CDS 2024 Preparation Tips: Check Strategy for Written & SSB Interview

Candidates can check the CDS preparation tip 2024 here. Know the subject wise preparation tips and strategies for English, Mathematics and General Knowledge here as per the latest syllabus.

CDS Preparation Tips 2024

The UPSC conducts several competitive exams to recruit dynamic candidates to serve the nation. CDS exam is one of the prominent defence exams that is conducted in the country for appointing candidates in the Defence Forces of the country. Candidates should be familiar with the CDS exam format before they begin to prepare for the exam. Cracking the CDS exam requires devotion, consistency and determination. Candidates are required to be familiar with the CDS syllabus and exam pattern. 

The UPSC CDS 1 2024 exam is scheduled for 21st April 2024. It is held two times in year, hence, the competition level is also of extreme level. Therefore, the CDS exam aspirants should have a good strategy to crack the CDS exam. This post gives you valuable insights into the CDS preparation tips for the exam. The candidates who are appearing for the first time for CDS exam must also check the important tips to crack the CDS exam in their first attempt. 

How to Crack CDS 2024 Exam?

CDS exam aspirants should be familiar with the latest UPSC CDS syllabus and exam pattern. 

The selection will be based on the marks obtained by the candidates in the written exam as well as SSB Interview. Candidates must follow effective time management strategies and study hacks so that they can cover the entire syllabus and also take frequent mock tests. 

How to Prepare for CDS Exam 2024?

Lakhs of candidates apply for the UPSC CDS exam each year for recruitment into the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Air Force services. Thus, candidates should prepare in a manner where they could have greater chances of getting selected. We have shared the important tips for CDS exam below. 

Know the UPSC CDS Exam Pattern

Candidates should be familiar with the CDS exam pattern to know about the marking scheme and subjects that are there in the exam. The CDS exam pattern for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA varies.  

• The UPSC CDS paper for IMA, INA and AFA has three subjects, i.e. English, GK and Mathematics. Each subject is for 100 marks. All the questions are objective. 
• The UPSC CDS paper for OTA has only one subject, i.e. English, GK. All the questions are objective. Each paper is for 100 marks. 
• We have shared the details about the CDS exam pattern in the following table. 

Know the CDS Syllabus 

Candidates should be familiar with the CDS syllabus. This will let the candidates know of the important toipics that are covered in the exam. Candidates should also note down and highlight the topics that you find difficult to understand. 

Create study timetable

As the UPSC CDS syllabus covers a number of topics from subjects such as English, GK and Mathematics, therefore, you should create a timetable that will allow you to complete the syllabus. With a proper timetable for the CDS exam, you can manage completing the important topics from each subject as well as allot time for revision of the important topics. 

Practice CDS Previous Year Question Papers

CDS exam aspirants should ensure that they practice enough CDS previous year question papers to understand the question trend and difficulty level. In addition to this, you will also be able to know the marks distribution of the questions, difficulty level, and marking scheme. Besides this, it will also help you to know your key areas of improvement as well. You can also know the questions or the topics that have been frequently asked in the exam over the years. 

Create Study Notes

While you are preparing for the CDS exam, you should create your own short notes. These notes are highly useful when you are revising for the exam or get stuck at an important topic or question. These will help you during the last minute revision for he exam. 

Tips to Crack CDS Exam in the First Attempt 

Cracking the CDS exam in the first attempt is not a tough job. One requires determination and perseverance. Besides this, one should also aim to practice as many mock tests and previous year questions as possible to get familiar with the type of questions asked in the exam. One should also focus on current affairs and GK questions related to defence. Check the important tips to crack CDS exam in the first attempt below. 

• Practice time management so that you can complete the question paper well on time. 
• Read daily current affairs to enhance your GK and Current Affairs. 
• Attempt as many mock tests and past year question papers. 
• Maintain a daily schedule or timetable to complete the syllabus and keep a record of the  topics that you will be covering.
• Stay consistent with your practice and daily routine while preparing for the CDS exam. 

CDS Preparation Tips & Strategies: Subject Wise Tips

The CDS exam consists of subjects that include, GK, Mathematics and English. Hence, each subject requires a different pattern of preparation. The CDS exam preparation tips subject wise are as follows: 

CDS Preparation Tips for English

Candidates should have a good command over English language usage. To enhance this, one must be well versed with the rules of Grammar, Vocabulary, etc. It is advisable to read newspapers, magazines, etc. 

CDS Preparation Tips for GK

Candidates should read newspapers, GK magazines, GK books such as Lucents to enhance their General knowledge. 

CDS Preparation Tips for Mathematics

To prepare Mathematics for CDS exam, revise the important formulas and their applications. Forums on practicing questions from Calculus, Algebra, Arithmetic, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.