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CDS Study Material 2023: The Union Public Service Commission has released the syllabus and exam pattern for the Combined Defence Services (CDS). The written test for Indian Military, Indian Navy, and Air Force Academy has three sections, whereas the Officers’ Training Academy Exam has two sections.
As a result, it is recommended that you consult the CDS Subject-Wise Books for a better understanding. For the UPSC CDS Exam, candidates can find complete topic-by-topic study notes in PDF format for each of the subjects. The notes available here are free to download and can be saved to your phone or computer. Exam dates for all defence exams are available here for candidates.
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Study Materials For CDS Exam 2023
For English
When studying for the UPSC CDS Exam, one of the skills you should focus on is English. It accounts for roughly one-third of the total marks. The CDS Exam has a total of 100 questions from English. It is also significant during the CDS OTA Exam, accounting for half of the total marks.
Sentence Improvement, Reading Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms, and other types of questions can be asked. The notes in this section will assist you in improving your English skills and performing better on the UPSC CDS Exam.
| CDS English Topics | CDS English Study Materials PDF |
|---|---|
| Synonyms and Antonyms | List of words with Synonyms and Antonyms with Practice Questions |
| Sentence Rearrangement | Concepts, Types, Tips and Tricks with Examples on Sentence Rearrangements with Practice Questions |
| Sentence Corrections | Rules with Example and Practice Questions on Sentence Correction |
| Reading Comprehensions | Types of Passages, and Tips on Reading Comprehension with Practice Questions |
| Para Jumbles | Tips and Tricks, Important Points, and Types with Examples on ParaJumbles with Sample Questions |
| Active and Passive Voice | Concept, Types, Rules with Solved Questions on Active and Passive Voice with Tests |
| Direct and Indirect Speech | Concept, Rules with Examples and Practice Questions on Direct and Indirect Speech |
| Error Spotting | Concept with Examples and Practice Questions on Error Spotting |
| Fill in the Blanks | Important Topics, and Tips with Practice Questions on Fill in the Blanks |
| Idioms and Phrases |
For Elementary Mathematics
Mathematics is an essential element of the UPSC CDS Syllabus, accounting for one-third of the total marks. For many aspirants with an arts background, it can be a difficult subject. In the CDS Exam, questions are usually based on basic mathematical concepts and are simple to understand.
The topic-by-topic mathematics notes that will be useful during UPSC CDS preparation are listed below:
- Number System: Types with Examples, Solved Question with Practice Question on Number System
- Simple & Compound Interest: Definition, Points to Remember with Examples on Simple and Compound Interest
- HCF & LCM: Concept, Relation, Methods, with Examples and Practice Questions on HCF & LCM
- Trigonometry: Ratio, Useful Identities, on Trigonometry with Practice Questions
- Time, Speed & Distance: Methods, and Types of Time, Speed & Distance with Examples
- Time & Work: Concept, Basic Questions and Practice Questions on Time and Work
- Simplification: Types and Methods of Simplification with Examples
- Ratio & Proportion: Definition, Types with Important Questions on Ratio and Proportion
- Profit & Loss: Concept, Points to Remember, and Formulae, with Solved Examples on Profit and Loss
- Percentage: Concept, Conversions, Solved Problems and Practice Questions on Percentage
- Mensuration: Types, Concept, Formulae with Explanation on Mensuration
- Logarithm: Definition, Types, Rules of Logarithm with Examples and Practice Questions
- Geometry: Types and Concepts with properties on Geometry with Examples and Problems
- Data Interpretation: Concept, Important Points, Types with examples on Data Interpretation
- Average: Concepts, Important Formulae with Examples of Average with Practice Questions
- Algebraic Equations: Concepts with Examples, Methods for solving on Algebraic Equations
For Geography
One of the most important aspects of the UPSC CDS Exam is geography. In the General Knowledge section, you can ask a variety of questions about geography. Questions about Indian, global, and economic geography can be asked. Candidates can find topic-by-topic study notes for UPSC CDS Exam Geography preparation and download the PDF below:
| Indian Geography | The Himalaya & Northern Plains of Physical Features of India |
| Indian Geography | Peninsular Plateau & Coastal Plains of Physical Features of India |
| Indian Geography | Drainage System in India |
| Indian Geography | Types of Soil in India |
| Indian Geography | Agriculture in India and Types of Crops |
| Indian Geography | Crucial Lakes in India |
| Indian Geography | Indian Climate and Weather |
| Indian Geography | Natural Vegetation |
| World Geography | Solar System |
| Indian Geography | Important Dams in India |
| Indian Geography | Mineral Resources |
| World Geography | Peaks, Mountain Range, and Important Revers |
| World Geography | Important Deserts |
| World Geography | Oceans, Currents, Volcanoes and Boundaries of the countries |
| World Geography | Interior Composition of Earth |
| Physical Geography | Clouds with its types |
For History
Many UPSC CDS aspirants find history to be a tedious subject. The CDS Exam also includes questions on Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History topics. NCERT History Textbooks, for example, are a good source of information. Some important historical notes are provided below to help you understand and clarify the concepts. They’re also worth considering for last-minute planning.
| Ancient History | Paleolithic Age in India |
| Ancient History | Timeline of Indian History |
| Ancient History | Indus Valley Civilization |
| Ancient History | Vedic Period |
| Ancient History | Buddhism & Jainism |
| Ancient History | Mahajanapadas & Magadha Empire |
| Ancient History | Maurya Dynasty |
| Ancient History | Foreign Invasions |
| Ancient History | Gupta Dynasty |
| Ancient History | Sangam Age |
| Ancient History | Pallava Dynasty |
| Medieval History | Tripartite Struggle |
| Medieval History | Rajput States |
| Medieval History | Vijayanagar and Bahmani Empire |
| Medieval History | Delhi Sultanate |
| Medieval History | Mughal Empire |
| Medieval History | Bhakti and Sufi Movement |
| Medieval History | Peasant Movements |
| Modern History | Forign Travelers |
| Modern History | Land Reforms |
For Science
When you don’t have a science background, science can be perplexing. Some parts of the UPSC CDS Exam’s General Knowledge section include science questions. The questions usually revolve around basic biology, physics, and chemistry concepts.Candidates can find general knowledge books and preparation tips here. Here are some UPSC CDS Study Notes for the Science subject that will help you improve your exam score.
| Physics | Available Soon |
| Chemistry | Chemical Reaction |
| Biology | Available Soon |
| Notes on Optics | Notes on Optics |
| Chemical Formulas | Available Soon |
For Static GK
The questions in the General Knowledge section cover a wide range of topics. Questions on India’s Firsts, Books and Authors, Indian Cities, Famous People, Important Dates, Sports, and other topics may be asked. The table below contains some of the most important study notes for the UPSC CDS Exam’s Static GK Section that aspirants should review while studying for the exam.
| Firsts in India | Firsts in India |
| Hightes, Tallests Smarterst and Largest in India | Hightes, Tallests Smarterst and Largest in India |
| Indian Cities | List of Indian Cities and their Nicknames |
| Famous Personalities in India | Famous Personalities in India |
| Books and Authors | Books and Authors |
| Important Days | Important Days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques- What can I do to improve my general awareness in preparation for the CDS Exam?
Ans- You should make it a habit to read the newspaper every day because it will keep you informed about current events around the world. You can also use a variety of current magazines.
Ques- What is the best way to begin studying for the CDS Exam?
Ans- You should first familiarise yourself with the Exam Pattern and Syllabus, and then divide your subjects for study according to the time available.
Ques- When should I take the CDS practise test?
Ans- When you have finished studying the syllabus for a particular subject, you should take the mock tests.