UPSC CDS Preparation Tips 2024 - Study Plan, Books, Important Topics

Updated By Tiyasa Khanra on 30 Nov, 2023 12:38

42 days Remaining for the exam

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UPSC CDS Preparation Tips 2024

UPSC CDS Preparation Tips 2024: The UPSC CDS 2024 examination is conducted twice every year and in order to ace the exam it is indeed very important to find a solid answer to the question- How to prepare for UPSC CDS 2024? Gone are those days when the aspirants could crack an All India level entrance examination like UPSC CDS merely by seeking guidance from their seniors or going to a reputed coaching center as a part of their preparation strategy for the UPSC CDS examination. In today’s cut-throat competitive world, the aspirants will need a lot more than mere hard work in order to prepare for UPSC CDS 2024 Exam. The best preparation tips and tricks to succeed in UPSC CDS 2024 exam is now available on this page which will be helpful for the aspirants to clear the exam with ease.

In order to prepare well for the UPSC CDS 2024, the aspirants have to be well aware of the UPSC CDS 2024 Syllabus, marking scheme, and exam pattern which will play a major role in helping them to single out the more important topics from the lesser important topics. UPSC CDS 2024 preparation tricks may also involve the aspirants preparing a timetable, referring to the best available resources which have been discussed in detail in the following sections below.

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UPSC CDS Preparation Tips - Subject-wise

Preparation Tips for UPSC 2024 English Paper 

  • To prepare for English, one can develop the habit of reading the newspaper regularly. Reading the newspaper improves not only one's vocabulary but also one's knowledge of the subject.
  • One can refer to basic grammar books to clear the concepts.
  • Try to learn a couple of new words on a daily basis. By doing this, a candidate will soon find that he/she is developing a good hold of the language.
  • When a candidate starts learning new words, he/she should also try to learn their antonyms and synonyms and also how to use the words in sentences. Try solving previous year's question papers so that candidate has an idea of what to expect.

Preparation Tips for UPSC CDS 2024 General Knowledge Paper

  • Read newspapers regularly and watch television for the latest happenings in and around the world.
  • Read magazines that cover varied topics ranging from economy to business to trade policies to the latest awardees in the fields of sports, art, and literature. In short, just be aware of all the topics because questions can come from anywhere.
  • Refer to past question papers and see the pattern of occurrence of the questions. That will give an idea as to which topics to concentrate on. 

Preparation Tips for UPSC CDS 2024 Elementary Mathematics Paper

  • Revise all the topics thoroughly.
  • First, the candidate must choose those topics in which they are strong. Later, they can move on to the difficult ones and try to practice as much as possible.
  • Concentrate on having a clear concept of all the topics.

Preparation Tips for UPSC CDS Personal interview: Intelligence and Personality Test Preparation Tips

  • Concentrate and develop reasoning ability, written and oral expressions, self-confidence, courage, and a positive and cheerful attitude.
  • Train your mind to think clearly, rationally and logically.
  • Try to improve the way you can influence people through logical arguments.
  • Improve your communication skills.
  • Try to have a very strong hold on the English language.
  • Train yourself to respect your seniors and juniors.
  • Develop a cooperative and responsible attitude, which will help in successfully carrying out teamwork.
  • Improve your general awareness of national and international issues.
  • Begin to think and behave like an officer.

Time Table and Study Schedule - UPSC CDS 2024 Preparation Tips

The UPSC CDS 2024 exam schedule has been released which means the candidates have only a limited time for the final impetus. CollegeDekho has prepared a timetable or study schedule that the UPSC aspirants can follow leading up to the date of the UPSC CDS 2024 examination. 

UPSC CDS Preparation TimeTable

Session

Ideal Hours to be Spent

Things To Do

Morning Session

3 Hours

  • Pick up a Subject

  • Choose a topic

  • Go through the theoretical part of the topic extensively

  • Move to the numerical/application part of the topic

Break Time

Afternoon Session

3 Hours

  • Revise the topic done in the previous session in the first half-hour

  • Choose another topic from another subject

  • Prepare notes while going through the theoretical portion

  • Turn your attention toward the application part

Break Time

Evening Session

4 Hours

  • Revise the topic done in the previous session in the first half-hour

  • Choose a new topic from another subject

  • Spend a considerable amount of time on both the theoretical and practical aspects of the topic (all to be done in the first 3 hours)

  • Practice mock test/previous year/sample test papers in the remaining 1 hour

General Tips and Tricks - UPSC CDS Preparation Tips 2024

The general tips and tricks to crack UPSC CDS 2024 will help the aspirants in drawing out the best possible techniques for sure shot success in the UPSC CDS 2024 entrance examination. A list of some is given below:

  • The aspirants must form a proper study plan which includes preparing an effective time-table so that they can dedicate an equal amount of time to each subject.
  • The aspirants must know in and out about the UPSC CDS syllabus.
  • The aspirants must focus on a time management strategy.
  • In order to secure the desired marks, the aspirants must keep themselves updated about the recent happenings in the country as well as all over the globe, and what better way than to read newspapers, and follow the news.
  • Before the day of the exam, the aspirants must have solved enough sample test papers, and UPSC CDS mock test papers which will provide them with a better idea of what is to be asked.
  • The aspirants must keep themselves motivated, positive, and confident before the UPSC CDS 2024 exam which will enable them to attempt the questions with ease.
  • The aspirants must refer to the UPSC CDS 2024 best books which will help them crack the exam without any difficulty.

Last Minute Preparation Tips - UPSC CDS 2024

Here are some last-minute tips for UPSC CDS 2024:

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  • The aspirants must refrain from learning a new topic on the day of the exam. A proper last-minute revision would be sufficient
  • If the aspirant is unsure about the answer to a question, it is strongly recommended to not attempt that question as there will be no negative marking for questions not attempted
  • The aspirant must not get stuck on a question. He/she must move to the next question and can return to the unattempted questions after answering the remaining questions
  • A clear understanding of basics will keep the aspirants in good stead instead of cramming up things
  • The aspirants must be swift in their answering process

UPSC CDS Preparation - Subject-Wise Books

UPSC CDS Books: English Language

Questions in English sections are asked about different topics such as Vocabulary, Phrases, Grammar, Syntax, Sentences, etc. So, here are some books that are best to be considered while preparing for the English section.

BooksAuthor
Objective General EnglishS.P. Bakshi (Arihant Publications)
High School English Grammar & CompositionWren and Martin
Word Power Made EasyNorman Lewis

UPSC CDS Books for General Knowledge 

BooksAuthor
General AwarenessManohar Panday (Arihant Publications)
Manorama YearbookPhilip Mathew
Pratiyogita Darpan (Magazines)Pratiyogita Darpan Editorial Team

UPSC CDS Books for Mathematics

BooksAuthor
Mathematics for C.D.S.R.S. Aggarwal
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive ExaminationsR.S. Aggarwal
Pathfinder for CDSArihant Publications

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FAQs about UPSC CDS Preparation Tips

Should I cover the remaining topics in my last few dates before the CDS written exam?

During the last few days, candidates must focus on revision and attempting mock tests.

Is it mandatory to solve the previous years' question papers?

Solving the previous years' question papers and sample papers will help candidates to know the pattern of questions and increase the predictability of the topics asked in the exam.

Which books are best for CDS preparation?

NCERT Books are best to clear the basic concepts and Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal is another good book for practice. 

Is it important to attempt the mock test or reading CDS books will do?

CDS books help candidates to clear the concepts. After completing the chapters, candidates must attempt mock tests.

What are the important topics for General Knowledge?

The important topics for this section are Economics, Current Affairs, Physics, Geography, Politics, Awards, Sports, Chemistry, etc.

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