How to prepare for CDS? Books to be referred and the exam pattern of it?

Can you tell me how can I prepare for CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam? Also tell me about its exam pattern?

[Kiran Chandar]

Combined Defence Services (CDS) is an exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Preparation Tips

For English develop the habit of reading the newspaper regularly. Reading the newspaper improves not only one's vocabulary but also one's knowledge about the subject

Read basic grammar books to clear the concepts

Learn new words on a daily basis to develope a good hold over the language

While learning the new words try to learn their antonyms and synonyms and also how to use the words in sentences

Solve past year question papers so that you have an idea of what to expect

Revise all the topics thoroughly

Concentrate on having a clear concept on all the topics

Watch television for the latest happenings in and around the world

Pick up those topics first that you are strong at and practice thoroughly. Later move on the difficult ones and try to practice as much as possible.

CDS Exam Pattern

The exam has a Written Test, followed by a Personal Interview (Intelligence and Personality Test) and a Medical Test.

CDS question paper pattern - IMA, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy
Total marks: 300

Nature of question paper: Objective
Subject Type Marks Duration
English Objective type 100 2 hours
General Knowledge Objective type 100 50 marks
Elementary Mathematics Objective type 100 2 hours
Total marks 300

CDS question paper pattern - OTA


Total marks: 200

Nature of question paper: Objective
Subject Type Marks Duration
English Objective type 100 2 hours
General Knowledge Objective type 100 50 marks
Total marks 200