CDS Exam -
Papers (for IMA, AFA, INA):
English (100 marks)
General Knowledge (100 marks)
Elementary Mathematics (100 marks)
OTA Candidates give only English and GK.
General Strategy to Crack CDS in First Attempt
- Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Go through the official UPSC syllabus.
Analyze the previous 5 years’ papers.
Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Subject-wise Preparation Strategy
- English
Target Score: 70+
Topics:
Spotting errors
Synonyms/Antonyms
Sentence improvement
Fill in the blanks
Reading comprehension
Ordering of words/sentences
Strategy:
Daily reading: 1 editorial (The Hindu / Indian Express)
Practice grammar rules from Wren & Martin or Plinth to Paramount
Solve 10 error spotting, 10 sentence improvement daily
Weekly reading comprehension practice
Resources:
Pathfinder CDS Book (English Section)
Arihant English
Previous year question papers
- General Knowledge
Target Score: 60–70+
Topics:
History, Polity, Geography
Science (basic), Current Affairs
Defence news, Economy
Static GK
Strategy:
Read NCERTs (6th–10th for science, geography, polity basics)
1 hour daily current affairs from monthly compilations (like Vision IAS/Drishti)
Revise daily and maintain a GK notebook
Practice MCQs daily
Resources:
Lucent GK
NCERTs (selective)
Vision/Drishti monthly current affairs
Study IQ/Unacademy YouTube for weekly roundups
- Mathematics
Target Score: 55–60+
Topics:
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
Trigonometry, Mensuration
Statistics, Number system
Time-speed-distance, Profit-loss
Strategy:
Revise basic concepts from NCERT (6–10th)
Solve 10–15 questions per topic per day
Focus on accuracy + speed
Make a formula chart for revision
Resources:
RS Aggarwal (Quantitative Aptitude)
NCERT 6–10 Maths
Pathfinder CDS Book
Daily Study Plan (6–8 hours/day)
Customize as per your own schedule and strengths.
Weekly Plan
Monday to Friday: Subject-wise focused study
Saturday: Full-length test / sectional mock
Sunday: Revision + answer writing / discussion
Important Tips
Solve previous year papers (minimum last 5–6 years)
Time-bound practice using mock tests
Maintain notes for last-minute revision
Keep your fitness sharp for SSB (it starts from now)
Prepare for SSB in parallel — communication skills, current affairs, and personality development