Start & Succeed with Indian Armed Forces CDS Examination (SSB + Written)
This guide was designed exclusively for individuals pursuing an officer's position in the Indian Armed Forces through the CDS examination. Irrespective of the stage of life you are in - a recent school or college graduate a working professional, novice or experienced - this article is aimed at explaining step-by-step how to prepare for the CDS exam from ground zero so you can clear the written paper and SSB interview.
1. Understanding the CDS Exam Structure
UPSC conducts the CDS exam for recruitment into Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, twice a year. There are two stages to the selection process:
Written Exam
SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)
Written Exam Pattern:
For IMA, INA, and AFA:
English: 100 Marks
General Knowledge: 100 Marks
Basic Mathematics: 100 Marks
For OTA:
English: 100 Marks
General Knowledge: 100 Marks
There will be 2-hour-long objective-type questions in each paper.
Who Can Apply?
IMA (Indian Military Academy): Graduate males
INA (Naval Academy): B.Sc. (Physics & Maths) or B.E/B.Tech
AFA (Air Force Academy): B.Sc. with Physics & Maths or B.E/B.Tech
OTA (Officers Training Academy): Male & Female Graduates
Age limit varies between 19 to 25 years, depending on
the academy.
3. When and how to start preparation?
Begins 6–8 months before the examination date. If you’re a college student or working, commit 3-4 hours each day to focused study.
Beginners Tip:
First, understand the syllabus and previous year paper pattern. Don’t jump into books blindly.
4. Subject-Wise Strategy
(A) English
The student concentrated on four areas: Vocabulary and Grammar together with Comprehension and Error Identification.
Recommended Books:
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
Objective General English by SP Bakshi
Daily Practice: 30 mins of reading + 20 new words + 20 MCQs
(B) General Knowledge (GK)
Topics: History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Current Affairs, Defence, Science
Recommended Sources:
Lucent GK (static)
Ncert books
Monthly current affairs magazines
YouTube channel link
1. Desire to learn (Sagar sir )
2. Defence wallah ( Asim sir )
3. Cds jounery ( Anurag sir )
PIB, Defence news, serious aspirants.
Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA only)
Syllabus: Class 6 to 10 level
Important Topics: Number System, Time & Work, Geometry, Mensuration, Algebra
Books:
R.S. Aggarwal (Quantitative Aptitude)
NCERT Class 6 to 10 for clarity
5. Suggested Daily Time Table (Flexible)
Time
Activity
6:00 AM
Wake up + light workout
7:00 - 8:00 AM
English (Reading + Vocabulary)
9:00 - 11:00 AM
GS/Current Affairs
2:00 - 3:30 PM
Mathematics
4:00 - 5:00 PM
MCQs Practice/Mock Tests
9:00
- 9:30 PM
Revision + Planning
6. Best Teachers and YouTube Channels
Desire to learn Defence Wallah, defence mania , World escape, ,Parmar officers ,Cds journey
Telegram Channels for PDFs/Current Affairs
Join a CDS-dedicated Telegram group for doubt clearing and motivation.
7. How to Prepare for SSB Interview
SSB tests your personality, not just knowledge. Start early!
Key Tests in SSB:
Screening: OIR + PPDT
Psychology: TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT
GTO Tasks: Group discussions, planning, outdoor tasks
Interview: Personal Interview by Officer
Preparation Tips:
Practice writing TAT stories daily (imaginative but logical)
Maintain a diary: Note down daily activities and personal strengths/weaknesses
Improve communication and public speaking
Read newspaper daily and form opinions
OLQs (Officer Like Qualities) should reflect in your thinking and behavior.
8. Books for SSB
Let’s Crack SSB Interview by Dr. Cdr. Natarajan
SSB Interview: The Complete Guide by Arun K. Sharma.
9. Motivational Note for Repeaters
If you've failed once, it means you’re already ahead of those who haven’t even tried. CDS & SSB require patience, self-awareness, and continuous improvement. Learn from your mistakes, improve steadily, and never doubt your dream.
10. Final Tips
Practice mock tests regularly (at least 1 paper/week)
Analyze your mistakes and weak areas
Stay physically fit – join a gym or do bodyweight workouts
Stay motivated – watch Army/Navy/Air Force motivational videos Surround yourself with like-minded aspirants.
Conclusion
CDS is not just an exam – it's a path to serve the nation with pride and honour. Begin your journey with clarity, consistency, and confidence. Whether you're starting from zero or trying again, remember – every officer was once a beginner.
Jai Hind!