Preparing for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination in just 60 days may sound intense—but with the right strategy, disciplined execution, and expert guidance, it’s absolutely achievable. At The Lakshya Academy, we’ve mentored thousands of aspirants and distilled what works into a clear, battle-tested 60‑day plan.
Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or giving CDS another shot, this roadmap will help you maximize your score and walk into the exam with confidence.
Understanding the CDS Exam Pattern
Before jumping into preparation, clarity on the exam structure is non‑negotiable.
Written Examination
- English – 100 marks (2 hours)
- General Knowledge – 100 marks (2 hours)
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 marks (2 hours)
Note: OTA aspirants need to prepare only English and GK.
Selection Process
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (5 days)
- Medical Examination
The 60-Day CDS Preparation Framework
We divide the preparation into three focused phases:
- Phase 1: Foundation & Concept Building (Days 1–20)
- Phase 2: Intensive Practice & Strengthening (Days 21–45)
- Phase 3: Revision, Mock Tests & Exam Readiness (Days 46–60)
Let’s break it down.
Phase 1: Foundation & Concept Building (Days 1–20)
Objective
Build strong conceptual clarity across all subjects while identifying strengths and weaknesses.
English (Daily: 1.5–2 hours)
- Grammar fundamentals (Tenses, Prepositions, Articles, Voice, Narration)
- Vocabulary building (10–15 new words daily)
- Practice comprehension passages
- Error spotting and sentence improvement
Lakshya Tip: Focus on accuracy first, speed later.
General Knowledge (Daily: 2 hours)
- Static GK: History, Geography, Polity, Economics
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (basic NCERT level)
- Current Affairs: Last 6–8 months (daily newspaper + monthly magazines)
Mathematics (Daily: 2 hours – for IMA/INA/AFA aspirants)
- Number System
- Percentage, Profit & Loss
- Ratio & Proportion
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
Practice Rule: Minimum 30–40 questions daily.
Phase 2: Intensive Practice & Strengthening (Days 21–45)
Objective
Convert concepts into scoring ability through practice and analysis.
English
- Advanced grammar application
- Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases
- Cloze tests and para jumbles
- Timed reading comprehension practice
General Knowledge
- Complete remaining static portions
- Daily current affairs revision
- Practice MCQs topic‑wise
- Focus on defence‑related news and international relations
Mathematics
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Data Interpretation
Key Focus:
- Speed enhancement
- Shortcut techniques
- Reducing calculation errors
Weekly Targets
- 2 sectional tests per subject
- 1 full‑length mock every week
- Detailed analysis after each test
Phase 3: Revision, Mock Tests & Exam Readiness (Days 46–60)
Objective
Fine‑tune performance, strengthen weak areas, and build exam temperament.
Mock Test Strategy
- 2–3 full‑length CDS mocks per week
- Attempt in exact exam conditions
- Analyze mistakes ruthlessly
Revision Plan
- Formula revision (Maths)
- Grammar rules & vocabulary (English)
- One‑page notes for GK & current affairs
Smart GK Revision
- Frequently asked topics
- Defence exercises, ranks, commands
- Important national & international events
Daily Study Schedule (Ideal)
- Morning: Mathematics / GK (High focus)
- Afternoon: English practice
- Evening: GK current affairs + revision
- Night: Mock analysis / light revision
- Total Study Time: 6–8 hours/day (quality > quantity)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring mock test analysis
- Overloading with too many sources
- Neglecting revision
- Studying without a fixed timetable
- Underestimating negative marking
How The Lakshya Academy Gives You an Edge
At The Lakshya Academy, we provide:
- Expert faculty with defence background
- CDS‑specific study material
- Regular mock tests & performance tracking
- SSB guidance alongside written prep
- Personalized mentoring
- Our structured approach ensures that every day counts in your 60‑day journey.
Final Words
Cracking CDS in 60 days is not about studying everything—it’s about studying the right things, the right way, every single day.
With discipline, smart planning, and guidance from The Lakshya Academy, your dream of wearing the uniform can move from aspiration to achievement.
Stay focused. Stay determined. Jai Hind!
