How to Prepare for CDS Exam

Combined Defence Service (CDS) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission twice in a year. Recruitment to the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy are strictly based on the performance in CDS exam. Only unmarried graduates are permitted to attend the exam and are usually conducted in February and November respectively.

It requires a lot of hard work and training in order to crack the exam. Every year lakhs of students write the exam and only few are able to qualify for the second round of SSB interview. Today, the competition is very high and only those who are taking CDS exam coaching will only be able to tackle the changing situation. Here are a few tips that will be useful for you while preparing for CDS exam:

CDS exam coaching

●       Study the syllabus: The first and the most important thing you need to do is to go through the syllabus of the examination. You will get a clear idea about what kind of topics you are dealing with and what kind of preparation you need to accomplish your goals. Most of us may be experts in English and Mathematics, but very poor in general knowledge. Almost all the CDS coaching centres will provide extensive training in English and Mathematics. Good general knowledge can only be developed through continuous reading of newspapers and books.

●       Go through previous questions: Practicing and reviewing previous years question papers is another way of increasing your confidence. If you are lucky enough, then you can expect few previous questions and that will help you to increase your score. Usually, most of the CDS training centres take revision tests based on these old question papers.

●       Make use of other sources: Don’t stick on to coaching centres only. You can refer other CDS books, online materials, expert blogs and reviews etc. Try to collect as much information as possible from all the reliable sources. If possible, try to meet some of the CDS holders and take their advice.

●       Stick on to a time table: Before starting your CDS preparation, make a clear time table that describes your entire plan. Make the list of subjects and sections which you're going to cover first and start accordingly. It is better to put the least known subjects to the end so that you can cover the known portions very fast. Also utilize the maximum time and don’t ever skip the time table.

●       Finally, keep in mind that Combined Defence Service Examination is one of toughest exams conducted by UPSC. So you need to put your maximum effort in order to crack it. Collect all the possible CDS exam guides and materials on CDS pattern before starting your exam preparation. Face the exam without any fear and believe that you will make it into the next level that is the SSB interview.