The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, conducted by UPSC, is one of the toughest competitive exams in India. Out of the three sections—English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics—the English section often becomes a game-changer for aspirants. With 120 questions carrying 100 marks, this section tests not only your command of English but also your ability to use it effectively under exam pressure.
If you are preparing for the CDS I 2026 Exam (April attempt), this guide will help you master Vocabulary, Grammar, and Comprehension with proven strategies, resources, and smart preparation tips.
Importance of English in CDS 2026 Exam
Questions: 120
Marks: 100
Duration: 2 hours
Negative Marking: 1/3rd per wrong answer
The English section includes spotting errors, sentence improvement, synonyms-antonyms, idioms & phrases, comprehension passages, ordering of words/sentences, and fill-in-the-blanks.
Scoring well in English ensures a strong overall cut-off clearance.
How to Prepare Vocabulary for CDS I 2026
Vocabulary is one of the most important areas of the CDS English paper. It includes synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, and one-word substitutions.
Tips for Vocabulary Preparation:
Read Newspapers Daily: Focus on The Hindu and Indian Express.
Maintain a Vocabulary Journal: Write down new words, meanings, and usage.
Learn Idioms & Phrases: UPSC often repeats them.
Practice Synonyms-Antonyms: Use standard books like Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.
Revise Frequently: Without revision, retention becomes weak.
👉 Victor Growth Advantage: Students at Victor Growth receive curated vocabulary lists and practice sets focusing on frequently asked CDS words.
How to Prepare Grammar for CDS I 2026
Grammar questions form the backbone of the CDS English paper. These include error spotting, sentence improvement, ordering of words, and fill-in-the-blanks.
Key Grammar Topics to Cover:
Subject-Verb Agreement
Tenses and Sequence of Tenses
Active & Passive Voice
Direct & Indirect Speech
Articles & Prepositions
Modals and Conditionals
Common Error Patterns
Tips for Grammar Preparation:
Revise basic rules from Wren & Martin’s High School Grammar.
Practice previous year CDS grammar questions.
Identify your weak areas (e.g., prepositions, tenses) and work on them.
Attempt daily error spotting exercises.
👉 Victor Growth Advantage: Special grammar-focused classes and worksheets help aspirants master rules through repeated practice.
How to Prepare Comprehension for CDS I 2026
Comprehension passages in CDS test your reading speed, understanding, and analytical skills. They usually consist of 4–5 passages with 3–5 questions each.
Tips for Comprehension Preparation:
Read Editorials Daily: They improve both vocabulary and comprehension.
Practice Speed Reading: Learn to grasp meaning without re-reading.
Focus on Keywords: Pay attention to tone, theme, and logical flow.
Avoid Guessing: Answers are always based on the passage.
Practice Past Papers: This will help you understand the level of questions.
👉 Victor Growth Advantage: Students are trained with editorial analysis sessions and CDS-specific comprehension drills.
Recommended Books & Resources for CDS English
Wren & Martin’s High School Grammar & Composition
Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
Objective General English – S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)
CDS Pathfinder – Arihant
Victor Growth Study Materials – Topic-wise English handouts, practice sheets, and mock tests.
Practice Plan for CDS I 2026 English
Phase 1 (Sept 2024 – Sept 2025): Foundation
Build strong grammar basics.
Start vocabulary building (10–15 new words daily).
Read newspapers regularly.
Phase 2 (Oct 2025 – Jan 2026): Application
Practice previous 10 years’ CDS English papers.
Strengthen idioms, synonyms, and sentence improvement.
Take weekly mock tests.
Phase 3 (Feb – April 2026): Revision & Mock Tests
Revise grammar notes.
Revise vocabulary lists and idioms.
Attempt full-length mocks for speed and accuracy.
Why Choose Victor Growth for CDS English Preparation?
Expert Faculty: Trainers specializing in CDS English.
Vocabulary Capsules: Weekly lists of synonyms, antonyms, idioms & one-word substitutions.
Grammar Drills: Focused exercises for error spotting and sentence improvement.
Comprehension Practice: Editorial-based reading sessions.
Mock Tests & Doubt Clearing: Replicate real exam environment.
👉 With Victor Growth’s structured program, students gain accuracy, speed, and confidence in tackling English in CDS I 2026.
FAQs on CDS I 2026 English Preparation
Q1. How to start preparing for CDS English?
Begin with grammar basics (Wren & Martin), build daily vocabulary, and solve previous year question papers.
Q2. How many months are required to prepare for CDS English?
At least 6–8 months of consistent preparation is ideal.
Q3. Is vocabulary more important than grammar in CDS?
Both are equally important. Grammar helps in error spotting & sentence correction, while vocabulary is needed for synonyms, antonyms, and comprehension.
Q4. How can I improve my comprehension skills for CDS?
Read newspaper editorials daily, practice speed reading, and attempt CDS-level comprehension passages.
Q5. Why choose Victor Growth for CDS English preparation?
Victor Growth offers targeted English coaching, practice sheets, and mock tests designed specifically for CDS, ensuring focused and result-driven preparation.
✅ Conclusion:
To ace the English section of CDS I 2026, focus on strengthening vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills through consistent practice. With the right books, a disciplined plan, and Victor Growth’s expert guidance, you can maximize your English score and move closer to your dream of joining the Armed Forces.
