How to prepare for CDS 2023 Elementary Mathematics?
Combined Defence Services Exam 2026 ( CDS )
Registration - 20 May '26 - 9 Jun '26
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:
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 5 days ago
There are various coaching institutes for CDS in Dehradun. Some of them are Doon Defence Dreamers, Centurion Defence Academy, Brigadier Defence Academy, etc. It will be better to visit personally to the coaching institutes in Dehradun, take the reviews regarding faculties, infrastructure, requiremen
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
Doon Defence Dreamers as per the results and reputation is considered to be the top choice institute for the CDS preparation. But before joining any institute, it will be better to visit the campus in Dehradun, evaluate the faculty, infrastructure and the guidance provided there.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 5 days ago
There are several CDS coaching institutes in Dehradun which provides comprehensive written and SSB guidance. Some of the academies are mentioned below:
Centurion Defence Academy
Prasad's Banking SSC and CDS Coaching Institution
Major Kalshi Classes
Dehradun Defence School, etc.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
The top CDS coaching institute in Dehradun include Cadets Defence Academy, often recognised for high selection rates and tailored SSB training, and Dehradun National Academy of Defence (DNAD). Candidates can check below for some of the other notable institutes -
1. Centurion Defence Academy
2. Doon De
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
In the CDS exam, a good score varies as per the academy. Generally as per the experts, 120 to 150+ in the written exam for IMA/INA/AFA and 90 to 110+ for OTA are considered to be the good score along with the strong SSB performance. Also, cutoff changes every year and candidates required a minimum
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Generally, the CDS 1 exam is considered to be moderate to difficult level as the syllabus is vast and consists of challenges which are subject specific. But as per the previous year trend it is moderate in difficulty level. With proper strategy, consistency and hard work exam can be cracked by the c
C
Contributor-Level 6
Can anyone share honest reviews about CDS coaching in Dehradun? Are there better options for best CDS coaching in Dehradun?