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A focused preparation guide for the Combined Defence Services Examination. Build knowledge, sharpen your thinking and prepare for the responsibility of leadership.
EXPLORE CDS PREPARATION ↗ CONNECT WITH USDISCIPLINE · KNOWLEDGE · SERVICE
More Than An Examination
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to specified officer-training courses in the Indian Armed Forces.
Preparing for CDS calls for a balanced approach: strong English, awareness of India and the world, subject knowledge, consistent practice and readiness for the Services Selection Board process.
At Dr Kanchan's ABS Coaching Hub, this page is designed as a student-friendly guide to the examination and its preparation.
UNDERSTAND THE EXAM
Master Every Stage
Understand the main written papers and build a consistent preparation routine.
English
Practise grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, spotting errors, ordering of sentences, comprehension and correct usage.
General Knowledge
Study history, geography, polity, economics, science, environment and relevant current affairs through regular revision.
Elementary Mathematics
For IMA, INA and AFA entries, revise arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration and statistics.
SSB Preparation
Develop communication, reasoning, teamwork, decision-making, self-awareness and a balanced understanding of leadership.
*The Elementary Mathematics paper is not part of the written examination for OTA entry.
CDS Examination Pattern
Written papers are objective type. Each paper has a two-hour duration under the published scheme.
| Entry | Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA / INA / AFA | English | 100 | 2 hours |
| IMA / INA / AFA | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| IMA / INA / AFA | Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours |
| IMA / INA / AFA | Total written | 300 | 6 hours total |
| OTA | English | 100 | 2 hours |
| OTA | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| OTA | Total written | 200 | 4 hours total |
Negative Marking
Wrong answers attract a penalty of one-third of the marks assigned to the question. Avoid random guessing and read the current notification carefully.
SSB Marks
The maximum SSB marks are 300 for IMA, INA and AFA, and 200 for OTA, under the published examination scheme.
Always verify the latest examination notice for the current cycle, syllabus, eligibility, vacancies and marking rules.
Subject-Wise Syllabus Guide
Organise your preparation around core topics, practice and revision.
English
- Parts of speech and sentence structure
- Tenses, articles and prepositions
- Spotting errors and sentence improvement
- Synonyms, antonyms and idioms
- Ordering of sentences and comprehension
General Knowledge
- Indian history and freedom movement
- Indian and world geography
- Constitution and Indian polity
- Basic physics, chemistry and biology
- Economics, environment and current affairs
Mathematics
- Arithmetic, percentages and ratios
- Algebra and quadratic equations
- Trigonometry and identities
- Geometry and mensuration
- Statistics and basic number systems
The SSB Journey
The Services Selection Board assesses a candidate's suitability for officer training through a structured selection process.
Stage I — Screening
Typically includes the Officer Intelligence Rating tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT).
Stage II — Assessment
Includes psychological assessments, group tasks and a personal interview as part of the prescribed process.
Medical & Merit
Recommended candidates undergo the prescribed medical examination. Final selection depends on eligibility, merit and available vacancies.
Build Officer-Like Qualities
- Practise clear and honest communication.
- Develop teamwork and practical problem-solving.
- Improve reasoning and decision-making.
- Maintain physical fitness and a healthy routine.
- Reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement.
Your Weekly Preparation Plan
Use this sample as a starting point and adjust it to your level and available study time.
| Day | Primary Focus | Practice Task |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | English | Grammar and vocabulary questions |
| Tuesday | General Knowledge | History and short revision notes |
| Wednesday | Mathematics* | Topic exercises and error review |
| Thursday | English | Comprehension and timed practice |
| Friday | General Knowledge | Science, geography and current affairs |
| Saturday | Mock Test | Timed paper and mistake analysis |
| Sunday | Revision | Review weak topics and plan the next week |
*OTA candidates can use the Mathematics slot for additional English and General Knowledge practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDS?
CDS stands for Combined Defence Services. UPSC conducts the examination for admission to specified officer-training courses in the armed forces.
Can OTA candidates skip Mathematics?
Yes. The CDS written examination for OTA consists of English and General Knowledge; the Elementary Mathematics paper is for IMA, INA and AFA entries.
Is clearing the written exam enough?
No. Candidates must complete the relevant SSB, medical and merit-selection stages and satisfy all eligibility conditions.
Where can I check official eligibility?
Check the latest CDS notification on the UPSC official website. Age, educational qualification, marital status and other conditions vary by academy and entry.
How should I start studying?
Begin with the official syllabus, set a realistic weekly timetable, solve previous-year papers and analyse your mistakes after every mock test.
DR KANCHAN'S ABS COACHING HUB
Interested in CDS preparation or learning programmes? Contact the institute for verified course details, timings and enrolment information.
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