CDS 2026 Preparation Tips: Check Complete Strategy for Written & SSB Interview
Combined Defence Services Exam 2025 ( CDS )
Registration - 10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25
CDS Preparation Tips 2026: Time management and hard work are the two key factors for CDS preparation. Candidate should read and understand all the topics mentioned in the CDS syllabus. They should make a daily study plan to prepare all the topics. From previous year question papers, the aspirants can understand the exam pattern as well. Candidates can check below subject-wise UPSC CDS preparation tips.
- CDS Preparation Tips 2026: English, Maths & General Knowledge
- How to Start CDS 2026 Preparation?
- Can I Crack CDS Exam in First Attempt?
- How to prepare for SSB Interview?
- CDS Last Minute Preparation Tips
- CDS Preparation Tips 2026: Solving Previous Year's Question Papers
- CDS 2026 Preparation FAQs
CDS Preparation Tips 2026: English, Maths & General Knowledge
The preparation requires a lot of hard work and devotion. As the syllabus is quite vast, candidates must do the preparation. The selection depends on performance of the students in the written exam and interview, and with good CDS preparation make it to the final selection rounds. Effective preparation for the exam involves strategies that help them use their time optimally and tips that help them to study well.
Candidates can check below the section-wise CDS preparation tips:
English
- To enhance the score in English paper, one must go through the rules of grammar
- Prepare idioms and phrases thoroughly
Also Read:
English Vocabulary: Words, Meaning, Uses, Examples & Worksheet with Answers
Commonly asked questions
Yes. In the CDS exam there is a negative marking. One-third mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer. No mark will be deducted for unanswered questions.
In the last month of preparation for CDS 1 2026, candidates should focus on comprehensive revision of all the key topics, practice mock tests regularly, Work on weak areas, frequent revision, update yourself with current affairs, maintain physical and mental health, focus on areas in which you feel less confident, go through previous year question papers, analyse performance after each mock test, focus on time management, etc.
How to Start CDS 2026 Preparation?
Candidates can check below a few tips and tricks to crack the CDS exam:
CDS Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Those aspiring to crack the CDS exam need to understand the pattern of an exam and syllabus also. This will give them an idea about the topics to be covered for the exam. While studying according to the syllabus, you should jot down all the topics you are confident about and those where you lack knowledge. Try to focus on weaker areas and cope with them as soon as possible to avoid confusion.
Commonly asked questions
The CDS exam requires in depth knowledge and clarity of concepts or conceptual clarity. So, regular solving of mock tests of the CDS exam is essential. It provides an additional advantage that a candidate requires to succeed in the exam. It also helps to test the preparation level and evaluate the progress of the candidate.
It is important for a candidate to clear basics and concepts. Questions asked in this section are of Class 10 standard. Candidates can check below CDS Maths books that will help in the preparation:
- Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal
- Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant Publications
Can I Crack CDS Exam in First Attempt?
Candidates must begin their preparation one year before the exam. Solve previous year question papers to know about the exam.
Can I crack CDS in 3 months?
Candidates should start their preparation two to three months before the exam. The syllabus is vast and they need to cover the same first. After that, they should move towards attempting mock tests.
Commonly asked questions
Here are the list of some of the books which can help candidates in their preparation.
- High School English Grammar & Composition Edition by Wren and Martin
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- English Grammar & Composition by S.C Gupta
The Commission released the CDS 1 and 2 exam date 2026 on the official website in a calendar. The CDS 1 exam will be conducted on April 12, 2026 and the CDS 2 exam will be conducted on September 13, 2026. The candidates must be aware that these dates are released by UPSC through the exam calendar. However, the candidates can prepare for the CDS exams according to the exam date.
How to prepare for SSB Interview?
On the basis of the marks secured in the written exam, candidates are selected for SSB Interview. The test is conducted in two stages. At the SSB Interview centres, candidates are tested on the basis of their intelligence and personality. The Stage I of SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT). Stage II comprises Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. These tests are conducted over four days.
Tips for Physical and Medical Exam
- The height and weight of candidates should be on a standard scale
- Candidates must do regular training and exercise to stay fit
- Before appearing before the medical board, candidates get their full body checkup done to ensure that they do not have any type of illness or disease
Tips for Personal Interview
- During the personal interview, candidates must stay confident and do not get nervous
- Candidates must be able to express their thoughts before the interview panel
- Candidates must hone their communication skill
- Candidates must speak and act like an Officer
Related Links:
Commonly asked questions
The CDS selection process comprises two stages: a written exam and an SSB interview. All candidates who qualify for the written exam are required to register themselves online on the Indian Army Recruiting website - joinindianarmy.nic.in, within two weeks of the announcement of the written test result. After that, candidates are allotted SSB dates and centres.The SSB procedure consists of a two-stage selection process—stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Tests (PP&DT). Stage II Comprises of an interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the conference.
The syllabus of Mathematics consists of Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.
CDS Last Minute Preparation Tips
- Candidates must revise properly all that they have studied for the exam
- Candidates should keep calm before the exam and do not learn any new topic
- As there is a negative marking for incorrect answers. So, candidates should avoid doing guesswork in the exam
- Candidates should take mock tests before the exam
- Manage time effectively
Other Defence Exams Preparation Tips
| NDA Preparation Tips | AFCAT Preparation Tips |
Commonly asked questions
General Knowledge section test awareness of current events and general knowledge of the candidates. Important topics include history of India, Geography, Current Affairs, Indian Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Defence news, etc.
Yes, the English section of the CDS exam is scorable if it is prepared properly. Usually the difficulty level of the exam is moderate.
CDS Preparation Tips 2026: Solving Previous Year's Question Papers
Candidates can check here:
- Try to solve previous years' question papers to know the type of questions asked in the exam
- Solving question papers also helps candidates to know the exam pattern, types of questions, weightage given to topics, etc.
- Solving previous years also helps in managing time
- Candidates can also analyse their performance for the exam and work on the weak areas
Commonly asked questions
Yes, the examination authority will release the CDS Question Papers 2026 officially at upsc.gov.in. The question papers will be released in the form of PDF. Candidates can download the CDS question papers 2026 from this page also for free. The question papers will help candidates to check the difficulty level of the exam, questions asked, pattern changed or not, etc.
The authority (UPSC) will release the CDS answer key for the written examination on the official website.
CDS 2026 Preparation FAQs
Refer CDS 2026 Preparation FAQs Here
Commonly asked questions
The CDS exam is conducted in an offline mode that is in a pen-paper mode. The exam consists of objective type questions and need to mark their answers in an OMR sheet.
Candidates can check the cut off marks for the CDS exam by visiting the official website at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC will release the cutoff according to the academy or course.
CDS Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
Here are the list of some of the books which can help candidates in their preparation.
- High School English Grammar & Composition Edition by Wren and Martin
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- English Grammar & Composition by S.C Gupta
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
The authority released a total of 453 vacancies for the CDS 2 exam 2025 for admission to the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy for courses.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
It is recommended to the candidates to reach the CDS exam centre at least one hour prior to the reporting time. The CDS exam centre allotment is done on a first-apply-first-allot basis.
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, the English section of the CDS exam is scorable if it is prepared properly. Usually the difficulty level of the exam is moderate.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates can check the cut off marks for the CDS exam by visiting the official website at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC will release the cutoff according to the academy or course.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The steps to check the CDS cut off marks is provided below:
- Visit at upsc.gov.in
- Click on the :Examination" tab
- Go to the "Cut Off Marks" dropdown menu.
- Click on the download link and save it for future reference
I
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Yes. In the CDS exam there is a negative marking. One-third mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer. No mark will be deducted for unanswered questions.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The CDS exam is conducted in an offline mode that is in a pen-paper mode. The exam consists of objective type questions and need to mark their answers in an OMR sheet.
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, the CDS 2 application last date to apply was extended to June 20 from June 17, 2025. A one-time extension was provided by the commission. The application correction window was opened from July 7 to July 9, 2025.
S
Contributor-Level 6
UGC NET 2025 Dec Application 7 Oct '25 - 7 Nov '25
What are the best books for the English subject for CDS preparation?