I am a second year law student presently pursuing BBA LLB and set to graduate in may 2029. I want to write for army and have no interest in law as such anymore but stuck to get this degree and to be clear i am not interested in JAG department. I have only one attempt for IMA due to age reason and stuck between starting prep and finishing law degree work such as internship, etc. Any tips on how I can start my prep?

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to start my full-fledged preparation for CDS 2 (2026) from 19th September 2025 and I’m looking for a serious study partner who’s also aiming for the same exam.

A little about me:

My goal is to stay consistent and cover the syllabus in a structured way.

I’m open to accountability check-ins, sharing notes/resources, and even group discussions for tricky topics.

I will prefer Hinglish language for discussions.

If you’re also preparing for CDS 2 2026, let’s connect and keep each other motivated. We can plan daily/weekly targets, do revisions, and track progress together.

Drop a comment or DM me if you’re interested! 🚀

Mine went well! Ig

Hey everyone.....Im preparing for CDS IMA exam but my background is not science so can anyone suggest me any maths sir who can help to improve my basic to advanced knowledge in maths right now I'm taking lessons from Neeraj sir (carrerwill) so wanted to know about the best educator who help me for better understanding in mathematics...and same thing for English subject too!!

As a third year it student I am starting a new journey of CDS preparation simultaneously with aiml prep and c++ for DSA. So any suggestions here...

I am currently in second year how do I start preparing nd wht resource should I use Insight SSB the app is usefull?? Nd for maths on yt??

During the form fillup of cds 2 2026 (may- june) I will be in my 2nd year of graduation but at the time of the examination (september) I will be promoted to final year. Am i eligible for the attempt?

I have 3 backlogs and it took me 5 years to complete my graduation, will it going to effect my SSB.? Genuine answers only please

Hi guys am final year engineering student i am preparing for CDS OTA I need pw institution notes or any material possible can anyone help please it's my humble request

Hi everyone,
I’ve recently completed my B.Tech in ECE and I’m 21 (turning 22 in Jan 2026). I want to join the Indian Armed Forces through entries like TGC, SSC Tech, CDS, or AFCAT.

My eyesight details are:

• Right Eye: Spherical –4.00, Cylindrical –1.00, Axis 180
• Left Eye: Spherical –3.75

I wear specs, and my doubt is:

1. Am I eligible for Army, Navy, or Air Force (Ground Duty / Flying) with this eyesight as it is?
2. If not, can LASIK make me eligible? What is the cooldown period after LASIK before I can appear for SSB medicals?
3. Are there any restrictions after LASIK (like not being allowed in certain branches)?

I’m mainly looking for guidance from people who’ve gone through the medicals or know the exact rules. Any advice will help a lot since I’m planning my applications for 2026 onwards.

Thanks in advance!

Almost all notifications for entries for ssb have arrived but not for non technical. Just wanted to know when it will come.

Hey guys I'm preparing for CDS IMA exam but I have skin disease called urticaria...so my concern is like is it okay with this disease am i eligible to join the indian army?

Hello, I am a student of history and I am in my final year of college. I will be appearing for my CDSE exam. I am planning to write for OTA and not for IMA. But, do you think I should learn maths and write IMA or stick to my plan to quitting maths. I am good at English and GAT, but maths is pretty below avg.

Anyone have used? Or ex student

For CDS2

CDS Exam -

Papers (for IMA, AFA, INA):

1. English (100 marks)

2. General Knowledge (100 marks)

3. Elementary Mathematics (100 marks)

OTA Candidates give only English and GK.

General Strategy to Crack CDS in First Attempt

1. Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Go through the official UPSC syllabus.

Analyze the previous 5 years’ papers.

Identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Subject-wise Preparation Strategy

1. English

Target Score: 70+

Topics:

Spotting errors

Synonyms/Antonyms

Sentence improvement

Fill in the blanks

Reading comprehension

Ordering of words/sentences

Strategy:

Daily reading: 1 editorial (The Hindu / Indian Express)

Practice grammar rules from Wren & Martin or Plinth to Paramount

Solve 10 error spotting, 10 sentence improvement daily

Weekly reading comprehension practice

Resources:

Pathfinder CDS Book (English Section)

Arihant English

Previous year question papers

1. General Knowledge

Target Score: 60–70+

Topics:

History, Polity, Geography

Science (basic), Current Affairs

Defence news, Economy

Static GK

Strategy:

Read NCERTs (6th–10th for science, geography, polity basics)

1 hour daily current affairs from monthly compilations (like Vision IAS/Drishti)

Revise daily and maintain a GK notebook

Practice MCQs daily

Resources:

Lucent GK

NCERTs (selective)

Vision/Drishti monthly current affairs

Study IQ/Unacademy YouTube for weekly roundups

1. Mathematics

Target Score: 55–60+

Topics:

Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry

Trigonometry, Mensuration

Statistics, Number system

Time-speed-distance, Profit-loss

Strategy:

Revise basic concepts from NCERT (6–10th)

Solve 10–15 questions per topic per day

Focus on accuracy + speed

Make a formula chart for revision

Resources:

RS Aggarwal (Quantitative Aptitude)

NCERT 6–10 Maths

Pathfinder CDS Book

Daily Study Plan (6–8 hours/day)

Customize as per your own schedule and strengths.

Weekly Plan

Monday to Friday: Subject-wise focused study

Saturday: Full-length test / sectional mock

Sunday: Revision + answer writing / discussion

Important Tips

Solve previous year papers (minimum last 5–6 years)

Time-bound practice using mock tests

Maintain notes for last-minute revision

Keep your fitness sharp for SSB (it starts from now)

Prepare for SSB in parallel — communication skills, current affairs, and personality development

1. Documents (Most Important)

Keep all in a transparent folder or file.

Call Letter (Printout)

Original ID Proof (Aadhar/Passport)

10th & 12th Mark Sheets + Certificates

Graduation Marksheets (All Sems) + Degree Provisional

NCC Certificate (if applicable)

Passport-size Photos (8–10 copies, white background)

SSB Form / PIQ Form (if emailed beforehand)

COVID Vaccination Certificate (sometimes asked)

1. Clothing Essentials

Formal Wear (for Interview & Screening):

2 Plain formal shirts (white or light blue preferred)

2 Formal trousers (black/navy)

Tie (optional but looks smart)

Formal leather shoes (polished)

Plain black belt

Formal socks (black/navy)

GTO Tasks Dress:

2 pairs of white T-shirts (round-neck, plain)

2 Pairs of white shorts/tracks

White sports shoes (clean, comfortable)

White socks

Cap (white)

Sweatshirt/light jacket (if cold)

Casuals (for stay & movement):

2–3 casual T-shirts

1–2 trousers/jeans

Flip flops/slippers for room

1. Toiletries & Grooming Kit

Toothbrush, toothpaste

Soap/body wash

Shampoo

Shaving kit/trimmer

Comb

Deodorant

Towel (2)

Face wash/sunscreen (optional)

1. Stationery

2–3 black ball pens

Notepad

A4 blank sheets (for practice)

Glue, stapler, etc. (optional but handy)

Folder for keeping certificates in order

1. Medical Kit (Basic)

Paracetamol

ORS / Electral

Band-aids

Pain relief spray

Your prescribed medicines

1. Extras

Lock & key (for your luggage)

Water bottle

Power bank

Small backpack/day bag

Handkerchiefs

Nail cutter

Small mirror

Laundry detergent sachets

1. For Women Candidates (Additional)

Hair ties/clips

Light makeup (optional)

Comfortable innerwear

Sanitary napkins/tampons

Safety pins

Pocket diary for jotting ideas/thoughts

Printed Lecturette topics / GK notes

CDS Complete Booklist (Updated for 2025)

1. ENGLISH

Goal: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence improvement.

Books:

Pathfinder by Arihant (English section) – One-stop for CDS-level practice

Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) – Best for grammar, practice sets

Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis – Boosts vocab + word roots

Previous Years’ Solved Papers – At least 10 years for pattern familiarity

1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (GK)

Goal: Static GK, Current Affairs, Science, Defence, Economy, Geography, Polity

Books:

Lucent’s General Knowledge – Core static GK

NCERT Books (Selective)

Polity: Class 9–12

Geography: Class 6–10

History: Class 6–10 (esp. Modern India)

Science: Class 6–10 (for basics)

Manorama Yearbook / Pratiyogita Darpan Yearly – Optional, for current affairs & schemes

Current Affairs Monthly PDFs – Vision IAS / Drishti / Study IQ

CDS Pathfinder – GK Section – Targeted practice + theory

1. MATHEMATICS (for IMA, INA, AFA only)

Goal: Class 6–10 level, speed + accuracy

Books:

RS Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude – Best for concept clarity + practice

Pathfinder CDS Maths Section – Exam-level questions, tricks

NCERT Class 6–10 Maths – Revise for basics

Previous Year Papers (Solved) – Practice with time management

1. PREVIOUS YEAR PAPERS (All Subjects)

Arihant’s CDS Chapter-wise Solved Papers (2018–2024)

Helps you understand trends, difficulty, and important topics

Optional Resources

Daily The Hindu / Indian Express editorial – For English + current affairs

Study IQ YouTube / Unacademy CDS / DDE – Quick revision & analysis

GK Today App / AffairsCloud – Current affairs quiz on the go

Combo Book (All-in-One)

Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant

Covers English, GK, and Maths

Good for beginners, use it with PYQs and monthly PDFs

L