How to Prepare for CDS Exam Along with College Studies

Cracking the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam while managing college studies can seem like an uphill task. After all, you're juggling lectures, assignments, college events, and personal life — and in between, trying to chase your dream of wearing the uniform! But believe it or not, thousands of aspirants crack CDS while still in college — and with the right strategy, you can too.

In this blog, we'll share a practical, step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the CDS exam along with your college studies, without losing your mind (or your grades)!

Why Prepare for CDS During College?

First, let's understand why it's a smart move:

• You Save Time: Instead of waiting till graduation, you can attempt CDS while in your final year.

• Fresh Academic Mind: You're already in a study mode — using it for CDS gives you an advantage.

• Multiple Attempts: Starting early gives you more chances to crack the exam if needed.

• Momentum for SSB: Once you clear the written, you can immediately focus on SSB interviews.

The earlier you start, the closer you are to becoming an officer!

Understanding the CDS Exam Pattern

Before you dive into preparation, you must understand the structure of the CDS exam:

For IMA, INA, AFA	For OTA
English (100 marks)	English (100 marks)
General Knowledge (100 marks)	General Knowledge (100 marks)
Elementary Mathematics (100 marks)

Exam Duration: 2 hours for each paper 

Type: Objective (MCQ) 

Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd marks deducted for each wrong answer)

Pro Tip: If you're targeting OTA (Officers Training Academy), you don't need to prepare for Mathematics — only English and GK!

Step-by-Step Strategy: Balancing College and CDS Preparation

1. Create a Realistic Study Schedule

College life is unpredictable. One day you have free lectures, another day you're loaded with submissions.

Solution? Flexible but consistent study plan.

✅ Set small, daily targets.

✅ Study 2–3 hours daily, preferably early morning or late evening.

✅ Use weekends for mock tests and revision.

Example:

• Monday-Friday: 2 hours daily (1 subject)

• Saturday: Full mock test + weak topics

• Sunday: Revision 

2. Prioritize Important Topics

You don't need to mug up everything. Smart work beats hard work.

English Focus:

• Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms)

• Spotting Errors

• Comprehension Passages

• Sentence Arrangement

GK Focus:

• Current Affairs (last 6-8 months)

• Indian Polity (very important!)

• History (Modern India focus)

• Geography (Indian and World)

• Defence-related news

Maths Focus (for IMA/INA/AFA aspirants):

• Basic Arithmetic

• Algebra

• Trigonometry

• Geometry

• Mensuration

• Statistics

Tip: Focus first on high-weightage, easy-to-score topics.

3. Utilize Micro-Moments of Free Time

Waiting for a professor? Traveling in metro? Use these small pockets of time!

✅ Read Current Affairs (download apps like PIB, GKToday) 

✅ Revise flashcards for vocabulary and formulas

✅ Solve 5-10 math questions daily 

✅ Watch short YouTube videos on Polity or History

Small habits daily = Big results over months.

4. Combine College Studies with CDS Preparation

Some college subjects overlap with CDS syllabus — use them!

• If you are a B.A. Political Science student: Your Polity is already strong.

• If you are from Engineering background: Maths will be easier for you.

• If you have History as a subject: Use it for GK advantage.

Tip: Instead of treating CDS prep and college studies separately, integrate them smartly.

5. Master Time Management

Time is your biggest enemy or friend — depending on how you use it.

🔹 Make a weekly planner every Sunday night. 

🔹 Allocate time for lectures, CDS preparation, fun, and family. 

🔹 Stick to your plan at least 80% of the time.

Remember: Consistency matters more than intensity.

Even 2 hours daily = 60 hours a month = 720 hours in a year! (That’s more than enough to crack CDS.)

Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers:

• Solve last 5-10 years CDS papers religiously!

• Join a reputed coaching for mock tests (online/offline).

How Cavalier Coaching  Helps You in Your CDS Journey

At Cavalier Delhi (Since 2001), we understand the challenges college students face. That’s why our CDS coaching programs are designed for busy schedules:

✅ Expert faculty for English, GK, and Maths

✅ Personalized study plans

✅ Regular mock tests to track your progress

✅ Doubt-clearing sessions

With guidance from India’s No.1 Defence Academy, balancing college and CDS preparation becomes easier and more effective!

Need help getting started? Book a FREE consultation with Cavalier Delhi (Since 2001) today!

📞 Call: 8766375168

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Ignoring Current Affairs: Static GK alone won't help.

🚫 Overloading Yourself: Don't study for 8-10 hours on a single day and burnout.

🚫 Last-Minute Cramming: CDS demands gradual and daily effort.

🚫 Skipping Mock Tests: They are crucial to improve speed and accuracy.

Conclusion: Start Now, Stay Consistent

Preparing for the CDS exam along with college studies is absolutely possible — provided you have the right mindset, the right plan, and the right support.

Every day you delay, you lose an opportunity. Every day you stay consistent, you come closer to your dream.

Your journey to the uniform starts NOW — not after college, not after exams, not after vacations.

Remember: "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations."

With determination, a smart strategy, and the right guidance from institutes like Cavalier Coaching, your dream of becoming an Armed Forces officer can become a reality.

So gear up, stay focused, and march ahead towards your goal!

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳