The CDS, NDA exams are coveted ways into the Indian Armed Forces and conducted by the UPSC to one of the premier institutes in the country, i.e., the IMA, INA, AFA, OTA (via CDS), and NDA, Khadakwasla. Lakhs of students want to top every year and dream of donning the uniform but fail to do so.
One of the reasons why these aspirants are different from successful ones is not hard work but smart preparation and means of evading common traps. The unfortunate truth is that every year numerous aspirants become victims of the same mistakes and pitfalls, jeopardizing their chances in spite of their capabilities and potential.
In this article, we will discuss the top 6 student mistakes when preparing for the CDS, NDA and how to eliminate these mistakes and not make the mistakes that will hold you back this exam season.
1. Ignoring the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Jumping into preparation without knowing the syllabus is like walking blind into battle. Whether it’s CDS or NDA, each paper has a distinct structure and difficulty level.
CDS has three sections:
- English
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA & AFA)
NDA consists of:
- Mathematics
- General Ability Test (GAT), which includes English, General Knowledge, and Science
Many students either skip going through the latest syllabus or rely on outdated study material. This leads to poor time management and wasted effort on low-weightage topics.
✅ What to do:
- Download the latest UPSC CDS syllabus and read it carefully.
- Analyze previous years’ question papers to identify frequently asked topics.
- Make a subject-wise study plan based on weightage and your strengths/weaknesses.
2. Relying Too Much on Rote Learning
Whether it’s History, Science, or Maths—many students still rely heavily on mugging up facts without truly understanding concepts. This might help with a few questions but fails in sections where logic and application are tested.
For instance, in both CDS, NDA and, Maths and Science require solid conceptual clarity. GK questions too are often application-based.
✅ What to do:
- Focus on understanding instead of memorizing.
- Use flow charts and mind-maps as visual aids.
- Practice more conceptual questions from your NCERTs and test prep guidebooks.
- Try relating your static general knowledge to the current general knowledge so you can remember it more easily.
3. Underestimating the English Section
A common assumption among students, especially from Hindi-medium or technical backgrounds, is that English is ‘easy’. As a result, they skip consistent practice and pay the price during the actual exam.
CDS English includes comprehension, spotting errors, fill-in-the-blanks, sentence improvement, and vocabulary. NDA GAT includes English grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary as well.
✅ What to do:
· Every day, read newspapers, blogs and editorials in English.
· Practice error detection, rearrangement, and comprehension regularly.
· Use flashcards or vocabulary apps to build your word power.
Remember, the English paper is often the easiest to score, but only if prepared properly.
4. Not Taking Mock Tests Seriously
Even well-prepared students sometimes fall short due to lack of practice under exam conditions. Solving questions at home is different from taking a full-length mock test with time pressure.
Many aspirants avoid mocks thinking they’ll attempt them “once they’re fully prepared.” This delay only leads to performance anxiety later.
✅ What to do:
- Once one becomes comfortable with the basics, begin with sectional or topic-specific mocks.
- Finally, practice untimed full-length tests, progressively raising the time limits so that one can get an idea of what an actual testing scenario will be like.
- When working through every test (topics / sectional or entire exam) make sure to review the test: utilize what you do wrong to study what is wrong, redo your plan and go over the topics that you perceive you are weak on.
Mock tests not only increase your confidence because you are able to clearly identify your test taking strategy but also enable you to practice timing and how you will cope with the extra anxiety that you will inevitably have on test day.
5. Ignoring Physical Fitness and SSB Preparation
Clearing the written exam is just an initial step. Whether you applied for CDS, NDA and MhtCET the next hurdle you have to jump over is the SSB Interview. The SSB Interview is a 5-day process to test personality which includes physical activity, a psychology test, group discussion, and personal interview.
Many students are highly focused on academic studies and save SSB and physical fitness for later. Last minute preparation of SSB is very seldom a success.
✅ What to do:
- Do physical training every day: running, push ups, planks, yoga, etc.
- Keep up to date with current affairs and national issues so you can do well in the GD’s.
- Start SSB preparation early – Join a good coaching institute if you think you need it.
- Practice speaking in a confident manner, work on your communication, and develop your leadership qualities.
At Lakshya Academy, we don’t just conduct training for the written exams, we will guide our students at every step of the way from preparation to personality development to NDA or CDS success.
6. Not Choosing the Right Guidance or Study Material
With all those coaching centers, YouTube Channels, or PDFs available to you, it is easy to get distracted or choose the wrong study path. Every year, many aspirants waste their crucial time studying poor quality study material or incoherent coaching.
✅ What to do:
- Do physical training every day: running, push-ups, planks, yoga, etc.
- Think about enrolling in an approved coaching institute that provides a structured environment, test series, mentoring, and SSB support.
Lakshya Academy can provide you with individual support for both CDS and NDA areas of study through live, expert faculty, and personal interview preparation sessions.
Final Thoughts
The achievement of passing the CDA and NDA exams relies on three components from the candidate – (a) discipline, (b) smart strategies and (c) holistic preparation. By not making these generally made mistakes, can significantly improve your chances in both the written examination and your SSB interview. If becoming a member of the Indian Armed Forces is a goal you seriously believe in, then start preparing correctly – and do it sooner rather than later.
Begin Your Defence Journey With Lakshya Academy
We offer comprehensive coaching for both CDS and NDA, including:
- Classroom training by defence experts
- Complete SSB Interview training
- Mock tests, doubt-clearing sessions & physical fitness tips
- Personality development workshops
📞 Contact us today and take the first step toward wearing the uniform.
