Want to crack CDS in just 90 days? Learn a complete subject-wise preparation strategy, daily routine, and expert tips by The Lakshya Academy to qualify CDS written exam.
How to Qualify CDS in 90 Days: A Practical Strategy by The Lakshya Academy
Preparing for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination in just 90 days may sound challenging, but with the right strategy, disciplined routine, and smart guidance, it is absolutely achievable. Every year, many aspirants clear CDS not because they studied everything, but because they studied what matters most.
At The Lakshya Academy, we have mentored hundreds of CDS aspirants, including repeaters and working candidates, and we firmly believe that focused preparation beats long preparation.
Understanding the CDS Exam Pattern (First Step to Smart Preparation)
Before starting preparation, you must understand the structure of the CDS written examination.
CDS Written Exam Pattern:
English – 100 Marks (2 Hours)
General Knowledge – 100 Marks (2 Hours)
Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks (2 Hours)
👉 Negative marking applies (⅓ marks deducted for each wrong answer)
Key Insight from The Lakshya Academy:
You do NOT need to score 100/100 in all papers. A balanced score across all subjects is the real key to qualifying.
90-Day CDS Preparation Strategy (Phase-Wise Plan)
We divide the 90 days into three strategic phases:
🔹 Phase 1: Foundation & Concept Building (Day 1–30)
Objective:
Clear basic concepts
Identify strong & weak areas
Build daily study discipline
Subject-Wise Strategy:
📘 English
Focus on high-scoring and repetitive areas:
Spotting Errors
Fill in the Blanks
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Basic Grammar Rules
Reading Comprehension (daily practice)
👉 Practice 20–30 English questions daily
📗 General Knowledge
Divide GK into Static + Current Affairs:
Static GK (Priority Topics):
Indian Polity
Indian History (Modern India focus)
Geography (India + World basics)
Defence & Armed Forces
Basic Economics
General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
Current Affairs:
Last 6–8 months
Defence exercises
Ranks, appointments, awards
National & international events
👉 Read GK daily for 2–2.5 hours
📕 Mathematics
Focus on CDS-relevant topics only:
Percentage
Ratio & Proportion
Profit & Loss
Time & Work
Time, Speed & Distance
Average
Number System
Algebra basics
Mensuration
Trigonometry (basic)
👉 Accuracy matters more than speed in Maths.
🔹 Phase 2: Practice & Strengthening (Day 31–60)
Objective:
Improve speed
Increase accuracy
Strengthen weak topics
What to Do in This Phase:
✅ Topic-wise practice sets
✅ Previous Year Questions (last 10 years)
✅ Sectional tests
✅ Daily revision of short notes
Smart CDS Strategy by The Lakshya Academy:
Do English + GK daily
Maths on alternate days
Start timed practice
Avoid learning new topics unnecessarily
🔹 Phase 3: Mock Tests & Final Revision (Day 61–90)
Objective:
Exam temperament
Time management
Confidence building
Key Activities:
2–3 Full-Length CDS Mock Tests per week
Analyze mistakes deeply
Revise formulas & grammar rules daily
Practice intelligent question selection
Daily Study Routine (Ideal 6–8 Hours Plan)
| Subject | Time |
|---|---|
| English | 1.5 Hours |
| GK | 2–2.5 Hours |
| Maths | 2 Hours |
| Revision + Practice | 1–1.5 Hours |
Common Mistakes CDS Aspirants Must Avoid
❌ Studying everything instead of syllabus-specific topics
❌ Ignoring English (most scoring paper)
❌ No mock test analysis
❌ Excessive guessing
❌ Inconsistent study routine
Lakshya Academy Advice:
Consistency for 90 days is more powerful than motivation for 10 days.
How The Lakshya Academy Helps You Crack CDS in 90 Days
At The Lakshya Academy, our CDS preparation focuses on:
Exam-oriented teaching
Concept clarity
Daily practice sheets
Weekly mock tests
Doubt-clearing sessions
SSB-oriented mindset training
Our mentors are experienced in CDS, AFCAT, NDA & SSB preparation, ensuring aspirants get holistic defence exam guidance.
Final Words: Is 90 Days Enough to Qualify CDS?
YES — if you study smartly, revise regularly, and practice consistently.
CDS is not about being extraordinary; it is about being disciplined, accurate, and strategic.
If you follow this 90-day CDS strategy by The Lakshya Academy, your chances of qualifying the written exam increase significantly.
