills play a crucial role in mastering spelling-based questions.

Types of MCQs Covered in the Live Class

The session included a wide range of spelling-based multiple-choice questions reflecting the actual difficulty level of NDA, CDS & AFCAT exams. Students practiced identifying the correct spelling among similar-looking options.

Below are the major categories covered:

(A) Words with Double Letters (Most Common in NDA)

MCQs included confusing words such as:

  • accommodate / accomodate / acommodate
  • committee / commitee / committtee
  • parallel / paralell / parrallel

Learning Outcome:
Students learned rules on double consonants and vowel patterns.

(B) Words Ending in -ance / -ence (CDS-Focused)

Examples practiced:

  • occurrence vs. occurence
  • excellence vs. excellance
  • maintenance vs. maintainence

Learning Outcome:
Students understood meaning-based spelling distinction (verb → -ance / noun → -ence patterns).

(C) Words with Silent Letters (Very Important for AFCAT)

Words such as:

  • psychology
  • rhyme
  • knight
  • receipt

Learning Outcome:
Identifying silent letter patterns helped avoid easy mistakes.

(D) Homophones (Sound-Alike Words)

MCQs included:

  • stationary vs. stationery
  • affect vs. effect
  • desert vs. dessert

Learning Outcome:
Meaning + spelling relationship was discussed to avoid confusion.

(E) Foreign-Origin Words

Examples solved:

  • entrepreneur
  • chauffeur
  • bureaucracy
  • camaraderie

Learning Outcome:
Exposure to foreign spelling patterns improved recognition.

(F) Commonly Misspelled Everyday Words

Also practiced:

  • privilege
  • indispensable
  • separate
  • definitely

Learning Outcome:
Students corrected habitual spelling mistakes that often appear in exams.

Skill-Building Through MCQ Practice

Each MCQ solved in class was followed by an explanation focusing on:

✔ Rule behind the correct spelling

✔ Origin of the word (if important)

✔ Pronunciation differences

✔ Visual memory technique

✔ Meaning-based differentiation

This systematic approach ensures candidates acquire long-term spelling accuracy rather than relying on memorisation alone.

Why Reading Skills are Crucial for Spelling Mastery

A central message of the class was that spelling cannot be mastered by rote learning. Instead, aspirants must rely on strong reading habits.

Here is how reading improves spelling accuracy:

1. Exposure to Correct Spellings

Regular reading of newspapers, articles, sample papers, and editorials naturally imprints correct spelling in the mind.

2. Visual Pattern Recognition

When you frequently see the correct form—
like “maintenance,” “beneficiary,” or “entrepreneur”
your brain automatically rejects incorrect patterns.

3. Contextual Understanding of Words

Seeing a word in a sentence improves retention and reduces confusion between similar words.

Example:

  • “Stationery for office use”
  • “A stationary vehicle”

Reading helps you remember both form and usage.

4. Improved Vocabulary & Pronunciation

Better vocabulary means better spellings.
Pronunciation habits also shape spelling recall.

5. Faster Identification of Errors

Candidates who read consistently can spot incorrect spellings instantly—an advantage in exams where time is limited.

Final Takeaways from the Spelling Live Class

By the end of the session, students were able to:

✔ Identify and correct misspelled words

✔ Solve spelling MCQs with accuracy

✔ Understand word patterns and spelling rules

✔ Recognise silent letters and foreign spellings

✔ Apply reading-based retention for better performance

The Spelling topic, when mastered, becomes a high-scoring area in English for NDA, CDS & AFCAT aspirants.
The live class ensured students gained complete clarity, practical confidence, and exam-fit skills to excel in this segment.

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Anuradha Dey

Senior Lecturer, SSBCrackExams, M.A.(Psychology), M.A. English (Gold Medalist) from BHU; B.A. Hons from St. Xavier’s College (Kolkata). Poet, Writer & Translator. Certified Career Counselor. Knows Mandarin, German, English, Bengali & Hindi.