How to prepare for CDS 2023 Elementary Mathematics?
Combined Defence Services Exam 2025 ( CDS )
Registration - 10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25
The Elementary Mathematics of CDS is of moderate level in terms of difficulty level. Read here how to prepare for CDS Elementary Mathematics.
How to Prepare for CDS Mathematics?
The CDS Elementary Mathematics section comprises a total of 100 objective-type questions. The total marks allotted to this test are 100. The standard of this section will be of the Class 10 level. Candidates can clear their basics from high school books. If the concepts are clear, candidates can easily clear this section. Questions in Elementary Mathematics will be moderate in terms of difficulty level. Everything in this section depends on how fast candidates can solve various types of problems and with accuracy. Candidates are advised to solve as many previous years’ question papers to score good marks in this section of CDS exam. Read below for more such tips on how to prepare for CDS Elementary Mathematics.
- How to prepare for CDS Elementary Mathematics?
- What to study for CDS maths?
- Is class 10 maths enough for CDS?
- Distribution of questions in Elementary Maths
- Best books for Elementary Mathematics
How to prepare for CDS Elementary Mathematics?
The Elementary Mathematics section tests a candidate’s calculative skills in the CDS 2023 exam. The Elementary Mathematics section comprises topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geography, Mensuration, and Statistics. Candidates can check below how to prepare for CDS Elementary Mathematics:
- Speed and accuracy play important factors in the exam. These come with repeated practice and analysation of the questions.
- Make a list of important formulas and theorems. Candidates must check for some formulas for Circles, Rectangles, Square, etc. They should also practice Arithmetic formulas for Area & Surface, Volume, Number System, etc
- Make a note of important topics from the CDS syllabus by analysing the previous years’ question papers
- Time Management is another key factor in securing good marks in the exam
- Learn new tricks for solving questions
- Try to adopt your own shortcut methods
- Adopt a systematic approach for each question
- Learn the basics of algebra formulas
- Regularly revise the formulas and shortcuts
- Solve previous years’ CDS question papers This will help candidates in understanding the pattern of questions and formulate a strategy to solve them
- Candidates must attempt full-length and sectional mock test
What to study for CDS maths?
In the Maths section of the CDS exam, candidates should focus on Number System, Elementary Number Theory, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics. The questions asked in the Maths section are of Class 10 standard.
Is class 10 maths enough for CDS?
the Mathematics section comprises 100 objective-type questions making a total of 100 marks. The standard of the Mathematics section is of high school level. Candidates can refer to good books to clear their concepts.
Also Read:
Distribution of questions in Elementary Maths
Candidates can check below the topic-wise distribution of questions in Elementary Mathematics.
| Topics | Number of questions |
|---|---|
| BODMAS/ Simplification |
2 |
| Surds & Indices |
5 |
| Number Systems |
11 |
| Linear Equations |
4 |
| Percentage (Profit & Loss, Interest Rate) |
2 |
| Ratio-Proportions |
1 |
| Mixture-Alligation |
2 |
| Statistics, Data Interpretation |
8 |
| Average- Problems on Ages- Series |
4 |
| Time- Speed- Distance-Work |
5 |
| Mensuration |
16 |
| Quadratic Equations |
10 |
| Trigonometry |
14 |
| Geometry |
11 |
| Coordinate Geometry |
5 |
| Logarithms |
1 |
| Venn Diagrams |
2 |
Best books for Elementary Mathematics
Candidates can refer to the NCERT textbooks for Maths section to learn the basic concepts. Also, candidates can refer to the CDS books given below:
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal
- Quicker Mathematics by M Tyra
- Numerical Ability by Dilhan Publications
- Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal
Read More:
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
12 Oct '25 | IBPS PO Main Exam 2025 |
6 Oct '25 - 12 Oct '25 | IBPS PO 2025 Prelims Scorecard |
31 Jan '25 | RBI Assistant 2025 Notificatio... |
31 Dec '23 | RBI Assistant mains exam 2023 |
23 Aug '25 - 25 Aug '25 | AFCAT 2 2025 exam date |
19 Aug '25 - 25 Aug '25 | AFCAT 2 admit card 2025 |
26 Aug '25 | RPF SI Final Result |
22 Jun '25 - 2 Jul '25 | Physical Test Date |
6 Aug '25 - 8 Aug '25 | SSC Stenographer exam dates 20... |
29 Jul '25 | SSC Stenographer notification ... |
10 Dec '25 | NDA 1 Notification 2026 |
10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25 | NDA 1 Application Form 2026 |
14 Oct '25 | SSC CGL 2025 Tier-I Re-Schedul... |
Oct '25 | SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025 |
12 Jan '23 | Tier 2 exam date for STA-B |
6 Jan '23 - 11 Jan '23 | Tier 1 exam date for Tech A po... |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 hours 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 3 hours 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 4 hours 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 4 hours 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 5 hours 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 5 hours 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 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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 a month ago
Apart from the salary, CDS officers receive several allowances, including DA, high altitude allowance, uniform allowance, transport allowance, medical aid, accommodation, children's education allowance, etc. It depends upon the amount of salary, and it varies depending on the designation and academy
G
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Candidates can check below the CDS 2 2025 age limit:
- IMA: Candidates for IMA should be unmarried and must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2007.
- INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2007, can apply for INA
N
Contributor-Level 6
What are the best books for the English subject for CDS preparation?