CDS 2020 Preparation Tips

Every year a huge number of aspirants appear for CDS to become part of Indian Armed Forces. Moreover, the level of completion is also increasing with time. Students who are well prepared can easily clear the exam but this can only be possible with a good preparation plan. 

The candidates planning to appear for the exam suggested to check the exam pattern first and then move to the syllabus. By knowing the latest exam pattern and syllabus, you can create a good preparation plan for yourself. Make yourself familiar with the type of questions asked in the paper, weightage given to topics, marking scheme, etc. Check  CDS 2020 Exam Pattern

CDS Exam is conducted by UPSC to select eligible candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). CDS I 2020 was conducted successfully on Feb 2, 2020 and as per the initial reaction of candidates, the paper was difficult. CDS II 2020 is scheduled to be held on Nov 8, 2020 that gives ample amount of time to build a good preparation strategy. The article provides you some of the useful tips and tricks to attempt each section and ace CDS with a decent score. 

Also Check CDS 2020 Expected Cut Off

CDS 2020 Exam Pattern

CDS examination consists of 3 subjects: General Knowledge, English, and Elementary Mathematics. Each subject has a paper of 100 marks with a time duration of 2 hours. Candidates who wish to be selected for IMA, INA, or AFA have to give and clear all the 3 papers. However, the candidates who wish to be selected for OTA have to face only English and General Knowledge papers. Given below are the total marks and time duration for CDS. Check CDS 2020 Exam Pattern

For IMA, INA, and AFA

For OTA

Knowledge of Syllabus

Any candidate who wishes to clear the CDS exam must be thorough and familiar with the CDS 2020 Syllabus of the exam. Given below are the subject wise important syllabus topics for CDS:

English

General Knowledge

Mathematics

Time Management

• Candidates must know how to effectively manage their time so that they can complete the paper within the allotted time only. 
• Candidates appearing for CDS are advised to start at least 3 to 6 months before the examination. 
• Follow a regular study routine so that the entire syllabus can be completed
• Make a time table and devote 6 – 8 hours especially for preparations. 
• Take time to manage your for the daily revisions as well
• Take short breaks in between. 
• Boost up your confidence level by getting updated with all the current affairs.

Solving Previous Years Sample Papers

• Try solving the question papers of previous yeas.
• This will help you in getting an idea about the exam pattern, type of questions, weightage given to topics.
• Helps you in managing the time.
• Gives the feel of real paper.
• Take mocks tests by setting up the timers in your watch.

Download CDS Practice Papers

Important Points to Remember

To prepare for CDS exam, a candidate must be willing to work hard physically as well as mentally. Candidates must own a proper UPSC study material, like previous years’ papers, preparation books, topic-wise notes, etc. After acquiring the relevant study material, the candidates can follow the following tips to improve their chances of getting selected:

• Develop a reading habit. Reading different sorts of media, like magazines, newspapers, blogs, notes, etc. helps to enhance the vocabulary as well as the understanding of practical English.
• Make a list of all the new words and their meanings. Try and use the words in the list in different scenarios and sentences.
• Take online mock tests to improve the answering ability.
• Read newspapers, news blogs, watch the news, etc. on a daily basis to be in touch with the latest happenings in all sectors of the world. Try to keep the material vast.
• Make notes of every important date, name, or event you come across.
• There are many mock tests that can help a candidate with GK preparations.
• Make a list of all the important formulas, theorems, identities, etc. and revise them daily.
• Try to solve questions with variety to learn the proper use of theorems and identities.
• Enroll in an online mock test series.

UPSC CDS Physical and Medical Exam

The Defense sector requires candidates who are not only strong mentally, but also physically. Apart from the written exam, the candidates have to clear a physical and medical exam as well. No candidate should have a history of mental breakdown. The physical exam is one of the crucial parts of the CDS selection. The candidates can follow these tips for the physical exam:

• The weight and height of the candidate must be on a standard scale.
• Regular and proper exercise and training is important.
• Candidate must get a full body checkup before appearing for the exam to make sure they do not have any type of illness or disease.

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Personal Interview

After clearing the CDS test, the candidates have to face the personal interview conducted by SSB. This interview tests the candidate’s intelligence, personality, and ability to hold ranks with the Officers in the Defense Forces. There are several components of the interview, like Psychological Tests, Group Discussion, Intelligence Tests, Outdoor activities, Opinion on issues, Physical Fitness etc. Here are some tips to clear the interview:

• Stay confident. It is natural to be nervous or anxious, but a candidate must be able to express his/her thoughts as beautifully as possible.
• A well-honed communication skill is crucial, as the thoughts can be expressed in better and more suitable words.
• Be updated and in touch with the latest and interesting happenings around the globe.
• Think before you speak and act like you are already an Officer.
• It is imperative to be respectful and humble.

Know More CDS Selection Process

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What to do in the Last Weeks

The few weeks before the exam are crucial as that is the time to revise all that you have studied, without cramming up all the knowledge. The following steps may help candidates to plan and prepare in that time:

• Make small and useful notes. The notes should be to the point and should act as a summary of what has been studied.
• Although the last weeks can be a chaotic time, a calm and planned approach is all that is needed.
• Time management is crucial. The CDS exam is a time-based exam which gives candidates about a minute to attempt each question. Not only the knowledge, but swiftness in using that knowledge is important.
• The exam has negative marking for each incorrect answer. So, guesswork should be avoided.
• Taking an online mock test is helpful.