CDS Exam Preparation – Complete Guide for Defence Aspirants
Prepare for CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam with detailed syllabus, preparation strategies, study plans, mock tests, and tips to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
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Introduction: Why CDS Exam is Important
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam, conducted by UPSC, is one of India’s most prestigious gateways for candidates who wish to join Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
CDS is open for graduates and final-year students, unlike NDA which is for 12th pass candidates. It tests academic knowledge, reasoning ability, and personality through written exams and SSB interviews.
1. CDS Exam Overview
Conducted by: UPSC twice a year
Eligibility: Graduate degree (any discipline for IMA/INA/AFA, any discipline with age limits for OTA)
Age Limit: Varies by academy (IMA: 19–24, OTA: 19–25)
Selection Process: Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medical Examination
Posts Offered: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers Training Academy
2. CDS Exam Pattern
2.1 Written Exam
IMA, INA, AFA:
English: 100 marks
General Knowledge: 100 marks
Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks
OTA:
English: 100 marks
General Knowledge: 100 marks
Duration: 2 hours per paper
Mode: Pen-and-paper
2.2 SSB Interview
Marks: 900
Duration: 5 days
Assessment: Intelligence, Personality, Psychological tests, Group tasks, Personal Interview
2.3 Medical Examination
Conducted by Armed Forces Medical Services
Check for physical and mental fitness
3. CDS Syllabus in Detail
3.1 English
Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension
Sentence completion, Synonyms, Antonyms, Error Detection
3.2 General Knowledge
Current Affairs, History, Geography, Economics, Science
Defence-related events, Indian Constitution, Awards
3.3 Elementary Mathematics
Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics
Differential & Integral Calculus, Probability
Mensuration and Elementary Arithmetic
4. CDS Preparation Strategy
Step 1: Understand Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Separate preparation for IMA/AFA/INA vs OTA
Focus on Mathematics, English, and GK
Step 2: Build Strong Foundation
NCERTs for Mathematics and Science
Standard GK books for History, Geography, Current Affairs
Step 3: Practice Previous Papers
Solve UPSC CDS past years’ question papers
Take online mock tests for time management
Step 4: SSB Preparation
Group discussions, Personal Interview, Leadership tasks
Work on confidence, communication, and problem-solving
Step 5: Physical Fitness
Running, push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups
Prepare for SSB physical tasks and endurance tests
5. Recommended Books & Resources for CDS
Mathematics: R.S. Aggarwal, NCERT (Class 11–12)
English: Wren & Martin, Word Power Made Easy
General Knowledge: Lucent, Arihant
Current Affairs: The Hindu, PIB, Defence Magazines
SSB Guidance: “The SSB Interview” by Col. H.K. Mishra, Mock SSB videos online
6. Time Management & Study Plan
Daily Routine Example:
5–6 AM: Physical training
6–7 AM: Newspaper & Current Affairs
7–9 AM: Mathematics practice
10–12 AM: GK + Science
2–4 PM: English grammar & comprehension
5–6 PM: Mock tests / SSB exercises
7–8 PM: Revision
Weekly Routine:
5 days: Academic subjects
1 day: Mock tests
1 day: SSB practice + Fitness
7. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid
Neglecting English or General Knowledge
Not practicing past papers
Ignoring physical training
Overloading too many books
Skipping SSB preparation
8. FAQs – CDS Exam
Q1: Who can apply for CDS?
A1: Graduates (or final-year students) of specified age.
Q2: Can OTA graduates join Army?
A2: Yes, OTA trains officers for Short Service Commission in Army.
Q3: How long does CDS preparation take?
A3: At least 6–12 months depending on graduation level and current preparation.
Q4: How to prepare for SSB interview?
A4: Regular practice of group tasks, confidence building, and mock interviews.
9. Conclusion – Path to Success in CDS
CDS aspirants require academic knowledge, physical fitness, and personality development. With structured planning, consistent practice, and SSB preparation, candidates can secure selection in Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, or OTA.
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