CDS Last Minute Preparation Tips 2023; Cracking the Codes for CDS 1

Combined Defence Services Exam 2025 ( CDS )

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Exam On: 13 Apr '25

Updated on Mar 27, 2023 16:07 IST

CDS 1 2023 exam is scheduled to be conducted on April 16, 2023. During the days leading to the exam, candidates must focus on revision. Here are some relevant last-minute CDS preparation tips 2023.

CDS Last Minute Preparation Tips

CDS Last Minute Preparation Tips 2023

UPSC CDS Minute Preparation Tips 2023: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct CDS 1 2023 exam on April 16, 2023, to select candidates for admission to the courses commencing at Indian Miltary Academy, Dehradun, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala in July 2023 and Officers Training Academy, Chennai courses. With a month left for CDS 1 2023 exam, candidates are facing last-minute jitters worrying about their preparation levels and how they will perform in the exam. During the last phase of preparation, candidates need to focus more on revision without touching any new topic. They must have a clear idea of the subjects, papers, and exam pattern. Candidates should practice previous years' question papers and attempt mock tests. Besides, doing the usual revision, candidates need to work on framing the exam day strategy that should include how many questions they need to attempt within the time duration, keep the printout of the admit card & other documents ready, etc. In this article, we have provided a few CDS last-minute preparation tips that will help candidates ace the exam. 

CDS Last Minute Preparation Tips 2023

The CDS 2023 exam (written) for IMA, INA, and AFA comprises three sections, English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. While the exam for admission to OTA comprises two sections, English and General Knowledge. According to the CDS exam pattern, the Mathematics paper will have 100 questions with two hours allocated for the exam. The English paper will have 120 questions, with a time limit of two hours. The General Knowledge will have a total of 120 questions, with a time limit of two hours. The CDS syllabus is vast, and requires months of preparation and guidance. Here is how you can prepare to add the finishing touches days before the exam.

CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 

The candidates preparing for the upcoming CDS 1 exam must know the CDS exam pattern before appearing in the exam. The exam format will aid candidates in fully comprehending the CDS exam. The candidate must read the complete CDS syllabus in addition to the exam pattern, and with one month left, candidates should choose topics they are familiar with.

Don’t Touch New Topics

During the final phase of exam preparation, do not study any new topic, because you may not be able to grasp the concept properly. This leaves the risk of creating unnecessary confusion. It is better to revise the topics you have already studied.

Also Read: UPSC CDS Exam Centres

Formulate Section-Wise Strategies

For Mathematics, note down tricks, formulas, and strategies. This will help you to refresh mathematical concepts in a short span. You can still brush up on your vocabulary and read through synonyms, antonyms, and idioms to make sure you don’t leave out anything important in the English section. Go through the current affairs. You need to revise extensively important events, dates, venues, names, and recent activities.

Revision

It is important to revisit the topics that you have covered. Do not revise books and chapters rather, make short and simple notes. This way you can simply glance through them to refresh the topics in your mind.

Practice Question Papers

Solving previous years’ CDS question papers is a good idea, as it braces you for the exam. You can improve your accuracy and question-solving ability.

Check Required Stationaries

Make sure that you have kept the CDS admit card and required seditionaries such as pen and pencil at a convenient place.

Sleep Properly

Rejuvenate your strength. Sleep properly and on time, and be refreshed both physically and mentally.

Be Positive and Confident

Approach the exam with a positive attitude. Be confident in your preparation and give it your best.

CDS Exam Day Guidelines 2023

Candidates can check below a few CDS exam day guidelines:

  • Candidates need to carry Aadhaar Card/Voter Card/PAN Card/Passport/Driving License/Any other photo ID card issued by the state/central government
  • It must be noted that entry into the exam hall will close 10 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the exam. No candidate will be allowed entry into the exam venue after the closure of the entry gate
  • Candidates should bring a black ball-point pen to the examination hall
  • Wearing a mask is mandatory for all candidates
  • Candidates without a mask will not be allowed to enter the exam venue
  • Candidates are allowed to bring their own hand sanitizer in transparent
  • Candidates must follow COVID-19 norms of social distancing and personal hygiene

Read More: CDS 1 2023 Exam Schedule 

CDS 2023 Preparation FAQs

Q: When should I start preparing for CDS exam?

A: The candidates who want to qualify for the CDS exam must start preparing from the twelfth standard. The  CDS exam is one of the toughest exam in the India. The candidates must start revising the syllabus for the CDS exam 6 months before the exam to qualify for the CDS exam.

Q: What is the first and foremost step towards CDS preparation?

A: The first and foremost step towards CDS preparation is going through the syllabus and exam pattern. Then the candidates start preparing for the CDS exam by covering all the sections in the syllabus. The candidates must take the mock test and solve previous years questions to score maximum marks in the exam.

Q: Is it necessary to solve the previous years' CDS question papers?

A: Solving the previous years' CDS question papers helps candidates to know the exam pattern, type of questions, weightage given to topics. It also helps in developing the time management skill for the CDS exam.

Q: I am not good at Mathematics. How can I crack CDS exam?

A: You can solve previous years' CDS question papers and attempt mock tests as much as you can. To brush your fundamentals, refer to the high school books. Make a list of all the important formulas, theorems, identities, etc., and revise them daily.
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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

If you have completed Part I and Part II of the application form for UPSC CDS and also paid, but are not able to select an exam center, then there are a few things you can do;

Check your Form:

Ensure that each required section is filled in appropriately in both parts of the application form.
Sometimes,

...more

23637249
Ujjwal Gupta

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks ago

CDS 1 2025 application form correction window was closed. The authority extended the last date to apply for the CDS 1 2025. The last date to apply for CDS 1 2025 was January 1, 2025.

G

Gunjan Majumder

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 3 weeks ago

Your sister can surely give the CDS exam. Since she is class 12 and studying Biology, she needs to complete her graduation first, as CDS exam requires candidates to be a graduate from any recognised university.

K

Khushi Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Any OBC girl is free to apply for the CDS-I examination under reservation benefits extended by the government.

The eligibility of OBCs, including girls, is similar to that of general categories regarding age and educational qualifications. However, here his age limit has been relaxed and certain seat

...more

U

Udaya Bhaskar rao

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

You would be eligible to take the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in April 2025 if you were between the ages of 20 and 24 on January 1, 2025. You would be 24 years old in December 2024 because your birthday is December 15, 2000, hence you would be eligible to apply for the CDS exam in April 2

...more

K

Kritika Kumari

Contributor-Level 10