Clearing the CDS (Combined Defence Services) written exam in the first attempt is a dream for many defence aspirants—and it is absolutely achievable with the right strategy, disciplined preparation, and smart practice. Every year, thousands of candidates appear for CDS, but only a small percentage qualify for the SSB interview.
This article provides a step-by-step, exam-oriented, and realistic preparation guide to help you clear CDS written exam in your very first attempt.
Understand CDS Written Exam Pattern First
Before starting preparation, it is essential to clearly understand the CDS exam structure.
CDS Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA & AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 300 |
For OTA
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
Negative marking: 1/3rd marks deducted
Questions: Objective type
Know the CDS Cut-Off Trend
To clear CDS in the first attempt, aim well above the cut-off, not just around it.
| Academy | Safe Score (Written) |
|---|---|
| IMA | 125–135 |
| INA | 115–125 |
| AFA | 140–150 |
| OTA | 95–105 |
Targeting 10–15 marks above cut-off increases selection chances significantly.
Step-by-Step Strategy to Clear CDS in First Attempt
Step 1: Analyse CDS Syllabus & Weightage
Focus more on high-scoring and frequently asked topics.
English – High Weight Topics
Spotting Errors
Fill in the Blanks
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Reading Comprehension
GK – High Weight Topics
Current Affairs (Last 6–8 months)
History (Modern India)
Geography (India-focused)
Polity (Constitution basics)
Defence & Awards
Science (Class 6–10 level)
Mathematics – High Weight Topics
Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Ratio, Time & Work)
Algebra
Trigonometry
Mensuration
Geometry
Step 2: Create a Smart 3–4 Month Study Plan
Daily Study Time (Ideal)
Weekdays: 4–5 hours
Weekends: 6–8 hours
Suggested Time Allocation
| Subject | Daily Time |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 1.5–2 hrs |
| GK | 1.5 hrs |
| English | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Revision & Practice | 1 hr |
Step 3: Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy
English Preparation Strategy
Learn 15–20 new words daily
Practice previous year questions
Read editorials daily (The Hindu / Indian Express)
Focus on accuracy over attempts
First Attempt Target: 60–70 marks
General Knowledge Preparation Strategy
Read one standard GK book
Follow monthly current affairs
Revise static GK repeatedly
Practice PYQs to understand UPSC trend
First Attempt Target: 50–60 marks
Mathematics Preparation Strategy
Master basic formulas
Focus on speed & accuracy
Practice topic-wise PYQs
Attempt mock tests regularly
First Attempt Target: 55–65 marks
Step 4: Solve Previous Year Question Papers (Must-Do)
Solving CDS previous year papers is the most important step for first-attempt success.
Benefits
Understand real exam difficulty
Identify repeated questions
Improve time management
Reduce exam fear
Solve at least last 10 years’ papers.
Step 5: Mock Test Strategy
How Many Mocks?
Full-length mocks: 15–20
Sectional tests: Unlimited
Golden Rules
Analyse every mock test
Identify weak areas
Avoid blind guessing
Improve accuracy gradually
Step 6: Smart Attempt Strategy in Exam Hall
Ideal Attempts (Safe Zone)
| Subject | Attempts |
|---|---|
| English | 70–75 |
| GK | 65–70 |
| Maths | 60–65 |
Avoid excessive negative marking
Attempt only sure-shot questions
Keep last 10 minutes for review
Step 7: Last 30 Days Revision Plan
Revise formulas daily
Read current affairs notes
Solve 2–3 full mocks per week
Focus on weak topics only
Sleep well & stay calm
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring GK current affairs
Over-attempting in exam
Skipping previous year papers
Studying too many books
Not analysing mock tests
Can Average Students Clear CDS in First Attempt?
Yes, absolutely.
CDS does not require extraordinary intelligence—it requires:
Consistency
Smart planning
Repeated revision
Exam-oriented approach
Many first-attempt toppers were average students with disciplined preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is it possible to clear CDS in first attempt?
Yes, thousands of candidates clear CDS in their first attempt every year with proper strategy.
Q2. How many months are enough for CDS preparation?
3–4 months of focused preparation is sufficient.
Q3. Is coaching necessary to clear CDS?
No. Self-study with the right resources is enough.
Q4. How important are previous year papers for CDS?
Extremely important—they define the exam trend.
Q5. What should be the minimum safe score in CDS written exam?
Aim for 130+ for IMA and 100+ for OTA.
Q6. Can non-math students clear CDS?
Yes, with strong basics and consistent practice.
Final Words
Clearing the CDS written exam in the first attempt is not about studying everything—it’s about studying the right things in the right way. Focus on fundamentals, practice previous year questions, stay consistent, and trust your preparation.
With discipline and smart planning, your first attempt can be your successful attempt 🇮🇳
