With 70 days remaining for the CDS 2026 Exam, you have enough time to prepare strategically and secure a good score. Success in the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is not about studying for long hours—it’s about following the right plan, practicing consistently, and revising smartly.
At The Lakshay Academy, we have mentored hundreds of defence aspirants and understand exactly what it takes to clear the CDS written examination and prepare for the SSB Interview.
CDS 2026 Exam Overview
Before starting your preparation, understand the exam pattern.
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) & Air Force Academy (AFA)
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks
- Total: 300 Marks
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
- Total: 200 Marks
70-Day CDS Preparation Strategy
Phase 1: Build Your Foundation (Day 1–25)
The first 25 days should focus on concept building.
English
- Improve grammar fundamentals.
- Learn 20–30 new vocabulary words daily.
- Practice comprehension passages.
- Solve previous years’ questions.
General Knowledge
Focus on:
- Indian History
- Geography
- Indian Polity
- Economics
- Defence Current Affairs
- Science
- Environment
- International Relations
Read current affairs daily and maintain short revision notes.
Mathematics
Practice:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
Spend at least 2–3 hours daily on mathematics if you’re applying for IMA, INA, or AFA.
Phase 2: Intensive Practice (Day 26–50)
This phase is all about speed and accuracy.
Every day:
- Solve one English practice set.
- Attempt one Mathematics section test.
- Revise one GK topic.
- Solve previous years’ CDS questions.
By Day 50, you should have completed:
- 10–15 mock tests
- 10 years of previous papers
- Complete syllabus revision
Phase 3: Final Revision (Day 51–70)
- The last 20 days are crucial.
- Avoid learning new topics.
Instead:
- Revise notes daily.
- Solve one full-length mock test every alternate day.
- Analyse mistakes.
- Revise important formulas.
- Revise vocabulary.
- Read defence-related current affairs.
Focus on accuracy rather than attempting every question.
Daily Study Plan (8–10 Hours)
Morning (2 Hours)
- Mathematics concepts
- Formula revision
Mid-Morning (2 Hours)
- English grammar
- Vocabulary
- Reading comprehension
Afternoon (2 Hours)
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
Evening (2 Hours)
- Previous year papers
- Mock tests
Night (1–2 Hours)
- Revision
- Error analysis
- Short notes
Subject-Wise Preparation Tips
English
Focus on:
- Error Spotting
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- Cloze Test
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Improvement
Practice daily because English can significantly improve your overall score.
General Knowledge
Important topics include:
- Indian Constitution
- Freedom Movement
- Geography
- Defence Exercises
- Awards & Honours
- Science & Technology
- Space Missions
- International Organizations
- Environment
- Current Affairs
Mathematics
High-weightage chapters:
- Profit & Loss
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
Practice calculations without relying on a calculator.
Importance of Mock Tests
Mock tests help you:
- Improve speed
- Reduce silly mistakes
- Increase confidence
- Manage time effectively
Understand the actual exam pattern
Take at least 15–20 full-length mock tests before the examination.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Studying without a timetable
- Ignoring previous years’ papers
- Not revising regularly
- Skipping Mathematics practice
- Reading too many books
- Ignoring current affairs
Taking too many mock tests without analysing mistakes
Why Choose The Lakshay Academy for CDS Preparation?
At The Lakshay Academy, we focus on complete defence exam preparation with:
- Experienced defence mentors
- Structured classroom and online programs
- Daily practice questions
- Mock tests
- Personal performance analysis
- SSB interview guidance
- Physical fitness guidance
- Doubt-clearing sessions
Our goal is not only to help you clear the written exam but also to prepare you for the complete officer selection process.
Final Words
With 70 days left for CDS 2026, every single day matters. A disciplined routine, consistent practice, regular revision, and the right guidance can significantly improve your chances of success.
Stay focused, trust the process, and work towards your goal with determination.
The Lakshay Academy wishes every CDS aspirant the very best for the upcoming examination.
