Preparing for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2026 from scratch may seem challenging, but with the right strategy, disciplined routine, and clear understanding of the exam, cracking CDS is absolutely achievable—even for beginners.
This complete guide explains how to start CDS preparation from zero, covering study planning, subject-wise strategy, daily routine, mock tests, fitness, and SSB readiness, all explained step by step.
📌 Understanding CDS 2026 – First Step Before Preparation
Before starting preparation, you must clearly understand what CDS demands.
CDS 2026 Exam Stages
Written Examination
English
General Knowledge (GK)
Mathematics (Not for OTA)
SSB Interview
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
📌 OTA candidates: English + GK only
📌 IMA / INA / AFA candidates: English + GK + Maths
🧭 STEP 1: Set Your Target & Choose the Right Academy
Start by deciding:
Which academy you are aiming for (IMA / INA / AFA / OTA)
Which CDS attempt (CDS-I or CDS-II 2026)
Why this matters
Maths is required only for IMA/INA/AFA
OTA preparation is English + GK focused
Your strategy depends on the academy choice
📅 STEP 2: Create a Realistic CDS 2026 Study Plan
Ideal Preparation Duration
Beginners: 8–10 months
Intermediate level: 6 months
Revision focused: 3–4 months
Daily Study Time
Minimum: 4–5 hours
Ideal: 6–8 hours
Sample Daily Schedule
English: 1.5 hours
GK / Current Affairs: 2 hours
Maths (if applicable): 2 hours
Revision + Practice: 1 hour
📘 STEP 3: Master the CDS Syllabus (Very Important)
Never study blindly. Stick strictly to the CDS syllabus.
Subjects in CDS 2026
English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension
GK: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Current Affairs
Maths: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics
📌 Print the syllabus and keep it in front of your study table.
📖 STEP 4: Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy
🔤 English Preparation Strategy
Focus Areas
Grammar rules
Vocabulary
Reading comprehension
How to Start from Scratch
Learn basic grammar concepts first
Read newspapers daily
Practice error spotting & comprehension regularly
Daily Task
20 new words
1 grammar topic
2 comprehension passages
🌍 General Knowledge (GK) Preparation Strategy
GK is the most scoring yet tricky section.
Divide GK into Two Parts
Static GK
History
Geography
Polity
Economy
Science
Current Affairs
National & international news
Defence news
Awards, sports, appointments
How to Prepare
Static GK: Concept clarity + revision
Current Affairs: Daily + monthly revision
📌 Defence-related current affairs are very important for CDS.
➗ Mathematics Preparation Strategy (IMA/INA/AFA)
Level: Class 10+2
How to Start from Zero
Begin with Arithmetic (easiest & scoring)
Learn formulas properly
Practice daily to improve speed
Priority Order
Arithmetic
Algebra
Trigonometry
Geometry & Mensuration
Statistics
📌 Accuracy is more important than attempts due to negative marking.
🧠 STEP 5: Smart Study Techniques for CDS 2026
✔ Use short notes for revision
✔ Revise weekly & monthly
✔ Focus on accuracy, not guesswork
✔ Practice topic-wise questions
✔ Analyze mistakes regularly
📝 STEP 6: Practice Previous Year Question Papers
This is non-negotiable.
Why PYQs Are Important
Understand exam trend
Know difficulty level
Identify important topics
Improve time management
📌 Solve at least 10–15 years of CDS papers.
⏱️ STEP 7: Mock Tests & Time Management
When to Start Mock Tests
After completing 60–70% syllabus
Mock Test Strategy
Start with subject-wise tests
Then full-length mocks
Analyze every test deeply
📌 Mock tests convert preparation into performance.
🏃 STEP 8: Physical Fitness & SSB Preparation (Start Early)
Many candidates fail after written exam due to poor fitness or SSB preparation.
Daily Fitness Routine
Running (2–4 km)
Push-ups & sit-ups
Stretching & flexibility exercises
SSB Preparation Basics
Improve communication skills
Build confidence
Practice logical reasoning
Develop officer-like qualities (OLQs)
⚠️ STEP 9: Avoid Common Mistakes
❌ Ignoring Maths till the end
❌ Studying without syllabus
❌ Skipping revision
❌ No mock test practice
❌ Neglecting fitness
📌 STEP 10: Last 2 Months Revision Strategy
Revise short notes daily
Practice mock tests every 2–3 days
Focus on weak areas
Avoid new topics
Maintain health & sleep cycle
🎯 CDS 2026 Preparation Summary
✔ Clear goal & academy selection
✔ Strong syllabus understanding
✔ Consistent daily study
✔ Regular revision & mocks
✔ Physical + mental fitness
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I crack CDS 2026 starting from scratch?
Yes, with disciplined preparation, proper strategy, and consistency, beginners can crack CDS.
Q2. How many hours should I study daily for CDS?
Ideally 6–8 hours, but even 4–5 focused hours are sufficient if consistent.
Q3. Is coaching necessary for CDS preparation?
No, self-study with the right resources and practice is enough.
Q4. Which subject is most important in CDS?
All subjects are equally important. For OTA, English & GK are crucial.
Q5. When should I start SSB preparation?
Start basic SSB and fitness preparation alongside written exam prep.
Q6. How many mock tests should I attempt?
At least 20–30 full-length mock tests before the exam.
Q7. Is CDS tougher than NDA?
CDS is slightly tougher academically but easier physically compared to NDA.
🔚 Final Words
Preparing for CDS 2026 from scratch requires clarity, consistency, and commitment. If you follow this step-by-step strategy, stay disciplined, and believe in yourself, cracking CDS and becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces is well within your reach.
