Are you aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces through the UPSC CDS II 2025 exam on September 14, 2025? Whether you’re targeting the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), a structured study plan is your key to success. This 100-day study plan for CDS 2025 offers a step-by-step guide to master the CDS syllabus, boost your confidence, and achieve a high score in CDS Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge. Starting from June 6, 2025, this plan is perfect for aspirants with a basic 10th-grade foundation and 2–3 hours daily to study. Let’s dive in and make every day count to crack CDS 2025!
What Is the CDS Exam? A Quick Overview
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is your gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Here’s the CDS 2025 exam pattern at a glance:
- For IMA, INA, AFA:
- Papers: English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks), Elementary Mathematics (100 marks).
- Format: 100 objective MCQs per paper, 2 hours each.
- Scoring: +1 mark per correct answer, -1/3 mark for wrong answers (negative marking).
- Cutoff (Recent Trends): ~90–100 marks per paper, aggregate ~130–150 for written exam.
- For OTA:
- Papers: English (100 marks), General Knowledge (100 marks) – no Mathematics.
- Cutoff: ~70–80 marks per paper, aggregate ~100–120.
The CDS Mathematics syllabus covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics (10th-grade level). CDS English tests vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension, while CDS General Knowledge includes History, Geography, Polity, Science, and Current Affairs. This plan ensures you cover all topics systematically, with a focus on CDS exam preparation strategies.
Why Follow a 100-Day Study Plan for CDS 2025?
A 100-day CDS study plan is ideal because it’s long enough to cover the entire syllabus and short enough to keep you focused. Designed for aspirants with a basic foundation, this plan assumes you can dedicate 2–3 hours daily starting June 6, 2025. Split into four phases, it builds your knowledge, hones your skills, and prepares you for exam day with confidence.
Key Benefits:
- Covers CDS Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge comprehensively.
- Includes daily tasks, mock tests, and revision strategies.
- Helps you manage negative marking and achieve cutoff scores (e.g., 70–80 correct answers per paper).
Let’s explore the ultimate CDS 2025 preparation plan!
100-Day Study Plan for CDS 2025: Your Roadmap to Success
Phase 1: Build a Strong Foundation (Days 1–30, June 6–July 5, 2025)
Goal: Master core concepts for CDS Maths, English, and GK.
Daily Routine: 1 hour theory, 1–2 hours practice.
Best Resources:
- Mathematics for CDS by Dr. R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand)
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)
- The Lakshya academy offline classes material
- Lucent’s General Knowledge
- NCERT Maths (Class 8–10), Manorama Yearbook
- CDS Previous Year Papers (2014–2024)
Week 1: Arithmetic Basics & English Foundation (Days 1–7, June 6–12)
- CDS Mathematics:
- Topics: Number System, HCF and LCM, Decimal Fractions, Square Roots, Percentages, Averages.
- Tasks: Study concepts (e.g., divisibility rules, percentage calculations). Memorize squares (1–30), cubes (1–15), and fraction-decimal conversions (e.g., 1/8 = 0.125). Solve 20–30 problems daily from R.S. Aggarwal.
- Example: Practice HCF/LCM using the Euclidean algorithm (e.g., LCM of 12 and 18).
- CDS English:
- Learn 10 new vocabulary words daily (use Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis).
- Study basic grammar (tenses, articles); solve 10–15 questions from S.P. Bakshi.
- Read one passage from The Hindu for comprehension practice.
- CDS General Knowledge:
- Start Indian History (Modern, 1857–1947); read 1 chapter from Lucent’s GK.
- Note 5 key historical events daily.
Week 2: Arithmetic Applications & GK Basics (Days 8–14, June 13–19)
- CDS Mathematics:
- Topics: Ratio and Proportion, Partnership, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Profit and Loss, Simple/Compound Interest.
- Tasks: Learn formulas (e.g., Time = Distance/Speed, A = P(1 + R/100)^n). Solve 25–35 problems daily, focusing on word problems (e.g., pipes and cisterns). Practice mental math for speed.
- CDS English:
- Practice sentence correction and synonyms/antonyms (10 words daily).
- Solve 15–20 questions from S.P. Bakshi.
- CDS General Knowledge:
- Study Indian Polity (Constitution, President, Parliament); read Lucent’s GK.
- Start daily current affairs (30 minutes, The Hindu or PIB).
Week 3: Algebra & English Comprehension (Days 15–21, June 20–26)
- CDS Mathematics:
- Topics: Basic Operations, Linear/Quadratic Equations, Factorization, Polynomials, Remainder Theorem.
- Tasks: Revise algebraic identities (e.g., (a+b)^2, a^3 – b^3). Solve 20–30 problems daily, including word problems.
- CDS English:
- Practice reading comprehension and cloze tests (2 passages daily).
- Solve 10–15 vocabulary questions.
- CDS General Knowledge:
- Study Geography (Physical India, rivers, climate); read 1 chapter.
- Continue current affairs (note 5 key events daily).
Week 4: Trigonometry, Geometry & Revision (Days 22–30, June 27–July 5)
- CDS Mathematics:
- Topics: Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, Heights and Distances, Lines and Angles, Triangles, Circles.
- Tasks: Memorize trigonometric values (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) and identities (e.g., sin²θ + cos²θ = 1). Solve 15–20 problems daily; use diagrams for geometry. Days 29–30: Solve 50 mixed problems (Arithmetic, Algebra).
- CDS English:
- Practice spotting errors and sentence rearrangement (15–20 questions daily).
- CDS General Knowledge:
- Study Science (Physics/Chemistry basics); read Lucent’s GK.
- Revise current affairs notes from Weeks 1–3.
Phase 2: Intensive Practice & Skill Building (Days 31–60, July 6–August 4, 2025)
Goal: Deepen understanding, improve speed, and tackle weak areas.
Daily Routine: 1 hour revision, 1.5–2 hours practice.
Resources: Oswaal CDS Yearwise 13 Solved Papers (2018–2024), Arihant Pathfinder CDS.
Week 5: Geometry, Mensuration & English (Days 31–37, July 6–12)
- CDS Mathematics:
- Topics: Polygons, Circles, Areas, Volumes, Surface Areas, Coordinate Geometry.
- Tasks: Learn formulas (e.g., triangle area: ½ × base × height, cylinder volume: πr²h). Solve 20–30 problems daily.
- CDS English:
- Learn 15 vocabulary words daily; practice 2 comprehension passages.
- Solve 15–20 mixed questions (grammar, cloze tests).
- CDS General Knowledge:
- Study World Geography and Indian Economy basics; read Lucent’s GK.
Week 6: Statistics, Number Theory & GK (Days 38–44, July 13–19)
- CDS Mathematics:
- Topics: Mean, Median, Mode, Data Interpretation, Prime/Composite Numbers, Divisibility Tests, Logarithms.
- Tasks: Solve 15–20 problems daily (e.g., bar graphs, divisibility rules). Study logarithm properties; solve 5–10 questions.
- CDS English:
- Practice synonyms/antonyms and sentence correction (15–20 questions daily).
- CDS General Knowledge:
- Focus on defence-related current affairs (e.g., DRDO, Agni path); read PIB.
Week 7: Mixed Practice & Weak Areas (Days 45–51, July 20–26)
- CDS Mathematics:
- Solve a 100-question mixed test to identify weak areas.
- Dedicate 1 hour daily to weak topics (e.g., trigonometry heights and distances).
- Solve 30–40 problems daily across all topics.
- CDS English:
- Solve 20–25 mixed questions (comprehension, grammar).
- CDS General Knowledge:
- Revise History and Polity; solve 20 GK MCQs daily.
Week 8: Mock Tests & Revision (Days 52–60, July 27–August 4)
- All Subjects:
- Take 2 full-length mock tests per subject (100 questions, 2 hours each).
- Analyse mistakes; aim for ~1 minute per question.
- Revise formulas, vocabulary, and GK notes daily.
- Solve 20–30 previous year questions (e.g., CDS II 2023).
Phase 3: Mock Tests & Strategy Refinement (Days 61–85, August 5–August 29, 2025)
Goal: Simulate exam conditions, optimize time management, and minimize errors.
Daily Routine: 1.5 hours mock tests, 1 hour analysis, 0.5 hours revision.
Week 9: Full-Length Mock Tests (Days 61–67, August 5–11)
- Take 3 mock tests per subject under timed conditions.
- Focus on negative marking; aim for 85–90% accuracy.
- Analyse mistakes (e.g., calculation errors, misreading questions).
Week 10: Topic-Wise Tests (Days 68–74, August 12–18)
- Solve 2 topic-specific tests daily (e.g., 50 questions on Algebra, 50 on Current Affairs).
- Revise key formulas and shortcuts (e.g., unitary method for time and work).
- Practice 10–15 challenging problems from weak areas.
Week 11: Time Management & Speed (Days 75–81, August 19–25)
- Take 2–3 mock tests per subject, aiming to finish in 1.5 hours.
- Practice skipping lengthy questions and returning if time permits.
- Solve 20–30 mixed problems daily across all subjects.
Week 12: Comprehensive Revision (Days 82–85, August 26–29)
- Revise all formulas, vocabulary lists, and GK notes.
- Solve one mock test and one previous year paper per subject (e.g., CDS II 2024).
- Focus on reducing silly mistakes (e.g., wrong OMR marking).
Phase 4: Final Prep & Exam Readiness (Days 86–100, August 30–September 13, 2025)
Goal: Consolidate knowledge, boost confidence, and fine-tune strategy.
Daily Routine: 1 hour revision, 1–2 hours practice/tests.
Week 13: Intensive Mock Tests (Days 86–92, August 30–September 5)
- Take 4–5 full-length mock tests per subject, simulating exam day (use pen, paper, OMR sheet).
- Aim for 70–80 correct answers per paper to clear cutoffs.
- Review answers to eliminate errors.
Week 14: Final Revision & Practice (Days 93–99, September 6–12)
- Revise high-weightage topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Mensuration (Maths); comprehension, grammar (English); History, Polity, Current Affairs (GK).
- Solve 50–60 mixed problems daily for speed and accuracy.
- Practice filling OMR sheets correctly.
Day 100: Pre-Exam Day (September 13, 2025)
- Review formula sheets, vocabulary, and GK notes (1 hour).
- Solve 20–30 familiar problems to stay sharp.
- Prepare admit card, ID proof, and exam essentials (pen, watch).
- Relax and sleep well (7–8 hours).
Your journey to cracking the UPSC CDS II 2025 exam on September 14, 2025, begins with a single step—starting this 100-day study plan on June 6, 2025. This comprehensive roadmap, tailored for CDS Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge, equips you with the tools, strategies, and confidence to excel in the exam and move closer to your dream of serving in the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, or Officers’ Training Academy. By staying consistent, practicing daily, and leveraging trusted resources like R.S. Aggarwal, S.P. Bakshi, and Lucent’s GK, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the CDS syllabus and achieve the cutoff score.
JAI HIND
