How to Prepare for CDS Exam 2024, Preparation Tips

How to Prepare for CDS Exam 2024, Preparation Tips

Edited By Soujanya K | Updated on Sep 01, 2024 09:15 AM IST | #CDS
Upcoming Event
CDS  Exam Date : 13 Apr' 2025 - 13 Apr' 2025

For pointers on preparing thoroughly for the CDS exam, candidates can refer to the following CDS 2024 preparation tips. The first step towards preparation is the preparation of a robust CDS preparation strategy. Strategizing well permits candidates to cover the entire syllabus on time.

Candidates can also look out for the section-wise CDS preparation tips 2024 given below for some extra tips for preparing for specific sections of the CDS exam. Going through the CDS CDS exam analysis is also helpful when it comes to getting an idea of the types of questions or topics covered by the CDS exam. It is also recommended to use the previous year's CDS question papers for preparation.

This Story also Contains
  1. CDS 2024 Preparation Strategy
  2. How to Prepare for CDS 2024
  3. CDS Exam Pattern 2024
  4. CDS Syllabus 2024
How to Prepare for CDS Exam 2024, Preparation Tips
How to Prepare for CDS Exam 2024, Preparation Tips

CDS 2024 Preparation Strategy

To prepare for the CDS exam 2024, candidates must make a study plan for their effective preparations. For CDS preparation 2024, candidates must make a study plan as per the syllabus and exam pattern. For more details, check section-wise CDS preparation tips 2024 below.

CDS Preparation Tips for English

To get good marks on English papers, aspirants must study grammar rules while preparing. Along with that, they should also prepare idioms and phrases thoroughly, by following these preparation tips you will be able to increase your score in the English paper.

CDS Preparation Tips for General Knowledge

The best preparation tip for this section is to identify the high-weightage topics after studying the previous years' CDS question papers. Then revise important sections from those topics. Read the current affairs of the last five to six months properly.

CDS Preparation Tips for Mathematics

Candidates should focus on solving previous years' CDS question papers, to know the difficulty level of the maths section. By preparing this way, you will be able to increase your preparation level for this section. Attempt as many mock tests as you can. This will help you to increase your speed and express your knowledge in the paper correctly. Revise all the important formulas thoroughly.

How to Prepare for CDS 2024

For those who have a question about how to start preparing for CDS, the below preparation tips will solve that. Candidates preparing for the CDS exam 2024, must check the CDS Preparation Tips 2024 for effective preparations. Candidates must make a study plan to study in a planned manner. For more tips and tricks for CDS preparation. Candidates can check the details mentioned below.

CDS Preparation Tips 2024 - Prepare CDS Study Plan

To start the CDS exam 2024 preparation, candidates must make a study plan. Applicants must divide their time equally among all the topics asked in the exam. It also helps to complete the CDS syllabus 2024 in time. The study plan also helps to keep the focus on the goal.

CDS Preparation Tips 2024 - Choose Best Books For CDS Exam 2024

Candidates must select the best books for CDS 2024 for their CDS 2024 exam preparation. Applicants can check important topics and chapters asked in the exam. Candidates can also check the marking scheme and exam pattern with the help of CDS books 2024. Candidates can also check the CDS Cut off 2024 to set a target for themselves.

Quick links - CDS Application Form 2024

CDS Preparation Tips 2024 - Make Short Notes

Applicants must prepare short notes for the last minute revision. The short notes must include important formulas, basic concepts and shortcuts for the CDS exam 2024. Short notes help to revise the syllabus in one go in a very short time. Revision plays a very crucial role in preparation for CDS 2024 exam. Applicants must also check to prepare for CDS Elementary Mathematics for their preparations.

CDS Preparation Tips 2024 - Practice Previous Year Question Papers

After covering the entire CDS syllabus, candidates must practice the previous years’ question papers. Practising CDS question papers 2024 will help to find out previously asked topics and chapters in the CDS exam. Candidates can also find out their strong and weak areas with the help of question papers.

Also check - CDS Answer key 2024

CDS Preparation Tips 2024 - Practice Mock Test

After completion of all the syllabus, candidates must practice the online mock test for their preparations. With the help of CDS mock tests candidates can improve both their speed and accuracy. Candidates must also check how to prepare for the CDS English section for their exam preparation.

Also read: Basic Information about category-wise career exams


CDS Exam Pattern 2024

The first step to start the CDS preparation 2024 is to go through CDS exam pattern thoroughly. Candidates must check all the topics and marking schemes to prepare for the CDS exam. For more details about the CDS exam pattern, candidates can check the table given below.

CDS Exam Pattern For INA, IMA & IFA

Subject

Number of questions

Maximum marks

Exam duration

Elementary Mathematics

100

100

2 hours

English

120

100

2 hours

General Knowledge

120

100

2 hours

Total

340

300

6 hours

CDS Exam Pattern For OTA

Subject

Number of questions

Maximum marks

Exam duration

English

120

100

2 hours

General Knowledge

120

100

2 hours

Total

240

200

4 hours

Free download Ebook: Complete guide for UPSC CSE exam preparation


CDS Syllabus 2024

Candidates preparing for the CDS exam must check the CDS 2024 syllabus for their effective reparations. With the help of the CDS syllabus, candidates can check important topics and chapters asked in the exam. For more details, candidates can check the table given below.

CDS Exam Topics

Subject

Topic

English


  • English Comprehension

  • Fill in the blanks

  • Jumbled Sentence

  • Sentence Correction

  • Finding errors & Omissions

General Knowledge


  • Current affairs or events like politics, sports, Indian economy, daily news, etc.

  • Polity

  • Art and culture

  • Books and their Authors

  • History of India and Geography

Elementary Mathematics


  • Arithmetic

  • Algebra

  • Trigonometry

  • Mensuration

  • Statistics

  • Elementary Number Theory

  • Geometry

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the CDS 02/2024 exam be conducted?

The CDS 2 2024 exam date is September 1, 2024.

2. What is the full form of CDS?

The Full form of CDS is “Combined Defence Services” exam.

3. What are the details required to download the admit card of CDS 2024?

Candidates will be able to download the CDS admit card 2024 through their registration number and date of birth.

4. Can I challenge CDS English answer key 2024?

No, candidates can not challenge the answer key of CDS 2024.

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

Hello Kanchan,

You are eligible to appear for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam based on your date of birth (16 October 2003) and graduation timeline. Here’s when you can apply:

  • CDS 1 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in December 2024, Exam in April 2025)

  • CDS 2 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in May 2025, Exam in September 2025)

    Age Limits for CDS 2025 (Tentative)

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007

  • Indian Naval Academy (INA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007

  • Air Force Academy (AFA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2006 (with Physics & Math in 12th or Engineering Degree)

  • Officers Training Academy (OTA): 02 January 2001 – 01 January 2007

Since your graduation will be completed next year (2025) , you can apply in your final year , but you need to submit proof of graduation before the final selection .


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


To determine if you're eligible to give the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in 2027, let's check the age criteria:


Age Criteria for CDS Exam

- For Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19-24 years

- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19-24 years

- For Air Force Academy (AFA): 19-24 years

- For Officers' Training Academy (OTA): 19-25 years


Your Age in 2027

- Born in 2003

- Age in 2027: 24 years


Considering the age criteria, you'll be eligible to appear for the CDS exam in 2027 for:


- Indian Military Academy (IMA)

- Indian Naval Academy (INA)

- Air Force Academy (AFA)


However, you'll be at the upper age limit for these academies. For Officers' Training Academy (OTA), you'll still be within the eligible age range.


Please note that these eligibility criteria are subject to change, and you should verify the age limits and other eligibility criteria with the official UPSC website or notification before applying.

Hello,

To determine how many attempts you have for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), we need to consider the age criteria and your graduation timeline.

Age Criteria for IMA through CDS

Age Limit: 19 to 24 years as of 1st January or 1st July of the year in which the course commences

For example, if the course starts in January 2029, your date of birth should fall between 2nd January 2005 and 1st January 2009.

Your Cas

Date of Birth: 27th February 2004.

Graduation Completion: July 2028.

You will turn 24 on 27th February 2028, which means you will be eligible for CDS exams for IMA entry till the batch commencing in January 2029.

Exam Timeline

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year (usually in February and September

CDS Exam Attempts Available:

CDS 2, 2027: For the course starting in July 2028.

CDS 1, 2028: For the course starting in January 2029.

Total Attempts:

You have 2 attempts left to apply for the IMA through the CDS exam.

Hello

You can attempt the CDS Exam For IMA until you are 24 years old.

Since your DOB is 27th February 2004 , you will be eligible to take the exam until February 2028 . This gives you attempts in CDS exams until 2027 ( the exam happens twice a year) . After you turn 24, you won't be eligible for IMA through CDS.

Hope this helps you .

Thank you

Hello Swastika,

Yes, as a student of a 5-year integrated law course , you can be eligible for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam at the end of your 4th year , provided you meet the following criteria:

  1. Educational Qualification : For the Indian Army wing, you must have completed your graduation or be in the final year of your degree course. Since you are pursuing a 5-year integrated law course, you will be eligible to apply once you have completed the 4th year (which would make you eligible for the CDS exam, as per the graduation requirement).

  2. Age Limit : Ensure that you meet the age criteria for the CDS exam. For the Indian Army wing, the age limit is typically 19 to 24 years .

  3. SSB Interview : If you qualify for the CDS written exam , you will be called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. Your eligibility for the SSB will depend on successfully clearing the written exam and meeting the medical fitness and other criteria.

Since you are pursuing a law degree, you can appear for the Indian Army wing of the CDS exam. Make sure you meet the age and qualification requirements by the time you appear for the exam.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


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