The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a premier and the most coveted entry for aspirants who want to join the Indian Armed Forces. The 2025 CDS exam is around the corner and the first step towards success is starting early. The syllabus must be efficiently completed with a dedicated and hardworking study plan. Well, here is a 5-month study plan that helps you seamlessly prepare for the CDS exam online test and gives you a good chance at cracking the exam!

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• Month 1: Foundation and Syllabus Mapping

Key Focus Areas:

• Understand the Syllabus: The introductory point is to become completely familiar with the CDS syllabus. Gaining control over the entire syllabus and dividing it into General English, General Knowledge (GK), and Elementary Mathematics is important.
• Finding Strengths and Weaknesses: By taking a CDS free mock test you will be able to identify which areas you are good at and in which of the subjects you are weak.
• Process of Gathering: Obtain fundamental study materials such as NCERT books for Mathematics, and General Knowledge, and refer to standard English books like Wren and Martin.

Strategy:

• General English: Kick off the skill refreshment by revising commonly applied grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Read newspapers daily for current affairs.
• Mathematics: Review the foundational topics of algebra, arithmetic, and geometry. Solve problems to attain both speed and accuracy.
• General Knowledge: Prioritize static GK (history, geography, political science) and current affairs.

• Month 2: Concept Building and Practice

Key Focus Areas:

• Mathematics: We recommend starting with the easier topics like Number System, Time and Work and Profit And Loss. Proceed slowly to advanced topics like Trigonometry and Mensuration
• English: Besides, solving comprehension passages also focuses on synonyms, antonyms and one-word substitution along with vocabulary building.
• General Knowledge: Begin with newspapers and magazines for current affairs. Mini Milestones in Indian History & Geography

Strategy:

• Dedicate one hour daily to English, one and a half hours to Math, and one hour to GK.
• Begin the process of attempting the CDS test series to develop time management skills.

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• Month 3: Advanced Topics and Full-Length Practice

Key Focus Areas:

• Mathematics: Master higher-order concepts by diving deep into subjects like Algebra, Trigonometry, and Geometry. Go through the question papers of the last year’s examinations.
• English: The writing skill development should be initiated by moving up to more intricate comprehension passages and better writing quality.
• General Knowledge: Be well-versed in Indian Politics, Economics, and Science & Technology.

Strategy:

• Devote more time to practising the previous year’s papers.
• Take weekly mock tests to simulate the exam environment and improve speed.

• Month 4: Revision and Speed Building

Key Focus Areas:

• Revision: Spend this month on revision of all the topics you have covered until now.
• Time Management: Practice solving the questions in a fixed time limit. In the CDS exam, time management is very important, hence practice is the main aspect.
• CDS free mock test: You should try to give at least 2 full-length mock tests every week to gauge your progress.

Strategy:

• Find out your weaknesses and plan regular “get-overs” for them.
• Consider these important topics: Probability, Mensuration, and Modern History.

Recommended Links: 

Best CDS Previous Year Question Paper with Solutions For 2024 Exam

Best CDS Books for 2024 Exam – Click Here

CDS Syllabus for 2024 Exam – Click Here

• Month 5: Final Review and Exam Strategy

Key Focus Areas:

• Key Topics Revision: Last month, try to focus on high-yield topics, such as Indian History, Geography, and English Grammar.
• Daily Mock Test Simulation: Do a mock test daily to refine your strategy. Emphasis on timing during the CDS exam online test.
• Economic Affairs: Stay abreast of current defence, sports & international relationships affairs.

Strategy:

• Make time management and accuracy in mock tests your first concern.
• Train in techniques of relaxing to remain calm on the exam day.

• To Conclude

The CDS 2025 exam requires a 5-month preparation period to increase success. Key drivers include consistency, self-discipline, and effective study techniques. To achieve success, follow the plan, track progress, and find ways to motivate yourself throughout the process.