Roadmap to CDS – A career in defence is a blend of prestige, honor, discipline, and unmatched adventure—and cracking the CDS exam is the first step toward that goal.
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. It opens the door to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Why Choose Shield Defence Academy for guidance of Roadmap to CDS
Located in Lucknow, Shield Defence Academy has become a go-to destination for defence aspirants across India. Here’s why:
Experienced faculty with defence backgrounds.
Structured curriculum mapped with UPSC standards.
Personalized doubt-clearing sessions.
Regular mock tests and SSB training modules.
Affordable fees and hostel facilities for outstation students.
👉 Visit the Official Shield Defence Academy Website
Understanding the CDS Exam Structure
To prepare effectively, understanding the CDS paper format is crucial.
Paper Pattern Breakdown
| Academy | Subjects | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours each | 300 |
| OTA | English, General Knowledge | 2 hours each | 200 |
Marking Scheme and Subject-Wise Weightage
Correct answer: +1 mark
Wrong answer: -0.33 (negative marking)
No marks for unanswered questions.
Eligibility Criteria for Roadmap to CDS
Before you dive into preparation, ensure you meet the CDS eligibility criteria:
Nationality: Indian
Age Limit: 19-25 years (varies by academy)
Education: Graduate or appearing in final year
Gender: Both males and females can apply (Females only for OTA)
Marital Status: Unmarried
CDS Exam Syllabus Detailed
English Syllabus
Focus on:
Grammar usage and sentence structure
Reading comprehension
Synonyms, antonyms, and vocabulary
Cloze test and error spotting
General Knowledge Syllabus
Includes:
Current affairs (national and international)
History and culture
Geography
Indian Constitution and governance
Economy and science
Mathematics Syllabus
Covers:
Algebra and Arithmetic
Geometry and Trigonometry
Mensuration and Statistics
Number system
Time, speed, and distance
Strategic Preparation Plan by Shield Defence Academy
Shield Defence Academy offers a proven month-wise planner to tackle the vast CDS syllabus.
Month-Wise Study Planner
| Month | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Month 1-2 | Syllabus Coverage + Basics |
| Month 3 | Practice Sets + Weekly Tests |
| Month 4 | Mock Tests + Revision |
| Month 5 | SSB Interview Prep |
Daily Routine of a CDS Aspirant
Morning (6–8 AM): Physical training
8–10 AM: Mathematics practice
10:30–1 PM: English classes
2–4 PM: GK and current affairs
5–7 PM: Mock test/revision
Importance of Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers
Mock tests mirror the actual CDS exam environment, helping aspirants:
Manage time effectively.
Analyze strengths and weaknesses.
Familiarize with the paper pattern.
Shield Defence Academy conducts full-length tests every Sunday.
Top Resources and Books Recommended by Shield Defence Academy
Here are the top picks recommended by the experts:
English: Wren & Martin, Arihant Objective English
GK: Manorama Yearbook, Lucent GK, Newspapers
Mathematics: R.S. Aggarwal, Pathfinder by Arihant
Shield Defence Academy’s Unique Teaching Methodology
What sets them apart?
Doubt sessions every week
Recorded lectures for missed classes
Guest lectures by ex-Defence Officers
Bilingual mode of instruction (Hindi & English)
Success Stories from Shield Defence Academy Alumni
The academy has produced dozens of CDS officers every year. Their alumni network is growing and remains active in guiding new aspirants.
“Joining Shield Defence Academy was a turning point. The personalized mentoring helped me crack CDS in the first attempt.” – Lt. Ritesh Sharma (CDS 2023)
CDS Interview and SSB Training
The written test is just the start—SSB is where real testing happens.
Shield Defence Academy covers:
Psychological Testing
Group Discussion (GD)
Personal Interview Training
GTO Outdoor Tasks
Common Mistakes to Avoid During CDS Preparation
Ignoring current affairs
Skipping previous year papers
Not working on physical fitness
Overconfidence in English/GK
Inconsistent preparation routine
FAQs – Clear Your Doubts Before You Begin
Q1. Can a final-year student apply for CDS?
Yes, but the degree must be completed before joining the academy.
Q2. Is there any sectional cutoff in CDS?
No, but overall cutoffs vary each year.
Q3. Can girls apply for CDS?
Yes, but only for OTA (Officers Training Academy).
Q4. How many attempts are allowed?
There is no limit until the age cutoff is reached.
Q5. What is the best time to start CDS preparation?
Start 6-8 months in advance for best results.
Q6. Does Shield Defence Academy provide hostel facilities?
Yes, they offer hostel and schooling combo options for long-term programs.
Conclusion – Roadmap to CDS – Begin Your Journey to Defence Services Today
The CDS exam is not just a test of academics—it’s a gateway to serving the nation with pride. With the right strategy and guidance from Shield Defence Academy, you can make your dream a reality. Roadmap to CDS.
Don’t just dream it. Live it.
