How To Prepare For CDS Exam?
How To Prepare For CDS Exam?
A concentrated approach is necessary to prepare for the competitive UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam, which assesses your proficiency in mathematics, general knowledge, and English (for IMA, INA, and AFA). You simply need to study for English and General Knowledge if you’re applying for OTA.
Here is a comprehensive guide on CDS exam preparation:
Subject-Specific CDS Preparation Advice
1. English Focus Areas: Fill in the Blanks, Grammar, Vocabulary, Understanding, Sentence Improvement, and Error Detection
Books: High School English Grammar Objective by Wren & Martin SP Bakshi’s General English (Arihant)
Advice: Go through the Hindu and Indian Express newspapers.
Take practice examinations and quizzes every day.
2. Focus Areas for General Knowledge: Current Events, Indian History, Geography, Politics, Economy, and Science & Technology
Readings: Lucian’s GK (excellent for static GK)
NCERT Books (6th–10th for Science, 6th–12th for History, Geography, Polity) Advice: Read a monthly magazine like Pratyogita Darpan or Vision IAS Monthly, or watch daily current events on YouTube.
Take brief notes on current events.
3. Math (only for IMA, INA, and AFA) Emphasis areas include mathematics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, measurement, and statistics.
Textbooks: RS Aggarwal, NCERT Maths (Classes 6–10), Quantitative Aptitude
Advice: Use formulas every day.
Work through last year’s papers and keep track of your time.
What Strategy is there for CDS Exam?
3–6 Month Study Schedule
Daily Goals: 1.5 hours for English, 1.5 hours for math, and 2 hours for GK
Weekly Mock Test: To assess development
Past Year’s Papers: Solve at least the previous five years.
Plan for Revision: Set aside Sundays for mock analysis and revision.
PYQs and Mock Exams
Solve UPSC’s past year’s papers (found on their website).
Try comprehensive practice exams at least once every seven days.
Examine your errors and make improvements.
How Should One Divide Time Between All 3 Subjects In CDS ?
For CDS preparation, scheduling time effectively among English, General Knowledge (GK), and Mathematics is essential, particularly since each subject has an equal weight of 100 points. Here’s how to allocate your time wisely according to your present level and the number of hours you have each day.
Division of General Time (For Full-Day Students)
Here is a well-rounded strategy if you can study for six hours per day:
If a subject is weak for you, modify your schedule as follows:
Best Tips for CDS Exam ?
When your mind is clear, begin your day with math.
To passively increase your vocabulary, read in English at night.
Don’t cram; instead, give GK regular time each day.
To determine which subject requires more time, track progress every week.
What Strategy Is There For Cds Exam?
3–6 Month Study Schedule
Daily Goals: 1.5 hours for English, 1.5 hours for math, and 2 hours for GK
Weekly Mock Test: To assess development
Past Year’s Papers: Solve at least the previous five years.
Plan for Revision: Set aside Sundays for mock analysis and revision.
PYQs and Mock Exams
Solve UPSC’s past year’s papers (found on their website).
Try comprehensive practice exams at least once every seven days.
Examine your errors and make improvements.
How Should One Divide Time Between All 3 Subjects In CDS ?
For CDS preparation, scheduling time effectively among English, General Knowledge (GK), and Mathematics is essential, particularly since each subject has an equal weight of 100 points. Here’s how to allocate your time wisely according to your present level and the number of hours you have each day.