The preparation of the CDS exam and obtaining cut-off marks is very much possible for those who willing to put in a little effort from now onwards.
This article aims to enlighten the CDS aspiring students to familiarize the syllabus & How to crack CDS exam in first attempt
This will help you to obtain the cutoff marks within a short period of regular studies and with the given tips to crack your written test.
As a general trend in the environments that most of the final graduation students (Men & Women) are appearing CDS examination along with their final semester examination.
A majority of students have difficulty obtaining cutoff marks as prescribed by the Union Public Staff Commission(UPSC).
UPSC determines the cut off marks based on the number of applications received in a particular exam, number of vacancies released by Armed Forces & difficulty of the question, etc.
The CDS examination is conducted for those who are interested to join the Armed Force (Army/Navy/Air Force) after graduation/going to complete graduation from a recognized university as approved by G.O.I.
Do check the eligibility criteria before applying under the CDS Exam
UPSC pattern of examination of C.D.S. is based on High secondary level English, Graduation level of General Science and Elementary Mathematics(X Class Level).
Many of the students aspiring to join the Armed Forces are miserably failing due to:
- Limited understanding of the subject
- Lack of knowledge about the subject-wise syllabus
- The importance of cutoff marks, and
- Lack of sincerity to clear C.D.S. examination within the prescribed time.
Recommended: 3 Ways To Join Indian Army After Engineering
Table of Contents
5 Steps on How to Crack CDS Exam in First Attempt
1. Understanding the approach & Tips towards C.D.S. exam
2. Know the 2021 C.D.S. Subject-Wise Syllabus
3. Know About the General pattern of distribution of Marks
4. Identify & Self-evaluation (Strength & Weakness)
5. Tips to How to Prepare for CDS Exam
Understanding the Approach & Tips towards C.D.S. exam
The most important question asked by you is that how do I prepare for the C.D.S. (2) examination which is scheduled on 14 November 2021, just a few months away.
A simple answer would be to prepare well.
But it’s much easier if you are motivated towards achieving your dream/present goal of wearing a uniform with stars, rather than limiting yourself to a written exam conducted by UPSC
Thus there is a requirement to understand all three activities such as written examination by UPSC, Five days of SSB interview by S.S.C. & military basic training at IMA/IN/AFA.
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Please see the picture of the passing-out parade of I.M.A. on the second Saturday of Jun and December every year. Are they tired, or motivated and energetic?
If you start thinking about the C.D.S. exam, then its more than a year-long journey before you are entitled to those stars on your shoulder
When we compare your S.S.B. interview & basic military training, you may feel that the C.D.S. written examination is easier and merely a walkway.
Few facts Which will tell you Why CDS Exam is Straightforward:
>> There are Three Tests: English, General Knowledge & Mathematics
Maximum Marks: 100 each
Pass marks: Only 20% individually.
>> All three tests are based on:
General Knowledge is based on general awareness of the individuals
English is based on your 10+2 class &
Mathematics is based on your 10th class
>>Your schooling background doesn’t matter in CDS. Candidates who have completed their studies through any medium of language or had part-time/distant education can also apply
Tips to Approach CDS (II) 2021 Exam (Basic rule)
- Making groups (including a minimum of 5 – 10 friends of the same college to facilitate combined studies).
Encourage your friends and classmates to study together
- Familiarize syllabus, and all three subjects examination is the same as other competitive examination.
- Collection of study materials/Personal copies.
- Identify your strengths & weaknesses by undergoing Mock tests of all three subjects at regular intervals.
Minimum Marks for each subject: 20 only(any average students can get it) &
Maximum Marks: 100 (Nobody can get it)
Your Aim Should be to get Minimum -20 Marks &
Maximum 70 Marks (so to achieve 50% average cut off)
Maximum questions: 120 objective types for English & General Science.
Time: 2 hours (i.e., one minute per question for Mathematics).
- Identify self study & joint(combined) study & professional guidance for each sub-sub subjects.
Several topics are easy, moderate, and difficult. So Identify & take professional help to understand the concept.
- Share your knowledge with others (if you are good at English, then teach/guide your friends).
This initiative will boost your morale and confidence.
- Do not hesitate to approach old friends/teachers/classmates who know a particular subject better.
- Identify which sub-subject needs more time to study.
- Prepare a timetable & strict with it according to your current commitment & responsibilities.
- Lastly, Remember, you will become a defense service officer who makes the Nation tomorrow’s destiny.
Recommended: Know the right ways to Join Army After Completing Your Graduation
What is the CDS Syllabus?
Below are the stated subjects with all the topics asked under them. You can refer to the same to help you cover all the topics under the CDS exam Syllabus
1. English
MCQ’s: 120
Maximum Marks: 100
Exam: 2hrs
| Spotting the Errors |
| Sentence completion |
| Synonyms & Antonyms |
| Selecting Words |
| Ordering of Sentence |
| Comprehension Questions |
| Ordering of words in a sentence |
| Fill in the blanks questions |
| Idioms and Phrases |
| Vocabulary |
| Best Books to Refer: Wren and Martin High School English Grammar, Word Power Made Easy Hindu Newspaper |
General Pattern Distribution of Marks (English)
| S No | Chapter Name | I | II | III | IV |
| 1 | Synonym | 9 | 15 | 8 | 12 |
| 2 | Antonym | – | 10 | 7 | 8 |
| 3 | One Word Substitution | 5 | |||
| 4 | Sentence Arrangement (S1-S6) | 10 | 10 | 8 | |
| 5 | Sentence Arrangement (PQRS) | 15 | 7 | 11 | |
| 6 | Spotting Error | 15 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| 7 | Cloze test | 20 | 25 | 20 | 20 |
| 8 | Suitable Word Selection | 10 | 10 | ||
| 9 | Question Based on Comprehension | 21 | 20 | 23 | 16 |
| 10 | Sentence Improvement | 20 | 25 | 20 | 20 |
| Total Questions | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
2. General Knowledge (G.K.)
MCQ’s: 120
Maximum Marks: 100
Exam: 2hrs
| Economics |
| Physics |
| Current Affairs |
| Politics |
| Chemistry |
| Sociology |
| History |
| Defense-related Award |
| Geography |
| Environment |
| Sport |
| Biology |
| Cultural |
| Best Books to Refer: Lucent’s General Knowledge, The Malayala Manorama English Yearbook, Arihant General Knowledge |
General Pattern Distribution of Marks (General Knowledge)
| S No | Chapter Name | I | II | III | IV |
| 1 | History | 19 | 19 | 20 | 12 |
| 2 | Geography | 18 | 24 | 24 | 20 |
| 3 | Polity | 16 | 18 | 21 | 5 |
| 4 | Economy | 18 | 13 | 8 | 24 |
| 5 | General Knowledge | 19 | 18 | 15 | 29 |
| 6 | Miscellaneous | 30 | 28 | 32 | 30 |
| Total Questions | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
3. Elementary Mathematics
MCQ’s: 100
Maximum Marks: 100
Exam: 2hrs
>> Algebra
| Basic Operations |
| Simple factors |
| Remainder Theorem |
| H.C.F. |
| L.C.M. |
| Theory of polynomials |
| Solutions of quadratic equations |
| Relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered) |
| Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions |
| Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions |
| Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions |
| Set language and set notation |
| Rational expressions and conditional identities |
| Laws of indices |
>> Arithmetic
| Number System: Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers |
| Fundamental operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions |
| Unitary method |
| Time and distance |
| Time and work |
| Percentages |
| Applications to simple and compound interest |
| Profit and loss |
| Ratio and proportion |
| Variation |
| Elementary Number Theory: Division algorithm |
| Prime and composite numbers |
| Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11 |
| Multiples and factors. Factorization Theorem |
| H.C.F. and L.C.M. |
| Euclidean algorithm |
| Logarithms to base 10 |
| Laws of logarithms |
| Use of logarithmic tables |
>> Trigonometry
| Sine(x), cosine(x), Tangent(x) when 0° < x < 90° |
| Values of sin(x), cos(x), and tan(x), for x= 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° |
| Simple trigonometric identities |
| Use of trigonometric tables |
| Simple cases of heights and distance |
>> Geometry
| Lines and angles |
| Plane and plane figures |
| Theorems on Properties of angles at a point |
| Parallel lines |
| Sides and angles of a triangle |
| Congruency of triangles |
| Similar triangles |
| Concurrence of medians and altitudes |
| Properties of angles |
| Sides and diagonals of a Parallelogram |
| Rectangle and square |
| Circles and its properties, including tangents |
>> Mensuration
| Areas of squares |
| Rectangles |
| Parallelograms |
| Triangle and circle |
| Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book) |
| Surface area and volume of cuboids |
| Lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders |
| Surface area and volume of spheres |
>> Statistics
| Collection and tabulation of statistical data |
| Graphical representation frequency polygons |
| Histograms |
| Bar charts |
| Pie charts etc |
| Measures of central tendency |
| Best Books to Refer: Pathfinder CDS (Combined Defence Services) Mathematics for CDS Entrance Examination |
General Pattern Distribution of Marks (Mathematics)
| S No | Chapter Name | I | II | III | IV |
| 1 | Number System | 11 | 10 | 12 | 13 |
| 2 | HCF LCM of Numbers | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| 3 | Decimal Fractions | 1 | 1 | ||
| 4 | Square Roots and Cube Roots | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 5 | Time and Distance | 7 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| 6 | Time and Work | 1 | 6 | 1 | 4 |
| 7 | Percentage | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 8 | Simple Interest | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| 9 | Compound Interest | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| 10 | Profit and Loss | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| 11 | Ratio and Proportion | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 12 | Logarithm | 1 | |||
| 13 | Basic Operations and Factorisation | 11 | 5 | 5 | 1 |
| 14 | HCF and LCM of Polynomials | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| 15 | Rational Expressions | 1 | |||
| 16 | Linear Equations | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 17 | Quadratic Equations and Inequations | 7 | 4 | 1 | 9 |
| 18 | Set Theory | 1 | 1 | ||
| 19 | Measurement of Angles and Trigonometric Ratio | 8 | 11 | 12 | 11 |
| 20 | Height and Distance | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 21 | Lines Angles | 3 | 1 | ||
| 22 | Triangles | 12 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
| 23 | Quadrilateral and Polygon | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| 24 | Circle | 7 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 25 | Locus | ||||
| 26 | Area and Perimeter of Plane Figures | 4 | 6 | 11 | 4 |
| 27 | Surface Area and Volume of Solids | 11 | 8 | 11 | |
| 28 | Statistics | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Total Questions | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Key Things to Remember for UPSC CDS (2) 2021 Exam
- Maximum of 145 marks (as per the last five years’ data) is considered as cut off.
Which you need to obtain from all three subjects combined (Maximum Marks 300)
- OTA candidates are required to attend English & G.S. only. Their cutoff marks are, on average, 80-90 marks.
- All Three exams will be conducted offline(Paper & Black Pen) and on the same day, i.e., 07 February 2021
- Fixed time & date of examination, the announcement of the result.
- Not mandatory to attend all questions & MCQ based.
- 1/3 Marks will be deducted for each wrong answer. Hence, conscious and careful to attend to doubtful questions.
How to Achieve 145 Magic Marks for C.D.S. Written Examination
All students appearing for the examination is master in one of the subjects at least.
Let us take the following assumption as per the details given below:
If you are a Humanities Degree graduate:
Can obtain 65 marks in G.S. as an easy subject,
25 marks in Mathematics as a difficult subject and
55 marks in English as a moderate subject
(Total -145 marks)
If you are a BSc Degree graduate:
You may quickly get 70 marks in Mathematics as an easy subject,
55 Marks in English &
25 marks in G.S. as moderate subject
(Total 145 marks)
If you are an English Degree graduate:
You may get 75 marks in English as an easy subject,
25 marks in Mathematics as a problematic subject &
45 marks in G.S. as a moderate subject
(Total 145 marks)
A few students have no particular interest in the subject above:
Focus on getting 55 marks in G.K. as an easy subject,
50 marks in English as moderate subject &
40 marks in Mathematics as a difficult subject.
Note – It is recommended that candidates should aim to get maximum marks and should not restrict themselves to the cut-off marks ie 135- 145 marks.
Tips on How to Study for the Exam
- Identify Your Strong and Weak Subjects
Go for The straight forward subject for maximum marks
The moderate subject for fairly good marks &
The difficult subject needs professional help from your old teachers, friend circle.
- Identify and divide each subject Eg: English
Take one topic under English (like Spotting Mistakes)
Divide that topic to sub-sub group and even more sub-sub-sub groups for you to study and complete the ease
- Divide the time equally for all three categories and strict with it. Revision & mock test is mandatory
- Leaves easiest sub-sub-subjects of each main subject based on your profession in the subject.
- Avoid studying entirely unknown/difficult sub-sub-subjects of each main subject to save time.
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How to Crack CDS in 2 Months – Complete TimeTable
If you have 75 days to go for the exam, you should plan for four & a half to study.
One hr for study and a half-hour for self-evaluation, memorizing a formula, self-assessing tests. This half an hour is most important for this kind of competitive exam.
A day wise time table starting from 01 September 2021 to 14 November 21 (exam day) is given below:
| Sr. No. | Date | Subject | Subject | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | General Studies | Mathematics | ||
| 1 | 01-Sep-21 | Spoting Errors Questions | Economics | Algebra |
| 2 | 02-Sep-21 | Spoting Errors Questions | Economics | Algebra |
| 3 | 03-Sep-21 | Sentence Arrangement Question | Physics | Arithmetic |
| 4 | 04-Sep-21 | Sentence Arrangement Question | Physics | Arithmetic |
| 5 | 05-Sep-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 4) | Test (Ser No 1 to 4) | Test (Ser No 1 to 4) |
| 6 | 06-Sep-21 | Synonyms and Antonyms | Current Affairs | Trigonometry |
| 7 | 07-Sep-21 | Synonyms and Antonyms | Current Affairs | Trigonometry |
| 8 | 08-Sep-21 | Selecting Words | Politics | Geometry |
| 9 | 07-Sep-21 | Selecting Words | Politics | Geometry |
| 10 | 08-Sep-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 9) | Test (Ser No 1 to 9) | Test (Ser No 1 to 9) |
| 11 | 09-Sep-21 | Ordering of Sentence | Chemistry | Mensuration |
| 12 | 10-Sep-21 | Ordering of Sentence | Chemistry | Mensuration |
| 13 | 11-Sep- 21 | Comprehension Question | Sociology | Statistics |
| 14 | 12-Sep-21 | Comprehension Question | Sociology | Statistics |
| 15 | 13-Sep-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 14) | Test (Ser No 1 to 14) | Test (Ser No 1 to 14) |
| 16 | 14-Sep-21 | Ordering of Words in a Sentence | History | Algebra |
| 17 | 15-Sep-21 | Ordering of Words in a Sentence | History | Algebra |
| 18 | 16-Sep-21 | Fill In the Blanks Question | Defence Related Awards | Arithmetic |
| 19 | 17-Sep-21 | Fill In the Blanks Question | Defence Related Awards | Arithmetic |
| 20 | 18-Sep-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 19) | Test (Ser No 1 to 19) | Test (Ser No 1 to 19) |
| 21 | 19-Sep-21 | Idioms and Phrases | Geography | Trigonometry |
| 22 | 20-Sep-21 | Idioms and Phrases | Geography | Trigonometry |
| 23 | 21-Sep-21 | Misc | Environment | Geometry |
| 24 | 22-Sep-21 | Misc | Environment | Geometry |
| 25 | 23-Sep-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 24) | Test (Ser No 1 to 24) | Test (Ser No 1 to 24) |
| 26 | 24-Sep-21 | Spoting Errors Questions | Sport | Mensuration |
| 27 | 25-Sep-21 | Spoting Errors Questions | Sport | Mensuration |
| 28 | 26-Sep-21 | Sentence Arrangement Question | Biology | Statistics |
| 29 | 27-Sep -21 | Sentence Arrangement Question | Biology | Statistics |
| 30 | 28-Sep-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 29) | Test (Ser No 1 to 29) | Test (Ser No 1 to 29) |
| 31 | 29-Sep-21 | Synonyms and Antonyms | Cultural | Algebra |
| 32 | 30-Sep-21 | Synonyms and Antonyms | Cultural | Algebra |
| 33 | 01-Oct-21 | Selecting Words | Books | Arithmetic |
| 34 | 02-Oct-21 | Selecting Words | Books | Arithmetic |
| 35 | 03-Oct-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 34) | Test (Ser No 1 to 34) | Test (Ser No 1 to 34) |
| 36 | 04-Oct-21 | Ordering of Sentence | Statements (True/False) | Trigonometry |
| 37 | 05-Oct-21 | Ordering of Sentence | Statements (True/False) | Trigonometry |
| 38 | 06-Oct-21 | Comprehension Question | Economics | Geometry |
| 39 | 07-Oct-21 | Comprehension Question | Economics | Geometry |
| 40 | 08-Oct-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 39) | Test (Ser No 1 to 39) | Test (Ser No 1 to 39) |
| 41 | 09-Oct-21 | Ordering of Words in a Sentence | Physics | Mensuration |
| 42 | 10-Oct-21 | Ordering of Words in a Sentence | Physics | Mensuration |
| 43 | 11-Oct-21 | Fill In the Blanks Question | Current Affairs | Statistics |
| 44 | 12-Oct-21 | Fill In the Blanks Question | Current Affairs | Statistics |
| 45 | 13-Oct-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 44) | Test (Ser No 1 to 44) | Test (Ser No 1 to 44) |
| 46 | 14-Oct-21 | Idioms and Phrases | Politics | Algebra |
| 47 | 15-Oct-21 | Idioms and Phrases | Politics | Algebra |
| 48 | 16-Oct-21 | Misc | Chemistry | Arithmetic |
| 49 | 17-Oct-21 | Misc | Chemistry | Arithmetic |
| 50 | 18-Oct-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 50) | Test (Ser No 1 to 50) | Test (Ser No 1 to 50) |
| 51 | 19-Oct-21 | Spoting Errors Questions | Sociology | Trigonometry |
| 52 | 20-Oct-21 | Spoting Errors Questions | Sociology | Trigonometry |
| 53 | 21-Oct-21 | Sentence Arrangement Question | History | Geometry |
| 54 | 22-Oct-21 | Sentence Arrangement Question | History | Geometry |
| 55 | 23-Oct-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 54) | Test (Ser No 1 to 54) | Test (Ser No 1 to 54) |
| 56 | 24-Oct-21 | Synonyms and Antonyms | Defence Related Awards | Mensuration |
| 57 | 25-Oct-21 | Synonyms and Antonyms | Defence Related Awards | Mensuration |
| 58 | 26-Oct-21 | Selecting Words | Geography | Statistics |
| 59 | 27-Oct-21 | Selecting Words | Geography | Statistics |
| 60 | 28-Oct-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 59) | Test (Ser No 1 to 59) | Test (Ser No 1 to 59) |
| 61 | 29-Oct-21 | Ordering of Sentence | Environment | Algebra |
| 62 | 30-Oct-21 | Ordering of Sentence | Environment | Algebra |
| 63 | 31-Oct-21 | Comprehension Question | Sport | Arithmetic |
| 64 | 01-Nov-21 | Comprehension Question | Sport | Arithmetic |
| 65 | 02-Nov-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 64) | Test (Ser No 1 to 64) | Test (Ser No 1 to 64) |
| 66 | 03-Nov-21 | Ordering of Words in a Sentence | Biology | Trigonometry |
| 67 | 04-Nov-21 | Ordering of Words in a Sentence | Biology | Trigonometry |
| 68 | 05-Nov-21 | Fill In the Blanks Question | Cultural | Geometry |
| 69 | 06-Nov-21 | Fill In the Blanks Question | Cultural | Geometry |
| 70 | 07-Nov-21 | Test (Ser No 1 to 69) | Test (Ser No 1 to 69) | Test (Ser No 1 to 69) |
| 71 | 08-Nov-21 | Self Study | Self Study | Self Study |
| 72 | 09-Nov-21 | Mock Test | Mock Test | Mock Test |
| 73 | 10-Nov-21 | Self Evaluation | Self Evaluation | Self Evaluation |
| 74 | 11-Nov-21 | Mock Test | Mock Test | Mock Test |
| 75 | 12-Nov-21 | Preparation for Exam | Preparation for Exam | Preparation for Exam |
| 76 | 13-Nov-21 | Preparation for Exam | Preparation for Exam | Preparation for Exam |
| 77 | 14-Nov-21 | Exam | Exam | Exam |
- You can modify it as per your choice and time.
- However, divide the subject into two-three parts, such as geography divided into Indian geography & World Geography.
An example of Indian geography is divided into a drainage system, soils, Location of lakes, mountains, minerals, etc.
- It is also important to conduct mock tests when you complete a set of subjects (as given in our time-table above).
This test is for your self-evaluation & facilitate your morale booster rather than lose your self-confidence.
As stated earlier, you should not look to complete the whole syllabus (if you lack time), but to study a topic thoroughly to help you get a perfect score on that topic
Conclusion
A sincere and focused study with motivated & hardworking efforts from your side is the only requirement for preparation and, subsequently, a written exam.
The above articles give you all the information on how to crack CDS exam in your First Attempt, the marks distribution, and a dedicated time-table to help you prepare better
The continued and consistent studies definitely will encourage the motivation level to clear S.S.B in near future
All the Best
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