90 Days Study Plan for CDS 2 2025 – Crack CDS with NCA Academy
To become an officer in the Army, Navy, or Air Force of India, one must pass the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS). A study schedule of ninety days can mean the difference between passing CDS 2 2025 and simply missing the cutoff. This blog from NCA Academy, the top CDS coaching center in Mohali, provides you with a comprehensive, day-by-day plan for effectively preparing for and passing the CDS exam in three months.
Recognizing the Pattern of the CDS Exam
Let’s quickly review the paper structure before we go into the plan.
Regarding IMA, INA, and AFA:
English: 100 points
100 points for general knowledge (GK)
100 points in mathematics (two hours each)
📍 English: 100 points for OTA
100 points for general knowledge (GK) (two hours each) (No paper on mathematics)
90-Day Study Plan: Overview
Phase | Duration | Focus |
Phase 1 | Day 1–30 | Concept Building + NCERTs |
Phase 2 | Day 31–60 | Practice + Topic-wise Tests |
Phase 3 | Day 61–90 | Mock Tests + Full Revisions |
Phase 1: Establish Your Base (Days 1–30)
Goal: Learn the fundamentals from standard books and NCERTs.
Enhance reading comprehension and reinforce grammar principles.
For IMA, INA, and AFA, mathematics:
Review the Math, Algebra, and Geometry NCERT Classes 9 and 10.
Try ten questions each topic and practice formulas.
Topics to Discuss: SI & CI, Time & Work Percentages, HCF/LCM, and Number System
Basics of algebra, geometry, and measurement
English: Reading newspapers and editorials every day
Grammar Rules (Prepositions, Active-Passive, and Direct-Indirect)
Every day, practice identifying 20 mistakes and answering 10 comprehension problems.
GK: Read the NCERTs for geography, history, and etiquette (6–10).
Pay attention to the fundamentals and current events of the past six to eight months.
Weekly Strategy Example:
Day | Math | English | GK/Current Affairs |
Day 1-3 | Number System + SI/CI | Tenses + Error Spotting | History (Ancient) |
Day 4-6 | Geometry + Mensuration | Prepositions + Synonyms | Polity (Preamble, FRs) |
Day 7 | Practice Test | Reading Comprehension | Weekly Current Affairs Quiz |
Day 31–60 of Phase 2: Practice, Strengthen, and Analyze
Goal: Development of Speed + Accuracy
Tests by topic and correction of areas of weakness
The study of mathematics
Every day, try two topic-based tests (30 minutes each).
Answer the previous year’s paper questions (PYQs).
To solve problems more quickly, use shortcut techniques.
English: Daily Mock Exams (idioms, phrase restructuring, and error detection)
Continue reading newspapers and expanding your vocabulary.
Vocabulary Tip: Use Word Power Made Easy or The Hindu to learn ten new words every day.
GK: Review Science (Class 6–10 NCERT) (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Notes on current affairs every day, with an emphasis on international affairs and defense
Weekly MCQ Tests in Economics, History, and Politeness
Weekly Strategy:
Day | Math | English | GK/CA |
Day 1-2 | Trigonometry + Time Work | Cloze Test + One Word Sub. | Geography + Defence News |
Day 3-4 | Speed/Distance + Ratio | Antonyms/Synonyms + Voice | Biology + Economy |
Day 5 | Weekly Math Mock | English Mock | GK Full-Length Quiz |
Day 6-7 | Revise Weak Areas | Vocabulary Flashcards | Revise Static GK + CA |
Phase 3: Rewrite and Try Complete Mocks (Days 61–90)
Goal: Exam simulation using dummy
Remove any weak areas.
Final editing of the static and current affairs sections
Weekly Objectives:
Try three complete practice exams (all papers).
Everyday Editing: Two hours each of math, gk, and English
English: Emphasis on vocabulary and comprehension
Review all grammatical rules and usage of idioms.
Mathematics:
Practice in a timed environment.
Complete 100 CDS exam questions every day.
GK:
Examine the brief revision notes.
MCQs every day combined with flashcard-based instruction
Pay attention to international summits, military commands, and defense drills.
Recommended Books & Materials
Subject | Book/Resource |
English | Pathfinder CDS, Wren & Martin, NCA Handouts |
GK | Lucent GK, NCERTs (6–10), Daily Current Affairs from NCA Academy |
Maths | RS Aggarwal, NCERT 9-10, Pathfinder Maths |
NCA Academy’s Best Advice Mentors
Solve the papers from the previous year. To understand the pattern, look at the latest five papers at minimum.
Read NCA’s monthly current events magazine to stay informed.
Participate in the NCA Mock Test Series With professional comments, replicate the real exam setting.
Keep a Mistake Notebook: List your frequent mistakes and edit them once a week.
Time management is essential; throughout the test, practice rapidly switching between topics.
What Should UPSC CDS OTA Aspirants Avoid?
Since the OTA paper lacks a math section:
Use that time to study GK information and English grammar standards.
Practice twice as many GK and English questions.
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