CDS Preparation Guide
UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)
Your Complete Preparation Guide for CDS 2027 — strategy, study plan, tips & more.
Exam Overview
Mode
Offline (OMR)
Frequency
Twice a year
Next Exam Date
February 2027
EEligibility Criteria
Graduate degree; age 19–25 years (IMA/AFA), 19–22 years (INA)
ANumber of Attempts
No restriction within age limit
Study Plan by Subject
English
Week 1-4: Foundation
Core concepts & basics
Week 5-8: Deep Practice
Advanced problems & revision
Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision
Full-length tests & weak-area focus
Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list
General Knowledge
Week 1-4: Foundation
Core concepts & basics
Week 5-8: Deep Practice
Advanced problems & revision
Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision
Full-length tests & weak-area focus
Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list
Mathematics
Week 1-4: Foundation
Core concepts & basics
Week 5-8: Deep Practice
Advanced problems & revision
Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision
Full-length tests & weak-area focus
Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list
Expert Preparation Tips
Prepare English grammar — fill-in-the-blanks, sentence correction, and comprehension are high-scoring areas
Study current affairs with a focus on defence news, international relations, and Indian history for GK
Practise elementary mathematics — HCF/LCM, percentages, mensuration, and trigonometry are frequently tested
Solve previous 8 years CDS papers to identify recurring question patterns in each section
Exam Pattern at a Glance
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 100 | 120 min |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 100 | 120 min |
| Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 120 min |
| Total | 300 | 300 | 360 min |
Important Dates
Registration Opens
November 2026
Next Exam Date
February 2027
Conducted By
UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)
Frequently Asked Questions
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