UPSC CDS Exam preparation: UPSC CDS is a national level exam that requires extremely hard work and dedication. Candidates planning to appear for CDS 1 2022 must start with the CDS exam pattern followed by a detailed syllabus. This will help aspirants to create timetable for CDS preparation. Once done, refer to the CDS preparation books. Check complete CDS 2022 preparation tips here.
UPSC CDS Exam Preparation
One must go through and comprehend the basic pattern and syllabus of the UPSC CDS exam and then prepare a strategy for their preparation. It will help them to comprehend the pattern of the exam, difficulty level, topic asked and other aspects. So, candidates can follow this article to get information about the official UPSC CDS exam pattern and syllabus below.
Last Minute Tips for CDS 2022
- Solving the previous year questions plays an important role in exam preparation. It helps in identifying and focussing on the weaker areas.
- Basic concepts should be clear-it helps in solving tricky questions.
- Emphasis on important topics which carry heavy weightage in the question paper.
- Attempt easier questions first- It helps to score marks easily and fastly.
- Make a proper timetable -time management is necessary.
CDS Subject-Wise Preparation Tips
Paper 1 – English (100 Marks)
- English is considered one of the easiest section to score well in exam.
- Baisc English skills are tested so candidates need to practise basic English grammar.
- Read newspaper carefully and attentively to learn new words and improve comprehension skills.
- Practising moc tests will help in better understanding and maintaning speed.
- Important Topics: Comprehensions, Synonyms, Antonyms, Vocabulary & Grammar.
Paper 2 – General Knowledge (100 marks)
- To learn this section, aspirants need to study NCERT books first.
- Keep a track on the latest national and international events.
- Along with this, a thorough knowledge of major International Organizations like UN, IMF, WTO etc. plus defence related news has to be prepared.
- Important Topics: Current Affairs, Indian Constitution, Compounds and Mixtures, Environment Science, recent policy changes, NATO.
Paper 3 -Mathematics (100 marks)
- Focus more on core concepts using NCERT books.
- Revise and learn formulas
- The only way to score more in this section is practise. Use previous year question papers, mock tests to understand the forms of questions aksed in the exam.
- By practising regularly, candidates build speed as well as accuracy for the exam.
- Important Topics: Trigonometry, Quadratic Equations, Algebra, Geometry and Probability.
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2022
The UPSC CDS recruitment is conducted in two stages i.e the written exam and the interview round. There are only 2 sections for Officer’s Training exam (OTA) whereas for the rest posts, there are three sections Aspirants can refer to the detailed UPSC CDS exam pattern from below.
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern
| Mode of Exam | offline |
| Exam duration | 2 hours for each paper |
| No. of Questions | 300( 200 in OTA) |
| Question type | MCQ based |
| Maximum marks | 300(for military, navy and Air force) and 200(OTA) |
| Negative marking | ⅓ for every incorrect answer |
UPSC CDS 2022 Syllabus
The board prescribes the specific CDS syllabus which can be studied to yield the maximum result. It also saves time. Here is the list of the subjects and the topics from which questions are asked in UPSC CDS.
- English -Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentence correction, Error Spotting, Jumbled sentences, Reading comprehension, Para Jumbles, Fill in the blanks.
- General knowledge-Current Events, Read daily basis Newspaper, General Knowledge, Indian History, Geography Of Nature.
- Mathematics-Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics.
Best Books for CDS Preparation
There are abundant books available in the market that aspirants can refer to for CDS preparation. Candidates can choose books according to their needs. Here are a few recommendations for the best books to prepare for UPSC CDS.
English Language :
Questions given are based on Grammar, Vocabulary, Syntax and Usage
- Objective General English –SP Bakshi (Arihant Publications)
- Word Power Made Easy — Norman Lewis (Goyal Publishers)
- High School English Grammar and Composition –Wren and Martin.
Mathematics :
Basic mathematics questions of class 9-12. NCERT books can be used to clear basics.
- Mathematics for CDS –Dr. R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand Publications)
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations –RS Aggarwal (S. Chand Publications)
- Pathfinder for CDS — Arihant Publications
General Knowledge:
This section is something which cannot be prepared in a few days. It requires time. Watching television, reading newspapers can help to build general awareness. Questions are based on Current Affairs, Physics, Geography, Awards, Economics, Politics, Sports, Chemistry, etc.
- General Awareness — Manohar Panday (Arihant Publications)
- Manorama Yearbook — Philip Mathew (Malayala Manorama Publishers)
- Weekly Magazines such as Pratiyogita Darpan, Competition Success Review, and Yojana
- Newspapers such as The Times of India, The Indian Express, and The Telegraph
UPSC CDS
Union Public Service Commission conducts CDS exam two times a year in the months of February and September. It is organized to recruit eligible candidates in the Indian Air Force Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy. Candidates’ selection will be based on the written exam and SSB interview process.
Official website: upsc.gov.in
UPSC CDS Exam Preparation FAQs
Ans. To start CDS preparation, start with NCERT books to clear concepts. For Quantitative aptitude section, aspirants can also refer to Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal.
Ans. It s suggested that candidates should start preparing for CDS exam at least 3-6 months before the exam date. Make a timetable and devote at least 6-8 hours a day.
Ans. Yes a lot of questions are asked in CDS exam, especially from static gk section.
Ans. Aspirants can prepare for CDS OTA using Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, Objective General English by S. P. Baksh and Wren & Martin’s High School English Grammar & Composition by S. Chand.
