How to crack the CDS exam? – CDS Preparation Tips
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam twice a year for recruiting candidates for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy Officers Training Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy. The notification is usually released in October and June, and the exam is conducted in February and November, respectively. The CDS selection process is a two-stage selection process comprising a written test and an SSB interview. If you’re planning to appear for the exam, you must know how to prepare for the exam. So in this article, we’ll discuss the tips to prepare for the CDS exam:
CDS Preparation Tips for General Awareness
General Awareness is one of the most important sections of the CDS exam. This section requires your analytical skills; thus, you need to follow a selective approach to crack this section. Clearly, if you know the facts, you’ll quickly understand the correct answers. Follow the tips mentioned below while preparing for the CDS exam.
- Candidates need to develop a habit of reading newspapers every day.
- Make notes of important points while you read the newspaper and revise them regularly.
- Devote at least 2 hours to this section. You can watch news channels or other discovery channels and documentaries.
- Read newspapers, journals, and magazines to stay updated with the recent happenings both at the national and international levels.
- The candidates should go through the NCERT books to cover the base for History, Civics, and Geography.
- Appear in the online mock test and practice tests to brush and challenge your knowledge span.
- Go through the previous years’ question papers to be aware of the pattern of questions asked in the exam.
CDS Preparation Tips for English Section
The English section tests your ability to use correct grammatical rules and vocabulary. This section is easy to crack if you have good preparation. Below is the CDS Preparation plan for the English Language:
- Read a good English newspaper, fiction & non-fiction books, magazines, and blogs on different websites every day.
- Build a strong vocabulary. Note down the new words you come across daily and try using them in your day-to-day language.
- Improve your knowledge of English Grammar by clearing your basic concepts. You can refer to standard books like Wren & Martin.
- Practice grammar exercises to understand the application and usage of the rules.
- To score maximum in the Reading Comprehension, candidates should practice reading anything they come across, which will improve their reading speed.
- Comprehend while reading a comprehension passage, so you can quickly look for the answers.
- Appear for practice and mock tests and attempt some previous questions as some questions are asked repeatedly every year, and it can help you get an exact idea of the English Paper.
CDS Preparation Tips for Mathematics
The Mathematics section of the CDS exam is vast. This section will test your mental ability, speed, and clarity of concepts, so you need to practice a lot. Clear your basics and have a high level of problem-solving ability to get through this section. A few easy tips to make your concepts strong to fare well in this section are:
- First, the candidates need to clear their basics thoroughly of each and every topic.
- Solve as many questions as possible from every topic before appearing for the exam.
- Practice questions from NCERT to form your base and understand the question pattern.
- Note down all the formulas and go through them every day to memorize them.
- Develop accuracy and speed while solving questions. This can only develop by regular practice.
- Do not leave important and complex chapters like Trigonometry, Quadratic Equations, or Geometry for the last minute.
- Practice short tricks for formulas and questions to ensure a timely finish.
Time Management Tips for CDS Exam
- Candidates should know how to manage their time effectively so they can complete the paper within the allotted time.
- Follow a plan and strategy for the CDS exam so your entire syllabus is timely completed.
- Make a short-term preparation plan for each subject and devote at least 7-8 hours daily to your preparation.
- Candidates appearing for the CDS exam are advised to start preparing at least 5-6 months before the exam.
- Devote 3-4 hours for revision on weekends, so you don’t forget previous things.
- Give short breaks to yourself in between to refresh your mind. This will help you concentrate more.
- Devote sufficient time to reading newspapers and magazines to stay updated with the current happenings.
Toppers Strategy to Prepare for CDS Exam
- Time management is crucial. The CDS exam is a time-based exam that gives only a minute to attempt each question. So your knowledge will work if you’re also swift in attempting questions.
- If the candidate is unsure of the answer, it is better not to attempt it as a wrong answer will fetch you negative marks.
- Although the last weeks can be chaotic, a calm and planned approach can work a long way.
- A clear understanding of the basics will help the students to crack any question asked in the CDS exam.
- Make useful notes to revise every now and then.
The Final Word
The success mantra to crack any exam is to strategize yourself because planning and scheduling things can help you manage time and sort things for you. Also, develop a holistic approach to clear all your concepts required to enlist you in the defence forces.
FAQs
Q1. Is there any negative marking in the CDS written examination?
Ans. Yes, there is a negative marking 1/3rd marks for every wrong answer.
Q2. How many times is the CDS exam conducted in a year?
Ans. UPSC conducts the CDS exam twice a year.
Q3. Is it mandatory to solve the previous year’s question papers of the exam?
Ans. Solving the previous years’ question papers and sample papers will help candidates know the pattern of questions and the important topics.
Q4. Is it compulsory to join a top coaching centre to prepare for the CDS exam?
No, it is not compulsory; it completely depends on your personal choice. But, coaching centres can help you with the right direction to follow.
Also read – Best Coaching Institute for CDS