The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS), conducted by UPSC, demands a clear understanding of concepts, disciplined study, and a results-driven approach. In this blog, experts at Warriors Defence Academy, the Best CDS Coaching in Lucknow, share a complete preparation strategy for aspirants looking to succeed in CDS-2 2025.

What Is CDS and Why Is It Important?

The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) recruits officers into:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun

• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala

• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad

• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai

Eligibility Criteria Overview:

• IMA: Age 19–24 years, Graduation in any discipline

• INA: Age 19–24 years, Engineering degree required

• AFA: Age 20–24 years, B.E./B.Tech or Physics & Math at 10+2

• OTA: Age 19–25 years, Graduation in any stream

CDS-2 2025 Exam Pattern

For IMA, INA, and AFA:

• English – 100 Marks – 2 Hours

• General Knowledge – 100 Marks – 2 Hours

• Mathematics – 100 Marks – 2 Hours

For OTA (Men & Women):

• English – 100 Marks – 2 Hours

• General Knowledge – 100 Marks – 2 Hours

Note: There is negative marking of 1/3 marks for every wrong answer.

Subject-Wise Preparation Plan for CDS-2 2025

English Strategy:

Important Topics:

• Spotting errors

• Reading comprehension

• Sentence improvement

• Synonyms & Antonyms

• Fill in the blanks

• Ordering of words/sentences

Tips:

• Read editorials from newspapers like The Hindu

• Use Wren & Martin for grammar

• Practice vocabulary daily

• Solve past year CDS English papers

General Knowledge (GK) Strategy:

Important Topics:

• Indian History and Polity

• Geography (World and India)

• Science & Technology

• Economy and Defence-related news

• Current Affairs (last 6-8 months)

Tips:

• Read monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan

• Follow PIB, Yojana, and current news summaries

• Refer Lucent’s GK for static topics

• Use Warriors Defence Academy’s weekly current affairs capsules

Mathematics Strategy (Only for IMA, INA, AFA):

Important Topics:

• Number system

• Algebra

• Trigonometry

• Geometry

• Mensuration

• Profit & Loss

• Time & Distance

• Percentages

• Statistics

Tips:

• Start with NCERT books (Class 6–10)

• Memorize formulas and shortcuts

• Solve topic-wise questions daily

• Join Warriors Defence Academy's Maths Problem Solving Batch

6-Month Study Plan for CDS-2 2025

Months 1–2:

• Build strong foundation from NCERTs and basic books

• Focus on English grammar, Maths formulas, and static GK

• Read newspaper daily

Months 3–4:

• Practice with topic-wise mock tests

• Revise notes weekly

• Solve past year CDS papers

Month 5:

• Attempt full-length mock tests

• Review current affairs from the last 6 months

• Analyze mistakes after every test

Month 6:

• Revise full syllabus using short notes

• Take mock tests every 2–3 days

• Focus on weak areas and quick revision

Smart Tips from Warriors Defence Academy Experts

• Avoid random guessing – Negative marking can lower your score

• Focus on strengths first, then move to weak topics

• Revise static GK weekly, especially History, Polity, and Science

• Take full-length mock tests under real exam conditions

• Stay physically fit and confident for the SSB interview stage

Why Join Warriors Defence Academy?

Here’s what makes Warriors Defence Academy the Best CDS Coaching in Lucknow:

• Expert UPSC-qualified faculty

• Regular mock tests with performance analysis

• Dedicated SSB training sessions

• Daily current affairs and weekly quizzes

• Personality development and interview guidance

Also recognized as the Best NDA Coaching in Lucknow, the Academy offers structured coaching for all defence entry exams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is Maths compulsory in CDS?
Only for IMA, INA, and AFA. OTA candidates do not have a Maths paper.

Q2. Is coaching necessary to clear CDS?
While self-study is important, coaching offers expert guidance, consistent practice, and disciplined structure—making it easier to crack the exam.

Q3. How can I prepare for the SSB interview after clearing the written exam?
Join Warriors Defence Academy’s SSB Training Program with sessions on psychology, group discussions, and personal interviews.

Q4. When should I start preparing for CDS-2 2025?
Ideally, preparation should begin 5–6 months before the exam. Start by April 2025 to comfortably complete the syllabus and revision.

Final Words

CDS-2 2025 is your chance to join the prestigious Indian Armed Forces. It requires smart planning, daily consistency, and the right mentorship.

Start your preparation with the Best CDS Coaching in Lucknow – Warriors Defence Academy. We have guided thousands of students toward success in CDS, NDA, AFCAT, and SSB interviews.