Preparing for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam in just 50 days may sound challenging — but with the right strategy, discipline, and focused study plan, it is absolutely achievable. This structured 50-day plan is designed to help aspirants revise smartly, strengthen weak areas, and maximise their score before exam day.
Let’s break down the Lakshya approach to 50-day CDS success.
🚀 Phase 1: Foundation Strengthening (Day 1–15)
This phase focuses on concept clarity and syllabus coverage.
📘 English
- Grammar rules (tenses, prepositions, articles)
- Vocabulary building (daily 20–30 words)
- Reading comprehension practice
- Spotting errors & sentence improvement
➗ Mathematics (For IMA, INA & AFA aspirants)
- Arithmetic (percentage, ratio, time & work)
- Algebra basics
- Trigonometry formulas
- Mensuration & geometry
🌍 General Knowledge
- Last 6–8 months current affairs
- Static GK (history, geography, polity)
- Defence exercises and ranks
- Important government schemes
✅ Goal: Complete syllabus once + basic practice questions.
⚡ Phase 2: Intensive Practice & Speed Building (Day 16–35)
Now shift from learning to application and accuracy.
✔ Daily Targets
- 1 sectional test (English / Maths / GK)
- 2 hours revision of weak topics
- Timed practice of previous year questions
✔ Focus Areas
- Time management
- Accuracy under pressure
- Eliminating negative marking
- Shortcut techniques for Maths
✔ Weekly Routine
- Attempt 2 full-length mock tests per week
- Analyse mistakes deeply (most important step)
✅ Goal: Improve speed, reduce errors, identify weak zones.
🎯 Phase 3: Full Mock Simulation & Revision (Day 36–45)
- This is your performance phase.
- Attempt full CDS mock papers in real exam timing
- Revise formulas daily
- Revise vocabulary notebook
- Revise important GK facts repeatedly
👉 After every mock test:
- Check accuracy
- Identify repeated mistakes
- Revise that topic immediately
✅ Goal: Exam temperament + consistency.
🔥 Phase 4: Final Revision & Confidence Building (Day 46–50)
- No new topics. Only smart revision.
- Revise short notes and formula sheets
- Practice light MCQs
- Sleep properly and maintain routine
- Stay calm and confident
✅ Goal: Mental sharpness and exam readiness.
📅 Ideal Daily Study Schedule (6–8 Hours)
Time Activity
Morning Mathematics practice
Afternoon English grammar + comprehension
Evening General knowledge revision
Night Mock analysis / revision
💡 Smart Tips for 50-Day CDS Success
✔ Solve previous year papers — they reveal the real pattern
✔ Make short revision notes from Day 1
✔ Focus more on high-weightage topics
✔ Practice time-bound solving daily
✔ Maintain physical fitness and discipline
✔ Avoid burnout — consistency beats long study hours
🧠 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Studying without mock tests
❌ Ignoring weak subjects
❌ Memorising without understanding
❌ Not analysing mistakes
❌ Starting new topics in last week
⭐ Final Words
A 50-day preparation plan works only if you follow it with military-level discipline. CDS is not just about knowledge — it’s about focus, strategy, and execution.
Stay consistent. Trust your preparation.
Your uniform dream is closer than you think.
